Patrick looked up from the chest of furs.
Everyone was staring at Patrick.
“Captain,” said the sailor, “a boy is stealing furs!”
The sailor came up to him. He grabbed the edge of Patrick’s silver cape.
“Look,” he said. “He stole this fur cape.”
“It’s not what you think,” Patrick said. “This is mine!”
The men gathered around. Some of them pulled out knives.
“Wait,” said a voice. Leif pushed through the crowd.
The sailor took a step back from Patrick.
Relief washed over Patrick. He looked up at Leif.
“I’m sorry,” Patrick said. “I just wanted to see what was inside. I didn’t take anything. I promise!”
Leif said to his sailors, “I’ll deal with the boy. The day’s work is done. You may all go. But be here before dawn tomorrow!”
A cheer went up among the men. They ran down the plank to shore.
“Where is the girl?” Leif asked Patrick. “Is she safe?”
“I left her at the church,” Patrick said.
“Where you should be,” Leif said. “Don’t you understand what will happen now?”
“No,” Patrick said.
“The people are going to the last feast before we sail,” Leif said.
“Great!” Patrick said. “I love parties.”
“This party is not for you. They worship the Norse gods like Thor. They offer sacrifices.”
Patrick gasped. “Idol worship?” he asked.
Leif frowned at him. “That is why I wanted you and the girl to stay inside the church. It’s the only place you’ll be safe.”
Patrick took a deep breath. What if Beth had left the church? What if Erik caught her and took her to the ceremony?
“We have to go back to Beth!” he said. “Hurry!”
Patrick raced from the boat and back to the village. Leif followed close behind. They reached the church. Patrick threw open the door.
“Beth!” he shouted.
But there was no answer.