C. Dale Brittain (67 page)

“Maybe you
are
freed,” agreed Valmar quietly.
 
“I feel as though I have only now truly become myself, yet I still have to go back and live in my father’s castle—with a wife he’ll be wishing was Karin.”

Roric laughed.
 
“You can come help me plot against my new-found relatives if Hadros’s castle wearies you too much.
 
But I do not fear you will return to your boyhood.
 
The last time I talked to the Wanderer, he did not sound as though he would
ever
agree to joining with the Hearthkeepers.
 
I’m impressed with you, foster-brother.
 
They are making songs about me for coming back from Hel, but the real songs should be for you.
 
Death is easy—it’s life that’s hard.”

Karin and Wigla had finally reached the circle.
 
The warriors stepped aside to let them through, then closed in again.
 
Both women had small smiles, as though still trying to make up their minds whether to accept these men.

Roric and Valmar stepped forward to meet them, rings held out.
 
“If immortal men and women can join together,” said Valmar, “we should be able to find a way to live happily with our wives.”