pig sties, workshops and forge. Finn and his men surveyed the steading with appraising eyes.
‘It’s a fine place,’ observed Unnr. ‘Looks like Jarl Ottar’s a wealthy man.’
‘Let’s hope he places a high value on old allegiances,’ said Sturla.
‘We’ll soon find out, won’t we?’
Any doubts they might have entertained were swiftly banished. As soon as they were announced Jarl Ottar came forward at once. He was in his forties and his red hair was faded and streaked with grey. However, his burly form suggested strength and vigour and his blue eyes were keen and shrewd. He smiled at the newcomers and then embraced their leader heartily.
‘Welcome, Finn Egilsson, and welcome to your companions too.’
‘I thank you, my lord.’
‘Your father was a great warrior and a staunch ally. I was proud to call him friend.’
‘He spoke of you too,’ said Finn, ‘and always with the greatest affection and respect.’
‘You have the look of him.’
‘My brother, Leif, also.’
‘When I heard of your father’s death it was with deep sorrow.’ Ottar shook his head. ‘There weren’t many like him. Nevertheless, it’s good to see one of his sons in my hall.’ He shouted for the servants to fetch ale and food. ‘When you have refreshed yourselves you can tell me what brings you here.’
* * *
When Lara returned the first person she saw was Alrik. He was two years her senior and he was considerably taller. Like her he had the deep red hair that was a family trait. His blue eyes held a gleam of amusement and were looking pointedly at the cloak she was holding closed over her gown.
‘Been practising again, eh?’ He gave her a conspiratorial wink. ‘Don’t worry, I won’t tell.’
‘I know.’ She glanced round to make sure they were out of earshot. ‘I need to go and put the sword away. In the meantime we have visitors.’
‘I thought I heard the horn sound.’
‘A vessel has just arrived at the landing.’
‘A trader?’
‘A warship.’
He frowned. ‘How many men?’
‘I counted twenty.’
‘Interesting.’
‘Don’t you want to find out why they’re here?’
He grinned. ‘You mean you want to find out why they’re here.’
‘All right, I admit I’m curious. Are you going to pretend you aren’t?’
‘No, I won’t pretend that.’ He squeezed her arm. ‘Go and hide your guilty secret. I’ll go to the hall.’
With that he hurried off. Lara made her way back to the bower. The place was empty now so she removed her cloak and unbuckled the sword belt before laying the weapon carefully back in the bottom of her chest and replacing the clothing on top. No one would suspect its presence there. Having done that, she straightened her rumpled gown and brushed a few tendrils of hair off her face. Then she went to find out what was toward.
By the time she reached the hall the place was bustling with servants carrying platters of food and jugs of ale. Her brother and father were deep in conversation with the guests. The servants had matters well in hand so she was able to stay in the background and listen.
* * *
Finn and his men took the edge off their hunger with bread and cold meat washed down by several cups of ale. Ottar made no attempt to discuss business until they had eaten. Then he made a gesture for the servants to replenish the cups and looked at his guests.
‘Now, will you not tell me why we have the honour of your company?’
‘It is not pleasure only that brings us here,’ said Finn then, ‘but rather the political turmoil in Vingulmark. The royal house did not look kindly on their defeat at Eid.’
Ottar regarded him intently. ‘You were there?’
‘Leif and I fought for Halfdan Svarti. So too did our cousin Erik and all the men you see before you. The fighting was fierce but at the end of it King Gandalf’s army was routed. Heysing and Helsing were slain. Only Prince Hakke survived.’
‘Better if it had been the other way around,’ said Ottar. ‘I always thought him the most dangerous of Gandalf’s sons.’
‘There’s many would agree. Hakke is nothing if not vengeful. His next act was to carry off Halfdan’s intended bride, Lady Ragnhild, thinking to wed her by force. Fortunately we prevented it and rescued the lady, but, in the confusion, Hakke managed to escape us.’
‘That was ill luck.’
‘Ill luck indeed. He bided his time until he could have his revenge. It was to take the form of a hall burning. My brother’s hall to be precise.’
‘That is treachery of a high order.’
‘The hall was on an estate in Vingulmark, a part of the land ceded to Halfdan. It was a gift to my brother from the king—a generous gift too, but its location made it vulnerable.’
‘I can see how it might.’
‘Hakke intended to surround the place and trap us within before he set fire to it. But for a timely warning the plan might have succeeded,’ said Finn. ‘As it was we were heavily outnumbered. We decided to split up so that the enemy would have to divide his force in order to give chase.’
‘Which, knowing Hakke and his adherents, they did.’
‘My men and I were pursued by a big warship under the command of Steingrim. They would have overtaken us for sure but, mercifully, the fog came down and we managed to lose them.’
‘As well for you that you did.’
‘Steingrim won’t give up easily. If we’re to have any chance of defeating him we must have reinforcements.’
‘Ah.’
‘I was hoping you might be able to help us, my lord.’
Ottar nodded. ‘Whatever can be done will be done.’
‘I appreciate it.’
‘You are the son of a friend and an ally. Your enemies are mine.’
‘I shall not forget this,’ said Finn. ‘Nor do I expect such a favour for nothing. You will tell me what I may do for you in return.’
Ottar was silent for a moment, his expression thoughtful. Then his gaze met Finn’s and he smiled. ‘I will think on it. In the meantime I invite you and your men to remain
