Hidden in Time: A Viking Time Travel Romance, #2

By pdmac

Frustrated with their efforts to retrieve the wayward time travelers, Time Travel Incorporated (TTI) decides to solve the problem with a more permanent solution. If you can't bring them back, eliminate them where they are.  An assassination team is sent to the past with the mission of tying up loose ends.

Meanwhile, hoping TTI will finally accept that they will never come back and leave them alone, Erik and Tone settle down on the farm that Jarl Halfdan has given him. Unfortunately, Jarl Thorsten believes he has a claim to the farm and decides to exercise that claim by sending battle-hardened men to challenge Erik to individual combat. Much to Thorsten's dismay, Erik not only defeats all challengers, he manages to gain another farm deep in Thorsten's jarldom. Thorsten's solution? 

 

Kidnap Tone.

 

Just as Tone risked her life to find him, Erik must now risk his life to rescue the only woman he has ever truly loved.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trimble Hollow Press
• Release date: Feb 6, 2024
• ISBN: 9781946495648

pdmac

pdmac is a diverse author, writer, and editor. He has a MA in Creative Writing, a Ph.D. in Theology, and is a member of the Steampunk Writers and Artists Guild, and the Georgia Writers Association.  He has also sung back-up for Broadway plays, provided voice for radio plays, and acted and directed theater stage productions.  In his off time, he and his wife race mountain bikes, kayak, and occasionally backpack sections of the Appalachian Trail.

Book preview

Prologue

March 794, Kaupang

I write these words in English on purpose.  If someone should chance upon my secret journal, they will not be able to read it.  If Tone or Erik somehow learn of it, they can do nothing, for it would reveal their own duplicity, their great lie. 

I have been a slave now for over a month, a piece of chattel commanded to obey another’s whims.  The man who claims to be my master is called Bjarke, the smithy here in Kaupang.  He’s a heavyset man, a head shorter than I, though no doubt far stronger.  He is neither unattractive nor is he handsome.  He is common and coarse.  He is not unintelligent, though he is cantankerous and given to moods.  There are times when he is intimidated by my superior intelligence and handsomeness, and he asserts his dominance by forcing menial tasks upon me or threatens to let them use me as a sacrifice.  But as the days have progressed since my servitude, his sacrificial threats have lost their sting.

Thus, I am little more than a mule, a sort of human pack animal, fed and watered as necessary to keep me alive and reasonably healthy.  My God how I long for real food, the comforts of my home and the touch of a woman.

By all the gods that ever existed, I will have them again.

Each day I survive is another day of life, another day closer to my revenge.  I have no doubt that TTI will rescue me.  They must rescue me and the others.  They cannot afford to leave us here.  I pray they come soon and release me from my bondage.

But not too soon, for I must accomplish something first – find Tone and Erik and kill them.

Chapter 1

Time Travel Incorporated CEO Jakob Cooper stood staring vacantly out the window of his office, his arms folded across his chest.  Ever since Tone Thorgilsdottir had pulled that stunt of escaping to the past, life at TTI had been overly frenetic.  Lying worked for a little while until people demanded answers.  Turning when his office phone rang, he walked over to his desk and pushed the intercom button, noting the blinking light of the line on hold.

Yes?

Dean Larsen of the University of Oslo on the line for you, Mister Cooper.

Tell him I’m in conference.  And tell him to quit bothering us.  Tell him we still have no clue where Professor Kallevig is and besides it’s not our responsibility.  No.  Wait, he huffed.  I’ll take it.

Pressing the hold button, he answered, This is Cooper.  Before you get started, let me repeat.  When we hired Professor Kallevig to assist us with a time travel mission it was with the understanding that his work for us would not interfere with his obligation to you.  You agreed that his assistants could handle the classwork for the first two weeks of the semester.  His work was finished on time, and he was released to return to you.  We have absolutely no clue where he went when he completed his work for us.

Yes, I understand that, Larsen replied.  It’s just that the University of Minnesota called and wanted to know if we knew the whereabouts of their Professor Sven Olsen who was supposed to be working with Kallevig on this project for you.

I’ll tell you the same thing I told the University of Minnesota, Cooper calmly answered.  Both professors arrived January, before the semester started.  We put both of them up at the Brown Hotel, a very nice place by the way.  They finished their work and checked out of the hotel two days before they were required to be back on campus.  We deposited their stipends into their accounts and only later discovered their return trip plane tickets were not used when you all notified us of their absence.  We have no knowledge of where they are or what might have happened.  The police here are investigating.  I’ll let you know if we find anything else.

