“Bjarke stopped at Kallekot Dalr for a few days to rest his horse and restock his provisions for the journey. As you well know, travelling at this time of the year is difficult.”
“Yes. Go on.” Halvar was anxious to get the story out of Torsten.
“While he was at Kallekot Dalr, he realized that Taft was gathering forces together for an attack. Bjarke is very cunning. He listened carefully, talked to people without them realizing what he was up to and eventually got the truth about what Taft is planning. He intends to attack our village as soon as the roads become passable in spring!”
Halvar sucked in his breath. No wonder the people of his village were afraid! Taft with a large force of warriors was a daunting thought. He’d been consumed with rage when Halvar had defeated him during a fight that had arisen between them. He’d left the village soon after. Halvar regretted not taking Taft’s thirst for revenge more seriously.
“What of Canute?” he asked.
“He is preparing our men for battle. But he doesn’t have the battle experience that you do and we are all afraid that Taft will wipe out our village. He’s angry with you and also because Kaarina ran away.”
“But he knows not where she is. She could be anywhere.”
“Bjarke said he overheard Taft talking about his daughter and wanting to force her to return home. Taft is certain that she is in our village.”
Halvar fell silent. This was a calamity of epic proportions and totally unexpected. He should’ve known that Taft wouldn’t give up. He was too proud to admit defeat.
“Very well,” he told Torsten. “I will return with you. We will set out tomorrow.”
Relief flooded over Torsten’s handsome face. “That is heill,” he said. “May Eir1 grant us safety.”
“I must be going,” Halvar said. “There is much to do and not a moment to lose.” He rose to his feet. “Ahren, would you be so kind as to care for the needs of the young men? They must be ready to leave in the morning.”
“Of course, my friend. It is grave news they bear. I will do whatever I can to help.”
“Thank you, Ahren.”
Halvar strode out the door, grateful for the friendship that had sprung up between himself and his employer. He needed all the help he could get right now. He had to tell Eira of this new development. He knew it would be hard for her to bear and he was glad that she was living with a caring family who would take care of her while he was gone. But first, he had other business to attend to.
Halvar stood beside Carolus looking across the vacant land a short ride from the village. Snowy pastures gave way to a wooded slope that rose up the mountainside. An icy stream gurgled through the center, flanked on either side by tall trees as it made its way down to the seashore. It was perfect.
“Why are you selling this land, Carolus?” Halvar asked.
“I have been using it for pasture for my cows but I have bought a field that’s closer to the village,” Carolus replied. “This one is a little too far for the cows to walk every day.”
“Well, I like it,” Halvar said. “I will pay the price you are asking for it. And then we will be neighbors!”
“That suits me, my friend. You will make a fine neighbor!”
As they rode back to the village, Halvar felt pleased with himself. Now he would own land here and would be able to offer Eira a place to build a home of their own. Perhaps in time, others would join them and create a village much like the one they’d left behind.
“What brings you here so early in the day?” Eira asked as Halvar entered the kitchen where she had just placed a loaf of bread in the oven to bake.
He noticed the look of pleasure on her face and his heart smote him as he thought of the news he was about to deliver.
“Did you see the young men arrive?” he asked.
“Why, no. I’ve been inside all day doing chores.”
“Torsten came with the young men.”
Eira gasped. “At this time of the year? They are fortunate to make it over the mountains!” She shuddered as she thought of the hungry wild animals and deep snow that made the mountains impassable in winter.
“The snow has started to melt in places,” he said. “But their mission was urgent. Taft is planning to attack the village. He is angry that Kaarina ran away and he thinks she is there.”
Eira grew still as the implications of this news dawned on her. “Does that mean …?” Her words trailed off as she realized why the young men had come.
Halvar hated being the cause of the pain and sorrow that crossed her lovely face. He stepped forwards and took her in his arms.
“I am so sorry, my love,” he whispered, holding her close.
Tears seeped from her eyes and stained his tunic. “Oh Halvar, that is such a risky journey. And what if Taft …” She couldn’t say the words.
“I must go, my sváss,” Halvar whispered against her hair. “My people are desperate. Canute is a good village leader but he is a farmer, not a warrior. He would be no match for Taft, especially if Taft has a large force with him.”
“What shall I do if you don’t return?” Eira sniffed, wiping tears from her cheek.
“I will return. You have my word.”
“But there are so many dangers!”
“Hush, my sváss,” he soothed, then straightened up and looked into her eyes. “When I return, will you marry me?”
“Oh Halvar, yes!” she exclaimed, a smile breaking over her face.
He bent his head and
