On the eastern horizon, fiery slivers of light announced the sun"s imminent return. Hakon stood still for a moment, taking in the serenity of the new day, but seeing no beauty or wonder in it. The joyous sound of birdsong only mocked his misery. He studied the blushing embers of the myriad campfires and the orange glow they cast on the huddled figures of his heathen army—an army he suddenly wished to be rid of. He looked up at the stars still twinkling overhead, wondering if Aelfwin might be looking down upon him.
Hakon gazed at the sacrificial stone. He wanted to go to it, but his feet felt rooted to the ground.
“Sleep evades you, boy?”
He did not have to turn to know Egil spoke.
Egil came up beside him and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Your father used to do the same before
