“Well, my brave one,” Magnus said expansively, “you’ve seen the riches I bestow on your fellow warriors. Nobody could accuse me of being ungenerous. I know how to reward valor. And you are among the most courageous, for all you’re still a boy. What gift do you want from me? Speak, and it’s yours. What does such a fine fellow as yourself hanker after, I wonder?”

Eyvind found it difficult to know what to say. Glancing around the room for inspiration he caught the eye of Somerled, who sat among the nobles gathered in Magnus’s hall for the feast of celebration. Somerled raised his eyebrows and twisted his lip, which was no help at all.

“My lord,” Eyvind said, “I want no reward, though I am honored that you should offer me one. I have all that I need: my trusty axe, my good sword, and a place among your lordship’s Wolfskins. To answer the call of Thor is all that I ever desired in life. I am well content with what I have.”

Magnus stared at him blankly for a moment, then threw back his head and roared with laughter. Taking their lead from him, the assembled nobles of the household, the warriors and ladies, the visiting dignitaries, emissaries, and scholars joined in. Eyvind glanced at Somerled again. Somerled was not laughing.

“Well spoken, son,” said the Jarl. “Well said, indeed. You may change your mind as you grow older. So, you will not take silver or gold, or rich garments, or fine weaponry. A slave girl, perhaps? There are many here at court, some no older than yourself, and not lacking in charms, I assure you. A hot-blooded fellow must surely say yes to that.”

To his mortification, Eyvind felt himself blushing scarlet at these words. He was a man now, there was no denying that. But he had never forgotten what Somerled once told him, and he hesitated, silent. A ripple of whispers and chuckles passed around the assembled courtiers. Thor help him, they’d think him some kind of a freak if he did not reply soon. What kind of man turns down such an offer?

“Well, boy?” Magnus raised his brows.

“My lord, I have an even better suggestion.” Heads turned as Somerled rose to his feet, his voice smoothly confident in the crowded hall. “Surely the very best reward for valor is one that lasts forever, a gift which fixes that moment of bravery in our hearts and minds eternally.”

Magnus frowned. “Go on,” he said.