Meredith Allen, the Director of Marketing and VP of External Affairs, walked in just as Cooper disconnected before Larsen had a chance to respond.

That was Oslo again, Cooper groused.  You sure we’re covered?

Yes, Jakob, she soothed.  Kallevig’s and Olsen’s belongings are in storage here.

But the security cameras, he said with a worried frown.

Meredith leveled a maternal gaze at him.  You’re over-reacting.  We’ve been through this before.  That’s why we have a costume department.  We had two doubles stand in for them.  The security cameras will show them both checking out.

What’s our story when they return?

Jakob, she sighed shaking her head.  You know better than that.  Do you really want them to return?

I know, I know, he fretted.  I’m not thinking straight.

You need some attention, she cooed, walking over to him and planting a kiss on his lips.  She cast a mischievous glance around the office.  I’d take care of you here if I knew we wouldn’t be interrupted.

And I’d let you, Cooper smirked, if I knew we wouldn’t be interrupted.   He pulled her close and kissed her, slow and deep.

Meredith caught her breath when he released her.  That was nice.  I’ll take that as a rain check for tonight at my place.  Dinner at eight, dessert after.

Cooper relaxed and flopped down in one of the plush chairs next to his desk.  I still wonder what happened to cause the machine to return without anyone on it.

Like Gene said, Meredith replied sitting in a chair facing him, someone probably activated the return control in the remote.

Gene.  Cooper rolled his eyes and shook his head.  Had he kept it in his pants, most of our problems wouldn’t exist.

Too late now, she commiserated.  Another week and we’ll get some answers.

You sure about them?

Meredith shrugged.  As sure as I was about the first team.  We’re constrained by the overwhelming ghost of time.  In this instance, I think Gene is right.  We leave technology behind and use good old-fashioned patience and poison.  We’ve managed to track down two individuals who are familiar with Old Norse and the two guides are from Iceland.

Iceland?

Meredith nodded.  According to the language experts we employ, Icelandic is the closest to Old Norse.  In this instance, we’re not saddled with two guides who can’t communicate like we did with our first team.

These two are dependable?

They know the mission and the dangers, Meredith answered.  Whether they’re dependable will depend on their success.  I’ve promised them a nice bonus when they come back.

With Tone, Cooper stressed.

Yes, with her, though if I had my way, she’d be a casualty too.  She leaned forward and peered intently at him.  What advantage do we get from bringing her back?

Cooper stood, hands behind his back, and began idly pacing.  My intent was to punish her, knowing that her true love was dead, in the past, and she was stuck forever in the present.

"You mean torment her, Meredith observed.  While I like the idea, she’d be more than a pain in our ass in the present.  One slip of her tongue and we’re back to where we are now."

I know, Cooper sighed.  Perhaps you’re right.  We’d still need proof that she’s dead.

Why kill her?  Kill Erik and leave her there.

The pregnancy thing, remember?  Knowing her, she’d get pregnant as much as possible just to create havoc in the present.

I disagree, Meredith said, standing and walking over to him.  First, she’s young by our standards, but middle aged by Viking standards.  Yes, she’s attractive, so she probably wouldn’t have any problems finding a suitable substitute for Erik.  But, even if she did get pregnant, you have to remember that infant mortality was a severe problem.  Probably less than half the children ever survived.  Third, she has to know that her giving birth to any child could affect the future, which means that even her own family could be affected.  I say we kill them all except her.  Leave her to suffer.

Cooper grinned at her.  You are so evil.  Remind me never to piss you off.

She leaned forward and reached out to tenderly stroke his cheek.  I don’t see that ever happening.  We’re so good together.  Don’t you think?

Cooper’s smile widened then shifted to a carnal desire.  Absolutely.  Will Emma be serving dessert tonight?

I hadn’t thought about it, she replied with a knowing smile.  I’m sure she’d be happy to.

Tell her to wear the French maid outfit like last time.

––––––––

Standing outside the longhouse, Tone tugged up the collar of her overcoat and gazed out over the inlet to Kolga’s house, knowing it wouldn’t be long before Kolga or Gunnsten was on their way over here to invite Erik to dinner.  Oh, Tone would be invited as a matter of course, but the invitation was always extended to Erik.  These days it seemed she sought out any excuse to come over here.  Erik, ever the gentleman, accepted more than he declined, always apologizing to Tone after Kolga departed.

