threeSoon, they were safely aboard and breathlessly reporting the arrival of a single Viking longship in the sound. Cadfael appreciatively gazed at his companion vessels, their captains correctly awaiting his orders. He decided they would surprise the Norsemen by skirting the southern extremity of Skokholm and emerging unexpectedly. Another advantage they had, Cadfael believed, was the Norse appearance of their longships.
However, for some reason, this did not prove to be a factor because as soon as they came into sight, the quarry veered westwards and made a run towards the small isle of Grassholm.
Likely they recognised the images on the sails of the captured vessels. Cadfael gave chase, favoured by the stiff breeze, enabling his ships to close the distance between them. But the Viking
