Contents
Chapter Forty-Two: Elvar
Overview
After crossing Isbrún Bridge, Elvar’s warband halts to treat severe wounds from the tennúr attack. Uspa stabilizes Grend, who later wakes briefly, easing Elvar’s fear. Agnar reinforces their oath-bonds, Sólín swears a debt to Elvar, and Elvar’s bond with Biórr turns intimate as they camp before the Dark-of-Moon Hills.
Summary
Elvar and Sighvat unload the unconscious Grend from a cart after the perilous crossing of Isbrún Bridge. The Battle-Grim take stock: wagons and ponies lost, many wounded, three dead to tennúr. Under Uspa’s guidance they clean, stitch, poultice, and cauterize wounds; Uspa confirms Grend’s skull is not broken and prescribes valerian and peppermint.
Agnar visits Elvar as she tends Grend, offering food and steadiness. He speaks of the Battle-Grim’s oath-bonds and his past as a thrall, emphasizing chosen kin over blood. He orders rest despite the perpetual daylight, planning to march by strength rather than time.
Camped by a stream on the verge of the Dark-of-Moon Hills, Elvar balances fear with awe at the god-lands ahead. Grend stirs and briefly wakes; Elvar admits fearing life without him, and Grend reassures her before sleeping again. The moment renews Elvar’s resolve.
Sólín arrives, bloodied and tooth-gapped, to share ale and declare a blood-debt to Elvar for saving her in the melee. Their warrior’s grip affirms sisterhood and the hard-won trust of the shield wall.
Elvar then seeks out Biórr, thanking him for breaking ranks to save her and Grend. Their gratitude turns to a kiss, and she leads him to a secluded willow by the stream, where their bond becomes intimate. The company rests, preparing to push into the Dark-of-Moon Hills at first readiness.
Who Appears
- ElvarBattle-Grim warrior; tends Grend, faces fear of losing him, affirms oath-bonds, and begins an intimate relationship with Biórr.
- GrendElvar’s companion; suffers a head wound from tennúr, stabilized by Uspa, wakes briefly and reassures Elvar.
- AgnarBattle-Grim leader; consoles Elvar, shares past, reinforces chosen kin and rest-before-march strategy.
- UspaSeiðr-witch; treats the wounded, confirms Grend’s skull intact, prescribes herbs.
- BiórrWarrior who returned for Elvar and Grend; shares laughter, accepts Elvar’s thanks, and becomes her lover.
- SólínGrey-haired warrior; lost teeth to tennúr, declares a blood-debt to Elvar, toasts their sisterhood.
- SighvatWarrior; helps Elvar move Grend and hums at the campfire.
- KrákaCompanion by the hearth; jokes with Biórr, Uspa, and the Hundur-thrall.
- Hundur-thrallThrall among the Battle-Grim; shares food and laughter at the campfire.