Islands in the Fog Read online

  Ulfrik fixed his eyes on Halla. She kept her head lowered and hands locked over her lap, a study in modesty. "Hardar is an over-proud fool, saved only by luck. His pride will be his undoing."

  Halla met his gaze. For a moment she appeared just like her father, and Ulfrik worried she would betray them. His eyes drew to slits. "What I plan next cannot be shared. Halla, my life is hostage to your loyalty. My plan might lead to your father's death, especially if he fights. It can't be easy for you to hear this."

  "It is not easy. I never wanted his death or harm to come to my family."

  "You witch!" Runa shouted. Everyone jumped at her outburst. She slapped her palm on the table. "What do you want? Your family is our mortal enemy. You've twice chosen us over them."

  "Over my father."

  "It's the same thing. Now, you have no choice. Your loyalty or your death!" Runa's voice cracked and she glared at Halla, who wilted at the tirade. Ulfrik placed his hand on her shoulder to calm Runa, but she jerked it away.

  "My loyalty is to Toki and Lord Ulfrik. But I was promised my mother would be cared for."

  Ulfrik sighed and shrugged. "If I am ever in position to offer her hospitality, I will. For now, I go to certain slavery. Let's refocus on the plan."

  He reviewed the group again. Halla stood chastened. Einar and Snorri stood together, arms folded and faces set hard. Runa looked at no one. Finally, Toki turned away and held his face in one hand. His leg pumped nervously and he seemed ready to burst. Ulfrik empathized, also wanting to end this horrible experience.

  "I surrender myself to Hardar today. I will go alone on the Fjord Runner; it is ruined from the fire and can probably make it to Hardar's shores. The rest of you, along with a small crew, will take Raven's Talon and sail away in secret."

  "No!" Toki stepped forward, fists balled at his sides and his eyes alight with passion. "I will go with you. This is my fault, the price for breaking my oath to the gods."

  "Toki, no. You can't leave me after all this." Halla grabbed his arm, but he pulled away.

  "All this destruction, it's because I made an oath I failed to keep." Tears began to flow from his eyes. "I should pay the price and not you."

  Ulfrik shook his head. "It was only a matter of time, old friend. Do not judge yourself. Leave that to the gods. If you do them honor, they may overlook what you have done. If you accompany me, Vermund's relatives will put you to death. Your place now is with Halla, and with my family. They will need you, and I demand you do this for me."

  Toki nodded and Halla finally latched onto his arm and drew him close, as if he might disappear. Runa continued to stare at nothing, keeping her face empty of feeling. Ulfrik realized she had been pushed beyond her limit, but could not think of how best to help her cope.

  "Once Hardar has received my surrender, he will come to seize my wealth. His mercenaries will be paid and will move on. At least that is my hope, since remaining here makes no sense unless they find more plunder. That is always possible. Still, while this goes on, you will be seeking aid. Go to Ragnvald. We are not so close that he might fight for me. But he may still be swayed by Hardar's aggression, or at the proposition of wealth."

  "If we take your treasures with us," Snorri said, "then Hardar will know something is amiss. We have to leave a good portion behind."

  "True, and who besides me knows how much wealth I truly possess?" Ulfrik spread his hands wide. No one answered. "So we leave him enough to see that I've been trading my wealth away all these years. Besides, in flocks and property he will have enough to satisfy himself."

  "What about the people left behind?" Einar asked. "Won't they be mistreated or enslaved?"

  "Maybe so. I can only ask for mercy. They did not want to fight, and so have chosen the loser's path. Hardar will do what he wants with them. Fate decides in this as in so many things."

  "Too many things." Runa broke her silence, finally facing Ulfrik. "What if Ragnvald joins? We still have the same problem, only worse since you will be a hostage."

  "Do not stop with Ragnvald. Keep looking among the islands. Hardar does not have everyone's love. Make sure the other jarls see the threat to their lands. He hired a massive fleet and destroyed me. What about them? A smart jarl will understand what happened to me could happen to himself. If a few act, there is hope. Hardar will have to release me, and swear an oath of peace."

  Runa frowned, but her stare faltered and she lowered her head, hair falling over her face.

