Page 79 of Hungry Like a Wolf
“Mmm?”
“Out there. It’s a… It’s a longboat.”
“What?” He tensed.
Red sails billowed and tall prow carved through the water. The hull was lined with shields and the oars left specks of white on the blue surface.
“Can you see a banner?” he asked.
“I’m not sure?” She unwound from her husband’s arms and stood.
Ravn hopped up and for a moment disappeared. When he returned, he wore his belt with axe, dagger and sword attached. He also held a shield. His expression had gone from relaxed to grim.
He stomped to the rise of the beach that led down to the waves.
“I think I can see something,” she called. “A banner.”
“What color?”
“Black with red on it.”
“That is the banner of… In the name of Odin… I can’t remember, but I’ve seen it… I…”
“It is the banner of Tillicoulty.”
“What?” He spun to her. “This longboat has come from the new home of my brothers and sister?”
“I believe so. And I can see it clearer now. Aye. It has a horse hoof and a fish on it.”
“Do you think they can see us?” He rubbed his temple and frowned, as though emotions and thoughts were colliding in his mind.
“Light the fire.” She stooped for firewood.
“No. Not you. Sit down. You have to rest. I will do it.”
“But I can help. I am—”
“I was not asking. I was telling you, Carmel. You’re what is important here, not this longboat.” He threw fresh driftwood on the dwindling fire. It caught almost immediately. “No matter who is on it.”
Carmel sat on the smooth furs, glad to take the weight off her weak legs. She quickly removed the dry bandages on her wrist and shins and tied the laces of her boots, which she’d left undone when coming out of the pit house.
“They’re turning this way,” Ravn said, waving.
“You’re sure they are friendly?” she asked, wondering where her own dagger was.
“We are on good terms with Tillicoulty, are we not?”
“Aye.” Unless King Haakon had decided to add to his collection of crowns and come to claim Drangar.
Ravn didn’t seem to think of this and grabbed a torch, holding it aloft with flames and smoke licking the sky as he went down to the water’s edge.
There was no pier, nowhere for the boat to dock.
“Brother!” A deep voice carried on the sea breeze.
“Orm? Is that you?”
“Ja. It is me! Your favorite sibling returned.”
