'You killed some of my people,' Almick said. 'And you are carrying weapons.'
'Your people attacked the Norse settlers.' Melcorka was very aware of the Norse behind her. With their reputation for extreme violence, she was not sure if they would suddenly charge at the Skraelings. If that happened, whoever won the battle, there would be casualties on both sides and their position would be weaker.
Melcorka took a deep breath. 'Look, Almick. I will show you my peaceful intention.' Unstrapping Defender, she placed it on the ground. Without the magic of her sword, Melcorka knew that she was as vulnerable as any other woman in these circumstances. All her power lay in that weapon.
She stepped forward, fighting her fear. If the Norse were correct, then her fate had been decided long before she w
