“Of course, it is much too soon to know such a thing. But Rona seemed quite sure, and she’s never been wrong before. I hope this does not displease you, Eyvi. It was somewhat of a shock. Rona will teach her, when she reaches four or five. But I’ll be much occupied as well, for it will be necessary for me to do both for a time: to be both priestess and leader. I hope I can be strong enough.”

Remembering last night, he had no doubt of that whatever. “You know I will help you,” he said, his voice shaking. “All that is in me, I will give you. But you said—your words, last night—what if—?”

“It won’t be easy for you. At least you understand that. My people will not forget the slaughter at Ramsbeck, nor the times when Somerled was allowed to act unchecked against us, while your kind stood by. You may spend your whole lifetime atoning for these things, Eyvi. You may never be quite free of the shadow of Somerled’s ill deeds, and of your own failure to restrain him. Back home in Rogaland you would probably be some sort of hero, lauded for your bravery, celebrated for your skills in warfare. Most men would not hesitate to sail away on the next tide.”

“You do not imagine I would choose—”

“No, Eyvi. I understand what’s in your heart, dear one, and I have never doubted your loyalty, not since the day you said sweet things that filled me with confusion.” Her hand slipped into his, she laid her head against his shoulder. “I simply want you to know this will be hard for you. Still, you have made a good beginning. They saw you stand against him at the Whaleback. They know you saved my life and Rona’s. They know you spoke the truth at risk of harshest penalty. And they watched what you did this morning, and set their own hands to work alongside yours. There is a quality in you that draws folk to follow you. It’s like a light, pointing the way forward. It is no wonder they say—” She paused again.

“What, my Bright Star?”