Ailia was in and out of sleep that night. She hadn’t slept well in the Viking settlement or in the wagon either, but even though she was exhausted and sleep-deprived, she was unable to relax enough to surrender to a deep slumber. Every time the dragonship swayed a bit too much, catching a particularly rough gust of wind or a steep wave, she awoke, fearing the ocean would swallow her into its depths. The cold night was a ceaseless maredream, for when she slept, she dreamt of Eiess or of Unni and Brander being slaughtered by the Vikings, and when she awoke, she thought she might die.
Finally, the sun rose in the east, sending glorious beams of light onto the red sail. Breakfast was the same mush as yesterday and a cup of milk. Ailia’s stomach didn’t feel as queasy, so she took a bite and waited to see what would happen. Thankfully, the food stayed down, and she was able to finish the meal. Afterwards, Erlend managed to locate shears and worked on evening out Ailia’s hair. Just as he finished, Erik approached them.
“Come with me,” Erik said to Ailia.
She rose to her feet and followed him down the narrow lane. Stopping at the dragonhead, he offered her to sit next to him on a chest.
“Where did you say you were from?” Erik asked.
She stiffened, fearing an interrogation. “Bergendal, sir.” She sat down. Again, she noticed how large this man was, how the muscles in his thighs protruded from beneath his trousers, and how his feet were at least twice the size of hers.
“How did you end up being a thrall? You don’t seem to fit the part.”
“I was captured by Vikings when they raided Bergendal,” she said.
“So, you are a native then, ay?” Erik asked, narrowing his eyes.
“Yes.”
“What was the name of your Viking chieftain?” His eyes shifted to his men, studying them carefully.
“Gunnar.”
His eyebrows drew heavy over his puzzled eyes. “Haven’t heard of him. I thought I knew all the Viking chieftains. Must be a rogue.” He leaned closer. “You live close to Eiess, do not you, ay?”
She hesitated for a moment, but then nodded.
“Eiess,” He sat up straight and drew a deep breath. “I work for that dragon, you know. She has sent me out to hunt for the Great Sentinor.”
Her breath caught, and she desperately hoped he didn’t notice.
He grabbed a bottle and took a swing, offering it to Ailia.
She shook her head, but when he insisted, she took a small sip and handed it back to him. The strong drink tasted of honey and mead.
“Eiess is uglier than the Midgard sea serpent, Jormundgand. But she is a generous employer.” He turned back to face her again. “Have you heard about this Great Sentinor named Lucia?”
She swallowed.
“She is supposed to destroy Eiess and put an end to this wretched winter,” he said. “I would like that, ay. But what I’d like even better is to find the Great Sentinor.”
“Why?”
“If I do, Eiess has promised me an unlimited supply of dragonships. Nothing would be more rewarding than that!” He laughed wickedly. “A thousand dragonships!”
“I’ve heard of the Great Sentinor,” she said. “But, isn’t she just a myth?”
“No, she’s real.” His eyes widened. “Eiess had her captured in the Northlandic Castle a few months ago, but she escaped.”
“I’ve never met her,” she said.
“Hmm,” Erik said, studying her face for a moment. “No one has. She may have just vanished into thin air, this mysterious Great Sentinor. Or perhaps she had fled the country.” He handed her the bottle again and she took a sip. “She is supposedly guided, you know. Do you believe all men and women are guided?”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“Guided by a higher power—by the gods,” Erik clarified.
“I… I don’t know anymore. I thought I was, but lately, it seems I have had nothing but trouble.”
He laughed heartily at her reply. “I like you, Ailia from Bergendal.” He paused and then said, “Let me give you a piece of advice. Just know that the sun still shines just as brightly even though it’s behind the blackest of clouds. And usually, I have found, to get to Valhalla, you have to spend some time in Helheim.” He stood up, marched off, and yelled at some of his Vikings.
“It seems like it’s going to be night forever,” Ailia muttered beneath her breath.
* * *