  "Ulfrik, this plan is dangerous. Even if Hardar doesn't execute you, he might mistreat you badly enough to kill you. It could take too long to gather allies. We might even be caught at it. Isn't there another way?" Toki pleaded.

  "I know the danger. But if I flee with you, then those mercenaries will catch us."

  "The ocean is vast and the world wide," Toki countered. "One ship can hide easily. We've hid all four of our ships many times."

  "Then truly those left behind will suffer. Hardar will destroy them out of rage and spite. He will torture them for information. My honor and name would be forever destroyed. You know this, Toki."

  The two men stared at each other in long silence. Then Toki shook his head. "I wish there was another way."

  "So do we all," Ulfrik replied. "But the gods will have blood before they have mercy."

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Hardar felt nearly out of breath, such was his excitement and his rush to don his linen cloak and sword. Ingrid sat on their bed as he fumbled with the belt of his sword. She slumped forward with both hands cupping her listless face. The pin Ulfrik had given as a gift was fixed to his cloak. "Gods, woman, you look like something dredged from a fishing net. We must look like victors."

  Ingrid stared at the wall as she replied. "He didn't come with Halla. Why do I care about looking better? There's nothing to celebrate."

  Hardar yanked her off the bed. She flopped around like a drunk; he actually thought he caught a scent of mead from her. He pawed at her hair and brushed down her dress, attempting to make her presentable. "Let's get out there. Hurry."

  Bounding into the hall, he faced a group of men in neat rows of threes assembled before the high table. At their front stood Ulfrik. Hardar's warriors flanked them, weapons drawn. This is really happening, he thought. Kjotve's word was true! He strode to the edge of the short earthen rise to stand in front of Ulfrik. A smile exploded across Hardar's face.

  Ulfrik stood ragged and limp, like seaweed washed up on the beach. His hair was lank and his cheeks sunken. Hardar gleefully took in every sign of Ulfrik's defeat, from the forced way he tried to stand tall to the way the corners of his mouth trembled. His eyes were couched in blackened bags of flesh. But the icy gaze peering out from them stilled Hardar's rising excitement. Purpose showed in that gaze, as well as a flash of threat.

  Turning to his other captives to break Ulfrik's arresting gaze, he counted a dozen other men, all unarmed and dressed in plain clothing. No sign of status on any of them, no arm rings or gold. Hardar smiled, knowing he would uncover their wealth despite their efforts to hide it. The rest of the hall was filled with the remainder of his men and a part of Kjotve's. The fearsome Kjotve was absent, which pleased Hardar.

  "I hear your ship barely made it to shore. My men had to tow you the distance." Hardar folded his arms across his chest, careful to let the hand with his gold rings show on top.

  "Your mercenaries did what you could not. Don't gloat over your ability, which lacks in every detail. You couldn't piss your own pants without someone to point your cock."

  Ulfrik's men laughed, and Hardar's face grow hot. He opened his mouth to curse, but drew back. Time enough to beat that arrogance out of him, one broken bone at a time. "And all your ability washed you up on my shores. So much for the high and mighty Jarl Ulfrik Ormsson of Nye Grenner." Hardar flicked a hand as if shooing a mosquito. "Our lives are in the hands of Fate, and Fate has placed you in mine."

  "I sailed here under a sign of truce, which your men recognized. If you had any
honor, you would do the same."

  "You came here in a sinking ship. You came to surrender. So let's not pretend anymore, Ulfrik." Hardar spit the name like a mouthful of fish bones.

  "I demand terms first. You see I've not come with all my men. There are plenty more willing to fight you, and we will fight until death. Be wise and you can have what you want without further loss. Without mercenaries, you are helpless. Without pay, your mercenaries will abandon you. Maybe they won't want to pry at my hall as long as you think."

  Ulfrik smirked as if his logic were infallible. Hardar conceded he would be correct in any other circumstance. But Kjotve wanted the pearl inside the shell, and Ulfrik did not realize it. Yet.

  "Then what are your terms? Don't leave me quaking in fear." Hardar exaggerated a shiver, eliciting laughter from his warriors.

  "I surrender myself, my wealth, and you will accept my people and lands as your own. Treat them as your own, and they will serve you well. No slavery, no hall burning, no more killing. My people desire peace."

