She shrugged, trying in vain to ignore the heat rising in her cheeks.
"There is an obvious reason." She glanced briefly at Hradi before focusing once more on the jarl. "But it's more than that. And while I can't say exactly why, I have found myself reluctant to leave for Hedeby. The gods have not seen fit to give me any clarity, but I have learned to trust my instincts, as well as my visions."
"What of this man Hradi says you are promised to?"
Again, Katrin shrugged. "I know nothing of any man. I am beginning to believe that I have been betrayed as well."
"And how can we be sure you are being honest with us now?" Kori asked.
"I suppose you can't, at least not without proof. But I swear to you, I am promised to no one. I told you about the battle. Why would I do that if I intended harm?"
The jarl studied her, his eyes emotionless and cold. Katrin fought the urge to shiver. He contemplated her silently for several moments then turned to his older son.
"What do you think?"
"She lies! I tell you, I heard the old woman –"
Kori held up a hand. "Do you remember what we spoke of when theVölurfirst arrived in Grindafell?"
"What does that have to do with –"
"I warned you the old woman seemed familiar in some way. You were to learn from Katrin more about her." Kori focused an intense stare on her.
"I learned more than enough," Hradi said. Yet, his grip on the rope eased, allowing Katrin to take two steps back.
"You used me?" Katrin asked, surprised at how Kori’s words hurt. She’d thought Hradi truly cared for her, but knowing he had seduced her only to learn more about Gunilla left her with a bitterness souring her mouth.
"You were unknown to us. Now we know the truth," Hradi replied.
"I don’t know anything of this truth you speak of!" Her voice boomed with frustration, startling even herself. Her breath came in heavy pants, her nails digging into her palms, and even breaking the skin. The warmth of the droplets of blood induced a calm that came with the surety of her innocence. Somehow, she would convince him.
"I tend to believe the girl," Jarl Thorfinn said quietly.
A hint of hope bubbled within her. She faced the older man, relief at finding understanding in his gaze leaving her knees wobbly. Still, she also recognized the warning she found there. He believed her – for now. She must ensure he continued.
"Thank you! I truly don’t know anything that Gunilla has planned. I have been betrayed, just as you were."
"More lies! Father, she plays innocent, but don’t forget who trained her all these years."
"Hradi, I am with Father," said Kori. "I believe Katrin knows nothing of what her mistress has planned."
Katrin studied Hradi, his eyes wide, his anger flashing red across his face.
"How can you believe her?" He paced, running a hand over his head. Katrin recognized the battle he fought with his anger and the reluctance to accept her word. He'd been publicly humiliated before. She recalled the night of that conversation. The memoryreminded her that the man who fought so vehemently to condemn her now felt the same sense of betrayal he had that day.
"She saw the battle in her vision and shared that with us." Kori's words cut through her thought and prevented her from stepping toward Hradi. When Hradi would have spoken, Kori held up a hand.
"I watched the old woman. She seemed to know exactly what Katrin saw. She was not happy the vision was shared for all to hear."
"So?" Hradi folded his arms, refusing to meet Katrin's gaze. If only she could make him look at her. Kori continued.
"I believe Katrin knew nothing about the battle until she saw it."
"I didn't," she declared. "I cannot control what visions the gods send to me. I can only make myself completely available for those wishes to be seen and heard. They trust me to share what I see exactly what s they have shown me.
"They do not give full understanding. If there is significance in what I see, it should be recognizable to those whose fortune I see. Do you understand?"
Clasping her hands together, she stepped closer to the jarl and his elder son. She prayed their logic and reason was genuine. Her gaze moved between theirs. Somehow, she managed to keep from turning to see Hradi.
