“What is it like? I mean, when you and I connect, we share all of the feelings we have for one another. How is it with someone else?”
“It’s difficult to explain,” she said. “But I can somehow feel what the other person is feeling.”
“And what is Gunnar feeling?”
He didn’t know why it was important to him to know what was going on with Gunnar, but his brother seemed different.
“I do not think it would be appropriate for me to share his most private feelings with you, Magnus. And nor would I share yours or Freydis’.”
“I can accept that. But will you do me a favour?”
“Anything.”
“If you detect anything that you think needs to be addressed, you will come to me. You will not try to deal with anything like this on your own.”
“Aye, Magnus, I will make that promise to you.”
“Good, now go get yourself dressed and meet me back here for our ceremony. I had the men bring the chests to our chamber while you were sitting with Gunnar.”
Elspeth kissed him on the cheek and went off into the back chamber with two young servant girls following.
He sat quietly for a time while he waited for Gunnar to return. When he did, he was followed by six other men all carrying armloads of provisions. He gave instructions and sat by Magnus who passed him a horn of ale.
“You enjoy this don’t you?” Magnus asked him.
“I am never happier than when this hall is full and bustling with people.” His voice trailed off and his gazed was fixed on the door.
“Gunnar she will be back.”
He shook his head. “You don’t know that.”
“You’re right, I don’t. But you cannot fill your days pining for her either. We are here with you now and will be here until the spring. I need your help planning the build for my home. I think it will be a good distraction for you.”
Magnus described his vision to Gunnar and the moment he mentioned stone and tower in the same sentence, Gunnar perked up.
“It will take some time and I will need some men,” Magnus said.
“You will have all that you need. Your lands are fertile and firm. I believe the structure you plan will be perfectly situated there.”
“There’s also the matter of our alliance with MacDomnail and MacAlpin.”
“What of it?” Gunnar asked. “I have heard no news for weeks.”
“Elspeth has a letter for you from Giric detailing everything that’s happened. She read it to me during our travels. I was not happy that he was making decisions and plans without involving you or me so he has sent you information that should shed some light as to everyone’s involvement.”
“I am glad to hear it. I was feeling quite abandoned for a time,” he said. “What does the letter say?”
“Our alliance with Olaf is sound, but there are rumours Athelstan plans to push his campaign forward in the spring.”
“That means we will need to assemble our numbers and be ready. That is a long way to travel to go into battle. But we have time to plan. I am glad you are here, Magnus.”
“As am I, and you will have your feast and all the company you can muster for the next few months. Vigdis will stay with Saga for the winter until she and Osgar make their nuptials and perhaps they will also visit next summer depending on what comes of Athelstan’s plot.”
Gunnar seemed to perk up with each passing moment and Magnus was glad for it. The man possessed the strength of ten men normally and to see him deflated was disconcerting.
“Shall we see if your bride is ready for the blot?” Gunnar asked.
“Ja. She seems fascinated by all our ways and I think we might be able to persuade her to teach some Scots tongue to any villagers who want the lesson.”