  Hardar tapped his foot as he considered. Ulfrik was only a few feet away. A plain cloak pinned with a bit of bone or wood hid most of his body. His own men flanked him with spears leveled, but they seemed lulled by the safety of numbers. Despite the defeated posture of his captives, their blades pointed at their bodies, he suspected Ulfrik laid a trap. "You don't hide any weapons under that cloak, do you? You're not going to drive a blade up my throat?"

  Ulfrik unpinned his cloak and dropped it at his feet. "Search me if you must. I have nothing more than my clothes. I am yours, Hardar. My men have foolish notions of following me into death. But I ask you send them home."

  "Death? But that would be too generous of me!" Hardar unfolded his arms and began to pace. He noticed Ingrid had followed behind and now stood next to him. She looked like a spirit faded into the half-light. "No, Ulfrik, you should be made to understand the pain you've caused my people, the ill will your scheming has brought to these lands. The others jarls must see the price of arrogance."

  A faint smile seemed to flit across Ulfrik's face, drawing a scowl to Hardar's. "Do you think I'm a fool? Is this a joke to you? You will not be smiling before the day is done."

  Suddenly Ingrid stepped forward, her voice shrill and screeching. "What have you done with my daughter? Why did you not deliver her to me?"

  "She remains with her people," Ulfrik stated.

  "Her people?" Ingrid's voice threatened to pierce Hardar's eardrums. He leapt to her side, gripped her thin arm and hauled her back. She wrested herself free as Ulfrik explained.

  "Toki and Halla are betrothed. She has freely entered into marriage with him, making her one of my people."

  Hardar's laughter came automatically. Ingrid regarded him as if he had bitten her ear. "Your arrogance is endless. Without my permission, Halla's marriage means nothing. She was betrothed to Jarl Vermund, whom you slew. As I see it, she will return to me and the rat who stole her from my hall will be executed. But not before I've flayed every inch of flesh from his body."

  Ulfrik shrugged. Such a simple gesture, but it kicked Hardar in the gut. He lunged up to him. "I'm going to enjoy carving that spirit out of your heart. You want to mock me, even in defeat? Have fun at it. It won't be much longer before those teeth are falling out of your rotten mouth."

  Ulfrik pierced him with his gaze, but Hardar did not flinch. The two bristled a hand's breadth apart. Hardar watched a fly land on Ulfrik's cheek, parade in a circle like a victory dance, then twirl away. Not a muscle moved on his face.

  "Until my daughter is returned, I will accept none of your terms. You and your men are prisoners until she and her so-called husband are standing on the ground you occupy right now. Where is she?"

  Ulfrik flinched for the first time, a darkness passing across his features that pleased Hardar to see. "She remains in my hall."

  "If she is not, then your wife and little boy will help me locate her. Do you understand?"

  "I was not about to deliver them all to my enemy. Go fetch them from my hall. But my wife and son, they are to be left alone."

  Hardar's frown melded into a grin. "They will be my guests, hostages to your behavior."

  "Then we have an agreement?" Ulfrik asked. Hardar paused again.

  "I expected more fight from you, even in defeat. Why are you so eager to surrender?"

  Ulfrik spit in Hardar's face, spraying him in the eyes. "Does that suit you better? If you want a fight, I'm ready any time."

  Hardar pawed at the wetness as one of his men rammed his spear-butt into Ulfrik's side, collapsing him to one knee. The man raised the spear for another blow.

  "Enough! We'll get to the beating later." Hardar wiped his hand on his pants as Ulfrik recovered from the spear strike. "So we have an agreement, Ulfrik. You and all of these men are my prisoners until Halla is returned. I will take all that you possess, and rule your lands as my own. Your people will swear oaths to me, and send hostages. Those who refuse will die where they stand."

  Ulfrik bowed his head. "So be it."

  Hardar laughed, deep from his soul. He had pulled victory from certain destruction. The gods had sent Kjotve to strengthen him. This victory confirmed he was true spiritual leader of these islands, and now his one challenger lay crushed beneath him. A warm glow wrapped him as he lorded over Ulfrik.

  "Now I get my pay." The booming voice echoed across the hall. Hardar looked over the heads of the others, spotting the huge and shaggy shape of Jarl Kjotve framed against the light of the open door. He flickered into shadow as he entered, men parting to allow him forward.

