As Spent and shivering as they were, the warriors said nothing to that either. They plodded on toward the stockade. Its sharpened logs loomed before them, black against the sky, like a jawful of teeth.

Bruni met them in his house. Newly back from riding around his acres, he *vas himself muddy and weary. “We’ve lost this year’s crops,” he said. “Lightning burned three garths, too, with everything they had stored. I don’t yet know how much livestock is dead. This will be a lean winter.”

“I’ll send food from Denmark,” Hadding plighted. “Meanwhile, what of my ships?”

“I’ve housed their crews here and there amongst us,” Bruni answered. “I’ll send now after the skippers. They told me the rest went home after getting your word from my boat, for you’d have no more need of them this season. Those that got to Zealand before the blow, well, they should be safe. Those whose owners live farther off, who knows?”

Hadding nodded. Every craft had been badly undermanned.

‘And I’m afraid for our fishers,” Bruni went on. “None has yet come back. All of mine were out, and most others from hereabouts.” He shook himself. “Well, storms do scatter boats. If they aren’t wrecked, they straggle home. I’ll keep my hopes while I may. Now let’s get bathed and get drunk.”

Hadding thought upon what the elven woman had threatened for whomever took him in. He said nothing of it that eventide, nor did those who had gone with him. But it was not a merry gathering in Bruni’s house.

No fishers had made haven by morning. In all honor, Hadding must then tell his host the tale. “Mishap,” said the chieftain after a silence. “You couldn’t have known. I’d have done the same. And maybe that was only a troll making fun with you.”

“Maybe,” answered Hadding, staring beyond him. “But you and yours, who gave us hospitality, have had a sudden, sore loss. I’ll be off today, while the weather holds fait”

“That’s wise,” agreed Bruni. Hadding forgave him his haste.

Eyjolf, who had stayed in the thorp, drew the king aside. “I’ll make my way overland to Bralund,” he said.

“You might fare with better luck that way,” said Hadding.

Eyjolf looked him in the eyes. “I’ll sail with you if I can be of any use.”

“Which you hardly can. No, do you take the bear’s road while I take the swan’s. I’ll send guards along to keep you safe.”

“They yearn for their homes, lord.”

Hadding smiled bleakly. “I think most of them will be glad to give you this help and go roundabout home.”