Helgha was carding the wool from the shearing of the sheep when she heard a great clattering and shouting in the compound.
A boy rushed into the longhouse and shouted, “They’re back. The men are back from Northumbria.”
Helgha held her breath. Was Erik among them? Had he survived the battles they must have fought? She barely contained herself from running out to see.
Erik strode through the door, and Helgha let out a breath. He was safe.
She watched as the men hugged their wives and children, but noticed a few of the women huddled together. No men came to them, and a wailing began. Her eyes filled with tears as she thought of how she would feel if she were among those women whose men had been killed.
Erik almost bounced toward her. He was in high spirits. They had slaughtered many men
