When sunlight was dying, the end of the feast,
Mjolnir, the weapon, was brought by the priest.”
Ari moves suddenly—lightning speed—and grabs an imaginary hammer.
“Thor grabbed the hammer, still wearing his gown,
With glee he killed Thrym and all giants around,
They returned to Freya, to tell of the fight,
But when Freya saw Thor, she laughed at the sight.
She said look at our champion, a beautiful wife,
Had I been a man, I would give him my life.
Now…”
He points at his favorite crowd.
“Fuck off!” we all shout. I surprise myself by joining in, but it’s too fun, too engaging. What’s the point of throwing a party if you can’t partake in it? A girlish grin covers my face as I settle in, ready for the rest of Ari’s entertainment.
Many girls whisper among themselves,stifling giggles as Ari and I approach the door. The skald has shared several stories, recited love poetry we had never heard, and told a few raunchy jokes. His entire evening was spent entertaining us.
I open the door as I hear the whispering girls count down from three, then scream in unison.
“Thank you Ariiii!”
They collapse, breathless and clutching their sides. The ale has had its effect. Such serious laborers turned to giddy messes by a few cups of ale and a handsome skald. I pull his arm to the door as he turns and waves at the drunken thrall girls.
“Until next time ladies!” he shouts.
“Stay longer,” says one as she waves back.
“I could perhaps?—”
I cut in.
“No, girls, we will finish up soon. We have work to do tomorrow.”
Several of them groan, disappointed for a moment before returning to the merriment and squeezing another second of lighthearted pleasure out of an otherwise hard life.
They deserve this.
CHAPTER 44
Cold liquid splashes against my skin. I scoop more from the rainwater barrel next to my house, rubbing it on my face.
My head throbs, yearning for more sleep, but I forced myself awake. Since I organized the party, it’s only fitting I am among the first to rise. Being a Volva should not give me the opportunity to skirt my duties. As painful as it is—I am up. Leaders must lead by example. Sigurd will note it.
A delighted squeal next to me.
Sifrid drops her buckets of water and runs over.
“Kilda,” she says, panting.
“Sifrid,” I answer with a smile. The two of us got together to recruit the skald last night. A personal connection affords loyalty. Her eyes are groggy, tinted red, but her energy is high—her smile shines.
