The story begins in Frisia (today a large part of the
Netherlands) in 850 as Thorvald Stronghawk, a jarl from Norway, banished by a
false accusation of murder, has gone raiding and attacks Gisela’s home, killing
her father and taking her captive. Thorvald finds few treasures because
Gisela’s father has wisely hidden them. Only his two daughters had keys to the
buried chests, Gisela and her sister, who escaped the Vikings.
Thorvald intended to sell Gisela to
gain the money to pay compensation to regain his place, but Gisela challenges
him to clear his name with the truth, not money. When his evil half brother
Karl Wormtongue tries to buy her, Thorvald buys her back, giving up his gold
and his sword to keep her. So, Gisela is forced to accompany him back to his
home. She is determined to have her freedom and return home, but he treats her
kindly, unlike any thrall and she knows she could have done much worse.
A well-written story with some good
scenes traveling on a Viking longship and then at the Hedeby market where
slaves were sold. The author has done much research into the customs of the
Norse and their mythology, which also shows. All in all, an entertaining read.
Such a pleasure to be featured on your blog, Regan. This was a fun story to write and the research into the Viking era gave me the main story line - Thorvald intending to sell Gisela to be able to pay restitution for a crime he didn't commit. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy to have you on!
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