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Svear custoroom paid a bride price to his intended’s fa her and any children in the appropriate manner In return her fa his lifetime, but which reverted to the woman and her children at his death or after a divorce The aed usually cancelled each other out

‘Sayrid Is that all you can think about—how e will cost this family? It is my future happiness at stake here’

Sayrid rested her elbow on top of the spear Gods save her froin, had fallen for Blodvin, he’d changed and become more apt than normal to stare off into space

‘I’ll forgive you supper, but stop panicking Covar Flokison the Bloodaxe would not dare cross our fareed That’s all I’ht movement in the water ‘Now if you don’t mind, I have a bone to pick with this trout’

‘Sayrid, look atme Please’

Sayrid turned around and winced at Regin’s tragic expression Thankfully their father was no longer there to mock

‘Regin, what is wrong?’ she asked in a far gentler tone There was little point in rehearsing her old arguin had made up his mind and his stubborn streak rivalled her own It hy they had been able to face their father down years ago when he had tried to use his fists on their sister, Auda, when she could barely walk ‘What new demand has Bloodaxe made? Whatever it is, I’ll deliver it You know ’

‘She issomeone else’

Sayrid froze ‘Who? Who thinks they can cross this family without retribution?’

‘Hrolf Eymundsson Her father doesn’t dare refuse hi with half a dozen ships under his coin clutched his hair with both his hands ‘I can’t lose her, Sayrid’

‘What?’ Sayrid stood up straighter ‘Whose idea of a joke is this? Hrolf Eymundsson isn’t here The jaarl would have infor our village’

‘Hrolf and our jaarl exchanged peace rings at Birka They are allied against Lavrans and his Viken raiders’