Page 26 of Hungry Like a Wolf
“And your mother?”
“She may well journey. She is fit and strong.”
“Like her daughter,” Ravn said. “Good stock.”
“We are not a pen of pigs about to be bartered.” She narrowed her gaze at Ravn. “So do not compare us as such.”
He threw back his head and laughed. “No, no, you are not a sow from a pen of pigs. I can attest to that.”
Astrid half-smiled and her eyebrows twitched. “She does not tolerate your drollness, King Ravn.”
“Another fine quality.” He tugged on his beard and smiled at Carmel. “That I have only just become appreciative of.”
“We should journey to the falls to see if they are in the valley yet,” Hamish said. “I am happy to volunteer.”
“And I will go with him,” the huge Viking Gunner said. “We will return swiftly if we take rested horses.”
“Ja, that is a good idea.” Haakon nodded at the door. “Go now, but be sure not to be seen.
Hamish stood, stepped over to Astrid, and set a kiss on the top of her head. She didn’t acknowledge him, just carried on working at her arrowhead. Though Carmel did see the briefest hint of a smile tugging at her lips.
“God’s speed,” Noah said, crossing himself. The man at his side with the long, gray beard did the same.
The two tall men left the Great House.
“I have a question,” Orm said, flapping his arm in the air.
“Go on.” Haakon nodded at him.
“When is Ravn returning to Drangar? This is a busy village with two kings.”
“You are so keen to get rid of me,” Ravn said, sitting back and folding his arms. “Why is that?”
“I do not like your face.” Orm circled his own and pouted.
Ravn turned to Haakon. “Now that the weather has changed and the sea is calm, I will return to Drangar as soon as I get the boat stocked.” He nodded at the handful of crew who had traveled with him. “The men are keen to get back to their families and work their land. Also, I have my people awaiting me, their leader. There is much to do for a town that size to prosper.”
“Ja,” Haakon said with a nod. “And you can take news of us to the people of Drangar.”
“I will.” Ravn pressed his hand to his chest. “They will be pleased to hear of your good fortune.”
Haakon leaned forward. “And you, brother? Are you pleased for our good fortune?”
“Ja, of course.”
“You would not have been at one time.” Astrid stared at Ravn.
“I am a changed man.” He paused. “Loss can do that to a person.”
Orm laughed. “You can change no more than an apple can change to a turnip.”
“Then you do not know my heart.” Ravn picked up a drink and took a slug.
“Your black heart,” Astrid said.
“Black, maybe, but also broken. Losing a wife, child, and father all within a few weeks does that to a man.”
Quietness descended. A few people looked at one another.
