Njall arrived at a run, calling for Jarl Óttar. “Lord, the trading knarr is readying to leave the port. The tide is turning.”
“Fetch me our four captains since we must prepare to follow in her wake.”
The scout hurried away, searching for the navigators. By asking around, he soon had them hastening to the jarl, who stood on the wharf near his longship. The early morning sun turned his blond hair to a golden sheen and the light breeze ruffled it, emphasising the need to move in his mind.
“Since our vessels are faster than the knarr you see rowing out to sea, we can let her slip away for the moment. With this wind, my ship will overhaul her farther down the coast where she can’t run for a port. We’ll grapple and board her. You come alongside, each of you ready five staunch warriors who wil
