“Marriage to—?” Saga asked.
“Kenneth MacAlpin would not have known Gunnar had a brother, so I can only assume he would have given her to any Viking to claim an alliance.”
“How does that benefit him?” Freydis asked.
“I do not see how it does anything besides make him think he is acting on behalf of the security of the clan before his brother can have the opportunity.”
Saga shook her head. “Schemes! You men and your plans. I have no patience for it. Was the girl harmed?”
“No, she was not harmed. At first I thought her fainting could be from exhaustion or from the ordeal of her brother’s treatment of her. But now I do not know what is the cause. She is convinced you were in her head, Freydis. We both know that is not possible, so what is going on?”
Freydis’ eyes went wide and she paled. “I need to sit and think for a moment,” she said as Saga led her to a chair by the hearth. “It’s just not possible,” she said after a time. “She is Christian?”
“She is according to her brother.”
“I do not know what the gods intend here,” Freydis said. “I have cast many runes for many purposes, but I have never had to ask them why they have blessed one who is not of our heritage with the power of a Volur.”
“She’s a what?”
“I cannot say for certain, and I will have to think on it. It appears Odin has blessed this woman with one of his ravens. She may be able to see into people’s thoughts.”
Magnus took a step back and closed the door. “You must keep such thoughts to yourself, Freydis. Did you not hear what I said about her brother? If anyone, and I mean anyone believes that, she could be in a great deal of danger.”
“But what if it’s true? We have to learn what is Odin’s plan for her?”
“Hang Odin’s plan! I will not let her come to harm.”
Freydis stood and Saga stepped in between them. “Listen to me both of you. Freydis, sit down; Magnus, you sit here.”
Magnus knew better than to object to his sister’s demands. He watched Freydis’ expression. He had never seen her so agitated. The woman had always appeared completely in control of any situation whether it was when healing someone’s wounds or managing his stubborn older brother.
“Freydis. How certain are you about Lady Elspeth’s abilities?”
“As certain as I am sitting here.”
“I will not have her exploited,” Magnus said.
“Why are you her protector?” Saga asked.
“I cannot tell you how, I just know that I have an undeniable urge to keep her safe.”
“Ah ha! I tell you, it is Odin’s plan.”
“Odin doesn’t not have a plan for Elspeth, or me.”
“Odin has a plan for everyone—”
“Who believes in him,” Magnus finished.
“Apparently not,” Freydis said. “Magnus, listen. I understand your need to protect her, I can feel it rolling off you in waves. I believe it, but do you not question how strongly you feel about a woman you just met?”
He had been questioning that very thing, but he would have never considered that it was Odin’s doing. He had never believed Odin troubled himself with the small immediate actions of individuals, rather with bigger issues.
“I want to understand what is at work here so I can help her. Do you want her episodes to continue?”
“No, I do not. But I’m asking you to be careful with what you say and to whom you say it. Her own brother would sell her for far less than what you’re suggesting and he’s just one man with limited power. A true Volur like you are suggesting would be a target for every power-hungry man in the world. I will not have her put in such harm’s way.”
“I agree with Magnus. You do not know of the darkness that can live in men’s hearts. I have seen it myself in Einar. Can you imagine what he would do to her if he thought for a second she could help increase his wealth?”