We need to be good neighbors, he had explained.  And besides, she’s Halfdan’s sister.

And she’s got the hots for you, Tone reminded him.

I’m sure she sees how madly in love I am with you, he replied.

Good answer, she smiled, tweaking his nose.  Just wish she’d leave well enough alone.

Remember where we are, he reminded her.  Neighbors are expected to help and support each other.  And she’s –

Halfdan’s sister, I get it.  I’ll continue to make nice, but one of these days she’s gonna get an ear full.

Don’t forget she’s helping feed them, so you may want to wait until we’re self-sufficient.

The cacophony of hammering and chopping interrupted her thoughts and she stepped around the longhouse to momentarily watch the construction of two additional buildings close by.  She grinned when she saw Siv and Magnus giving their attention to one particular building while chatting like intimate lovers.

Seeing Tone, Siv gave Magnus a peck on the cheek and strode over.  Magnus will be over in a little bit to talk to you.

Because?  Tone frowned, pretending not to know the reason.

You know why, Siv smiled.  He’s particular about certain things... one of the many reasons I love him.

What about Erik?

He’ll ask him too.

Are you sure about this?  Tone narrowed her gaze at her.  There are plenty of other Vikings out there.  You’ve only experienced a tiny part.  Are you sure about this one?

Siv returned the gaze.  When were you sure about Erik?

The first time I saw him.  And each time after that.  When Siv merely smiled in response, Tone nodded.  Touché.

Now that Erik has given him his own house, we can tie the proverbial knot.

You could have done that before, Tone pointed out.  You could have lived with us.

Siv chuckled and squeezed Tone in a hug.  I love you like a sister.  You’re the closest thing I have to family.  In fact, you’re closer than my real family back in the future.  She pulled back to look at her.  That said, would you really want Magnus and I going at it at one end of the house while you and Erik were frolicking on the other?

It happens all the time.

That’s not what I said.  Is that what you would want?

It would’ve been fine with me, she impishly grinned.  Just think of all the stories we could have told Gene, foursomes and orgies.  He’d have gone crazy.

Siv laughed.  He’d probably want to stay.

Tone’s mirth faded and she peered intently at her best friend.  You know they’re not going to leave us alone.

I know, Siv soberly replied, which is all the more reason to take advantage of what I have, here and now.  I’ve found my ‘Erik.’  I’m going to enjoy him as long as I can.

Tone looked beyond Siv’s shoulder.  Magnus is headed this way.

Siv turned and waited.  When he came up, Siv excused herself with, I’ll leave you two to talk, and disappeared into the longhouse.

Magnus’ normal self-assuredness waffled as he cleared his throat.

Tone toyed with simply telling him he had her approval but decided watching this strong supremely confident man suddenly awkward was more fun.

Clearing his throat once more, he inhaled a deep breath.  "I’ve come to ask for Siv to be my wife.  Though I know you are not her blood relative, I am asking you because she says you are the closest person she has to family here.  Thus, in this instance, you are her family.  So, I am asking for your approval.  I will be a good husband to her.  No... I will be the best husband to her.  I will –"

Yes, Tone interrupted with a grin.  You have my blessing.  She’s been looking for you for a long time.  I’m glad she’s finally found you.

Magnus frowned in puzzlement.  How is that possible?  I’ve never seen or met her before.

You are such a literalist, Tone teased.  What I meant is that she’s been looking for someone like you.

She has had many suitors then? he asked, torn between being pleased that Siv chose him and wanting to know about other admirers.

Lots, Tone honestly answered.  Seeing a flash of disappointment, she added, Simply desiring someone is not enough.  Sure, she had plenty of suitors wanting her.  But remember, she turned them all down because they were not who or what she wanted.  It didn’t matter if they were rich or handsome beyond imagination.  They weren’t Magnus.  There was and is only one man for her.  She jabbed a finger in his chest.  You.

Magnus’ awkwardness sluffed away, and he smiled.  Thank you.  He glanced beyond her shoulder to the door to the longhouse where Siv had disappeared then to the house Erik was building for him.  Never had I imagined that I would come here and end up having a home and a wife.  Erik has given me far more than any Jarl ever could, especially when you showed up.  I am forever indebted to the both of you.

