The food that came out of Gramm’s kitchen was good – simple but hot and lots of it. A fair-haired child offered Ulfilas a jug of mead but he refused it, taking cold water instead. As Jael’s shieldman he was always on his guard, but here that sense was heightened. He felt unsettled.

‘That jug looks too heavy for you, child,’ he said to the girl with the mead.

‘Grand-pa says we should lift more than we can handle,’ the girl said, freckles wrinkling as she concentrated. ‘He says it makes us strong, inside and out.’ Her eyes flickered to Gramm.

‘A good lesson,’ Jael said, smiling good-naturedly.

‘Life’s hard in these northlands,’ Gramm said. ‘Now run along, Sif,’ he added to the child.

‘You have children, then?’ Jael asked.

‘Aye,’ Gramm muttered.

‘And grandchildren,’ Jael added, his eyes following the girl as she took her jug of mead to a table full of Jael’s shieldmen.

After Gramm’s initial surprise at meeting the King it seemed that his nerves had calmed. Jael was courteous and charming, as Ulfilas had seen him on countless occasions. Now Gramm was telling Jael of how he had built the hold with his own hands, braving close proximity both to Forn Forest and the Desolation to take advantage of the timber and the river.

‘A bold endeavour,’ Jael remarked.

And one that has paid off, Ulfilas thought as he looked at the size of the hall.

‘You have carved out a fine living for yourself,’ Jael said. ‘Profits must be high indeed to provide for so many.’

Jael is no fool – he has no doubt seen all that I have seen, and more.

‘Trade is good, I’ll not deny,’ Gramm said.

‘And your warriors – I’ve not seen so many in a single hold, and uncommonly well equipped,’ Jael commented.

‘Life is dangerous this far north.’ Gramm pointed to the bear pelt and giant’s hammer hanging on the wall. ‘They are not there for decoration, but as a reminder. We are close to the Desolation and to Forn Forest. A cold winter is often all that’s needed to lure giants across the river or entice creatures from the forest with more legs and sharper teeth than is entirely good for us. Warriors with sharp swords are a necessity here, not a luxury. And besides, what with all the goings on further south –’ his eyes flickered to Jael – ‘there has been an outbreak of lawlessness and thievery the likes of which I have never seen before. Brigands seeking to take advantage of Isiltir’s upheaval. My lands have been raided more than once.’

‘That will all end, now. I will see to it. Isiltir has a new king, and I mean to bring peace to the land. These brigands’ days are numbered.’

‘Glad to hear it,’ Gramm said.