The Sword

Oddny thought she could put it all behind her: the slavery and that brute sea-king, Örlygr Thrasason, who had dashed every hope for her bright future that summer day when he kidnapped her at sea. Before then, she had anticipated nothing more in life than reunion with her father; a vast new world to explore on his estate in Iceland. Instead, that long-awaited voyage had led her straight into Örlygr's bed. She is not the only one to crave retribution for Örlygr's far-reaching crimes. Now this young merchant has shown up from nowhere, Vermundr Grenjatharson, with plans to avenge his family's honor. At last, Oddny's smoldering rage and hate find an opportunity for retribution as she helps stage Vermundr's fatal ambush. But in the following months, Oddny realizes bitterly that freedom is something more than what his sword can give. For she already carries Örlygr's child.The Sword begins the saga of Oddny Einarsdottir, a Norwegian girl struggling to redefine herself after three shattering years in bondage. Passion, resilience, love and vengeance unfold against a rich backdrop of medieval slavery, civil war and the day-to-day life of 10th century Norway- all seen through a woman's eyes.