Erik depends on you, Tone said, returning the compliment.  I’ve seen the two of you together.  He trusts you with his life.  You’re like a brother to him.  Now that we’ve got the mutual admiration out of the way, go on and find Erik.  She hooked a thumb over her shoulder at the longhouse.

Magnus chuckled.  Thank you. 

As if on cue Erik emerged from the longhouse, smiling when he saw Tone and Magnus.  Siv followed a moment later.

What are you two plotting, he chuckled as he walked up.

Take over the world, Tone replied, causing Magnus to bark a laugh.  She then pointed to the two buildings.  How long before they’re done?

With the extra help Halfdan sent, Magnus answered, Possibly no more than six or seven months, though once the weather turns warmer, it might be longer.

Tone flashed a mischievous grin at Siv.  Wonder what Gene would think?

Siv snorted a laugh.

Who’s Gene? Magnus asked.

He was a sort of acquaintance Siv and I knew, Tone answered.  He was a pompous fool, too full of himself thinking that women were things to be enjoyed then tossed to the side when bored.

Magnus curled a lip.  He sounds like a fool.

He is.

Speaking of Halfdan, Erik interjected, looking at Magnus.  What’re your thoughts on the men he sent?

Of the five he sent, one or two need attention and direction.  The others are good.

I know my training house isn’t the best accommodations, but until their house is finished, it will have to do for now.

They know that and understand.  Besides, when their longhouse is finished, they know that they are getting better lodging than they would get anywhere else.  Um...  He shifted a gaze at Tone and Siv.  I need to talk to Erik.

We’ve leaving, Tone chuckled, taking Siv by the arm and leading her away.

Magnus waited until they were out of earshot.  I have come to ask for Siv as my wife.

Puzzled, Erik frowned at him.  Why are you asking me?  If she’s said ‘yes,’ what more do you need?

You are my Jarl, Magnus said, and she is your wife’s adopted sister.

Be careful with the ‘Jarl’ thing, Erik cautioned.  I don’t want the men to get any ideas and the last thing I need is for Halfdan to think I have dreams of taking his place.

You would make a fine Jarl, Magnus replied.

Erik shook his head.  Why would I want that headache?  It’s trouble enough feeding and housing all the newcomers and their families.  Multiply that by a thousand and that’s just part of what it means to be a Jarl.  As to the second part, you are right about Siv and Tone.  They are like sisters.  That said, you have my blessing.  You two are meant for each other.  I am truly pleased to see you happy.

Thank you, my friend.  Magnus relaxed.

Erik smiled and clapped him on the shoulder.  Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get down to business.  It’s been too quiet around here.  Let’s send out another patrol.  I’m going with them this time.

Magnus cocked an eyebrow.  Why?

I need to know the layout of the land just like everyone else.  How can I make sound decisions if I don’t know what the terrain looks like?

I’m going with you.

I’d like that.  Pick five or six to go with us.

Where we going?  Magnus asked.

We’ll skirt Hønefoss and head northwest.

Towards Thorsten.

Yes.  Erik stretched.  I’ve been in one place too long.  I know it’s winter and everyone’s supposed to be inside where it’s warm, but it’s time to let Thorsten know we’re here to stay.

Kolga stood outside the small stoutly built house made of stone on a knoll in the woods to the east of Hønefoss.  Smoke curled out a vent in the thatched roof.

Ordering the two hirdmen to wait outside, she dismounted and knocked on the door.

Come in, Lady Kolga, a pleasant voice answered.

Opening the door, Kolga entered the tidy home.  The fire pit in the center of the house provided more than ample heat on this cold February afternoon.  A bed was tucked against the far corner, though not too far from the fire pit.  Dried herbs and flowers hung from the rafters.  Except for the wall containing the door, the other walls were lined with shelves of stone jars, mortars and pestles, and various dried insects.

A small table nestled against a side wall.  Sitting at the table, was a slender middle-aged woman with thick long blond hair.  Her blue eyes sparkled with wisdom and her smile revealed teeth perfectly white.  Her skin was the pale white of one who spent most of her time indoors.  Despite her age, she was attractive, unusual for a Volvur, the Ostman’s word for seeress.

I was wondering how soon you would return, Folkvi smiled, her voice warm and alluring.

I saw little reason to waste my time complaining that your potion was a miserable failure, Kolga huffed.

Yet here you are, she calmly retorted.

Kolga stiffened then slumped.  Yes.  Here I am.  She began aimlessly pacing around the small house.  What am I to do?  She has him following her like a lost puppy.  She pretends they’re married, but I know that’s not true.  He was not married before she showed up and they’ve had no ceremony since then.

