The Tree of Time by Mariah Stone

Author:Mariah Stone
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Stone Publishing
Published: 2019-10-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

June 2

* * *

The pier was full of people. The wind blew hard gusts against Holly’s face, bringing relief from the nausea that had been bothering her on and off since last night. Must have been the grilled herring. She hadn’t wanted to eat it—it had smelled too fishy and wasn’t the freshest catch. But she had to eat something, and it had either been grilled herring or skyr for dinner. She hated the pungent Norse yogurt.

She inhaled the freshness of the chilly air and instantly felt better. She needed to maintain her composure, look like the perfect chieftain’s wife. This would be the last time she’d have to do it, because, at the end of the pier, Solver’s men threw sacks and chests with food, personal belongings, and Einar’s tribute to King Harald into a ship.

Solver was finally leaving.

Einar stood next to Holly as Solver looked inside his belt purses for something while mumbling words of wisdom to Einar. Einar looked like he could not care less about any words that Solver had to say. His eyebrows were snapped together, his eyes dark. He was as gloomy and temperamental as the gray sky that hung above them. He clenched and unclenched his fists, and Holly placed one hand on him, noting that his skin was cold for the first time since she’d met him.

He shot a quick glance at her and inhaled deeply, then let out the air, his face relaxing a little.

“There,” Solver said. “Found it.”

He held out a necklace with a pendant to Holly, and she took it, studying the thick silver chain and the Mjölnir. This was clearly men’s jewelry.

“Is this yours?” she asked.

“It was. But I have one from the king. Take it. For luck. A time traveler who has married a Viking jarl.” He chuckled. “You will need Thor’s protection, especially with Thorir still around.”

Holly smiled. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, mistress. I need to be on the jarl of Orkney’s wife’s good side. Besides, I want to thank you for the rolls and other excellent cooking.”

“Thank you so much, Solver.” She wanted to hug the man, his young, good-humored face watching her with kindness. He gave a small bow, then squatted level with Svanhild, who stood by Holly’s side.

“Keep an eye on your father,” he said. “He needs you. Here,” he added and placed something in her hand— an ancient, thick, uneven silver coin. “This is from the Iberian Peninsula. I obtained it in a profitable trading mission. It is for you to taste adventure. Maybe one day, you will see the peninsula for yourself.”

“Enough, Solver,” Einar said. “The only adventures she will have will be safe ones.”

Svanhild’s eyes burned. “Thank you. May Odin bless you on your journey.”

Next, Solver came to Einar and stood before him. He was shorter than Einar, although still much taller than Holly. Everyone was shorter than Einar.

Solver clasped Einar’s shoulders with both his hands. “I wish you luck, Einar, jarl of Orkney. You will need it. Get that bastard Thorir.

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