He rolled onto his back and squinted up at the black rafters of Frodi’s hall. Things melted into focus and he became aware that men were rushing around him while others shouted orders. As sleep drained away, he was kicked again. One of Frodi’s warriors hunched over him, cradling Fate’s Needle. “Get up. Invaders are coming.” He dropped the sword at Ulfrik’s side. “Find a shield and form up outside. Jarl Frodi is leading the defense.”All around, men were roused from their dull slumber. Women, children, and the elderly filed into the hall, their eyes bright with panic.He found Yngvar shaking Magnus awake.“Who’s attacking?” Ulfrik asked the man who woke him.“Frodi will tell you. Just get yourself ready.” The man left to wake others.“It’s Harald’s man,” Yngvar told him. “I was awake when scouts came with reports.”Magnus leaped to his feet, pulling Yngvar by the shoulder. “Then Grim is with him. Time to gut that pig once and for all.”Ulfrik had nothing to say; Magnus had said it all.
