Biorn chattered all the way back about his day. He wanted to bring his new sword with him to show Helgha, but Erik said he should leave it at the longhouse so he could use it next time he came. Biorn tried to argue, but his father was having none of it, and when he raised his voice, Biorn stopped his arguing and went home without it.
“When can Hartvigg have a sword?” Biorn asked. “I can teach him how to use it.”
Erik laughed. “He needs to be quite a lot bigger. He hasn"t learned to walk yet.”
As they approached Helgha"s house, the sound of muttering came through the open door. Erik paused outside and peered in. Helgha had a crock of mead in her hand. She stood over it chanting as she poured something into it. After replacing the crock on a shelf, she returned to spinning the wool that s
