Chapter 9

Halfdan awoke the next morning to an empty bed. His arms searched for her, but when his hands did not find her, his eyes fluttered open. He sat up as he gazed around the tent, looking for Ylva, before settling on his brother's hunched form resting against the side of the bed Halfdan and Ylva shared the previous night.

Halfdan nudged his brother's shoulder, "wake up."

Harald began to stir from his slumber. "What is it brother," Harald asked groggily as he began to stand.

"Have you seen Ylva?"

Harald turned to Halfdan with a smirk, "you seem quite concerned, brother."

Halfdan narrowed his eyes slightly before responding, "why were you sleeping next to my bed?"

"Ylva asked me to," Harald shot his brother another smirk. "She helped me find some rest last night."

Halfdan's jaw clenched as he stared at his brother. The two brothers stayed like that for several moments. Harald smirking while Halfdan glared at him. Their intensity broke as each brother broke into a smile.

"I have no idea where she went, brother," Harald laughed.

Halfdan chuckled in return, "what a great help you are brother." Halfdan dressed and began to leave the tent.

"And brother," Harald called out, "she is yours, I will not interfere."

Halfdan nodded in response before leaving the tent in search of Ylva.