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Before the
seas were hospitable again, the Parans had helped to capture more
horses and cattle than the norse could ever need and were sent home
with a good share of the creatures. Vertin chose to remain behind, he
explained that his family had died before they had left the tribe and
he had expected to die in battle. Raevil is pleased he will stay and
commands that Vertin is to be treated as his second, his word
unquestioned as if it came from Raevil himself.
Much earlier in the season than any ship should be
travelling, a messenger ship arrives with word of King Hrolt. The
messenger relays the sad news that Raevil's father has not lived to see
the frosts end. Raevil is needed immediately in Vikare. He also learns
that his younger brother has already taken the reins of power in his
absence and replaced the Kingsguard with loyal warriors. The funeral
and Kingssending has been delayed until Raevil can arrive, but he must
come immediately. He attempts to place Vertin in command during his
trip, but the Paran wants to go with him on his journey. Both realize
the trip will be dangerous. They both quickly pack.
Raevil sends the messenger ship back with news he will be
directly behind. He gathers his warriors and crew and boards one of his
new ships to return to Vikare. Along the way, they spot many norse
ships headed for the valley. They hail one and ask where they are
headed. The crew explain that a war is brewing. The new King Gripir is
conscipting warriors to add to his force and seeks to invade and
conquer the other islands. As Raevil travels to the island, he sees
more and mroe of these ships.
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Sure that his
life is in danger, but unable to fail to arrive, Raevil plans to visit
the leaders of the other islands and test the loyalty of his brother's
men. All the Kings of the Norse Isles must attend the funeral of King
Hrolt and the Kingssending, where they load him into his knarr with
many of his worldly possessions, his weapons and armor, then burn it as
they release him to the sea. Raevil will need to quickly gain the
measure of these men's loyalty in the few moments he will have at these
ceremonies.
As soon as they arrive, Raevil is put under "Honor Guard"
by his brother's men. The honor guard numbers twice his force. Another
group of warriors is put to guarding the ship as well. The ship's guard
numbers at least twice the crew. Raevil orders half his men to stay
with the ship. As he marches off he is pleased to see that now the
number of men on the ship is almost more than the guard placed at the
dock. Vertin questions the decision,but understands that if the ship
falls under Gripir's command they will have no way to escape the island
whether they defeat the honor guard or not.
The people of the town cheer Raevil as he marches to the
castle of King Hrolt, now the keep of his brother, Gripir. Their joy
and cheers are truly genuine, even in the face of the scowls and marked
glances of King Gripir's men. They reach the castle and the cheers
abruptly stop. Raevil and his men are ushered in instantly, the great
gate slamming behind them.
His brother's welcome is warm but false. It seems more for
the benefit of the gathered minor nobility than any expression of
feeling by his brother.
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