It seemed she grew still paler, her eyes full of dark memories. “My uncle expected an attack sometime, though not so soon. He made me promise to run and hide if it happened, and I kept my promise. I came away in the little boat, when all were gone. Somerled killed them, Eyvi. All my people, all the fine young men, every one. He hacked off their heads and left their bodies strewn on open ground, gull pickings, worm fodder; he defiled the Whaleback forever with that unthinking act of desecration. I walked among the fallen; I saw this work of madness. He struck down the Kin Stone. It seems to me an ocean of tears cannot speak such sorrow as this.”

Eyvind nodded. No words seemed adequate. He longed to take her in his arms again, to offer simple comfort, but he did not think he could.

“Why are you here? Where are you going?” she asked him suddenly.

“To Hafnarvagr, to seek my brother. I had evidence, clear proof of Somerled’s responsibility for Ulf’s death. I was foolish, I showed it to him, thinking to prevent the attack on the Whaleback, and he took it from me. He would not hear me, Nessa. And the others, I tried to tell them, I tried to stop them, but it was too late. The light of battle blinded them to the truth. But I will prove my case, despite all. I will find witnesses to what happened that day on High Island, and witnesses to the burning that killed Hakon and his wife. My brother can help me. I should move on at daybreak. Somerled’s men are everywhere, searching for me. But I cannot leave you alone with nobody to guard you. Where can you go? Where can you be safe? I should be by your side to shield you.”

She was silent a little, toying with the crust of bread she held. Guard’s eyes followed every movement. “I–I have something to do, a task that must be completed. It’s a little like a ritual, that’s the only way I can describe it. To do this, I must have some time alone, in a particular place. I’m traveling there now. It lies to the west; I came this way only to speak to the stones, to tell them my uncle’s story. Eyvi—I cannot describe for you what comes next, it is dark and secret. But if I achieve this task, it will help. Its purpose is to confront Somerled with the truth of what he has done. So, my quest is the same as yours.”