Viking Lost by Derek Nelsen

Author:Derek Nelsen [Nelsen, Derek]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781735124001
Publisher: Summit Pen
Published: 2020-06-18T22:00:00+00:00

Getting Some Rest

“Tor!” Pedar caught him sneaking out of the hall. “Leaving already?”

Tor looked back to check on his boys. “Do me a favor, and get Vidar as drunk as you can tonight.”

Pedar seemed confused; then he caught on. “I’ll tell Anja to keep his cup full. Hopefully he’ll sleep through the holmgang tomorrow and everything will go back to normal.”

“You mean Kiara.”

“What?” This time Pedar was definitely confused.

“You said you’d have Anja keep his cup full. I’m not sure Toren would like that too much.”

Pedar was slow to answer. “I think with the ring ceremony this afternoon and the holmgang tomorrow, I’m a little out of sorts.”

“Alright, I’ve got some things to take care of; then I’m going to try to get some sleep.” Tor started off again, then stopped. “Do me a favor, Pedar, and keep the boys out of trouble. I couldn’t keep them in tonight, you understand. It being Erik’s ring day and all.”

Pedar nodded, but he did look out of sorts. “Are you planning to send your boys off to meet with Jarl Adar?”

Tor checked over Pedar’s shoulder to ensure no one else could hear. “Do the Vikings know?” He sidled up close to Pedar, who smelled like he’d shampooed his beard with pine soap.

“No,” said Pedar. “Not from me, anyway.”

“Who told you?” Tor’s mind raced. If Vidar knew that he was sending his sons off to form alliances, they would be in grave danger.

Pedar put his hand up, as if it would calm Tor’s pounding heart. That kind of thing always made Tor more agitated. “Ragi saw Magnus coming home with a broken shield. He told me, but no one else,” Pedar assured him. Then he sidled up to Tor as if he was scolding his maid. “How could you plan something like this without including me? I made the deal.”

“Deal?” Tor stood up straighter. He liked having little Pedar stand up to him about as much as he liked the idea of sending his sons away in midwinter. “What did you do?”

“Nothing.” Pedar puffed–out his chest and tried to inhale his belly. “I have no authority to do anything. But neither do you.” He wiped beads of sweat and nerves from his bald head.

“Don’t you think that things have changed now?” Tor asked. “Regardless of what happens tomorrow?”

“If you’re sending your sons, then Ragi’s going, too.” Pedar started explaining. “He will represent my family’s interests.”

“Pedar,” said Tor, “this isn’t about that.”

“Oh, come on, Tor,” said Pedar. “This is about choosing our allies. It’s about advantage and power, and I will not be left out of it.” Pedar let his shoulders fall forward again as he focused on Tor’s left eye, which Tor could sense had begun to twitch. Pedar took a deep breath and started again in a calm whisper. “Anyone who joins this village to the jarl will have a lot to gain, and I won’t be left out—for my son’s sake, or yours.” It was Pedar’s eyes that were twitching now.

“Alright.” Tor took a deep, calming breath.

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