And Kata took the unconscious Alma by the hand and followed after Ormarr and his burden.
When they had left, an old peasant rose and walked out of the church. Then the congregation followed, walking with downcast eyes, a few only casting furtive glances in the direction of the pulpit, where Sera Ketill stood.
Ormarr carried his father across the churchyard to the horses, Kata and Alma following close behind. When he saw his sister-in-law’s condition, he shivered.
Kata was watching him. “Ay,” she said, “her poor troubled soul’s found rest at last. And we should thank the Lord that He took her reason. Let me come and nurse her—she’ll need no other help as long as I live.”
Ormarr was puzzled to think how he should get his father’s body and the two women home, with but two horses for the journey. Sleipnir could easily carry him and his father’s body. With a side-saddle, Alma could have mounted the second horse, Kata leading it. As it was, the women would have to walk, and he must ride at a foot-pace the whole way. There was nothing else to be done that he could see.
He was on the point of telling Kata his plan when he perceived the congregation crowding round. The old peasant who had first left the church came up to him, and said:
“You will let us carry the old chief home to Borg?”
Ormarr turned on him furiously.
“You have killed my father among you; not one of you shall touch his body.”
But the old peasant would not give way. His voice was thick with emotion as he went on: