CHAPTER 6

The leader was ready and returned to the ranks of the warriors, and the old Skald Imgrim moved quietly, swaying in the fire. The disciples followed him with musical instruments in hand and slowly began to beat to his words. lmogrim took a harp and played several chords. . His fingers moved slowly over the broken string, as if trying to organize his thoughts. Asmil played with his thin, bloodless lips. The light illuminated every seam of his trembling face, making his eyes a deep cavern. His long white beard shone in the flickering light. The crowd held their breath and waited for it to begin. It was quiet all night. Ragnar looked around and saw Ana. He seemed to be looking at her when their eyes met, and she looked down awkwardly at the ground. Aunt Grim Tochant began. His voice was soft and surprisingly resonant, and his words seemed to flow to the beat of the drums. It was as if the great well within him was tapped and slowly but surely it began to flow.

In his first major battle, h