Haakon, the son of Lars of Fjell, looked with satisfaction upon the completed ship that awaited his signal for its launch. This venture of his would go well. He felt it in his bones. But the gods help best those who help themselves and Haakon intended to omit nothing that might enhance his luck.

The once-prosperous farmstead of Fjell was not yielding crops in as generous a fashion as once it had done. Nor were the animals so fat and productive as they had been in his grandfather's day. Haakon Larsson took these things as indications that it was time for change. Haakon was more than ready to accept when the invitation came from Ragnar, the grandson of Guthrum, to join him and his host. But Haakon had no intention of abandoning his homestead in the northland. That would be profligate waste. He would leave a younger brother in charge of Fjell and gain additional lands in the new Danelaw.

Haakon refused to go as a pauper and beg a place--he intended to claim a prominent position with Ragnar. To do so required Haakon to furnish his own ship and company. The sleek and strong new ship was his answer. Crafted by the best shipmen in the north, she would be called Hjemkomst. The name had come to him unbidden. It was a sent name and therefore a lucky one.

He was not an over-religious man. Naturally one paid proper deference to the gods--even to the Christ when that was politically expedient. Although only a Seax would truly follow the southerners' self-sacrificing deity in more than name.

Blood sacrifice was customary before naming a ship and launching her. He wasn't looking forward to killing the girl. But afterwards he and his men and all of his household could enjoy the feast the women had been preparing. It looked to be a good day.