As it came to pass, a blizzard formed, blocking Vali's path to Draugr castle, and despite the best efforts of him and his men, it was considered too dangerous to continue, and they traveled back to the village. The storm lasted for several days, and only the most desperate braved the conditions. It was too dangerous to stay inside, and at the behest of his mother, Vali stayed in the family home for the first time in months.
Frode was laid up in bed, waiting for his jaw to mend. He never mentioned what had happened, but Bodil could tell from the tension between him and Vali that they had clashed and also that Vali had won. As much as she loved her husband, she also loved her son and was pleased that he had won. She wasn't sure which of them was right, but she was sure the gods would choose
