DEBTS (Vinlanders' Saga Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page A

the silver.”
    “Yes, my lord. Though they were not fools, or they would not have evaded the men you first sent after them.”
    “Indeed? And how is it that you found them when the others failed?”
    Suddenly Aren saw the danger he was in. Did this lord suspect him of being complicit in the thefts and of turning on his fellow thieves? “My Talent for Tracking is not quite the same as others’. Where most use Talented observation, I feel where my quarry has gone. I
know
their path. I cannot explain it better than that.”
    The young lord nodded. “And what reward would you ask?”
    “I want to serve Lord Dahleven, my lord.”
    “You left your home to serve the Jarl?”
    “Yes, my lord.”
    “And you brought your mother and daughter, as well.”
    “You are well informed, my lord.” Aren cringed inwardly.
How much else does he know?
    The corner of the other man’s mouth curled up as if he’d heard Aren’s concern. “It’s my honor to serve Lord Dahleven. I take that duty very seriously.”
    Aren bowed his head. He understood what Lord Fendrikanin had left unsaid. “Then you know my father was an Oathbreaker,” he said quietly.
    “I do.” Lord Fendrikanin’s tone was grave. “I know he swore loyalty to Lord Fellig, and then failed to answer a summons when called to arms. I do not know why.”
    Aren lifted his head to meet the other man’s measuring gaze. “What does it matter? He failed in his duty. I will not. My mother and I have lived on the far edge of respectability since my father’s shame. My daughter was born into it. I have provided as well as I could for them by hunting and selling furs. I’m good at what I do, and they want for nothing, nothing but the honor my sire stole from us.
    “My mother is ill and my daughter is on the cusp of womanhood. They need their family honor restored. I ask only that you give me the opportunity to prove myself a better man than my father. Allow me to serve the Jarl.”
    The young lord was silent, while Aren held himself still, waiting.
    “You reach high.”
    Aren’s heart stuttered. He’d aimed high because he needed to overcome much. Had he wasted his chance?
    “Will you serve me,” Lord Fendrikanin continued, “and through me, the Jarl?”
    Aren released a breath he hadn’t known he was holding. “I will.”
    “Then I will accept your oath.”Lord Fendrikanin drew his sword and presented the hilt to Aren.
    Aren gripped the pommel and met the lord’s gaze steadily and said, “I am Aren, grandson of Lars, known as Swiftfoot. I have come from Tracking cunning thieves and I will do yet greater deeds if you will accept my oath of fealty. I will fight for you, and not flee one foot from the battle. And when no battle causes the war horn to blow, yet will I remember my lord’s generosity and offer service where I may. May Baldur witness my oath, and if I fail, may every man’s hand turn against me and this sword pierce my disloyal heart.”
    The scuffle and grunts of effort had ceased around them. Lord Fendrikanin nodded, and spoke into the now silent yard. “I accept your oath. In return you shall be accorded all respect due one in my service. I will protect your family, provide weapons, shelter, sustenance and opportunity for you to prove your worth and earn glory for your family name. May Freyr and Freya witness my words, and Baldur hold me faithful and hallow this vow.”
    Relief leapt within Aren’s breast. He knew he could prove himself, given a chance. His daughter would be able to marry well.
    Lord Fendrikanin sheathed his sword. “With one caveat.”
    Aren held his breath. What condition would the lord put on his boon?
    “In all dealings except the most formal, you will henceforth call me Lord Fender.”
    Aren grinned. “Aye, my lord. Lord Fender it is.”

Chapter Four
     
    With a task put before her, Benoia seemed to grow stronger. She gathered a change of clothes for each of them into a carry sack while Annikke packed food and filled