Free Lord of the Runes by Sabrina Jarema

her? Or was it a warning, as he had threatened so long ago?
    * * *
    The casting made sense. Eirik closed his eyes and let the meaning of the runes flow through his mind, sensing what they wanted him to know.
    Each evening, sitting in a corner of the common room, he had read for several people. The sessions left him drained but exultant, for he hadn’t lost touch with the runes. True, they had burst into his mind when he’d cast them for himself, but that was one thing. He couldn’t be certain they would respond to the queries of others.
    But they did. Magnus sat across from him, his arms folded over his wide chest, waiting. Eirik tried not to smile. The runes were very clear, yet still left a great deal unanswered. Perhaps it would be interesting to do a deeper casting for the jarl one day.
    â€œThe influences moving around you now are those that will lead to new attitudes. The rune in this position is Ehwaz, and combined with Birkano, as it is, it means traveling to a family occasion, most likely a wedding. Do you have any relatives a distance away?”
    Magnus shook his head. “Not that we would visit easily. Our mother and Estrid’s mother are across the seas in their homeland of Leinster in Ireland, but we have no contact with them. And if they’ve remarried, we wouldn’t know.”
    He’d have to ask about this after the casting. “In the position of obstacles, you have Berkano, the rune of life, birth, and the home. In this place, it shows a vulnerability in the home, a darkness that must be cleared.”
    Magnus said nothing, but his eyes narrowed.
    â€œIn the position of that which is favorable, Gyfu appears. It indicates a gift, but mostly a union or partnership. Have you been thinking of this? A marriage? A venture with another trader?”
    â€œNo. We’re so isolated here, it would be difficult. And I haven’t had the time to search for an advantageous marriage.”
    He glanced up at the jarl. “This rune carries the meaning of love. And the gift can be from a man to a woman, even in the form of a child.”
    Magnus snorted. “I’m most careful in my pursuits. I’ll not have any baseborn child in my family. As for love, the skalds can speak poems about such things. I have no use for it. When I marry, it will be for my own advantage and the allies I can make through it.”
    Very wise, as he knew all too well. Eirik inclined his head and touched the next rune. “Here we have Othala reversed.” He hesitated. “May I speak freely?”
    â€œOf course. What would be the point otherwise?”
    â€œIndeed. In the position of the short term, you will refuse to see a situation clearly. It will cause pain to another.”
    Magnus paled for a moment. Then his eyes hardened and his lips pressed into a thin line. He stared at the rune, then gathered himself and took a deep breath. “Can that be in the past?”
    Eirik shook his head. “Sometimes the past, present, and the future can be as one. But this is a very specific position. It will happen soon, perhaps even now.”
    â€œWhat will be the outcome?”
    â€œIn the long term, we have Kenaz. It speaks of renewed clarity, so in spite of Othala reversed, you’ll resolve the situation through strength. It also tells of a new relationship.” He hesitated.
    â€œAnd?”
    â€œWith Birkano, it repeats the aspect of a child.”
    Magnus shook his head with a slight smile. “Then I must be even more careful than usual. All this talk of marriage, love, and children is making me nervous.”
    The jarl didn’t look as though he would be nervous about much of anything. He was too controlled and certain of his place in life. He’d lean back, cross his arms, and weigh all his options. But perhaps, because of his certainty in his own views, he would be too slow to take action and it would end up hurting someone.
    Eirik held his hand up. “These