Engus invited the strangers to another feast before harvest began. This time the king allowed his nieces to sit at table, but Nessa would not. She hovered in the shadows, an unseen observer. She had spoken to her uncle, and he had listened gravely, but pointed out that her misgivings were not supported by evidence. So he had made his decision. But Nessa would not break bread with these folk; to do so seemed to her dangerous, and she would have no part of it. Tonight, Ulf’s wife sat there beside him, a girl with a very straight back and a regal carriage of the head. She was no blond giantess, but shapely, red-haired, and composed in her manner. On her other side sat the one called Somerled, and from the place where Nessa stood she could see how the hands of these two met and clasped beneath the table, out of folk’s sight.

“I have observed you over the summer,” Engus was saying. “You have worked hard, not stinting your efforts to aid those who needed help, and never transgressing the boundaries we established for good conduct. You have extended the hand of friendship, and shared what you had. Your good will has warmed us. We have welcomed your presence.”

Ulf inclined his head courteously.

“Still, such a decision is not lightly made,” said Engus. “We hold our land dear; it is a realm of deep beauty, rich in the bounty of earth and ocean. And it is old: old and powerful. We do not share it readily, for to do so is to risk what is beyond any price. It is a measure of the faith I hold in you, Lord Ulf, in your honesty and vision, that I decide thus. You may remain here, keeping the houses I gave you and building more as you require them. I will negotiate the purchase of land where it is owned; I will ensure your holdings can carry stock and yield good crops. I also offer the services of my stud bull, and ten good heifers to add to your own two. I’ll take my choice of the calves in spring.”

“We are indebted to you, my lord.” Ulf could not contain the smile that spread across his usually well-disciplined features. “This is welcome news indeed.”

A roar of approval greeted the translation of Engus’s words, accompanied by thumping of the table and raising of cups.

“There are certain conditions,” Engus went on, and the noise died down. “I require a pledge of peace. Your folk will respect my borders and my people. They will honor the land and its ancient signposts.”

“I give you my word,” said Ulf solemnly, “and my word is good. I speak for every Norseman here.”