  "Not as of yet. My daughter is not returned."

  "Not my worry." Kjotve lumbered forward. Hardar watched Ulfrik twist around, then stagger back. Kjotve chuckled. "Seeing ghosts, are you, Ulfrik? Someone left for dead, surrounded and cut off on a little island, has now returned to see all debts paid."

  "You died at Hafrsfjord. Everyone said so. The island was surrounded, cut off." Ulfrik's voice diminished. Hardar enjoyed watching Ulfrik stripped of all bravado. He was like a frightened boy, and Kjotve's hulking size made even the statuesque Ulfrik appear child-like.

  "No thanks to oath-breakers like you, I lived. And I've rebuilt. There's much catching up for us to do."

  "There is no Kort the Gray." Hardar didn't understand Ulfrik's dejected statement, but Kjotve and his followers roared in laughter.

  "But there is. He's just not me." Kjotve now turned to Hardar, his voice becoming a low threat. "I take him and this crew as my payment. Then I'm done here."

  "But we agreed just on Ulfrik. I need hostages to ensure my daughter is returned."

  "Do you think my services were not worth the price?" Kjotve's yellow and black teeth showed in his smile. His followers stood forward, reminding Hardar how desperately he was outnumbered. He shook his head and looked away, but Ingrid flew at Kjotve like a gull to a fish.

  "My daughter was kidnapped and still hasn't come home. You can't do this!" Ingrid snatched a mug from the table, but Hardar clamped his hand atop hers. Kjotve smiled at the whole scene.

  "You will find her, Lady Ingrid. But Ulfrik and his crew have been long in tracking down. The gods granted them to me, to see justice done. So I will be taking them now."

  Hardar shoved Ingrid behind him. Halla didn't matter now that her chastity had been compromised and Vermund killed. He wanted her returned as a point of pride. "Then take the lot of them, Jarl Kjotve. Well worth it for the help you've given me."

  Kjotve growled in pleasure. "Wise choice. And you, Ulfrik, might recall a time when my son took you as a slave to save your life. Well, that happens once in a lifetime. I'm making you slave and plan to whip the skin off your back while you row my ships. How does that sound to you?"

  Eyes wide, Ulfrik did not answer. His jaw moved in wordless shock. Hardar shuddered thinking what the monstrous Kjotve planned, though his largest regret was missing the chance to witness it.

  Ulfrik's plan went awry at the first step. E
veryone had come to send him off. Somber faces surrounded him. Many begged him to stay, others said nothing. He suspected a few came merely to see the spectacle of leaving his family. The throng of observers prevented him from secretly launching his family in a ship. Instead, he had to devise a ruse to cover.

  Heavy clouds filled the skies, appearing as plowed fields of ash. The sea lay flat and gray, waves lapping as if the ocean had lost its strength. Fjord Runner and Raven's Talon swayed placidly at dock. At least his treasures had been loaded to Raven's Talon before the crowds had gathered. Now people formed a line down the slope to the ships. He noted how many were middle-aged women, their head covering flapping in the breeze. This brief, brutal conflict had created an abundance of widows. He faced the burial mounds in the field behind the hall. He gave silent thanks for the bravery of the men interred within, then started down the line.

  Runa and Gunnar awaited him at the end. With every step he grew more numb. His hands grew cold and his eyes watery. He trembled with fear and sorrow. An image of Runa's face from the first time they made love came to mind. They had owned nothing, nothing more than hope. But their love had been fierce, and the years had only increased their passions. They had given so much to each other. Now, a thread of hope was all he was leaving her.

  People touched him as he shambled down slope. Some thanked him, others merely nodded, some turned askance as he neared. The faces filed by in a blur. As he passed, they fell in behind and followed him to the ships. At last he arrived at the end, where Runa and Gunnar stood. They both stared at him, both keeping emotion off their faces. A weak smile trembled on his lips, realizing they were better at hiding their feelings than he was. Toki and Halla, Snorri and his family also came forward, along with the crews for each ship. He turned to address the gathered people. Rows of sullen faces spread up the slope, and hardly a sound above a lone bird call was heard.