CHAPTER TEN
Where are the women?” Eric demanded of thejarl. “They were with us a moment ago.” He had led the Vikings in the direction of the coast, only to find that both Katarina and Svala were missing.
“The men told me the women decided to stay behind. I agreed that they could remain at the longhouse,” Valdr said. “It is safer for them there.”
He was incredulous that thejarlcould think this. Leif’s very purpose was to find Katarina and take her. “I suppose this was Svala’s doing?”
“It was. She told me their decision before she returned to the longhouse with an escort.”
Eric was furious that Valdr could have allowed this to happen. “I brought them with us because Katarina felt safer with me. She wanted to find her brother, not stay behind where Leif might come for her.”
“Do you doubt that our men can protect the women?” Valdr’s expression darkened as if he didn’t want to believe it. He lowered his voice and added, “Those fighters are better trained than you. She will be safer within our longhouse.”
The remark was a direct blow toward his training, and it incensed him. “Walk with me, Valdr.” Eric motioned for the men to stay back. It was time to speak with the leader and establish his own authority. This was his wife, and he was bound to protect her. But he would not shame the older man in front of the others.
“We are going back for them,” he said, when they were alone.
“For women?” His father appeared irritated by the idea. “There is no reason for it. Our search is for Hrafn.”
“We have not found him, and there is no sign of his whereabouts. I think it more likely that Svala tried to lure us away so Leif could take Katarina. We should return and try a different direction. Oda can track them.”
Thejarlstared hard at him for a moment before his shoulders lowered. “Over the past two weeks, I have considered whether you are truly my son, brought back from the gods. I wanted it to be true, but I have my doubts. Arik would never have let his purpose be distracted by a woman.”
For a time, he met the man’s gaze, knowing he had to choose his words carefully. When he studied the older man, he saw traces of regret that reminded him of Gregory. The burden of leadership had taken its toll over the years, and it was clear that Valdr wanted him to take the role ofjarlamong these people. And whether he wanted that place or not, it belonged to him by right.
He folded his arms across his chest. “My purpose is to ensure the protection of both Hrafn and Katarina. Svala betrayed me once before, and I believe she would do so again—particularly out of jealousy.”
“The men will not follow you, if—”
“They will follow me if I command it of them.” He had no qualms about cutting off the man. “No leader would take his men along a false path.”
Valdr said nothing, and Eric kept his voice low, making his point. “I have crossed over to death and back. I may not have the physical strength I once had, but no man can take that journey and remain unchanged. What I do know is this—I left Rogaland because I denied my fate. I didn’t want the responsibility of these men at that time. But it is mine, is it not?”
The older man let out a breath and nodded. “Only if they accept you.”
He reached out and touched Valdr’s shoulder. “I will be theirjarl,but I would welcome your counsel and guidance. As a leader…and a father.”
Valdr could not replace Gregory in his heart, but the strong physical resemblance and the similarities between the two men could not be denied. He had been brought here to reconcile a future he hadn’t wanted to face, and now he saw the hope within it. Asjarl,he could live with Katarina by his side, learning from her. She had pushed back the years of loneliness, teaching him what it meant to love someone.
Time was not his ally, and he didn’t know if thevolva’sprediction would come true. But he would fight for this life with every breath he had.
“What guidance do you have to offer me now?” Eric asked quietly. “We have not found Hrafn. Do you agree with my suggestion?”
Valdr gripped his forearm, and gave a single nod. “We will look elsewhere and track them down.” A faint softening came over his countenance afterward, and he added, “And after we have found them, we will talk about your future among us.”
It was as close to a truce as they could muster. Eric squeezed the older man’s arm in silent support. Being a leader was never what he’d wanted…but he understood that he would have Valdr’s help for as long as it was needed. His own father would have done the same, had he welcomed the man’s advice instead of fleeing responsibilities.
He continued toward the longhouse, with Valdr at his side, until the men fell in line behind him. The silence within the settlement only sharpened his suspicions.
There was no sign of Katarina, as he’d suspected. His mind blurred with fear, but he forced it back. He had to keep his wits about him, in order to find his wife. But he was unprepared for the primal fury that roared through him. Never would he allow anyone to harm Katarina, and he would track down the man responsible and slaughter him.
Near his father’s longhouse, he found Svala sitting upon the ground. She appeared numb with shock, and beside her, two men had been cut down, lying in a pool of their own blood. When the young woman lifted her gaze to his, she admitted, “Leif took her.”
Eric wasn’t surprised to hear it, and his hand curved over the hilt of his sword. It was as if the years of civilization melted away, replaced by the savage need to kill his enemy. “Where?”
Svala lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “Toward the lake. But you should know, he plans to use her to lure you there. Send your men to save her, but you should remain behind.”
Eric had no intention of behaving like a coward—not when Katarina needed him. Instead, he turned toward Valdr and the others. “I am going to bring back my wife and her brother. I would be glad of your help, if you are willing.”
