Alternative

The feast for the celebration of the latest successful raid had began as the story was told in multiple different versions but all painting Ernak, the supposed guest of honour in a glowing light however, as they turned to look for a reaction stopped to see an empty seat and looking around for him saw how he was nowhere in sight, “Ivar check the house, I’ll go sweep the town, Alfhild the stables!” Sigurd spoke before watching the others disperse returned when they had no luck, well all but one had no luck. Alfhild silently opened the stable door peered in and nodded in acceptance to what she saw but not liking it, in front of her stood a horse saddled with bedding on its rear and seeing the very man they were looking for open the other set of doors pinned the series of notes to the table with a carving knife but he was now aware of her presence watching his movements, “What Alfhild?” “Don’t leave, we need you here. We all do!” “I need to. I don’t want to be here, seeing Ragnor kiss my love and raising a family together, her upset by this whilst you all celebrate FOR her. I want a fresh start!” “We can give you that. Some space and Ragnor... he would never do such a thing. Any affection wouldn’t be shown in front of you!” “I will see her and know that every kiss they share should have been with me, every brat produced from her womb should have been my children and every celebration for their anniversary should have been mine not mine and Astrid’s” “I know son but if you stay I’ll sort out Astrid, you will NOT be marrying her, that’s final” “That isn’t my point, my point is Lagertha is the woman I love and should be with me” “Other women have shown a interest...” Ernak slammed his knife down into the wooden table before yelling, “Just shut up, everything you say makes me want to slit my own throat!” Alfhild cried unsure of what to say before crying, “Please, I don’t want to lose you... you are my son, a boy that has grown into a fine man. You may not have Lagertha but you have a idea of what to work up to!” there was an painful silence between the two as Sigurd entered after overhearing the fiery exchange before laughing Ernak simply shook his head trying to explain, “You still don’t get it. Growing up without an mother and father is hard enough but being what I am is harder, depressing even. I was soo ready to give up trying to fight because of the constant bullying I received; whether I ignored them, retaliated or fought back it was always the same... male or female didn’t matter. Lagertha saw past that and made me feel better about myself, she gave me something and is MY something to keep fighting for. I fell in love with her the moment I saw her; when her family moved here and when I believed I had no chance in hell, she loved me. I thought I was just too lucky for her to notice me but no I was the type of man she liked, it was sympathy at first but we fell in love each passing moment we were together and we were so happy to finally be married. What do I have now to fight for?” as he finished his confidence faded remembering everything that had happened and looking down heard “Family!” Sigurd replied placing his hand on his shoulder causing him to look back up and state, “The ones who screwed me other, lied to my face and care only about their power and themselves?” Sigurd fell silent causing Alfhild to comment, “You have Largetha and Torvi as friends at least. As the years past you will be grateful to still have such a great friend!” Ernak slumped against the table before in tears asked, “And me? Sold off to a another woman for securing power? Alone?” Alfhild rushed to hug him as she desperately tried to console the young man.

“There will be another for you!” Alfhild muttered before hearing his response of, “But I want her” “I know son and I just wish it was that simple” she replied before feeling him push her away stated, “Then I leave” Alfhild looked back at her husband who nodding offered, “Look, I am going on a tour around our nearby villages and allies kingdoms; come with me and find someone to fill the void Lagertha has left! Even 2 or 3 if you require them” Ernak shook his head once more before adjusting his bag heard Sigurd grunt and a nodding of his head accepting Ernak’s decision but Alfhild wasn’t ready to give in to what she was hearing, “No! How about a house of your own, away from us or half our treasury; please just don’t go!” “No, away from here... maybe I can start anew; Lagertha will always be in my thoughts but at least away from there I can’t be tortured seeing Ragnor living my life!”

