"What's wrong?" Hrolf asked. "Too accustomed to fish tails and bones to eat anything else?"
Ulfrik sat up from his bowl, wiping his mouth on his sleeve. "I have forgotten those who serve me. Until I know their fates, how can I feast and drink?"
Hrolf replied with his mouth full of stew. "I'm as cruel as a shark, and as ravenous as a wolf. But for my friends, I am a seal pup. Ask Gunther. It will be my undoing one day." He paused to swallow, then met Ulfrik's eyes. "All those who we freed are being cared for. Some of your men were wounded. Some died. The other slaves, if they are yours, are kept together, comfortable but not free. Until we know each other better, I will keep your group separated. You understand."
"I understand. I would like to see them soon."
"You will, but eat first. Then tell me more of yourself. You are an interesting man, quite a force in battle even in your terrible condition. Gunther thinks you are something special. It's quite a compliment, as I consider Gunther something special."
Ulfrik finished his meal, then pushed his bowl aside. "Jarl Hrolf, I will tell you the whole, long truth of my story. When it is done, if you can abide what I tell you, then I will ask a favor."
Hrolf nodded slowly, giving a careful look over Ulfrik's shoulder to Gunther. "I will hear all there is to tell, then if the favor is in my power you shall have it."
With a long sigh, Ulfrik started his story. He began from his childhood in Grenner. He hoped the telling would not bore Hrolf. He told it quickly without embellishment. Hrolf asked questions, smiled at the mention of certain names, laughed when he learned of Ulfrik's relationship with Kjotve and Thor Haklang. The battle of Hafrsfjord did not even elicit a raised brow. Ulfrik feared Hrolf's commitment to the high king, but also felt Hrolf's commitment was lax. Finally, he ended with Hardar and how he became Kjotve's slave.
"The mead has made me careless of time. But that is the whole truth of my life." During the telling, Ulfrik had stood and paced the behind the high table. Recounting every injury and defeat, every fleeting joy and victory, filled him with restless energy. Hrolf and Gunther twisted around on their bench, now leaning back on the table.
"I have a skald who must hear this story," Hrolf said.
"Such a tale should not be forgotten," agreed Gunther. "Fate has woven a strange destiny for you."
"Not so much strange as it is frustrating. How many times must I start anew?" He immediately felt foolish for showing his bitterness. His father would have been more in control. Ulfrik could not stop thinking of him, now that he had summoned the ghost of his memory.
"Start anew as many times as it takes," Hrolf said with mild surprise. "If you can stand, you can fight. If you can fight, then you must."
"True wisdom, Jarl Hrolf. So my role in Hafrsfjord does not bother you?"
Hrolf stared blankly as if waiting for more. Finally he looked at Gunther with a bemused smile. "My father is sworn to High King Harald, yes. I have no need for high kings, least of all Harald. He's a blood-thirsty, ambitious snake. A crafty war leader, too, unfortunately for us."
"But your father's oath … I am Harald's enemy …"
"And the mead has clouded your mind," interrupted Hrolf. "Do you see Harald here? I obey him when I see him. Otherwise, we are all freemen. We settle the land, raise farms and families. Since the day Odin made the first man from a branch of ash we have been free. We make the kingdom, not the king. Piss on Harald and his taxes."
Gunther slapped the bench in agreement. "Besides, more than half of everyone here is a fugitive from him."
Ulfrik exhaled and laughed. "Then we are agreed. Now there is the favor I would ask." He paused for Hrolf's response. He extended his hand to prompt Ulfrik. "I ask freedom for all the people taken in slavery with me, my men and the men of my enemies."
"That is not a favor, but a decision I've already made."
"Thank you, Jarl Hrolf. The favor I seek is transport back to the Faereyjar Islands for all of us. Kjotve took our weapons and mail. If you find these among his possessions, then I would appreciate their return. I will have my revenge on Hardar and end his curse upon my lands."
Hrolf and Gunther exchanged knowing glances. Ulfrik felt his chest tighten and his neck tense. Hrolf met his eyes, and spoke softly. "After hearing the story you told, I don't suppose you will be persuaded to stay with me? I could make it worth your while."
"Nothing would persuade me. My wife and son await me."
"Understood. This is such a simple favor, that I'm almost insulted. I owe you this much for what you did. But, it will fulfill my obligation to you. My life repaid with a return of your own. I will give you fine weapons and mail, better than whatever you had. I will put a gold armband on you and send you to anywhere my ships sail. Once this is done, no debts are owed. Agreed?"
"Agreed." Ulfrik stifled his smile. He could see Runa and Gunnar now, standing on the shore to greet him.
"But," Hrolf interjected, then paused. He gave Gunther a sly look before continuing. "I think you would be mistaken to take that offer."
"There is no mistake in returning home and seeking vengeance for myself." The words rang defensive in his ears, but he did not care.
"Following your request, you will have to raise your own fighting men. Your enemy, Hardar, was weakened and Kjotve gutted his allies. But do not underestimate what has happened since you left. Maybe he has new friends now. Maybe he took credit for destroying the other lands, and cowed other jarls to ally with him. Point is, you may not find it easy to take back what you lost. I think I can offer you a chance to do to Hardar what he did to you."
Ulfrik felt tension mounting in his neck. "And I suppose this offer of assistance will end my freedom."
"Hardly. You swear an oath of service to me. We become allies. I now offer you more than an escort, but men to fight by your side. Two of my ships, and you have all the men Kjotve took plus whoever else you can rally to your cause. You will crush Hardar and anyone fool enough to stand with him. Victory is assured."
"How will you hold me to my oath? Hostages? My son?"
"Your word is your word, is it not?"
"Kjotve thought not."
Hrolf exploded into laughter, surprising Ulfrik. "You were sworn to his son, who died, and he seemed ready for the same fate. No, I will not take a hostage, not for what we are discussing. The men I send will want spoils and rewards. You will give them the pick of the battlefield. Captured ships make excellent compensation. Long term, I would like an ally in a faraway land whom I can trust. If I call on you for hospitality or to support me in battle, you will answer. That is all I ask."
Ulfrik looked at Gunther then at Hrolf. "Would Gunther lead one of those ships you promised?"
"I can't stand waiting here while he whips the skin off Kjotve's back. So, I'll go."
Hrolf smiled as if he knew the answer to his offer. Ulfrik studied the floor. Only a fool would pass up this chance, he thought. "Is there a battle you already have planned for me? But you wouldn't tell me that now, would you."
"No and no. But battles spring up all the time, and you will be too far to reach for an emergency. I would only call you for something big. The remoteness of your home is attractive. Let us say sometimes I find it prudent to be not found, especially when I shit on Harald's laws."
Ulfrik smiled. "Then you will have my oath, Jarl Hrolf."
"I never doubted you would see the sense in it. Drink deep of your revenge, and reclaim all you have lost."