To Mikkel’s right was another cape. Between that and the round head was a large island with high vertical rock rising from its shore. Beyond lay a long, low point that turned like a beak as it reached into the sea.

“Landmarks no good Viking would miss. And there—” Leif pointed beyond the large island. Though far distant, the rocky ridge of a headland offered another marker.

For a moment Leif turned, looking back to the great open sea over which they had traveled. On the way here they had gone ashore twice as they sailed south. Now in the strong current along that coast an iceberg rose from the water. Though the beginning of July, ice from northern glaciers still offered danger to any ship that passed.

But Leif’s face showed only his excitement. “When Thorstein comes—”

Leif and his brother had planned to travel together. While sailing up the coast of Greenland, Leif had learned that Thorstein was delayed.

“He’ll follow the same directions from Bjarni that I had,” Leif said. “If we’re able to use such a good location, he’ll find us easily.”

As Leif faced the channel again, his voice held the satisfaction of discovery. “It’s a gateway, I’m sure of it. A fjord that will open up this new land. Where ships can sail, explorers will come, and settlers, and merchants!”

Once more Leif pointed across the water, this time to a bay between the rocky ridge and the long point of land that extended like a beak into the sea. With his keen eyesight he had seen more than the rest of them.

“That’s where we’re going,” he said. “Ships will not only be able to see us. Whether friend or enemy, we’ll be able to see them.”

Friend or enemy. Again Bree felt a warning. Like a bad memory, her dread returned. What about the enemy inside their group? The man who had tried to hurt Mikkel during the trip here?

Starting down between the rocks, Leif led the others. As though he had no thought of the harm that could come to him, Mikkel followed. Son of a Norwegian chief­tain, Mikkel often took his rightful place with pride. When the rest of the crew followed, Bree and her brother Devin dropped back.

With all her heart Bree felt excited about the new land they had seen. Yet the possibilities of such a place also made her wonder about her own future. Soon it would be four long years since she had been captured and became a slave. What could she do to change her life?

Partway to the ship, Devin stopped and turned around. Though Bree had inherited their mother’s brown eyes and reddish-blonde hair, Devin had the black hair and deep blue eyes of the dark Irish. Like Mikkel, Devin was also eighteen.

As though understanding how Bree felt, Devin of­fered a brotherly wink. “Remember,” he said. “Don’t forget who you really are.”

In her heart Bree added the words she knew well. The daughter of a wise and powerful chieftain who loves me very much.

“Yes, Dev, I know,” Bree said aloud.

Even when most angry with Mikkel, she had not blurted out the truth. Afraid that her ransom would go even higher, she had never told Mikkel about her father. Only Bree, Devin, and the Irish captured with them knew the well-kept secret.

Now Bree hugged it to herself. When she entered this new land she would remember. Though I seem to be a slave, inside I am free. And I won’t let anyone take that from me!