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They walked into a large tent. A table stood in the middle with empty plates and bowls upon it. Elof gestured for them to take some chairs and snapped his fingers, ordering one of the guards to bring him some ale.

“First, we must drink to the gods and thank them for blessing your travels on your way here,” he said, raising a glass.

“To the gods,” Erik said, and then he looked at Sigrid.

“To the gods,” she said in a small voice, and took a sip of ale.

“That’s better,” Elof said, patting his stomach. “Now, tell me more about this matter. How did you come to be here, and what help do you seek from me?” he asked.

Instinctively, Sigrid went to answer, but Erik was already speaking, and she remembered that as far as Elof was aware, she had no place here. She had to sit and let Erik take the lead, which was humiliating and maddening.

“I have been distressed by the tales I’ve heard of Ivar. He sounds more like a savage than a Viking, and I have heard that he makes alliances with men like Arne Hagen, who have brought disgrace to the Viking name and dishonored our traditions,” Erik began.

Elof’s head hung, and he shook it sadly, his long golden beard swinging like a pendulum as he did so.

“It is a travesty against the gods that such men call themselves Vikings. They raid not for glory but for slaughter. But I must warn you, my clan is not as mighty as it once was. Ivar is a strong leader with many men. It has not escaped my attention that there are only two of you, and one man does not make an army.”

Sigrid wanted to say, “And what about one woman?” but she knew what Elof’s reaction would be. She chewed on the inside of her lip to stop herself from speaking.

“Of course, Elof, and we’re not expecting you to fight alongside us, although that would be much appreciated as you are a strong leader yourself, and your renown is known among Vikings across Norway and beyond. I am sure the halls of Valhalla are filled with tales of your great deeds.” Elof swelled with pride at this. Sigrid had to stop herself from rolling her eyes. How easily men were placated by having their egos fed like this. “But what we would ask of you is simply a ship—a ship to sail to the Highlands of Scotland where I can call on allies.”

Elof listened intently, but his smile became shallower when the Highlands were mentioned.

“I have heard of Vikings settling in that strange land. It seems odd to me that they would betray the land of their ancestors, of their gods.”

“Would it not be even stranger to not seek to spread the glory of the gods to new lands? We have always been a far-ranging people, and the gods need both types of Vikings to spread their good name. Men like you, who keep the traditions alive in Norway and protect the ancestral home of the gods, and men like mine, who travel to new lands and declare tributes to the gods. One day, every area in Midgard will ring with cheers for the true gods of Asgard, and it is our duty to ensure that heathen gods are not worshiped over our champions.”

Erik spoke quickly. For a moment, Sigrid had been worried that their entire plan would fall apart then and there, but once again, Erik proved himself skilled in the art of diplomacy, and she wondered if he was boasting about his prowess with a sword, for if not, then he was a formidable man indeed. Elof considered Erik’s words and then nodded.

“You are wise, Erik. Of course, we must spread the glory of Asgard to the rest of Midgard. It is why we are here. And you believe that this army will be able to defeat Ivar?”

“I know it can,” Erik said with the utmost confidence.

Elof licked his lips. “Ivar has indeed been a thorn in my side. Very well, you shall have your ship. Never let it be known that Elof Ovesson will not bring glory to the gods wherever he can. Stay with us and enjoy our hospitality until the ship is ready. You will find us a generous people.”

He snapped his fingers again, and the guard entered the tent promptly. Elof ordered him to find a place where Erik and Sigrid could stay, as well as arrange some food for them. Erik and Sigrid thanked him again as they left, and once they departed the tent, they smiled broadly at each other, as the plan was coming to fruition.

Erik and Sigrid ate well during the day. They walked through the market and enjoyed the hospitality of the Ovesson clan. Sigrid found that Erik’s company was not entirely displeasing, and she felt relieved now that she was in the clan of an ally. She could feel the world shifting around her, and soon enough, she was sure that Ivar would be dealt with.

But what awaited her after that?

She and Erik watched warriors duel. Sigrid itched to fling herself into battle and prove to everyone watching that women could be a match for men, but she had to stop herself. Erik made some interesting observations about the fights, and it was clear that he knew what he was talking about. However, when he was invited to join, he shook his head and said that he preferred to fight with words rather than a sword. The warriors looked confused and muttered something amongst themselves.

“Why would you not accept their challenge? Are you afraid?” she asked in a hushed tone as the warriors continued clashing with steel against steel.

Erik looked offended. “Of course I’m not afraid, but my body has still not recovered completely from the wounds Ivar dealt to me, and I am not sure I trust these people yet.”

“Why not?”

“It is just a feeling, but I would rather not let them know how good a fighter I am. We might need the surprise if this all goes awry. I would prefer to be cautious in these matters. I have already met Vikings who have lied about their intentions.”

“You have?” Sigrid asked.

Erik nodded. “That is why I came to Norway in the first place. In the Highlands, there was a clan of Vikings who presented themselves as saviors and protectors after villages were attacked, but it turned out that they were the ones doing the attacking. I was coming to Norway to seek out men who made alliances with these Vikings to come to an understanding that the Highlands should be left alone.”

“And Ivar happened to find you first.”

“Indeed,” Erik said, clearly disturbed that he had been captured. “And since I was supposed to be in Norway for some time, my family won’t even be aware that anything has happened to me. I’m just grateful that I am not dead.”