Chapter 8: Beautiful Women

Once clothed, he waited patiently while the guard leaders conferred. The second man spoke low and often glanced toward the door leading outside. Was there someone watching?

When the conversation ended, the shorter guard leader gave him a shove. "Up! Get your lazy ass moving or else we'll feed you to those dogs."

They marched him past rows of sleeping prisoners. Some groaned and tossed fitfully. Others slept deeply, snoring loudly. None paid attention to him. Nor did anyone ask about his fate. Perhaps they assumed he was dead. That might explain their lack of concern.

Ahead, two large gates opened into the courtyard beyond. Beyond them, Yngvar spied the main hall where they held court. He saw the red-haired woman sitting on the throne. Once before he had seen her in chains. Now she wore fine clothing and smiled amiably at whatever news the king delivered.

King Hakon sat upon the dais beneath the great banner depicting the cross symbol of Christ. A dozen men gathered about him, speaking in hushed tones. He gestured to the doors and beckoned for Yngvar to approach.

The guards shoved him ahead. Behind him, the heavy iron gate slammed closed.

Hakon rose to meet him. Yngvar stopped just inside the shadow of the doorway, allowing the others to remain within earshot.

"So you survived after all," Hakon said. He seemed genuinely pleased. "And if I hear you made it across the sea without losing an arm, I may consider giving you a reward myself."

"Thank you, lord king, but I doubt I deserve such praise."

"Don't underestimate yourself. You were captured by enemy forces. If you'd lost an arm, what value would that be to either side? Your life is worth far more than gold. Besides, you're young enough still to bear children. So don't worry too much about riches right now."

"No, thank you, Lord King. I intend to repay you however I can."

"As should everyone," Hakon said. He waved aside the comment. "But let's talk of something less serious. Tell me everything since I last heard from you."

Yngvar described his capture and escape with Thorfast. He told of finding Alasdair and Bjorn near the monastery ruins. Then he recounted meeting Gyna and being rescued from captivity. He omitted telling of Erik Bloodaxe's death, assuming that story would come later. Otherwise, he also avoided mention of Brandr, Valgerd, or Gunnar.

At first Hakon merely nodded along, though his expression grew increasingly grim. Yet when Yngvar came to recount how they sailed southward, he stood abruptly.

"Didn't you sail northward?"

Yngvar paused. Had he mentioned sailing northward? He tried to remember. Surely he had been forced to describe which way they sailed after reaching land. It was hard to believe he forgot doing that.

"We found ourselves blocked by ice, lord king. We turned around and headed back home."

Hakon frowned at his answer.

"Ice? Ice blocks the straits? How long has this happened?"

Again Yngvar hesitated. What did he say? He decided to play ignorant. "Lord King, I know little of the northern seas. Only that storms are common up here. And that winter lasts longer than most places experience."

"What kind of weather does summer bring?"

"Summer brings heat like any other place. Though winters tend to be harsher. More snow falls and the waters freeze over."

"I see," Hakon mumbled as he paced away. "You've no idea why this happens? Or how to stop it?"

"None, lord king. But perhaps another ship could reach us through the passage sooner rather than later. There's always hope."

Hakon looked down, then raised his head again. His face reddened and he stared straight forward. At length he sighed, shaking his head.

"It seems our troubles will continue. As soon as I return to my father, I shall seek aid from the gods. For now we must endure until help arrives."

He returned to his seat on the dais. One of the men who remained behind leaned close to speak in his ear. Yngvar guessed he had not yet revealed anything dangerous. After listening, Hakon called for ale and wine to drink together. The man left with instructions to fetch the refreshments.

Once alone with Yngvar, Hakon offered him a cup of watered wine. They both drank sparingly, watching each other. No one spoke. Outside, the sun set. Darkness fell across the courtyard. Yngvar felt himself growing sleepy despite having only drunk lightly.

"Now tell me your true tale. Why do you appear so different?"

"My lord Hakon, please allow me to explain. I have changed because of what I witnessed during these past weeks. While I cannot claim to understand it fully, I feel certain there is meaning in it. Perhaps even wisdom."

"Perhaps," Hakon said flatly. "Though I wish you'd share whatever it is you think you saw."

"Of course. My story begins many years ago. Before you were born or even conceived. That is where the truth lies."

***

Yngvar's voice echoed off stone walls. High above, a single torch burned against the gloom. Its feeble light wavered as he spoke. Despite its meager flame, it provided enough illumination to reveal shadows dancing across every surface. A dozen candles sat unlit beside their wicks, providing additional light for those few moments before darkness claimed them once more.

The room was small and simple. Stone floor and ceiling blended into gray-white rock. In contrast, the dark wood table and chairs were polished and gleaming. Two doors flanked either wall. Both were closed and barred with iron bands. From outside came the sounds of guards patrolling. This prison cell served two purposes: interrogation and punishment.

A slender figure sat opposite Yngvar. She wore her hair pulled back tight beneath a white cloth wrapped around her forehead. Her lips seemed bloodless and drawn thin. She was dressed all in black except for an embroidered red blouse. It hung loose upon her shoulders but still clung to curves that made Yngvar blush. Beside her rested a wooden bowl filled with water.

She smiled gently at Yngvar's embarrassment.

"Don't worry about my appearance. You're just seeing me in my natural state. Now that I am free of the curse, I'm quite beautiful."

Her smile broadened. She glanced aside at the door and lowered her voice.

"But if you want to see me naked, let me warn you I'll bite your nose off."

His eyes widened.

"Oh, don't look so surprised. You might find yourself wishing you could take back such words. Don't trust anyone anymore, especially handsome young men. Especially ones who come bearing gifts."

He cleared his throat. "How can I get out of here? Is there some secret passage?"

"There isn't a secret passage, dear boy. Not unless someone else knows of one and hasn't told me.