Lord of the Runes Read Free

trunk. Holding his breath, he waited until they were gone. It went against everything he was to allow them to live, but he had no weapons. Even though he could kill without them, the sounds would bring others and he would be outnumbered. Stealth, not engagement, was his best course now, for they didn’t know he had survived and that would gain him an advantage.
    A flash in his mind made him pause. So familiar and sweet. He reached for it and the image of the sacred grove crossed his awareness. Of course she would be there, waiting for him. He moved a short way up the mountain to the clearing where his ancestors had worshipped the gods for centuries.
    â€œSilvi?” He kept his voice low.
    His younger sister stepped from the trees, leading a horse. Sacks, blankets, and a sword hung from the saddle. The dark hood of her cloak fell back and her white-blond hair blazed like a beacon. “There you are.” She dropped the reins and held out her arms.
    He strode to her and crushed her against him. “I sensed you in my mind, like we used to do when we were young.”
    â€œMother knew you were still alive.” She leaned back to look up at him. “She sent me to find you.”
    He didn’t ask how they held the wisdom they did. Such gifts from the gods were best left unquestioned. “I heard Mother’s thrall tried to get you to safety. What happened? Where is she?”
    Silvi gently broke his hold on her, stepping away. She could never touch anyone for too long a time. As gentle and sensitive as she was, living in the world was too painful for her. She kept herself apart, from fear of taking on the sorrows of others.
    Her gaze darted away from his. “The outcasts caught us and brought us back. By that time, the fighting had stopped or else we might have been killed before they learned that Mother is a rune mistress. She swept into her chamber and put on her regalia, her blue cloak, fur boots and gloves, her glass beads. And of course, she had her rune staff. When they saw her come out, they nearly shat themselves.”
    He smiled. “They had no way to know they would tangle with a woman of power. Her rank will see her safe. But what of you? You’re not initiated.” It was well-known what happened on raids, and his breath caught.
    She gave him a slight smile, her strange silver gaze sad. “No man looks twice into my eyes, Eirik. Except you. I will be well. The runes have said so.”
    â€œThe runes.” He laughed, short and harsh, anger curling through him. “What good are they? Did they warn you of this? Did they warn me of—”
    â€œThey did tell us. Of Father’s death. Mother saw it weeks ago. Since he was ill with the wasting disease, we thought they were foretelling his death from that. We had prepared ourselves for it. Not for this.” Her pale eyes filled and she turned away.
    Whether she wanted his touch or not, he wouldn’t let her grieve alone. He pulled her against his chest and she leaned back, shaking in her silent sorrow.
    â€œAnd we no longer have Star Slayer. Father wielded it and it was lost in the battle.” One of her tears splashed on his arm.
    â€œI had it,” he said. “I took it, still warm from his hand after he died.”
    â€œThen you do have it.” She whipped around to face him.
    The hope in her eyes cut him as no blade ever could. “I lost it. I slew the nithingr , the coward who killed Father, but he pulled me over the fjord cliff with him and we both plunged into the water. When I hit, I must have been knocked senseless for a moment. I dropped it. It’s gone.” He didn’t want to look at her, but he did.
    Her eyes lost focus for a moment and he held his breath, waiting for what she would say, what the Sight would tell her.
    â€œThen it’s beneath the waters, safe from those who would defile it with their touch. Hidden.” She looked at him, her gaze clear and sharp once