As soon as Tannskári had agreed to my terms, Runolf had shouted at the men to make Brymsteda ready to sail. All around me, the crew had rushed to and from the hall, collecting their gear, and loading the last of the supplies we had been promised. Some of the door wardens had carried the chest with the weapons down to the beach, where they had unlocked it and seen the swords and axes passed onto Brymsteda.

All the while, Tannskári and his people glowered at me. I could not release Lambi until the dangerous time when the two hostages would be exchanged, and as the morning brightened and the mist blew away, I found myself becoming increasingly dejected. The boy’s hatred for me was mirrored in the lours of his kin. I risked a single look at Thurid. She stared back at me with such utter disdain and loathing, I gasped as if from a physical pain. I did not look at her again. But perhaps even more so than the look I received from Thurid, it was the dark rage that emanated from Runolf, and the disappointed shake of the head from Leofstan that most upset me.

Did they not understand that I had rescued us all? I had prayed and this was God’s answer to my request for deliverance. Surely they must know I would never have harmed the boy. And yet, Runolf barely paid me heed, and I knew that he was furious with me. So angry was he that for the first time I understood how his enemies must feel when faced with the giant’s wrath in battle.

When everyone was aboard Brymsteda, and it had been pushed down the beach until its keel cleared the sand, I had walked a short distance up the beach, accompanied by Gwawrddur and Hereward, Lambi at my side. I no longer held my knife to his throat, but I gripped his arm tightly to prevent him from running away before Drosten was freed. I had not gone this far only to lose in the last instant. While the ship was laded and the crew clambered aboard, I asked myself repeatedly what I would do if the Picts, or Tannskári, attempted to betray us. I would not hurt Lambi, I told myself. But could I be so sure if it came to that? In the heat of a confrontation, might I not lash out and follow through with my threats?

I prayed there would be no treachery to put me to the test.

By the Lord’s grace, the exchange of prisoners passed without problems. Few words were said and, with a nod, Eddarrnonn’s men shoved Drosten towards us at the same moment I let go of Lambi’s arm and the boy sprinted across the beach to his waiting mother’s arms.

We had hurried to the ship. Tannskári’s voice had echoed after us.