The long boat turned, under oars, and slid smoothly pier. Oddvar tied off the rudder and while the men roped the ship to the pier to hold her stead. To the last one of them they all watched Ragna as they made their way off the boat. She’d manned the rudder, trimmed the sails, even helped haul in the nets. But the closer they got to Bømlo, the quieter and more distant she became.

When he’d got the comm from Ragna he’d been concerned and commed his brother, Cuyler first thing. He got the gist of what Ragna was supposed to be doing there and had looked forward to having her on the ship. She always loved to sail and Ragna had a special place in his heart. Seeing her standing in the surf, sobbing like that had broken his heart. He’d tried to get her to talk about it, but all she’d asked was if he’d gotten rid of her sword. His only reply was a cryptic “it’s where it’s supposed to be.”

“Ragna, sweetheart, come on. It’s time to get off the boat.” He took her elbow lifting her up and guiding her to the gang plank. Those were for cargo, but right now it was the safest way to get her off the ship. Cuyler was sitting on a stump, knife in hand, trimming his nails. “So Ragna, how was the trip?”

She took a very deep breath and shook her head. “Pointless. Maybe if you sent them it would carry more weight. I’ll send Revna and Mike digital copies. Maybe they will help.”

Cuyler watched her walk away, “Oddvar, I have never seen her look like that.” And then he laughed and clapped his twin on the back, “I have a feeling that trip and more point than she realizes.” Oddvar shook his head, “No Cuyler, she knows. You remember how Revna was, when Shauwn died?” Cuyler nodded, “Aye, I do.” Oddvar watched Ragna until she disappeared, “I can’t watch Ragna go through that,” and he walked away. Cuyler just grinned did a little jig and made his way home to tell his wife ALL the gossip.
Ragna and Clan