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“Well, the way ye were this morning. She was acting sweet taewards ye, and ye didnae seem tae mind.”

“I was being polite,” Varrik said. “In truth, I know that few women are going to love me once they learn what I’ve done. I’m not here to look for love. I’m looking for purpose, for a chance to prove myself.”

“Who are ye seeking tae prove yerself tae?”

“The gods. I had a dream, Fiona, a dream where the gates of Valhalla were shut to me. I watched all the warriors of old pass by my eyes and take part in the great feast, but when I tried to enter, I was told that I was not worthy. That’s all I am trying to do here. I want to make the gods proud. I want to ensure that I reach Valhalla. I do not want my soul to become a shadow.”

“And dae ye nae believe that love would make ye worthy?” Fiona asked. Since Varrik had declared that he didn’t have an interest in Lotta, Fiona’s mood had changed and been much improved.

“I have always thought that people need to be worthy of love first,” Varrik said.

From Fiona’s reaction, it was clear that she hadn’t expected him to give such a thoughtful answer. She moved a little closer to him. It was a pleasing thing to be able to have a normal conversation with her rather than feel the animosity she had toward him radiating through the air. It actually gave him hope that she might warm to him.

“And is it the same for all the Vikings who hae come tae live with us?”

“Most of us, I think,” Varrik said. “They all have different limits on things they’re willing to put up with, but overall, we want to make a new start. Some of them did get used to the way Rune Dolph ran things, but I think it’s clear now that what we did was wrong, and we want to make amends. I’m sure that in time they’ll be happy to make their home in the Highlands. It’s been so long since we’ve been back to Norway, this place is more our home than Norway is, as much as it pains me to say it.”

“Even though ye may be far from the spirits of yer ancestors, it’s clear that they still mean a lot tae ye,” Fiona said.

Varrik nodded, bowing his head solemnly. “It’s something my father said. He told me that through time, each family builds a chain, and in that chain are the memories and the achievements, and each person is a link in that chain. We have to ensure that we are strong enough to bear the weight of the chain and to make sure that we forge another link.”

“Ye mean children?”

Varrik nodded.

“It's sweet, though. I hae never heard life described that way before. I like it. Sae what did ye wish tae ask about my sister, if ye were nae inquiring about her heart?” Fiona asked.

Varrik got the sense that he might have been setting himself up for a trap, but he continued speaking anyway.

“I was just wondering how the two of you live together when you seem to have the opposite opinion about everything. I don’t think I’ve ever come across two people who are so different.”

Fiona flashed a sheepish smile. “It takes me by surprise sometimes tae. And there’s nae been a lack of fighting between us ever since Lotta came tae live with us. There are many times when I wish it was different. I never wanted tae be fighting with her all the time, but she just makes it sae easy. She is happy tae let other people take on the responsibility of protecting her, and I just cannae understand it after what happened tae her. I thought she would hae been the first person tae come tae me and learn tae fight, but she never haes. All she daes is want tae distance herself from it and end up married. I just dinnae know what’s important tae her.”

“I suppose family is,” Varrik said. “Maybe she wants to replace the one she’s lost with one of her own.”

Fiona nodded thoughtfully. “I suppose. I hae tae admit that I let my emotions get the better of me. I try and tell myself that she haes been through a lot, but it doesnae stop us from fighting. I know I can be better, but she always gets under my skin.”

Varrik chuckled. “From what I’ve seen, that is the way it goes between siblings. Perhaps you are truer sisters than you believe. But she is lucky because she has you to protect her. That’s what heroes do, isn’t it? They protect the people that cannot protect themselves.”

Fiona smiled. “Nobody haes ever called me a hero before,” she said.

“I’m glad I’m the first,” Varrik said. “Listen, Fiona, I know that you’re not enamored with the fact that we’ve been asked to stay with you. I know you’re looking to find fault with us, and I don’t blame you for that after what happened with Rune Dolph. If I was in your position, I’d be wary as well. But can I make a request of you? Can you give us a chance to prove ourselves? I’m not here looking for trouble. I’ve had enough of that during my life, and I’d like to be able to make a new beginning here. This is a fresh start for each of us, and I want to make it count.”

Fiona nodded. “I suppose I can dae that, for the good of the clan,” she said. “But ye are gaeing tae hae tae learn tae let me fight my own battles.”

Varrik smirked to himself. “It’s funny, Fiona...you suggest that I need to embrace the Highlander way of life, but you are more like a Viking than you realize. It’s not going to be as much of an adjustment as you might think. I did not mean to dishonor you by fighting the wolf. I can promise you I will not get in the way of your sword again,” he said.

Fiona nodded, thanking him for his words. They pushed themselves up and continued their patrol. Varrik was glad that he had managed to forge some kind of connection with her, even if it may have been a fleeting one. It felt good to share his feelings with someone as well.

He picked up his sword, which had been cleansed of blood, and followed Fiona around the perimeter of Callan territory, enjoying every moment they spent together.