“There is an answer for that, too, Jarl Kjotve. We attack first. I am familiar with that land, and Rolf knows the details of Frodi’s warriors. We strike now. Destroy Frodi and every man. We breaks his every spear, blunt his every sword. Every usable thing between Agder and Grenner burns. Then Vandrad will be forced to draw more strength from other lands before he can strike. During that time, we will have made away and killed his king.”
Kjotve’s expression changed. He became pensive, his dark eyes darting back and forth as he calculated the benefits of such action. Even Thor, who looked ready to fight anything that stepped in front of him, looked at this father, awaiting his agreement. Ulfrik felt the mood of the room with him. Even Yngvar wore a small grin and nodded appreciatively.
“We could pull the families and farms further west, just until we return.” Kjotve’s voice was soft, meant only for his own ears. “Vandrad wouldn’t hear the news of his king’s defeat until much later. But it won’t matter once Harald is gone.” He looked up at the assembled men. “Ulfrik’s idea has merit. I like your thinking. Bring me success and there’s a reward in it for you.”
Ulfrik merely inclined his head; no more words were needed to achieve what he desired. He could save Runa, and then join in the glorious fight against the High King. The hall filled with animated talk, boasts of a great victory. Rolf and his men added their voices, but appeared less enthusiastic.
“Well done.” Yngvar put his hand on Ulfrik’s shoulder, then whispered, “It will be a good test for your crews, too. Sort out the weak before we take them to the real fight.”
Kjotve and Thor drew on the men’s excitement, ordering a feast for the following day and setting aside the evening to plan the details of the attack.
My morning ritual must have been more effective than even I imagined. Ulfrik touched Fate’s Needle for luck. I am coming to save you, Runa. His heart felt light in his chest.
Thirty
Following the celebration, and Thor and Kjotve’s near rabid desire for destruction, Ulfrik was surprised that Jarl Kjotve set the attack date more than two weeks in advance. Once calmed, Thor revealed a talent for careful and meticulous planning. The operation was laid out as if he planned to invade all of Europe, rather than a petty border kingdom.
Thor was to lead the attack, which Ulfrik felt was a risk. But at least Kjotve had also called in his hersir, and Ulfrik counted as one. Even if Ulfrik was not officially named as a hersir, Kjotve showed him the same deference. The other hersir were less accepting of Ulfrik; nevertheless, their strong tactical sense gave Ulfrik some relief that Thor would not just lead a berserk charge into the enemy.
Rolf and his men were interrogated for every detail. Kjotve wanted them to prove their loyalty in the attack, which made Rolf blanch. He admitted he still had friends in Frodi’s ranks and Kjotve solved this problem by keeping the families of Rolf’s men hostage to the valor of Rolf’s band. If any man faltered in his duty, his family would die.
It was decided that Ulfrik’s lands would be the jumping off point for the attack
“For some this will be your first true battle,” Ulfrik informed his men, once back at his hall. “So, we will drill together. We drill until we fall from exhaustion, and then we will drill some more.” He presented his sternest face to the men who crowded his hall. “Remember the man next to you in the shield wall. Listen to the orders of veterans, like Snorri, Yngvar, and Toki. And fight with an eye for glory. Do all this and you will have success.”
Nearly forty men-almost all of them young and inexperienced-were under his command. They roared their delight, toasted Ulfrik and Kjotve, and reveled in dreams of earning a name for themselves.
“Celebrate tonight, and tomorrow at dawn, assemble in the field with all your war gear.” Ulfrik stepped down from the high table and pressed through his men, who greeted him and praised him. He was the man who had defeated two ships of raiders with only a handful of men. The story had grown beyond the truth but had attracted even more men to serve under him.
He found Toki and Yngvar in the crowd. The two men had developed a friendship, despite their rough start.
“This hall was not built for so many,” Ulfrik said as he approached.
“Six months ago I thought we’d die alone in the woods. Now look at this!” Yngvar’s bright smile stretched across his face. “The gods love you more than you think, Ulfrik.”
Ulfrik could not help but smile as well. “It has yet to be proven if the gods know me at all. But this is a good start. I need you to make these men warriors in two weeks. Can you do it?”
Yngvar thumped his chest. “They will be warriors in half that time. They’ll be looking forward to the battle, just to get some rest!”
They all laughed. “That is good. Now Toki, Raven’s Talon was yours once. Can I trust you not to sail off with her?” Ulfrik had meant the comment in jest, but Toki’s face grew serious.
“You have my oath, Lord Ulfrik. I am not false,” Toki said.
“Good. You will pilot her, as no one knows her better.”
Toki nodded, but Ulfrik thought he saw defiance in his eyes. He looked so much like Runa in that moment that Ulfrik had to know for sure. “Come.” He put a hand on Toki’s shoulder and led him outside. “I want to talk to you in private.”
They moved just far enough away from the hall to dull the roar of the celebration inside.
“Toki, I’ll come to the point,” Ulfrik said. “I think I know your sister.”
Toki’s expression registered shock at first, but then he laughed. “Then you know only ghosts. All of my sisters are dead.”
Ulfrik shook his head. “Her name is Runa-a Dane. I see her every time I look you. Your expressions are so similar. How did I ever miss it?”
“Runa is dead! My entire family is dead.” Toki’s eyes flashed in the dark, and he bared his teeth like a wolf. “I saw her body with my own eyes!”
“I do not know what you saw, but you will find Runa at Frodi’s hall. She never mentioned your name, but she spoke often enough of a lone brother who was at sea the day Svear raiders came. She always hoped to find you. So tell me, how would I know so much about your family when you have said so little about them to anyone?”
Toki looked away, his hand clamped over his mouth. He shook his head, squeezed his eyes shut. Ulfrik did not press Toki’s silence, instead empathizing with the struggle that must be taking place inside of him and hoping he had not pushed Toki too far.
“Runa was my father’s slave,” Ulfrik continued, “and then mine for a short while. She fled Grenner with me and helped retrieve my sword.” He paused, his eyes downcast, wondering how Toki would take the words he was about to say. “She became my lover, and I have vowed she will be reunited with me. I had to know if you were her brother, and I believe you are. I apologize if this has upset you. I did not mean to cause you any pain.”
Toki again shook his head, then he dropped his hand. “All the bodies were burned. I never thought any of them survived,” he said, his voice thick with grief. “I couldn’t even tell my father from my mother. I thought I had buried all of them. But … perhaps Runa lived?”
“She lives, and she carries another life-one that might be my child. It makes me even more eager to have her freed and at my side.” Ulfrik ran out of words.
Toki shook his head and appeared disturbed by that news. Already regretting his words, Ulfrik patted Toki on the back. “Go and rest, and think on this. I am sorry I’ve upset you.”
“No. You are right. I’d rather know now than find out in the thick of battle. What if I saw her and was distracted? It could end my life. You did right.”