Inspired by the Women Warriors or Shield Maidens of Viking Lore.

Designed for Sock Knitters Anonymous May-June 2019 Lace Challenge. A solid, semi-solid, tonal or gradient colorway is recommended to showcase the lace.

Clues will be released on a weekly basis.
Clue 1: May 1
Clue 2: May 8
Clue 3: May 15
Clue 4: May 22

Pattern has both charts and written instructions.

5/17: Clue 3, Written PDF file has been corrected.
Clarification for Written Instructions for Charts. Charts are correct.
WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHARTS ONLY. The charts are correct.
Chart C: Row 0 (WS)
small: R0 (WS): p1, k1, p3, k1, p1tbl, k1, p13, k1, p1tbl, k1, p3, k1, sl wyif
medium: R0 (WS): p2, k1, p3, k2, p1tbl, k1, p13, k1, p1tbl, k2, p3, k1, p1, sl wyif
large: R0 (WS): p3, k2, p3, k2, p1tbl, k1, p13, k1, p1tbl, k2, p3, k2, p2, sl wyif

Chart D
small: R0 (WS): p1, k1, p3, k1, p1tbl, k1, p13, k1, p1tbl, k1, p3, k1, sl wyif
medium: R0 (WS): p2, k1, p3, k2, p1tbl, k1, p13, k1, p1tbl, k2, p3, k1, p1, sl wyif
large: R0 (WS): p3, k2, p3, k2, p1tbl, k1, p13, k1, p1tbl, k2, p3, k2, p2, sl wyif

5/24: Plain toe. Corrected pdf has been uploaded.
Round 2 (Decrease Round): k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts before first instep marker, k2tog, k1. SM. K1, ssk, work instep sts in pattern as established to last 3 sts before second instep marker, k2tog, k1.

Sample was knit with Periwinkle Sheep Watercolors Sock Yarn, in the Elderberry Colorway.

Medium size pair with 9-3/4 inch foot required about 340 yds.

♥♥♥ Special thanks to my wonderful test knitters who kept me on my toes: angie/kachelmeier, debi/corirallen, diane/hautecontre, diane/hexlein, eeva/Neuloja80, jamie/knitbyhand, and pati/patipoint