Free Islands in the Fog by Jerry Autieri

the evening of the next day, Toki and Halla sat together in their secret meeting place. Sunlight skipped across the open mouth of the basin, spilling ochre light halfway down the damp rock walls. The bottom remained in cool shadow. The ambient light gave Halla an ethereal cast to her cream colored blouse and her platinum hair. They sat by the water, its lapping sound echoing through the basin in a serene rhythm. Halla leaned against him, warming the both of them. Neither had spoken for a long time, knowing this was their final meeting before Toki left.
    "I am going to miss you, Toki. Fate has been kind in joining us. Time passed quickly."
    "Let's think ahead to our next meeting. This cannot be all?"
    Toki had never met a finer woman. She made him feel sharp and alive. She was independent, smart, and quick-witted. None of the eligible women in Nye Grenner could match Halla. He resolved to court her with all this strength, dismissing any thought of another. Jarl Vermund's face flashed in his mind, but he thrust it aside.
    "This is only the start. Yet my father is possessed with jealousy of Ulfrik. He has not stopped ranting about him since we've returned home. He insists Ulfrik plans to conquer the whole island."
    Toki pulled away and looked at her. "We would still meet? Like this, in secret, yes?"
    "My father will never accept us, so secret meetings are all we can plan for now." She placed her hand upon Toki's and squeezed it.
    "The reward is worth the risk," he said with a laugh. "You will have to consider leaving with me of your will, when the day comes."
    She shrugged, leaning away from Toki. "In time. That is what I have been thinking all along, but have not had many choices until I met you. But I need to know you better first. When I do leave home, I can never return."
    "I'd say you've seen much of me already."
    Suddenly Dana called down the slope, trying to suppress her voice. "Lady Halla, I've spotted men from your father's hall. They've gone out of sight behind the hill. You must leave or they'll discover you here."
    Halla's posture slumped. "My parents wonder why I suddenly enjoy outdoor life. I think they've sent men to either fetch me or spy on me. Either way, I must go."
    Toki placed his hand upon her shoulder. "Be careful, and calm your father's suspicions. How will I know when to return?"
    "I can't think of an easy way. I am not like a man who may travel freely or dispatch messengers." Halla rubbed her hands and frowned. Dana hissed her name again.
    Toki glanced at the spindly slave in irritation. "Let's try this. I will return one week hence. If you cannot meet me, send Dana or leave sign of your passage and I will go home. Otherwise I will wait one day for you, and if you do not show I will leave a sign. I will try again the following week on the same day."
    "What of your boat?"
    "I saw places suitable for mooring it. Now go, before you're found here."
    Toki opened his arms and Halla stepped into them. They embraced and he kissed her forehead. Then she dashed up the path, turning back to wave before disappearing over the top. Toki watched a moment longer, as if she might run back to him. She did not, and he started gathering his belongings into his travel sack. Within the hour he was ready to meet Bork and return to Nye Grenner, though his only thought was to return here.
     

CHAPTER SIX
     
    Ulfrik kicked the grass in frustration. He scanned the ring of men assembled around him, their faces hard and eyes set. A sea breeze tousled hair and tugged at cloaks, but otherwise none moved. Ulfrik paced, his hands clasped behind his back, his brows taut in concentration. He glanced at Snorri, who sat just inside the circle and wrapped himself in a faded red cloak. He slowly nodded at Ulfrik.
    "As your jarl, I am sworn to defend and protect you. I will take the matter of disputed fishing grounds directly to Hardar. As for the claim of sheep raiding, I need more proof to accuse him of that. So few sheep could've