“Damn it!” Hakon dropped his blade and clutched his wrist where Egil"s blade had sliced the skin. Blood ran crimson between his fingers. It was a superficial wound, but it throbbed nevertheless.
“I have warned you to be patient, Hakon.” Egil"s cheeks glowed red from exertion and adrenaline, and he smiled wolfishly. “You saw my shield drop and in your haste to finish me, you let your own guard down. You assumed that because my hair is now white with age, I can no longer bear a shield in single combat for as long as you.” Egil pointed his practice blade at Hakon"s wrist. “Have that tended to quickly. It"s unseemly for kings to faint.”
Hakon stalked to his hall, ignoring the eyes of his feast-guests who had been watching the sword practice with interest. As he entered, Astrid turned from th
