“Look at you,” she says before expanding her grin. “Not bad for a slave.”
“You would know,” I jab back, closing the door. “Love your braid.”
“Thanks,” she says, stroking her thick hair. The braid begins at the nape of her neck, elegantly interlaced to pull back her mane for a clean look. The opposite of my hurriedly fixed mess.
“You’ll have to teach me,” I say. “Sit, sit.”
“Sigurd sent me,” she says without sitting.
“What for?”
“To help you.”
“With what?”
“By Odin, Kilda, with anything.”
“Why?”
“Aren’t you a Volva now? How do you know so little?”
We both laugh. I’m happy Eidunn isn’t openly angry or jealous. My fear had been that the other slaves would despise my better treatment. That they would hate me.
“Us humans never stop learning. Our journey continues until we die.”
“Now you sound like a Volva.” She folds her arms, keeping her smile. “So, what do you need me to do?”
“Well, I was going to cook this rabbit, then practice enchanting.”
“I will cook—I even brought some thyme. You practice your craft.”
“Are you sur?—”
“Yes, I’m sure.”
Eidunn finds the cutting board leaning against the wall, places the rabbit on it, and pulls out her knife. She gets to work. I can’t believe it. Jarl Sigurd must really want me as Volva—he’s even sent Eidunn to free my hands and mind. I consider asking her about Njord, if he has kept harassing her, but it’s probably best to wait. For now.
“Sigurd really thought of everything I need in here,” I say.
“Sigurd? Don’t be silly. He asked me to set the place up for you.”
“Is it true?”
I hug Eidunn from behind, giving her a good squeeze. Few folk have ever been so grateful as I am now. What a blessing from Freya.
“It’s true,” she says, pushing me away with her elbow. “Careful! I’m holding a knife!”
“Please, sit down, Eidunn.”
“Who sits while they work?” she says, shaking her head.
“Don’t think of it as work, we’re two friends about to share a meal.”
Her rump finds the bench as she releases a short laugh.
“I’m eating in the thrall room later.”
“Nonsense!” I shout, barely noticing my rise in volume. “You eat with me.”
