War and Solace: A Tale from Norvegr (Tales from Norvegr) by Edale Lane

Author:Edale Lane [Lane, Edale]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Past and Prologue Press
Published: 2023-09-22T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 21

“You won’t stand for it.” Horik’s words rang with a subdued edge. He, Njal, and Jarl Niklaus glanced at the door as Sweyn entered the otherwise empty hall. Bone tired and in a bad mood, he trudged over to sit with them.

“Where is everybody?” Sweyn asked as he crashed into the seat beside his father.

“At the dance at the mead hall,” Njal answered. “Except for Mother, Braggi, and Solfrig. They’ve gone to bed.”

“What is the situation with Adelle?” Niklaus asked.

Sweyn dragged his horn through the bowl of ale resting on the table and downed a gulp. “They let Tyrdis and I see her.” A few minutes ago, he had delivered Tyrdis to the hospice where Bruna was staying with Svanhild and sent the others from his party to their homes. He wanted her to do nothing but rest after the trying day. Although the stubborn shieldmaiden had insisted she was ready for service, he knew better. Besides, he needed to check in with Joren to make sure the apprentice healer was doing satisfactory work. Before the abduction, his father had suggested bringing Joren along for their assault to treat the wounded immediately in the field, but now the idea was moot. He must remain to oversee the hospice. Bruna and Svanhild were good at helping, but neither could perform a diagnosis or carry out surgery.

“She’s in the field camp of a large army caring for their wounded, as we suspected. Njal, Horik,” he inquired, “is Jarl Bjarke sending support?”

“Aye,” his uncle replied and refilled his cup from the bowl. “Not only that, but he’s coming himself to lead his warriors. Bjarke was exceedingly enthusiastic about the plan.”

“I think he intends to help himself to some of the trade products stored in warehouses at the port,” Njal added sourly. “But what’s this you heard about …” Sweyn’s younger brother glanced around warily at the empty hall and lowered his voice. “Ivar killing Jarivald,” he whispered.

Sweyn shifted in his chair and shot a glance at his father.

“I was just telling them about my visit to the völva,” Niklaus confessed. “I know I told you to keep the story secret, but Revna the Wise—and she’s got to be a hundred years old—was not surprised to hear it. She claims Jarivald’s ghost visited her in a dream.”

Horik made a face and waved his hand. “I don’t believe in such things,” he declared. “Old woman has probably eaten too many of the wrong kinds of mushrooms over the years. Still, I find it much more likely King Gustav Ironside would lie for his own benefit than some little orphan girl who has nothing to gain. Did Niklaus ever tell you how Gustav manipulated his way to the throne? He wasn’t born a prince, you know. It could have been Raknar or your father who rules in Raumsdal now just as easily and, believe me—Raknar hasn’t forgotten.”

“Father?” Njal turned a questioning gaze to Niklaus and leaned closer. “Is that true?”

“Do you think your Uncle Horik a scoundrel and a liar, boy?” sounded Horik’s incredulous rebuff.

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