Magnus regarded him gravely. “Well, well,” he said, and there was no telling what he thought. “An interesting tale, and not altogether unexpected, kinsman. Still, men and women cannot live on lights and colors. You’ll need stock, tools, seed, and thralls. How would you make such a difficult journey with these things?”

“I hope to acquire a sturdy knarr, my lord, for it’s true, a longship is not well suited to bear such a cargo. I will purchase a vessel and strengthen her for the journey.”

“It seems a wild venture to me, and ill-advised.” Thorvald Strong-Arm, returned for his daughter’s wedding, had a ferocious frown on his brow. Ulf’s mouth tightened.

“My husband is not the sort of man much given to wildness.” Margaret’s clear voice cut across the hall. Brows were lifted in surprise that she should venture to contribute to such a debate. “I am certain he has planned this with care, and allowed for all eventualities. Let us hear him out.”

The Jarl gave a nod in her direction. “You speak well, my dear. Your support of your husband bodes favorably for his success. But tell me, do you not view such a venture with some misgivings? It is a long way from home and from your family, after all: an island far out in open sea, and the need to start all over again from nothing. Most young women but newly wed would fear such a great change.”

Margaret looked him straight in the eye.

“In such a place great things may be achieved, my lord,” she said. “I would be a poor wife indeed if I could not share my husband’s vision.”

A flush rose to Ulf’s cheeks. “Thank you,” he said, glancing at Margaret. For a moment, the intensity of his expression softened a little. It was plain he had not expected her to speak out so boldly on his behalf. He turned back to the Jarl. “I will answer my lord’s concerns and yours, father-in-law. My intention is to journey there in spring. I will take with me men and women, stock and tools, all that is needed to establish ourselves. Craftsmen, law speakers, farmers, and fishermen. It will be a new community in a new land. There is a bright future for us on that shore.”

“I see.” Magnus’s eyes were very shrewd. “This is where your account was leading, that is clear. You wish to pick the eyes out of my household, and use my facilities, and sail away never to be seen again. Tell me, what rewards could such a venture possibly hold for me as your patron?”