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Praying to the gods it would, while at the same time hoping he hadn’t braved such a night to come home.

“You think they will arrive soon, ja?” Helga asked when she joined me soon after, her fur hood hardly containing her wild mass of flaming red curls. Scanning the horizon, she shook her head and frowned at me, worry in her expression. “Yet, I see no ship out there.”

“’Tis coming,” I vowed, giving her a knowing look she’d seen on more than one occasion over the years. “So say the gods.”

“’Twill not be easy.” She assessed the crashing waves with a seafarer’s eye. “But if anyone can navigate these waters, ’tis Knud.”

“’Tis,” I agreed, glad when those I thought best suited to this task joined us and readied the moorings in preparation for an incoming ship.

Just as I had foreseen, one ended up appearing on the horizon moments later.

“There!” I roared over the wind and rain, pointing at its faint outline in the distance. “Be ready!”

Truth be told, there was no need to say it, given that all present had brought in a ship or two in weather like this over the years. I was in charge now as the new earl of the Helvig tribe, though, so it was my place. My right and privilege to oversee the great dynasty my father had built for people who looked to me to lead them now.

Or should I say, Knud and me?

Despite being my second-in-command, Knud had long been my father, Bjǫrn’s man, holding high esteem within our tribe. Well earned, too. He had put my father and our people above everything else since first joining our ranks in his youth. Though orphaned, he had survived, only growing stronger after his courageous act the night the polar nearly mauled me, then again when, ironically enough, he saved Father from one years later.

“Very good,” I praised under my breath, noting that Knud’s crew had lowered the sails and taken up their oars with him undoubtedly manning the rudder. If anyone could steer best in these twisting, turning, angry waters, it was Knud, and he didn’t let me down.

Though fear forever churned in me for his safety, so too did pride. His ship crested and rode the waves so well, I knew the closer he got, the seas wouldn’t get the best of him this night. Not to say it wasn’t a challenge, but one he navigated with expertise. His ship only teetered dangerously once before it swooped in alongside the dock with a heavy thump.

Moving quickly, we slipped and slid, but by the grace of the gods, we managed to tie off the heavily swaying ship thanks to those on the ship and the dock working well together. This was our world, though. We knew it well. So, despite a precarious moment or two, I wasn’t surprised most grinned or outright laughed at what nature dared us with once more.

I smiled just as broadly as Knud when our eyes locked from where he stood at the rudder. Despite being as soaked as I, he cut an imposing figure. Taller and broader than any among us, he leapt from the ship once it was secure. As was my role, I clasped his hand in greeting, when all I wanted to do was wrap my arms around him and hold on tight, never so grateful to see anyone in my life.

Yet we were not lovers, nor would we ever be.

Not if I were to become the leader my people needed to see. So said the talisman of my calling when it warmed against my chest, telling me I was doing what I should at the moment, echoing what my father had told me on his deathbed. Despite having been so determined that my sisters and I lay down our shields, marry, and breed many strong sons for the Helvigs, I was to lead our tribe and marry favorably. That meant marrying someone who could strengthen our tribe.

Better put, someone who ranked higher than Knud.

Much higher, preferably, according to my father.

“Welcome home, Knud,” I said, loud enough for him to hear me over the elements. Grinning, I kept things cordial and nodded once. “You have been missed.”

Despite his sodden appearance, he was as ruggedly handsome as ever with his thick, dark brown hair, braided beard, and chiseled features. The lightning bolt scar at his temple stood out, white and bold against the darkness of his skin, tanned from time in the northern rays and frigid winds. A scar that reminded me yet again of all he had done for me, given he’d earned it the first night we met.

“And I have missed being home, chieftain,” he replied. His pale gray eyes lingered on my face for a moment before his smile grew wider. One of the few he wore these days. “So mayhap there is an ale or two awaiting my crew and me despite the hour, ja?”

“Ja,” I agreed, trying my best to ignore how his deep voice and the warmth of his strong hand in mine filled me with desire I wasn’t allowed to feel.

Giving his hand a reassuring squeeze that his needs would be met, I let it go then turned to urge all who wished to change into dry clothes and join me in the great lodge to do so, and we would celebrate their safe return. As Knud fell in beside me when I headed that way, I couldn’t help but wonder what his needs might entail tonight.

It was none of my business who he took to his bed, and by all means I shouldn’t care, but I did, and it had long been a constant battle to keep that from him. From everyone. He had a right to his own life. To take a lover. A wife. Whatever he needed to slake his lust and find love in this world.

I had made that more than clear years ago after our first and only kiss.

To this day, I still dreamt of it, waking in the middle of the night, drenched in desire I’d never been able to fulfill despite having taken other men to my bed. They were never him. Never made me feel the way he had with but a stolen kiss that came out of nowhere and ended too soon.

That was the last thing I needed to be thinking about right now, however, so I forced myself to focus on the present. While I would need a full report from Knud about all that had happened, it could wait. If there was anything pressing I needed to know, he would have already requested a private audience, so I split off toward the lodge to ensure all was ready.

“Should you not change, as well?” Knud called after me, but I waved away his words, assuring him I would be fine, and I would be. I hadn’t gotten all that wet, and even if I had, it would bother me no more than it did most who lived in these parts.

As expected, all opted to join me soon after, around a warm fire to enjoy a small feast prepared in haste. It was good to have them back, and I said as much, raising a horn of ale to their safe return.

“Here’s to you and your ventures on behalf of our Helvigs,” I praised, meeting many in the eyes with pride, knowing they understood how valued I considered them. We had ventured out and fought alongside each other at one point or another, so I well understood what they might have faced on their journey. “Welcome home. Skald!”