By the time Hakon reached Ivar"s hall, his thralls and warriors had already gathered. A teary Groa, who had run to the hall as soon as she heard the commotion, sat weeping on a bench with Holmfrid by her side. She glanced at Hakon as he entered, then buried her head under her mother"s arm. From the hushed chatter, Hakon understood that something had happened to Ivar; but just how serious it was he could not tell.
The godi emerged then from the sleeping chamber and whispered in Thorgil"s ear. He nodded gravely.
“It is confirmed — Ivar is dead,” Thorgil proclaimed to the somber audience. “Prepare a ship. We shall honor my father with a funeral to be remembered. You.” Thorgil pointed to the pretty girl with the bruised face who had served Hakon at his arrival feast. “You shall accompany my
