I know I’m not Norse. Raiders stole me away from my family when was very small. I was not treated harshly, but was ignored until Helga, the Virtur Kona, took me in. I have become her laerlingur, or apprentice, and she treats me well. I can identify most of the healing plants she uses and can make tinctures and teas. I help her with some of her other work, such as keeping an eye on her nephew, Halvard, the spoiled, annoying, young yarling. The Virtur Kona thinks he’s perfect, but he’s near my age and I know him. He often won’t do what I tell him to do. He argues and says I’m not his boss.
As Hal has gotten older, he’s started making secret trips through the portal to the old village. I figure he must be curious and wonder how life would have been with us. We are his people, after all. I’ve warned him how serious it would be if his father caught him. The old pals he visits might turn him in for the reward. Then the Yarl’s new witch wife would see to it that Hal never lived out the day. Years ago, the Virtur Kona risked her life to bring Hal to safety with Emma. He has a good life with her and Finn. He eats all he wants and gets to go to school, not work. He says he doesn’t need school and would rather be on a fishing boat crew. Our people work hard, then die young of diseases or in battle. That’s his future here.
Months passed before I saw Hal again. I was surprised at how much he’d changed. He’s still a good-looking boy, but much more likable. He’s good at sports and has gained confidence and some manners. I’m sure he’ll be a leader one day. I will miss him, but we live in very different worlds and our paths may never cross again.
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