Chapters (76)
- Cover
- Praise forMATTHEW HARFFY
- BY MATTHEW HARFFY
- Title Page
- Copyright
- Dedication
- Maps
- Epigraph
- Contents
- Place Names
- One
- Two
- Three
- Four
- Five
- Six
- Seven
- Eight
- Nine
- Ten
- Eleven
- Twelve
- Thirteen
- Fourteen
- Fifteen
- Sixteen
- Seventeen
- Eighteen
- Nineteen
- Twenty
- Twenty-One
- Twenty-Two
- Twenty-Three
- Twenty-Four
- Twenty-Five
- Twenty-Six
- Twenty-Seven
- Twenty-Eight
- Twenty-Nine
- Thirty
- Thirty-One
- Thirty-Two
- Thirty-Three
- Thirty-Four
- Thirty-Five
- Thirty-Six
- Thirty-Seven
- Thirty-Eight
- Thirty-Nine
- Forty
- Forty-One
- Forty-Two
- Forty-Three
- Forty-Four
- Forty-Five
- Forty-Six
- Forty-Seven
- Forty-Eight
- Forty-Nine
- Fifty
- Fifty-One
- Fifty-Two
- Fifty-Three
- Fifty-Four
- Fifty-Five
- Fifty-Six
- Fifty-Seven
- Fifty-Eight
- Fifty-Nine
- Sixty
- Sixty-One
- Sixty-Two
- Author’s Note
- Acknowledgements
- About the Author
- An Invitation from the Publisher
“You will have to reach him first,” said Olvir. “The last boat to come down from the mountains with iron ore and pelts was over a month ago, and the boatman said Ljósberari was all the way up the river, north of the Suldalsvatnet, in the kingdom of Kaun Solvason.”
“I have heard the same,” said Eldgrim. “That is why we need a boat, and a guide, to carry the strangers to where Ljósberari lurks.”
Olvir was incredulous.
“You mean only to send a dozen men? I thought you would lead all the men from your ship inland. The journey would be difficult, but you might have stood a chance. But twelve men…” He puffed out his cheeks and shook his head in disbelief.
“The king has faith in the abilities of these men,” Eldgrim said. “And you yourself have told us that Ljósberari is in Hǫrðaland, the kingdom of Kaun Solvason. King Hjorleif cannot be seen to be sending a force into his neighbour’s lands. But he wants him dead more than anyone. Ljósberari and Chlotar, the bastard Frank who travels with him, killed Hjorleif’s brother, Hjalti, and must pay the price. Now, do not be concerned as to our plans. All we need from you is a boat and a guide.”
“Get us there,” growled Runolf, “and Ljósberari and his Frankish cur will soon discover that a dozen men will be plenty.”
“It will be difficult to find a man willing to lead these easterners,” said Olvir. “What payment do you offer?”
Eldgrim frowned.
“You need no payment for doing your duty to your king.”
“But no man will wish to place himself at such risk. To travel upriver, into the realm of Ljósberari…” Olvir faltered, looking at us and knowing that at least Runolf and I understood his words. “It will spell almost certain death,” he said at last, seeing no way to avoid the harsh truth.
“Then be convincing, Olvir,” snapped Eldgrim, his voice sharp with menace. “Or you will find out how persuasive I can be.”
Olvir swallowed and looked away. He conversed in hushed whispers with one of his men for some time. Eventually, after much shaking of heads and heated debate, his man slipped out into the night.
“Skamkel has gone to fetch your guide,” Olvir said. He smiled, but his voice was uncertain. “Now, tell me of the world to the south. How fares the king? And you,” he turned to me. “You are not from these lands. Tell me of your home.”