Page 54 of Mastered By the Viking King

“Are you excited?”

“Aye, I like to feast. I like the music and the sagas.”

“Can we have a saga now?” Frode asked.

“Let’s get you a drink first.” She paused. “Maybe later. I have much to do if there is to be a feast. Halfdan and Wanda cannot do it all.”

Knud frowned. “But you are the queen.”

“A queen who likes to be busy. Come on.”

The wind was bitter, biting at her cheeks as she faced the village. A roll of thunder sounded in the distance, and above her slate-gray clouds loomed. Thor was making his presence felt. Maybe he too was angry about the slaughter.

Back on dry land, hail fell from the sky, sharp little pebbles of ice pelting the ground. Townsfolk rushed around, gathering their wares and trade stands, ushering their livestock, and heading for cover.

Tove broke into a run, Frode’s face buried against her neck. She wished she could carry Knud, too, but she wasn’t as strong as their father. “Hurry.” She ducked her head. “Hurry, Knud!”

They rushed past the smithy’s furnace, the place now cold and quiet, then Wanda’s home, the red flag flapping so violently it was a wonder it hadn’t been ripped from the pole. A shed of goats fussed and called out, the sound of the hail on the roof alarming them.

The Great Hall came into view. Tove rushed forward. Just as she was about to pull the door open, a lone figure huddled against the wall, black hood pulled up, old hands shaking.

“Who are you?” Tove asked, pausing.

He turned, heavy lidded eyes examining her.

“I am Queen Tove. Who are you?” She squinted as the wind whipped strands of hair free of the braid and they caught on her lashes.

“I am Gorm.”

“Gorm of?”

“Yonder.” He gestured to Frode and Knud. “You have fine sons. They will be strong and brave warriors.”

“Aye,” she said. “You shouldn’t be out in this weather. Thor is angry.”

“If you could have mercy,” he said, nodding at the door to the Great Hall. “Let me shelter awhile. I fear I will not be long of this earth, and a walk to shelter elsewhere will hasten the journey to the afterlife.”

She hesitated.

“I can tell your sons a saga or two.” He grinned at Knud, revealing missing teeth.

“Please, Mama,” Knud said. “Can we have a saga from Gorm?”

“I’m not sure.” Did she recognize this man? It was hard to know, she hadn’t been in the town long, and certainly hadn’t met everyone.

“You will be so busy with the feast, Mama,” Knud said, dragging on her hand. “And we can’t play with our longboats in the fjord now.”

“As many sagas as they want,” Gorm said. “In return for shelter and a little food.”

Frode stroked her cheek with his small finger. “Please, Mama.”

“Oh, okay, aye. Come on, let us get out of this weather.” She pulled open the door. “Everyone inside.”

Chapter 13

“Why have you visited me, King Njal?” the seer asked, rocking back and forth, fiddling with a necklace of bird bones.

“Today, I have great news: the safe return of my brother, Leif.” Njal squeezed Leif’s shoulder. “But also, terrible news.”

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