But they are committed to one another, Folkvi replied.  Ceremony or not, they are united as one.

But that’s the point.  If they were really committed, they would have had a ceremony.  That none has occurred tells me that he has doubts.

Folkvi tilted her head.  How do you know it is him who doubts?

Because I see the way she looks at him.

And he does not return the same looks?

It’s not the same.  I can tell.  It might look like it, but it’s not.

Folkvi half-smiled.  You place a lot of your energy on him.  Are there no others who would satisfy you?

You don’t understand.  He’s my perfect match.  He is everything I ever wanted in a man.  There is no other.

Not even Egill?

Kolga stuttered to a stop.  From the moment she saw Erik, she had thought of no one else.  Egill had become a distant memory.  Yes, she had loved him with all the exuberance and childishness of a girl who thought she knew love.  They had settled here to become prosperous farmers.  But that wasn’t enough for Egill.  He was an Ostman and that meant raiding in the warmer months, which left the farm responsibilities to her.  At first, she had resented his absences.  But as time went on and she became the dominant personality on the farm, she grew to like being in charge.

It did cause some problems, especially when Egill returned expecting to have things done his way.  They were both stubborn personalities and yielding was a sign of weakness.  When Kolga became pregnant with the first child, Egill was more deferential.  Yet the child, a boy, died several days after birth and Egill’s deference faded.  It rose again when she became pregnant a second time, but the girl was born deformed and left to die.

By the time the fourth child died, Egill had pronounced her cursed and spent more time away from the farm visiting family in Haddingjadalr or raiding.  Her pain was made more unbearable  for it was only days after she had come here for a child-life potion when she learned that he had drowned in a storm coming back from a raid, all his booty sinking with him into the depths of the sea.

In the interim between his death and Erik’s arrival, she had found solace in the routine of the farm.  Yes, there had been suitors, few though they were.  Those seeking a union were motivated by position and wealth than love, claiming love wasn’t necessary for a marriage to work.

They were fools.  She had loved Egill.  She still did... at least she thought she did.  That emotion worked until Erik showed up.  And then she started comparing. 

It started on the ride back to the farm.  Not only was he handsome, he was articulate, intelligent, deferential to her emotions, and attentive.  She had never experienced that before, all in one man, not even Egill. 

As time went on and they spent more time together, usually at her home, she forgot Egill ever existed.  In truth, the comparisons were not fair for Erik far exceeded the man Egill was.

Then she showed up and ruined everything.

Kolga paused and looked at the Volvur patiently waiting her response.  Erik is a fine match.  My brother dotes on him.  I expect one day he will be a Jarl in his own right.

You have not answered my question, the Volvur calmly pointed out.  I asked if this Erik surpassed even Egill.

Kolga let out a slow breath.  Yes, even Egill.

Folkvi raised her brows in surprise.  That is quite a man.  She narrowed her gaze at her.  There is only one way to gain this man.

How?

She must die.

Kolga stiffened. 

Folkvi held up a reassuring hand.  I did not say that you must do it.  But, she said with a knowing smile, you can be the reactant that causes her death.  From what I have learned, she prides herself as a shieldmaiden.  That can be cause enough for her death and no one would suspect any different.

Kolga blinked at the revelation.  Of course.  The question was, how to make it happen?

As though reading her thoughts, Folkvi said, She is a strong-willed woman.  She has her  vanities.  Feed them and you will get what you desire.

Having second thoughts about his scouting mission, Erik stood resting his arms on the cattle fence, a stone wall nearly chest high, watching his thralls scatter manure on the snow-crusted fields.  His thralls... a condition and situation he still had mixed feelings about.  Desperately needing to fit in, he couldn’t flaunt his twenty-first century values against the mores of 8th century Viking Norway.  Thralls were a way of life as was human sacrifice.  That part still gave him the willies and he hoped he’d never have to witness such an event, which made him wonder if the blacksmith was still putting up with Kallevig.

Movement from the corner of his eye caught his attention and he turned to see Torben approaching, a stranger leading a horse, beside him.  A dozen of Erik’s hirdmen tagged along.  The look of disgust on Torben’s face told him his hirdman was not pleased.  Yet it was the look of smug arrogant determination on the stranger’s face that caused Erik to heave a sigh of frustration. 

When is this going to stop?  Though he knew the reason for the man’s visit, he chose to wait and let the man speak.

