Finally, the jarl nodded. "There is the matter of what your mistress knows and recognizes in my vision. But first I make a request."
She nodded, probably seeming too eager to appease them. Hel, she was. Her life depended on this. "Whatever you require, Jarl Thorfinn."
The silver-haired man leaned forward, resting one elbow upon his knee. "I want you to see another vision."
"Now?"
The jarl nodded. "Now."
Katrin’s hope grew brighter, like a flame fanned by the wind. Here was her chance. But first, she needed something in return.
"I will be happy to do so." She hesitated. "But I am missing my wand, and I will need that."
"Where is it?" Kori asked.
She hesitated, for she was still unsure. "It was taken from me."
The jarl narrowed his eyes on his younger son. "Where is it?"
"Right here."
Finally, Katrin turned to face him. His eyes were dark with anger, hurt and a strange hopeful curiosity. He held the wand before him.
She reached for it with her bound hands, nearly weeping with joy as warmth swept through her when her fingers closed around the shaft. The familiar tingle spread through her arms to her spine, settling in her gut. Once again, she felt whole and capable, ready to face whatever trials the gods may send her way.
She turned to Thorfinn. "I will seek a vision for you now."
"Brother, cut her loose so she may see what the future holds for us."
Hradi said nothing as he pulled his dagger from his belt, slicing through the rope binding Katrin with one quick slice. She stifled a cry and attempted to rub her wrists with her weakened fingers. Kori’s hands rested on hers and he soothed the ache. She dared a glance at Hradi, arms folded, still glaring. He made no move to aid her and another piece of her heart withered.
Clenching her teeth the discomfort subsided, she turned toward the jarl. He motioned to the bench beside him and she sat, reaching out for his hand while staring directly into his stern gaze.
Despite the lack of sacrifice and a prayer to the gods, a vision formed in her mind almost immediately. Again, she saw a battle, but this time, it seemed much less ferocious, as if the fight neared its end. The sight disappeared, replaced by another. Thorfinn and both of his sons sat at a table, across from several other warriors.They were not of Grindafell, though how she knew she couldn't be sure. She did not see any of their faces, only the jarl and Kori and Hradi were clear to her. This image lingered, the men talking, though she could not hear their words. As one, they all stood, grasping arms in what appeared to be some sort of an agreement.
When the vision faded, she slumped, drained from the ordeal. She pulled her hand free of Thorfinn's and forced herself to straighten, though she longed to stretch out upon the bench and rest.
"I again saw the battle, though it was not as fierce as before. Then I saw…"
"What?" the jarl asked.
"It appeared you three were making alliances with others. But I cannot say who they are. I did not see their faces."
"What did you see?" Kori asked.
From the corner of her eye, she noticed Hradi moving closer, his arms now at his sides. She sensed less anger from him, but did not acknowledge him when she responded to his brother.
"There were three warriors, all dressed in fine furs and leather. You all spoke at length, or so it seemed, before clasping hands. To me that signaled an agreement had been reached, but you would know better than I." Her heart pounded. Would they believe her?
"Did you hear anything?" Thorfinn asked.
Again, Hradi moved ever closer, but remained silent. All of Katrin's will focused on avoiding looking at him. She didn't want to see anger, hatred or distrust in his eyes. She shook her head.
"I was unable to make out the conversation. I am sorry. That was all I saw. I suspect, however, that one of them may be the warrior I saw you speak with in my previous vision."
Kori nodded. "Perhaps. And perhaps, as well, there is more about your recent travels that you can share that may provide insight. I want to know of the last villages you visited, what you recall."
"I will tell you everything I can remember. And I offer my regret that I could not see more."
