He watches Eivor sink into the role of drengr, the Wolf-Kissed one, the Raven Bearer, broad-shouldered and fearless, with eyes the colour of the kind of churning waves that dash ships against rocky shores. It fits her comfortably and with ease, the same way Leofrith’s fingers fit around the well-worn grip of his father’s sword. This is the famed shield-maiden who sows terror in the hearts of her enemies and inspires courage in that of her friends, and it feels strange that Leofrith can now count himself among the latter rather than the former, that this woman who was once such a fearsome adversary has brought him so much peace of mind in so short a time. – A Different Kind of Solace










