Harold Lamb

“ Before this vessel arrived, the English ship came into the harbor, and the Easterlings hid themselves with the maiden in their underground dwelling. They watched the Edward sail off and were astonished to find two men left on the island. These they had decided to kill, believing them kin to the pirates.
JOAN ANDREWS had seen Thorne the day before, and by his bearing and voice thought him English and of gentle blood. She had begged the Laps as best she could with signs and her few words of their speech to hold their hands until she could speak with the men in the Wardhouse. ”

“ Tuon's stocky shoulders were covered by a wolf skin, and the empty muzzle of the beast leered at them over the broad, greased-coated muzzle of the savage whose yellow, pointed teeth resembled greatly the fangs of the wolf. ”

“ So Thorne explained the voyage and its purpose, and she shook her head gravely.
“I fear me for your comrades. There lies no passage to the eastward. My father often said that it is closed with ice, that never opens. So the Easterlings told him.” ”

“ He turned to call Peter to go for more wood, but again the girl in the sea cloak checked him in his purpose.
“Nay, let the lout sleep. The Easterlings have no love for him and they would slay him out of hand if he came near me.”
“Now by my faith,” growled the youth, “this is ill hearing. If any man lifts hand against Peter I will put my sword through him.”
The girl smiled at this, yet there was anxiety in her eyes, which traveled beyond Thorne to the far corners of the hall. ”