*Anders*
It takes us longer to get home without Erik, and I’m nervous about navigating. I know that I can do it, but he always did. We see land on the horizon, and none of us are excited to be there. Even Thorolf can sense the pain that awaits us and would like to avoid it. We cannot, though. We row toward home slowly and try to prolong our arrival.
“We have to go home,” Thora says softly. “We have to tell her.”
“I have to,” I correct her. “It is what he asked of me.”
She nods, holding her daughter close to her.
“You will need to help her as the new Jarl,” I begin to explain to them. “I cannot. She would never forgive me, and I did not agree to this to become Jarl. It is her, but she will need help, especially when the new baby arrives.”
“You take Eleanor to the longhouse
