Erik Larsson called a halt one league beyond Nantes. The chieftains met aboard his leading longship to decide on a strategy.
Jarl Óttar pointed out what was uppermost in each man’s mind, “With a fleet this size, there is no question of catching the town unawares. I know nothing about this place. Is it walled?”
“According to my scouts, it’s protected by wooden walls and lies between two rivers, the Loire to the north, which we are following, and the Cher to the south. You are right about surprise, which is why I called this halt. It’s about noon, judging by the sun. I say we remain here until darkness cloaks us. We can travel at night if we go slowly, plumbing the river with care. We’ll arrive at Tours before dawn, leave the ships and attack the town at first light—this is my plan.”
“It’
