“Is it something serious?” He looks concerned.
“You, uh, you said I could come to you with anything.”
“Yes, so speak, Kilda!” he says, amused by my fumbling.
“Well, it’s hard to formulate. I’m just going to say it straight.”
“Go on.”
My nerves shatter. The man is sitting a stone’s throw away. These are serious accusations. Njord could be severely punished. So could I, if I’m not believed. Slander is not taken lightly, especially among honorable warriors. Eidunn doesn’t even want me doing this. She said she would kill me just for blocking her path—stab me. What will she do after this?
“It’s Eidunn,” I blurt out.
“Eidunn, okay.” He leans on his knees, putting our eyes on the same level. He looks genuinely engaged, caring even. “Go on.”
“She… Have you… Have you noticed she’s been a little off lately?”
“Off? She’s been busy, sure. Maybe a little quieter than usual.”
“Yes, she’s been quiet, a little off. She opened up to me, made me promise not to tell, but…”
“By Odin, Kilda,” says Vidar as he raises himself to his full height, shaking his head. “Use your balls and say what you think.”
“Fine, I’ll just fucking say it. Njord is abusing Eidunn.”
Vidar’s eyes widen, like it’s the last thing he expected to hear. His brow furrows as he tosses a glance toward the men sitting on the wall.
“Njord?” he says, now keeping his voice low. “Njord my warrior?”
“Yes… he’s been… forcing her.”
“Forcing her? To do what?”
“You know what I mean, forcing her.”
Vidar snorts, a smile of disbelief spreading on his face.
“Ridiculous, Njord can pick any girl he wants.”
“Well, Eidunn said?—”
“Njord is even courting a freewoman. He’s in discussions with her father about marriage.”
“So?”
“So? Why would he be forcing Eidunn?”
“He charmed her first, then when she didn’t want to lie with him, he?—”
“Honestly, Kilda…” He shakes his head, disappointment on his face.
“Eidunn said?—”
“Eidunn says many things,” says Vidar, his voice hardening. “It won’t be the first time she’s exaggerated.”
I can’t believe my ears. Is he claiming Eidunn is a liar? She’s respected by every thrall girl. Never have I heard such a thing uttered about her.
“Are you serious?” I say, my voice wavering.
