met hers again in a tender kiss that became hungry for more. Neither of them wanted to end it.

“I must prepare for our journey to the west of here,” he told her, drawing away from her at last. “There is much to do.”

CHAPTER 11

A s Halvar approached the village, a shadowy figure emerged from one of the outbuildings.

“Who is there?” he asked.

“Kaarina,” the figure sniffed.

“Kaarina! How did you get back here?”

“I took one of Father’s horses.”

“Why did you come back?”

“I cannot live with Father any longer. He beat me two days ago and I am covered in bruises. I look so awful that I waited till dark to see you. Oh, please, do not make me go back to him!” Kaarina burst into fresh tears.

“Of course, I will not make you go back,” Halvar promised, putting a comforting arm around Kaarina’s shoulders. “Your father has an evil temper and you will never be safe with him.”

“Oh, thank you!” she gasped. “May I live in our old longhouse?”

“Yes, no one else has moved in there. But I will not be here for much longer.”

“Why?”

“I found Eira.”

“She’s alive!” Kaarina exclaimed.

“As I thought, she is living in the forest. But she refuses to return to the village. She is convinced that there will only be more trouble for her in the future if she does that. Perhaps she is right.”

“So, what are you going to do?”

“I shall take her to a village on the coast where I know she will be safe.”

“Are you coming back?”

“Not until after the winter, at least. I will appoint Canute as village leader in my absence.”

“Please, take me with you,” Kaarina pleaded. “If Father learns that I am in the village, I will not be safe here either, especially if you are not here to protect me.”

“Yes, you are right. But the journey will be long and hard this late in the season. We might encounter snow, wolves and raiding parties.”

“I am accustomed to hardship,” Kaarina said stoutly. “I can do it. I made it from Kallekot Dalr to here all alone. That was a big journey and there were many dangers.”

Halvar thought about the danger that she faced at the village. “Very well,” he said finally. “You may come with us. Be ready to leave in three days.”

That evening, after talking to Kaarina, Halvar called Canute to see him. They sat around the fire in the middle of the pit-house so that they could have some privacy.

Halvar had important matters on his mind. "I am leaving the village over the winter months," he told Canute. "I found Eira and she has refused to return to the village. She believes her life will always be in danger here because people will never forget that she has been accused of being an evil witch."

Canute nodded. "She could be right," he said.

"She fears that if the men go away or I am not around to protect her that the people will take out their anger on her if something goes wrong."

Canute thought about what had happened when she first came to the village. "She was in danger from the moment she first arrived," he said. "She is wise to refuse to come back."

"The other person facing danger is Kaarina. Did you know she made the journey back here on her own?"

Canute whistled. "She must have been desperate," he said. "That is a long and dangerous journey even for a group of men, let alone a woman on her own. She is fortunate that the slave raiders did not get her."

"I think they would be afraid to touch her after we took Eira from them. But she will be in danger if Taft realizes that she is here."

"Why did she leave?"

"He beat her."

Canute growled. "That man does not deserve to have a fine daughter such as Kaarina," he said.

"So, I am telling you this because I plan to take both of them away. I know a place on the coast where they will be safe,” Halvar replied.

“Who will take you in?” Canute asked.

“I am acquainted with the leader of a Christian village,” Halvar replied. “They are always willing to shelter those that need a home.”

“Christians?” Canute was surprised. “I did not think you would go to a Christian village!”

“They are good people,” Halvar replied. “I am certain they will welcome us.”

Canute was doubtful. “I know that King Haakon has been encouraging everyone to turn to Christianity,” he said. “But I am not sure about that.”

“These people believe that each person should have the freedom to believe as they choose. That is why they came to our land. They say their freedom to worship as they please was limited in their homeland.”

“They are foreigners?” Canute asked in amazement. “They sound odd to me. You are a brave man, Halvar.”

“I have no choice if I wish to keep the young ladies safe,” Halvar replied. “I am going to ask some of the young, single men to accompany me; it will be their choice, not a command. I cannot expect the men with families to remain away all winter or face the return journey under winter conditions. Their families need them."

"So who will lead the village in your absence?"

"I am hoping that you will accept the position, Canute. I cannot think of a better person to be the leader. You have learned much about leading and I believe you will do a fine job."

"Well, thank you. I will accept and consider it an honour," Canute said. "Do you plan to return?"

"I will return in spring to see how the village fares. Perhaps by then, I can start arranging to wed Eira."

Canute thought about all the ceremonies that had to take place before

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