Shield-Maiden: Under the Howling Moon (The Road to Valhalla Book 1) by Melanie Karsak

Author:Melanie Karsak [Karsak, Melanie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Clockpunk Press
Published: 2020-02-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

We made our way from the hall through the village toward the grove. The jarl and Gudrun walked at the front of our group, Calder and Asta behind them. Leif followed, Mother and I walking at the back of the group, Eydis trailing us.

My cousin looked back at me. His eyes had the same faraway appearance as the others. Whatever the holy ones had given us, it had awakened the deep parts inside us. Leif reached out and motioned for Eydis to take his hand. At first, she hesitated, but then she went with him. We made our way to the grove.

Tall torches lit the way. The crowd grew silent as we passed. The only sounds that could be heard were the drumming and chanting of the gothar. We made our way to the effigy of Odin at the entrance to the grove.

It was there that I spotted King Gudmund, Hofund, Jarl Tove, Jarl Njal, and their families, including Egil and Eilif. The king and his son had both drawn runes on their brows. The king inclined his head to Grandfather.

My eyes went to Hofund.

We held one another’s gaze.

Something I didn’t want to be there stirred in my chest.

Grandfather raised his hands, then turned to face the crowd. The assembly grew silent. “We shall begin the rites by thanking Odin for his many blessings. All-Father, continue to watch over Dalr. Tonight, we have many sacrifices ready for you. And Thor, we make praise to you. Bless our raids this spring,” Jarl Bjartmar called then motioned to one of the gothi. The gothi, holding a metal shield and hammer, struck the weapons together. A loud ring reverberated across the field. It was louder, deeper, and sharper than a bell. I could feel the sound deep in my chest. Again and again, the man clapped the hammer, calling Thor’s eyes to us.

“Odin be praised. Thor be praised. Here, at the feet of the All-Father, King Gudmund will make the first sacrifice tonight,” Grandfather called.

The king stepped forward, motioning to his servants.

Gudmund’s house, it seemed, was closely allied to the thunder god. Like Hofund, the king wore a large amulet of Mjolnir.

A goat bleated as it was brought forward. One of the gothi held the beast by the horns as another set a bowl under the animal.

The king went forward. Taking a knife from his belt, he slit the animal’s throat. The creature’s protests died with a bloody gurgle. The blood was collected in the bowl. The gothi handed the king a branch from Grímnir’s Eye. After he dipped the leaves in the blood, he made his way around those gathered there, sprinkling the sacred blood on all of us. I closed my eyes and listened to the beating of my heart.

Odin. All-Father. Do you hear me? Guide me to a future away from this place. Take me from here. Thor, beat your hammer and call me to war.

The gothi beat his hammer against the metal shield, again and again, the sharp sound ringing across the field and to the ears of the gods.

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