This is Thorri Krogsson, Torben said.  He’s here to –

I know, Erik interrupted, staring coldly at Thorri, but I want to hear him say it.

Deliberately ignoring Erik, Thorri casually searched for a place to wrap the reins then handed them to Torben as if he were some house thrall.  Untying his outer cloak, he draped it over the saddle before stepping over to stand in front of Erik.  Planting his feet shoulder width apart, he folded his thick arms and with a condescending grin, gazed at Erik.

Erik quickly studied the man.  He was half a head shorter, though broad in shoulders and trim like a man who was a seasoned fighter, the scar on his cheek bearing witness.  His blond hair, held back by a leather headband, fell to his shoulders.  Though not unattractive, he was not one who would merit a second glance, especially with a nose that had been broken at least once.  He wore a thick leather vest over a tight woolen undershirt, giving him protection while  allowing him freedom of movement.  This one has come prepared, Erik thought with a begrudging nod, noting the battle axe strapped to the saddle.

I’m here to challenge you to holmgang, Thorri said, his voice surprisingly pleasant despite the rough appearance.

I know, Erik replied.  You want my farm.

Thorri snorted a derisive laugh.  Don’t give a damn about your farm.  I’ve got my own.  I’m here for your woman.  I hear she’s passing fair.

Erik’s nostrils flared as anger surged and swelled, and he balled his fists.

At that moment, Tone emerged from the longhouse, causing Thorri to leer at her with lascivious intent.

Ah, he broadly smiled.  Is this the woman in question?

What’s going on? she asked.

He’s challenged me to a holmgang, Erik answered, his eyes still focused on Thorri.

Not again, she huffed. 

It’s a little different this time, he calmly said.

Oh?

Yes.  Instead of the farm, the holmgang is for you.

Me? she sputtered.

Yes, fair lady, Thorri said.  How’d you like to come home with me, a real warrior.  Not some pretender who can’t use a proper weapon.  I’ve got a farm twice this size in Herad.  We can spend our winter days romping in bed.

With you?  Tone’s puzzled frown evaporated into a spasm of uncontrollable laughter.  Doubled over, she pointed a finger at him, her laughter unabated. 

Thorri’s smug arrogance vanished as his face flushed an embarrassed red.  You won’t think it funny when you become my thrall, he threatened.

Is that your way of enticing me? Tone taunted, smirking at him.  Such sweet words.  Come home with me or I’ll make you a thrall.  She shook her head.  You’re pathetic.  I’d rather poke my eye out with a muddy stick than go anywhere with you.

Thorri’s jaw clenched as he bowed up.  We shall see.  You should be thankful I’m even interested, especially with you being so old.

Instead of anger, Thorri’s feeble attempt to insult her caused her to laugh again.

Apparently I’m not too old for you to drag your sorry ass all the way from your puny farm  to come fight for me.  She turned to gaze at Erik whose stony demeanor caused her to abruptly calm her mirth.  It was the look in his eyes that she had never seen before, a look of simmering anger about to explode.  It surprised her and momentarily frightened her.

Let’s get this over with, Erik growled before turning to Torben.  Take him to the holmgang-ring while I get my weapons.

Yes, Erik.

I heard all about those spinning things, Thorri sneered.  You gonna fight with them or use a man’s weapon.

Erik stood to full height and narrowed his gaze on Thorri.  That’s the second time you talked about using a man’s weapon.  How about we dispense with weapons and fight just with what nature gave us?  He splayed his hands for emphasis.  You want to be a man?  Let’s fight without weapons.

The challenge caught Thorri off guard for he had hoped to embarrass Erik into using a sword, a weapon Thorri believed he was better at.  But now, to refuse Erik’s counter challenge would be to admit he couldn’t best Erik in combat.  Sizing up his opponent, he knew he was stronger than Erik in sheer power.  Perhaps this was the secret to defeating this man – no weapons, just man against man.

I accept.  We fight until one of us yields.

Erik’s icy eyes bored into him.  No.  We fight to the death.

Thorri blinked in surprise for he knew the law of holmgang.  In this instance, Erik chose to remind him that he would not yield.

In a loud voice, Erik turned to his hirdmen and announced, "I call all here to witness.  Thorri Krogsson has challenged me to holmgang.  His challenge is for my wife, Tone.  I accept his challenge and invoke the law of holmgang that when I kill him, his property, inheritance and all his possessions,