Bk 1, Ch 7: The Carrot and The Sword
Sigurd cleared his throat loudly a short distance away. Gently, I laid the girl’s head on the wooden planks and stood. Sigrid’s back was turned as he busied himself rifling through a basket of goods. “What is it, Sigurd?” “My Lord,” he responded, turning towards me. He must surely have seen and heard what had just transpired, but he made no mention of it. He and I often disagreed on things, but I could not have asked for a better subordinate. “My Lord, we are clearing the last few houses now. Torstein reports success on the beach, and nobody made it past our archers. What are your orders?” “Finish clearing the houses, but don’t worry about looting the place just yet. We’re here to stay so it can wait. Get our dead and wounded in …