Islands in the Fog Read Online Free PDF Page B

on her?"
    "What? No, of course not. My father would have me skinned."
    "That's unlikely. Let's have a look." Toki pulled himself aboard with the grace of a man long accustomed to life at sea. He stood easily on the deck, despite the sharp slant from being beached. Halla's protests were muffled, and he smiled. The deck was like any other deck. He had no real interest in it, other than to tease Halla. When he judged she might be at her limit, he leapt back onto the beach. "A fine ship!"
    She remained entrenched in her spot, arms folded and face blushing. Her smile was unfriendly, sharp as a new blade. "I'm glad you think so. Now why don't you go inspect these others?"
    "Because I've already found the best one." He held her gaze a moment, then looked at the ship. "No sense in looking at any others."
    Halla unfolded her arms, finally shifting her stance. "Well, you can leave now anyway. Go on."
    "Why are you out here alone? Weren't you at the feast last night? Shouldn't you be with your parents, or at least have a man to guard you?"
    "If you were at the feast last night, then you'd know why I'm here."
    "I was not at the high tables. Too little room for me. Did something happen?" Toki omitted he had grown tired of the same songs and same boasts with the same people, and left the feast early to sleep alone. Now he hoped he hadn't been gone when Ulfrik might have needed him.
    Halla studied him, then turned aside. "It's nothing. Just my father being his foolish self. His pride overwhelms these lonely islands. He got drunk and insulted your lord. He went off in a huff, leaving mother and me to sit like two stupid children. I just wanted to leave the whole mess."
    "I'm sorry to hear that, Halla. If I had known, I wouldn't have teased you. Please take my apology."
    A quick smiled poked in the corners of her mouth. "No harm done. I was too quick to anger. I just wish to go home now."
    "Tomorrow you will sail for home. Then this whole land," Toki's hand painted the stripe of purple mountains on the western horizon, "will be behind you and poorer for your leaving."
    "Your flattery is a bit heavy handed."
    "Out of practice, as you can tell. But I sympathize with you. I had anticipated hosting the summer festival. Now that it's here, it's not what I expected. Escaping it is also what brought me to the ships."
    "I've seen you with Lord Ulfrik's son. Babysitting is a dull task."
    "Not at all. Gunnar is my nephew, one half of my surviving family. It's not that."
    Halla looked at him quizzically. "You don't like bragging all day then drinking yourself stupid all night?"
    "Not this time, at least. Look, you leave tomorrow, and you have not been this far south before. Am I right?" Halla nodded. "Then let me show you some of the fairer parts of this land."
    "I'm not sure about that."
    "Do you really need an excuse to leave the festival? Please, allow me to enjoy one small part of the festival in your company."
    Halla's smile broadened, Toki's growing along with hers. She searched his face and Toki held his breath. Finally she agreed. "I can't imagine there's much difference between the north and south of the same island. But I will go with you. Though my father mustn't know. Where shall we meet and when?"
    "Just meet me here after the sacrifices this morning. I will show you the southern cliffs. If you need to take someone with you, that will be fine."
    "No, I'd much rather it be just the two of us."
    Toki grinned, exactly the answer he wanted. He thanked her and left, not looking back. As he trotted up the slope toward Nye Grenner, he knew his life was about to change.
     
     
    Toki had not felt such excitement in years. His pulse beat in his neck. His mind was dizzy with thoughts of Halla. Everyone he met that morning mistook him for being drunk. After pointless wandering, hailing visitors like they were lifelong friends, he strolled into the main hall. The doors hung open as if the hall was gasping for breath.
    Toki met Runa inside, her eyes