"Not for me," Leif says. "But do you think it would have been suggested that a big sacrifice would be required to shore up Ragnar's position and line without his knowledge? Do you think any of that was purely personal? Sons are never just personal, for an earl."

Beat.

"As one who gives sacrifice, the gods would accept him as what he now is. No longer just a farmer. The higher the position, the greater the offering. The blood of a man, a free good man you'd bitterly miss -- that is what makes the gods notice!"

He shakes his head.

"You're so clever, Athelstan. So clever. But sometimes, people are still too harsh and mean for your understanding."