Sigrid and Elyn: A Tale from Norvegr (Tales from Norvegr) by Edale Lane

Author:Edale Lane [Lane, Edale]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: Past and Prologue Press
Published: 2022-09-23T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 20

Two days after Elyn’s return

Elyn sat beside Geir, spooning broth into his mouth. “That’s good, swallow it down,” she coaxed. She stopped feeding him long enough to lay a new cold cloth on his forehead as he shivered under a pile of blankets. “You must get well so you can return to teasing me and attempting to keep me in my place.”

Njord had placed all his longhouse’s resources at her disposal to aid in her cousin’s recovery. Two other injured warriors shared this corner of the hall, each tended by a loved one. The healer had been in to check on his progress and declared the wound free of sepsis, but he was still in extreme pain and running a fever.

She was torn between refusing to leave his side and eager to take her vital concerns to King Tortryggr.

“Are you planning to turn in your spear and shield for a bag of healer’s herbs?” he managed weakly in a stab at humor. She spooned in more broth.

“I believe I am needed in both capacities at the moment.”

Hearing footsteps behind her, Elyn peered over her shoulder and straightened with expectancy as she saw Njord approach. “How is our patient?” he inquired.

“Halfdan said his infection is not spreading and the wound should heal,” she answered with optimism. “My lord, have you given more thought to warning the king?”

Njord took a deep breath and released it slowly. “I am making inquiries. The Thing meets in two weeks’ time, and it would be the best venue to present our suspicions.”

Elyn’s heart sank like an anchor dropped with no rope attached. That would be too late. She must meet with Sigrid before then and could not show up, having made no effort. “But my lord, we should speak to King Tortryggr privately. Everyone will attend the Thing, including any enemy agents who work to undermine our kingdom. What if another raid occurs before then? We cannot afford to wait,” she insisted.

A sparkling smile lit his face. “Please, Elyn,” he bade in a charming tone. “Call me Njord.” With a hand resting on her shoulder, he bent and brushed his lips to her cheek. “I have posted scouts and assigned warriors to patrol our farmlands. If raiders attack, we will be ready to expel them before they can cause harm. You have a sharp mind, but you understand nothing of politics. We cannot simply show up on the king’s doorstep and demand to be heard. Do not worry, my dear. Take care of Geir, for he needs your attention now.”

She felt as though she was drowning in disappointment and every piece of floating wood she grabbed dissolved in her hands. She couldn’t just let this go. There must be something more I can do. Maybe if I go to see the king. Ingvar will help. But Njord is correct in saying Geir needs me, too.

“Yes, Njord.” The words fell from her mouth without conviction even as her brain spun alternative plans.

“Will you join me for dinner tonight?” he asked.

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