The king led them in draining the first draught to Odin, for victory and might, and the second to Thor, for freedom from evil beings. Thirdly they called on the Vanir for peace and good harvests. Thereafter they drank as they wished. Mostly they did so in remembrance of dear ones who were gone; but some of the younger raised the Bragi beaker and made loud vows to do this or that deed.

When the food was ready, the king blessed it too. The cooks ladled it out into bowls the worshipers had brought, soup with chunks of meat, fat, and leeks, for the otherworldly power which is in that herb. So did the Danes feast, guesting their gods.

Sunset was upon them when they left the halidom. In racketing gangs they sought their shelters and stoked their fires. Merriment would go on for two more days and nights before they wended home, and many a woman who had come along with her man, to partake in the rites that women held, would give birth nine months later.

Those who had housing had farther to go. No few followed the king as he rode to his hall. The moon was nearly full. A crisp layer of snow glittered with its light. Hoofbeats rang loud.

Eirik Björnsson was in front beside his lord. They spoke quietly together. “You seem wearied,” said the jarl.

“I am,” Hadding owned. “More weary than you know”

Eirik nodded. “I’ve marked it on you since we learned of King Hunding’s death, if not earlier. You should not let that burden you, lord. It was a mishap.”

Hadding shook his head. “It was more. He, my oath-brother, died untimely because of a lie that I spread.”

“Still, I say, a mishap.”

“No. I feel it in my marrow. Hel was angered by a grave-ale drunk for a living man. I fear ill luck unless a rightful weregild allays the affront; and the king’s luck is the kingdom’s.”

Eirik drew his cloak about him against the chill. “You’ve ever been closer to such things than other men. What are you thinking of?”

Hadding lifted his head beneath the stars. “If naught else, I will honor my oath-brother as he honored me.”

“With as great a feast—and a better outcome? Well, this is the time of year for it.”

“No.” Hadding laid a hand on the jarl’s arm. “I have no heart for giving hospitality. Stand by me now, as you have often done before. Be the host in my stead. See to the well-being and good cheer of my guests. Tell what is true, that a sign has come to me and I have business with the gods that cannot wait.”

“Yes, I can do that much,” said Eirik unwillingly.