“Probably wise,” agreed Gunnar.
***
“You’re bloody idiots,” growled Brynn.
“Brynn,” admonished Kasia. Gunnar and Hakon stood before their father, bracing themselves as if they were facing a strong wind.
“No, my love!” continued Brynn. “Our sons want to throw their lives away, like pebbles in a flood. The lady Freyja tells young Sif in a dream that she will need swords. Swords! I reckon that means a damn sight more than two!”
“I’m going to be asking Thorfin and the crew from the Miklagard voyage,” said Hakon.
“And what will they say?” countered Brynn. “Your companions travelled to Long Road to Miklagard for coin and for glory! Who sets sail against a nameless threat with no prospect for either? Only my idiot sons,that’s who!” He thumped the table with a huge hand, raising the dust.
“Father,” said Hakon earnestly. “When you were my age, you lifted yourself from what could have been your deathbed, sailed a deadly winter voyage, risked life and limb to rescue our mother, and then set yourselves in the very stronghold of your enemies.”
“That’s because I knew what I was doing!” roared Brynn.
“And we don’t?” countered Hakon. “You risked your life because you were confident in your ability to see things through. Well, Father, so are we!”
“We’ve heard from you, Hakon,” said Kasia. “What of your brother?”
“Where Hakon goes, I go,” said Gunnar simply.
“Your motivation I understand, at least,” grumbled Brynn. “But your brother…all of this for awoman?”
“Excuse me?” cried Kasia, her voice rising.
Brynn realized his mistake as soon as Kasia spoke and slumped into his chair. “Fine,” he grumbled. “Off you go, then. And I pray to Thor that the pair of you inherited my arm but your mother’s brains!”
“Well,” said Gunnar, as they walked away from their childhood home, “that went better than I expected. I wonder how Sif is faring with her parents?”
“They support her decision,” replied Hakon.
Gunnar laughed. “I wonder what that feels like.”
“Ah, well,” said Hakon philosophically. “The old bull may roar, but I think in his heart he knows the right of it.”
“He does roar! I’d rather face a horde of Skraelings than Father in a rage,” said Gunnar emphatically.
“Be careful what you wish for,” laughed Hakon.
Chapter Four
Sif sat by the fire and slowed her breathing. Although thoughts of Hakon were never far from the surface of her mind, she did her best to clear her mind and focus on the flickering flames. Slowly, gradually, Sif brought the song of greeting to her mind, her lips silently mouthing the words she had learned. As she felt her consciousness deepen, Sif sang softly.
As the rhythms of the song formed a pattern in her mind, Sif sent the song outwards, travelling over the seas, passing over the land, finally reaching the heart of the Ironwood. Sif felt the vibrations change as someone else picked up the song, repeating it with her.
The way had been opened. In her mind’s eye, Sif saw the face of Baedi come into focus, smiling at her.
Well done, Sif,said Baedi.Most impressive, and on your first attempt as well!
Sif glowed at the praise.Thank you,she said.I wanted to try this sending because there are things that have happened that the Elder Sisters need to know.
Baedi frowned and said,Go on.Sif told the story of her dream, Freyja’s message, and subsequent events. When she had finished, Baedi said,You were right to share this. I will pass your news on to the other Elders, and we shall investigate things as best we can.
Good,said Sif, relieved to share the burden of her knowledge.I will make my way to Visby with Hakon, Gunnar, and anyone else we can gather.
This Hakon,said Baedi.He is the one you spoke of when you first came to the Ironwood, yes?
