Sword Brothers by Jerry Autieri Read Free Book Online Page B

by the arrow, and his tongue had been cut deep. Finn had stitched the tongue together as best as he could while on a rocking deck, but the wound was in an awkward position, and Hakon could not bear the agony. For now, he could only drink and not eat. The puncture wounds on his cheeks would leave deep scars but not affect him otherwise. Ulfrik seethed with anger at Magnus the Stone's ignorance. His heart burned for vengeance, but as a jarl of high standing he had to behave with more grace and accept Magnus's payment. In truth, it was Hakon's duty to demand and collect compensation, but Ulfrik knew that arrow had been for him.
    "Do you think they've prepared a feast for our arrival?" Finn asked. He walked at Ulfrik's left, and the rest of his crew fanned out behind them, walking with a light step and full of laughter.
    "Gunnar's ships were at dock, so I'm sure by now he's told my wife a lie about how we were only a day behind him. I've no doubt a feast has been ready since he returned, and that he has had one for himself already."
    "Well, that's unfair," Finn said.
    "You could have left with him."
    "What we did was more glorious. I made the right choice."
    All laughed, even Hakon through his injuries. At last they came to the stockade walls and found Gunnar, his crew, and the rest of Ulfrik's hirdmen waiting. When the gates swung open, the cries of welcome echoed to the skies and Ulfrik forgot all his pains and worries as they parted for his entrance.
    "You'd never guess we're returning in defeat," Finn said.
    "After the summer we had and the narrow miss being trapped, I'm proclaiming this a victory worth celebrating."
    The men welcomed him with cheers and pats on his back. Families and lovers rushed to each other. At the edges of the crowd Ulfrik saw the forlorn expressions of those whose fathers or husbands would never return. He would later meet them all, pay blood prices, and tell them how bravely their man died, even if he had not witnessed it himself. For today, however, he was content to see his own woman, Runa, standing beside Gunnar with her hands folded at her lap.
    Time had stained the tight curls of her hair with gray, but had not diminished the fullness of it. She had at last succumbed to pressure and wore a head covering like every other married woman. Her waist had thickened and lines had worn between her brows, but she was as beautiful to him as ever. He was conscious of the limp bought on from all his running, and struggled to walk straight to her. When he enveloped her in his arms, more cheers went up.
    He felt drunk on her sweet scent and her warm, soft body against his tired skin was a salve to all his pains. They kissed deeply, and when they drew apart he looked into her dark eyes. "Sorry I was delayed. It pleases me to find you well and happy for my return."
    Her smile deepened, and she put a warm, smooth hand to his cheek. "Welcome home, Ulfrik."
    She turned to Hakon, and Ulfrik knew she did not recognize him at first glance. Gunnar also seemed to not recognize him until Hakon presented himself. Runa gave a short gasp and ran to him. "What happened to you?"
    "It's not as bad as it looks," Ulfrik said, pulling his wife back from Hakon. "We had some difficulties escaping the Franks. Hakon caught an arrow through the mouth. He's lost a few teeth and his tongue was cut, but give the boy time and he'll be spitting and cursing again."
    Runa's face was pale with shock and her dark eyes were like two dots in circles of white. Her hands hovered around Hakon's face, unsure of what to do, but he gently grabbed her wrists and lowered them. He tried to speak, yet only muffled words escaped the bandages. Runa's eyes teared up.
    "His tongue was cut? Will he speak again?"
    "Of course, Finn stitched it back together." He turned to point at Finn, but discovered he was lost in the arms of his own woman.
    "Stitched it back together?" Ulfrik did not think she could grow any paler, but she did. Gunnar shook his head and led