“As I said, you must earn your place. You’ll be watched; you all will. But my people remember how you helped them in the time of the sickness. In due course, I think you will be accepted. And I will value your skills and your friendship, for I never expected to be a leader of men and women, not in this way. My path has changed, and I cannot always face it with courage.”

“I fear greatly to have a child,” Margaret said in a low voice, “although, for me, that would have come about eventually. It is the prospect of this particular child that disquiets me. He was not conceived in love. I don’t know if I can be a good mother to him. I think I may hate him.”

“Look at me on the day he is born and tell me that again,” said Nessa, “and perhaps I may believe it. We are lucky that we have Rona. Why not ask her to seek answers in the fire? She will tell you something of the child, if she can.”

Margaret shivered. “I don’t think so. I would rather not know. Nessa?”

“Yes?”

“My little maid, Gunhild—might she stay as well? And my men, Bjorn and Ash? They are loyal, all of them. They will not want to leave me.”

Nessa frowned. “Gunhild can stay; you’ll have need of her. The men must speak to Eyvind. He will decide. Each must plead his own case and show himself worthy. If your faith in them is justified, perhaps we may keep them.”

“They are good workers,” Margaret said eagerly, “I promise you—”

“As I said, you should speak to Eyvind. It is his choice. I do not set myself up in place of a king here. There are difficult times ahead of us; I intend that we should all face them together. I’ll be glad of your help, Margaret.” Nessa put out a hand; a moment later, she felt the cold touch of Margaret’s fingers, grasping hers. They sat in silence awhile, side by side.

Then Margaret said, “Thank you. Oh gods, I’m going to be sick again.”

“It will pass,” Nessa said, holding the other girl’s head as she doubled over, and wondering how long it might be before this particular malady struck her as well. “I promise you, it will pass.”

Magnus was true to his word. The ships had been gathered together at the safe harbor for final repairs. At the second full moon they sailed for Freyrsfjord, and Eyvind waved goodbye to Eirik and to his old comrades, Erlend and Holgar.