It was all Eyvind could do not to hit him. He sprang to his feet, unable to speak for anger, and strode off toward the settlement. A pox on Somerled; he wasn’t worth the trouble.

“Eyvind?”

He halted, but did not turn.

“I was joking, man. Come on, I’ll drink with you.”

“You try me hard sometimes,” Eyvind growled.

“I’m sorry.” Somerled scrubbed a hand across his cheek. “You do rather leave yourself open to it. Now let’s find some good ale, shall we? That was the best suggestion I’ve heard all night.”

FOUR

It became apparent soon enough that Somerled was at least partly right about his brother. Questioned directly as to what provision had been made for Somerled, Ulf replied curtly that an amount of silver had been set aside, sufficient to help the boy get on his feet, so to speak. Asked further, would his brother be included in the expedition, Ulf replied no. Somerled was not a creature of voyages and forays, of hardships and challenges. He had always preferred the court; he would rather make runes and poems than journey across the ocean to carve out new territory. Let him remain at court, then, and make a living as skald or law speaker, since he was apt for either calling. And, if he tired of Rogaland, the funds available to him would allow travel, to a limited extent. Did not the Jarls and chieftains of the north welcome men of learning? Somerled would do well enough. With that, Ulf made it clear the subject was closed, and turned to what was foremost in his mind: the building of a ship.

Jarl Magnus had quickly seen the wisdom in Ulf’s offer of a safe harbor out to seaward, and had given his full approval for his kinsman’s bold venture. Perhaps he saw no other alternative: Ulf’s vision had captured the imagination of men from all parts of Rogaland, far more than the expedition could reasonably include. Magnus was heard to comment that Ulf’s grasp of strategy was impressive, and his ability to make his dream a reality truly inspiring. The fleet would sail with both Magnus’s personal blessing and his financial backing, as well as carrying a number of his own close retainers among its complement of fighting men.