Contents
Chapter Forty: Orka
Overview
Orka resolves to kill Guðvarr and Jarl Sigrún but senses a trap at the safehouse farm. When Guðvarr arrives with drengrs, Orka leads Mord and Lif in a flight north. She burns a bridge to stall pursuit and chooses the Boneback Mountains, planning to draw Guðvarr on while pursuing Drekr and Breca.
Summary
At dawn, Orka, with Mord and Lif, leaves Darl to return to their lodging farm. They debate how to strike Guðvarr and Jarl Sigrún, and Orka proposes baiting them by using herself to draw them into a public trap. Despite this plan, Orka’s thoughts remain fixed on rescuing her son, Breca.
Approaching the farm, Orka senses something wrong: no smoke, no animal noise. Mounted warriors spill into the yard—Guðvarr, Arild, and over a score of drengrs. Seeing Mord and Lif ill-equipped for a pitched fight, Orka orders a retreat and rides hard away from Darl.
With Guðvarr’s force closing, Orka turns north at a crossroads, avoiding Darl and heading toward the Boneback Mountains. They race across rising ground and reach a narrow wooden bridge over a ravine. Orka crosses first, hacks down hawthorn, and kindles a fire on the bridge, forcing Guðvarr to halt as the timbers crack and collapse.
The burning bridge buys time, but Orka wants Guðvarr to keep chasing so the brothers can avenge their father. She declares their goal: ride north into the Grimholt Pass, drawing Guðvarr after them while she closes on Drekr and the stolen Tainted children—especially Breca.
Who Appears
- OrkaLeader and strategist; proposes baiting enemies, senses ambush, orchestrates flight, burns the bridge, and aims north for Grimholt Pass.
- MordInjured and pride-stung; supports Orka’s plans, flees pursuit, and prepares to avenge his father.
- LifCautious brother; questions the plan, follows Orka, retrieves a thrown spear, committed to killing Guðvarr.
- GuðvarrPursuer; leads drengrs to the farm, presses the chase, stalled by Orka’s burning bridge.
- ArildGuðvarr’s companion; armored drengr riding close behind during the pursuit.
- TrúrOrka’s sturdy gelding; carries her in the escape and hard ride north.