Wolin Isle, late autumn 1018 ADA fair following wind sped us the one hundred and eighty sea miles to Wolin Island. On the second day of the voyage, Knut decided to halt progress so we could make landfall by surprise in the uncertain light before dusk. This, he proposed, would enable us to beach the ships and set up camp without the likelihood of an ambush catching us in the midst of an awkward disembarkation.
As the longships wallowed with their sails lowered, many men became queasy, but I never suffer from the sea-sickness. This moment without headway gave me time to reflect on my earlier conversation with Eilaf at the windswept harbour of Heidaby.
“Godwine,” he began, “by Thor, you"re a sly one.”
“What?”
“You know the way to my sister"s heart.”
“Do I?” I replied, striving to underst
