Arnulf considered the night of the feast as he approached Skallagrim. He had bowed to Haakon and Skallagrim, and then followed Rurik to one of the lower tables. He sent his slave, a young Rus named Ivan, to procure a cup of mead and a platter of the roast chicken for him. As he settled next to Rurik, he couldn't help letting his eyes stray to the high table where Sigyn was resuming her seat and reaching for her own plate. He had obviously given something away, for Haakon had not seemed overly surprised when he broached the subject of marrying Sigyn as they walked outside together. What in the name of Freyr possessed me?! he thought again to himself. That I should offer so much gold and three bolts of silk into the bargain!

His mood brightened as he watched Haakon's long ship sailing out of Fjell: perhaps Skallagrim did not knowwhat he had offered for Sigyn! And if worse came to worse, the prospect of having to match his offer with an equally large dowry on Sigyn's part might bring down the bride-price considerably! Thus it was with much lighter spirits that he approached the temporary lord of Fjell, and he was actually smiling as he bowed slightly to Skallagrim Larson.

"My host, I hope the day finds you well?"

Skallagrim looked at the merchant warily. Who knew what was in a man's mind when he greeted you so warmly? Especially if that man was a trader! The man was not overly imposing, a few years older than he and a couple inches shorter...and that lack of facial hair was disconcerting in a viking! Skallagrim stroked his own beard thoughtfully, delaying answering the man's greeting while he sized up this unknown quantity. At length, he spoke: "Yes, it does...and yours goes well I trust?"

Arnulf nodded, and began to walk along with the taller man. He thought it best to play cautiously until he had a clear advantage. "I have no doubt that the noble Haakon mentioned that I have some business here?"

Skallagrim smiled. "He did, and mentioned that you might trade with our house any time you wish." Ha!--he would not be drawn out so easily! Let the merchant make what he would of that!

The smile which was on Arnulf's lips slipped not in the least. So, this man is not so inexpert at dealing either! "I have a contact here with Rurik already, but another can do no harm--in fact, it increases the amount and kind of goods to be found here."

"The house of Larson can provide much which Rurik cannot, for all his effort."

Arnulf nodded his agreement, started to reach a hand out to the other's arm, then pulled it back again. He slowly resumed walking beside the taller man. "There is truth in what you say--should there be a market for such goods."

Skallagrim glanced sideways at the merchant beside him, and increased his pace slightly. He watched with amusement as the trader briskly kept up. He decided it was time to check on the upper pastures, and headed upslope for the high meadows where the sheep grazed the days away. He noted that this Arnulf Kjalarson was not one to be put off so lightly. He turned his head to fling back his next words.

"Arnulf Kjalarson, I think there is a market for these goods!"

As the slope steepened, the going also got rougher, but Arnulf was determined not to let this impetuous young man get the best of him. He lengthened his stride and even took a moment to look behind at the settlement below. He thought he saw the fair Sigyn come out of Haakon's hall, and his heart beat faster than it had with the exertion of the climb. He looked ahead again, and saw Skallagrim halted about ten feet higher, staring at the steading of Fjell and the still-climbing merchant. Arnulf continued until he was past the viking, then spoke.

"Skallagrim Larson, markets are fickle things, just as people--what is good in one place may not be good elsewhere--especially should the price be too high!" And he set off up the hill-side, this time it being the warrior who must keep up.

Coming to the crest of a small ridge, they saw a narrow depression ahead, with high grass and the grey-white puff-balls of many sheep contentedly mowing away. Arnulf stopped to take in the view, and was joined almost at once by Skallagrim.

He offered Arnulf a half-smile, not as grudgingly as he had thought. This trader, for all that he wasn't a warrior, was not a weak man, despite his slight bulk. A kind of respect was growing inside him for this stranger. He also had brains, which many men did not, and this too earned him a measure of respect in Skallagrim's estimation. "Friend merchant, the goods of Fjell and the house of Larson are worth their weight in gold, where ever and who ever might buy them. No stain has ever marred the name of Larson."

Arnulf nodded, "Of that I have no doubt...the quality of your produce is evident at a glance! But again, should the price be too great, the market may remain empty."

Skallagrim thought for a time, then sat down on a nearby rock, motioning for the merchant to sit nearby. Arnulf took care in choosing his place, such that when he did sit, their eyes remained on a level. This one is very sure of himself, he thought grimly. When next he spoke to the merchant, all trace of humor had gone from his voice, though the friendliness remained.

"Let us talk seriously of a particular good, and it's value to the family."

At last, we come to it! Arnulf thought gleefully, and he had great hopes of his future, and the one who would share it with him. If only the cursèd Loki doesn't make me lose control again!

"I agree that the time has come...to speak of your sister Sigyn and of her bride-price--" and Arnulf could not help throwing in, "and of her dowry."