Outside, near the docks. Screams and battle shouts, the air tinged with the scent of blood. Skirmishes everywhere, from the shallow water, to the sandy riverbank. Swords colliding, the unholy shriek of metal drowning the thud of ax heads sinking into flesh.
For several moments, Katrin was Thorfinn, raising a sword before fending off an attacking warrior. Heart racing with excitement to turn and defeat another. A triumphant battle cry came from deep within. Sweat beaded along a forehead, fingers twisting around the hilt of the sword, raising it to swing at another opponent. Nearby, Hradi and Kori fought sight by side, felling their opponents.
Another warrior approached Thorfinn/Katrin, his sword held high, but not in a threatening manner. Thorfinn/Katrin lowered his sword when the warrior began to speak.
Just as suddenly as it appeared, the vision faded, the face of the warrior lingering before dissolving into darkness. Heaving adeep breath, Katrin released the jarl's hand and slumped, the invigorating hum of magic seeping from her body, leaving her momentarily weak and feeling as though she had literally just fought a battle, even though she had only seen it.
"Tell me what you saw." The jarl's deep voice cut through the the hazy afterglow of magic.
Summoning her remaining strength, Katrin lifted her head and once more met his stare. "It would seem that you will be blessed with several grandchildren."
"That is it?" Disappointment and suspicion laced the man's words.
Katrin shook her head. "There is more. There will be yet another feast, very soon. You will honor the gods with a toast and thank them for your prosperity."
"That is all? Grandchildren and a feast? This is obvious as my son's wife carries their child. And with Winternights upon us, soon followed byJul, a feast is to be expected."
"There were two grandchildren. The oldest a boy, the younger a girl. As for the feast, it should happen very soon, for myself and Gunilla and the rest of our… family were also present."
"This still proves nothing," said Thorfinn.
"There was one more vision. One of a battle, right on the shoreline. You will fight valiantly."
Skepticism flared in the man's dark eyes. "Of course I will. And I will win, will I not?"
The tense silence was broken by shouts and questions from the villagers, many expressing doubt. Thorfinn stood and held up his hands.
"Silence! I wish to hear more!" He sat down again and faced Katrin. "Tell me more of this battle. When?"
"It is hard to say for sure when, but I believe very soon. The skies are fair and the weather mild, much like today and yesterday. Your sons will also fight bravely." The clarity of vision indicated it would come to pass sooner, as she had learned over the years.With the exception of her dreams, this vision was the clearest of any other she had ever received.
"How do you know this?"
Katrin doubted she could explain. "It is a knowledge that comes with the gift. I have no proof to offer, other than my gift is complicated."
"The gods give her the knowledge! Surely you can see that!" Gunilla's voice cut through the heavy silence.
"Silence!" The jarl fixed a fierce stare on the Seeress.
Katrin held her breath as she waited for her mistress to protest further. Instead, Gunilla remained silent and resumed her seat.
The jarl faced Katrin again. "Tell me more."
"It appears this battle will be one to defend Grindafell from attack. What I saw took place along the riverbank."
"Who dares attack us?" Thorfinn demanded.
Katrin shook her head, recalling what she had seen of the jarl's opponents. "I am sorry, I do not yet know. There is a man, I believe he may be the leader. He has red hair."
Thorfinn leaned back, shaking his head. He turned to face his sons. "Which clans do we know are led by men with red hair?"
Both sons shook their heads. Katrin met Hradi's curious gaze. She shrugged.
"I warned you that not all is clear. We might not know who he is until the battle occurs. But you should know, he spoke to you instead of attacking. You lowered your sword upon hearing his words."
"What did he say?" Kori asked.
Katrin shook her head. "I am sorry, I could not hear him, but he did not appear to want to kill you. He seemed to be asking you for something, perhaps a plea, or promise of alliance."
