The hersar and their men appeared before the light of morning brightened the walls of Ringsaker. Within moments, the grim-faced men of the Uplands filled the courtyard and the grounds beyond. Hakon"s horse shifted under him as more and more men pressed in around him and made ready to go.
Sigurd jockeyed his steed up alongside Hakon"s. “Brand did not find the Tronds.”
“I know.”
“So we move without them?” Didrik, who sat just behind Hakon, made no effort to hide his dismay.
Beside them, Egil grinned. “Stop worrying, Didrik. It just means you will have two men to fight.” His comment produced an uneasy round of laughter from those close at hand.
“Come on. It is time.” Hakon urged his horse forward, careful not to trample any of the foot soldiers assembled around him.
Hakon had dressed hi
