“Who are they? Are they Erik"s?”
“If they were Erik"s, this place would be destroyed. No, I think they"re friendly.”
As a precaution, Sigurd"s two ships back-rowed and came to a floating stop just off the crowded beach. While they waited, two dark figures made their way through the camp to the shore. The figures stopped on the shoreline and called, “Who is there?”
Sigurd moved to the foredeck. “It is I, Emund—Sigurd. Who are all these men?”
“They seek to join Hakon,” called the sentry.
Hakon looked about, not believing his eyes.
Before him, Toralv turned on his rowing bench and smiled broadly. “Did you hear that?”
“Aye.”
“We are coming ashore,” called Sigurd.
The tired crew pulled a few short strokes toward shore, where Egil guided them in among the other ships. Toki cast Emund a
