"I know," said Magnus.
"Then why are you so angry?" she asked.
"Where is the bastard?" he asked.
"Someone owe you wergild?" she asked.
"I'm talking about the skald," he growled.
"Skalds travel a lot. Maybe he's entertaining an Jarl," Aesa suggested.
"No! The coward is in hiding. He made a blood oath and I will hold him to it one way or another!" Magnus smiled at the thought of bloodshed.
"Just a wild guess, but maybe he fears you will kill him if he shows up," said Aesa.
"I won't kill him. He will be blood-eagled and the Norns will decide his fate," he said.
"What was the oath that has doomed the man?" she asked.
"He swore he would tell glorious tales of my deeds. Then he fled like an outlaw who had lost his case at the lawrock and had no means to pay the fine," he said.
"I have an idea. Don't kill him. I saw him in the tavern dancing like a seasick pukje with eczema not moments ago. I am sure if you use your renowned diplomatic skills, he will realize his folly and return to the formidable task describing your intrepidity," she said.
Magus smiled and his eyes brightened as he imagined the skald peeing himself. "I shall heed your words, though some I believe are meant to wound me," he said.
Aesa grinned as Magnus ran off to the tavern. She raised his drinking horn in salute, wondering how much she could get for it in the harbor market.
(Apologies to those I have offended. I have been convinced it is in my best interest to start writing again. -Dean)