Contents
Chapter Thirty-Two: Elvar
Overview
Elvar’s crew sails across Lake Horndal, preparing to leave the Wave-Jarl and strike north. Elvar confides a suspicion that a Raven-Feeder was Tainted, hinting at danger and pursuit. At camp, Agnar reveals the Oskutreð quest to the entire Battle-Grim, winning their commitment. Private moments deepen bonds as Biórr’s affection for Elvar emerges and Grend’s protectiveness sharpens.
Summary
The Wave-Jarl unfurls sail and surges across Lake Horndal toward the north shore. Elvar approaches Agnar and shares a memory from Bjarn’s abduction: a Raven-Feeder may have been Tainted, his features shifting under fear. Agnar weighs the implications, questioning whether Ilska knew and controlled such a warrior, and praises Elvar’s eye for detail.
They land in a secluded inlet and bring wagons and ponies ashore, preparing to travel overland. At nightfall, Agnar finally unveils their secret: guided by Uspa and knowledge taken from the Graskinna, the Battle-Grim will seek Oskutreð. He declares his blood-oath to return Uspa’s son and invites the company to follow, binding them in spirit to the vow. The warband answers with cheers and mead, embracing the peril and promise of god-hoards and fame.
Later, Elvar and Biórr speak quietly about Ilska’s flight from Snakavik, Thrud’s death, and Elvar’s family. Elvar rejects a life of comfort arranged by her father, insisting on earning her own fame. Biórr pledges to follow both Agnar and Elvar, sealing the moment with a brief kiss that startles and stirs her.
As footsteps approach, Grend arrives to summon Elvar to her watch. His protective glare falls on Biórr and Elvar, underscoring shifting loyalties and tensions within the company as they step definitively onto the path toward Oskutreð.
Who Appears
- ElvarWarrior-protagonist; suspects a Raven-Feeder was Tainted, commits to Oskutreð, shares intimacy with Biórr, and takes first watch.
- AgnarBattle-Grim chief; reveals the Oskutreð quest, reaffirms his blood-oath to Uspa, rallies the warband.
- BiórrWarrior; supports the quest, mourns Thrud, vows to follow Elvar and kisses her.
- GrendElvar’s close ally; protective since the oath, interrupts Elvar and Biórr to call her to watch.
- UspaSeiðr-witch; stole and read the Graskinna, promising a road to Oskutreð; target of Ilska.
- SighvatVeteran; helps sail and stands first watch; an oath-swearer to Uspa.
- HuldYoung warrior; reacts with fear and excitement to the revelation of Oskutreð.
- SólínLean, grey-haired fighter; questions how Oskutreð is possible, prompting Uspa’s clarification.
- KrákaWarrior and oath-swearer; sits with Uspa during the camp revelation.
- Hundur-thrallThrall accompanying Uspa; present during Agnar’s disclosure at camp.