“We sail back to Jomsburg on the morning tide, young master Hakon, should you change your mind,” replied Egil. “I’d not say it in front of the crew, but these skies worry me. They portend something unnatural.”
“We all have our patterns to weave, Captain,” replied Hakon. “Best of luck with yours.”
“Aye, lad,” said Egil warmly and turned to deal with his crew.
“Come on, then,” called Gunnar, who was already at the end of the dock. “My foster mother and father live all the way on the far side of Visby, and the cold comes quick after sundown.”
“Have you ever met Thorulf and Ignetha?” Sif asked Hakon, as they hurried to catch up to the swiftly striding Gunnar.
“When I was very young,” replied Hakon. “Only the once. Gunnar’s made the journey many times. They were very kind to me, and of course they adore Gunnar.”
“Have they no children of their own?” asked Sif.
Hakon laughed. “Twin boys, no less! Apparently they tried for a great while to no effect, but after they fostered Gunnar, Ignetha’s field was as fertile as it was well-ploughed.”
Sif nodded. “I have heard of such things before.”
“Well-ploughed fields?” asked Hakon with a gleam in his eye.
“No, you oaf!” Sif punched his arm. “Women becoming pregnant when the pressure is off.”
“Well, there’s no pressure on you,” said Hakon. “Just a long, strong plough.”
“Gods above and below,” moaned Gunnar, who had slowed down to allow them to catch up. “I could have gone my whole life without hearing about my brother’s plough.”
“You don’t know what you’re missing,” giggled Sif, then cried, “Yowch!”
“Behave,” warned Hakon.
“Probably wise,” advised Gunnar, half seriously.
They walked in silence for a time, passing through the lighted streets and under the arches of the East Gate. Gunnar lifted a lit torch from an iron bracket on the thick stone arch. “Not far now,” he said and walked with torch held high to illuminate the way for all of them.
“Gods, how long, Gunnar?” groused Hakon.
“Soon enough,” replied Gunnar affably. “Journeys in the dark always seem longer. Ah, here we are!” They turned off the main road and up a track to where a house lay, illuminated by several long torch holders thrust into the ground. As the three moved closer, a chorus of barking dogs began from a pen to the left of the house.
“Hello, boys!” cried Gunnar. “Hail, brave Ulrik! Ragnar! Little Lars, not so little anymore! It’s good to see you all!” The tenor of the barking changed as the dogs recognized the arrival of an old friend. Gunnar ran over to the pen, rubbing the muzzles and ears of the leaping dogs, accepting their joyous licks to his hands and face. The door to the house burst open, spilling light into the night.
“Gunnar!” shouted two young men as they jumped down the steps, enveloping Gunnar in two crushing bear hugs. Hakon and Sif looked on, bemused.
“By the gods, lads, look at how you’ve grown!” laughed Gunnar, staggering backwards. “Stand still so I can take a look at the both of you!” The flurry of activity resolved itself into twin boys in their late teens, each with a shock of unruly blond hair.
“Hakon, this pair of miscreants you may remember from the last time you were here,” said Gunnar, as the twins stood grinning. “This is Breca, and Ulf.”
“I’m Breca,” corrected the one twin, rolling his eyes. “He’sUlf.”
“I remember two tow-headed rascals running with the dogs,” laughed Hakon. “Lads, this is Sif, my woman and our partner in this adventure.”
“Gods, she’s gorgeous!” cried Breca.
“You’re punching above your weight, cousin,” said Ulf.
Gunnar growled at them, and the two young men bobbed their heads respectfully. Sif, amused, graciously nodded her head.
“I knew there must be some reason my sons were letting the hearth fire heat the whole countryside,” said a wry voice. A man stood silhouetted in the open doorway. “Welcome, Foster Son. It is always a joy to see you. And is that Hakon I see with you? Lady, Idon’t believe I’ve had the pleasure. My name is Thorulf, and I wish you welcome. Boys, mind your responsibilities as hosts. Come inside, everyone!”
Hakon took Sif’s hand then followed the general chaos of bodies into the house. It was bigger than Hakon remembered. Thorulf had been busy.I can see why! He was always a quiet man, and those boys would be a lot for a small dwelling.Inside the house was a smiling Ignetha, who paused in stirring a pot over the fire to hug and kiss her foster son then go on her tiptoes to kiss Hakon then greet Sif and hug her warmly.
