Chapter Twenty-OneThe Norse waited to send them away, the warriors watching Halfdan with envy and some of the women with expressions of regret. Astrid clung to Bradan's arm.
“Stop this way on your return,” she said. “A man of peace is a rarity in this place of warriors.” Her eyes were bright blue, more inviting than ever. “I have never met such a man before.”
“We may return this way,” Bradan said. “You know now that not all men are warriors. The Norse also have men of peace.” He held her eyes for a second, recognising a woman lost in a world where she did not belong. “Find strength, my lady. Peace is a rare commodity and a woman of peace has more strength than a woman of violence.”
“Your woman is violent.”
“There is peace within her,” Bradan said. “It will come out when her violence is
