The rocky peak of Freikollen loomed large in Hakon"s view, though it was the beacon fire dancing on its peak that had him worried, and wroth. Lighting the beacon was no small matter, for beacon fires alerted the entire area of possible enemies, called men to arms, sent civilians into hiding, and disrupted life greatly. For that reason, they were only to be lit when large, unknown forces appeared. His two ships were hardly a large force, and were certainly recognizable.
He glanced back at Astrid, who sat with Thora and Unn near the steer board, huddled under a blanket of wool to fend off the biting wind. Hakon had just promised to keep her safe, but if the beacon warned of a larger force, what then? Would he need to return her so soon to Lade? He cursed under his breath and looked back at
