with a hamperful of fresh herbs and Bergsveinnam at my back, I meet the handsome warrior again. This time he offers to take me to a feast at the Konungr's Royal Mead Hall in Vestfold. I lose myself in his sky blue eyes for a heartbeat, then shake myself awake.

"Thankyou, sir, but I am sworn by my jarl to serve Amleth. I would not dare to accept your kind offer without his permission. Perhaps I will see you there," I say, smiling sweetly and excusing myself.

I can see Amleth in the distance, pacing the ship with his usual impatience. "How was I supposed to know he would suddenly show up and want to leave immediatly for places unknown," I mutter and increase my pace.