They insisted. Sigtrygg, Snorri, Bjorn the Scout and Erik Dog Bite were more than enough to protect me from any danger. Aiden came too. Instead of the longer journey around the Water we headed south along the trail which followed the ridge. We used this eastern route for it was less prone to flooding. By noon we had reached the river. Bolli was already hard at work. The 'Josephus' had been damaged. An uprooted tree had driven into her hull. He and Erik Short Toe were hauling her on to the bank to drain her. 'The Heart' had suffered less but she looked the worse for wear. Erik shook his head. "The gods were angry last night jarl but do not fear. We will be ready to sail in a week or so." I nodded. "The next voyage you take will be to Miklagård with Aiden. I shall be sending the knarr there too. You need not rush the job. You have half a month to prepare." "You will not be coming?" "No, Erik, I have other work to do." Bolli was shaking his head at the damage. "You will have much work to do on the Water, Bolli, not a ship remains afloat." "I should be happy for that means more gold but I hate to see any boat destroyed." "Do your best and if you need gold before you begin then just ask." "I know I will be paid, jarl." "What of the knarr?" They both shook their heads.
