Sixteen: SacrificesThe balance of forces was now clearly in favor of the Jarl. The Valkyries positioned themselves just behind their archers, near Steinar and his personal guard. I wanted desperately to charge out and support my father but knew I had to stick to the plan if we were to make a dent in their forces. Rurik's horses rode out in front of the infantry and held in place. Atop the hill, I could hear yelling from Clan Volsung and a thunderous sound erupted in the valley as they banged their weapons against their shields. I looked up at the sky, hoping for some Asgardian intervention.
“Odin, where are you?” I said under my breath.
“What in the name of the gods was that?” Gunnar had crawled to the top of the hill behind me, most likely startled by the Valkyries who had flown overhea