“Where will you go?” Ivar asked changing the subject as Ernak led his horse out the double doors, “Just away” “Do you need money?!” Alfhild queried but shaking his head Ernak replied, he mounted the horse before looking back spoke, “No, I don’t want to borrow off you anymore!” “Will you come back and visit?” “Not if I can help it!” Alfhild nodded as Ivar offered, “Come with me then, we won’t do this shit to you!” “You’re just like them!” Ernak retaliated to the larger man which caused Ivar to reply, “No it won’t. We have an ban in place to prevent this from happening!” Ernak shook his head before feeling Ivar’s fatherly hand on his shoulder heard Ivar continue, “Come with us at least until your share has been worked out and then go, hopefully with an location in mind” Ernak sighed before nodding replied, “Fine!” Alfhild nodded feeling slightly better knowing he would be safe but as she tried to suggest him joining them at the table for food Ernak simply state glumly, “I’m not hungry, seeing you bunch of bastards turns one off food. I’m just going to get an early night”

“Ivar...” Sigurd sternly spoke looking over to the man who rubbing his beard replied, “Sigurd.” “Look after him; he is a son to me!” Ivar nodded before sternly replying, “I will treat him like he was own and don’t worry about arrange marriages... we don’t sell our children out for political gain” Sigurd looked down before handing Ivar a pouch of coins, Ivar threw it to the floor and snapped, “I can’t be bought! But him, send something familiar with him; it may help!” Alfhild nodded before undoing the horse from the hitching post stated, “Here take Skadi, he tended to use her when he went to war or hunt” Sigurd nodded as she regrettably handed the reigns to Ivar who nodded before checking with her, “Are you sure? I know she has been with you for years” “And without Ernak tending to her special diet she will just get ill and eventually die; the horses need him!” Sigurd nodded seeing Torvi bring an plate of food for Ernak, “Send all those horses who need special treatment with them, no point keeping them here; since none of us know the horses like Ernak!” Alfhild agreed seeing Torvi place the plate of food into her hands and state, “It’s the least you can do. I’ll sort the horses out; maybe now you will realise without him you would be stuck walking everywhere!”

Morning came and Ivar finishing his drink looked over to see Torvi walk up to him, her shield attached to her back before asking, “Room for one more?” “Torvi...” Ivar began but shaking her head she pointed at him aggressively, “Don’t you dare start; I won’t be sold like Lagertha into marriage and I won’t abandon a friend; so I’m coming with him!” she stopped when she heard Ernak’s voice of, “You won’t!” Torvi rushed up to him to plead but shaking his head he spoke, “Please I need... I need you to look after her for me.” she lowered her head before agreeing hugged hoping he’d return. Alfhild looked at Ernak and trying to hug him felt no return of the hug just stiffness until he simply spoke, “Get off me Slápr; it’s your fault most of this happened” she lowered her head and nodding as she let go cried out in broken tears, “I will make it up to you even if it takes the rest of my life to earn your forgiveness!” he shook his head before responding, “Just leave me alone and never look for me again. I don’t want anything to do with any of you; I hope this village gets what it deserves: Wars, starvations, disease, famine. All of it and I hope you all suffer the most; maybe even the people turn on you!” Sigurd tried to interrupt but being met by the glare off Ernak backed away seeing his former son mount Skadi held the horse and state, “Give me a few years at most and she can be yours!” “You are incompetent; that much is clear when you rely on Erik for opinions. The next time I come through these gates is either Ragnor’s **** day or when I am part of an army that threatens to wipe you all out. Ivar let’s get out of here I feel nauseous.”

A day later the remaining warriors rode to the village to see the villagers stare at the depleted number and their Frue rushed desperately to her wounded husband and son, “You’re back early, what happened?!” Ivar immediately hugged her and seeing the young man dismount his horse Ivar whispered, “We were ambushed and we were saved by Sigurd’s boy, Ernak. It’s a long story; I’ll tell you it later” she nodded before studying the man who was busy studying the area seeing the villagers now begin to stare directly at him it was Björn who barked at them to make the groups disperse, “Stop staring at my friend, he’s a hero! Get out of here, all of you!” “Who’s he?” the Frue queried and wrapping his hand around her to guide her forward Ivar introduced the two, “Ernak this is my wife, Estrid. Estrid this is the step son of Alfhild and Sigurd and the man who saved our asses in Britain. He has been through a lot; so he will be living with us for a short time at least” she nodded before facing her husband asked, “But why he is living with us if Sigurd and Alfhild is his parents?” “I will explain that to you as well. Björn show him... show him to Arnes old room whilst I fill Estrid in!” “But Ivar, that’s HIS room... I don’t want anyone in it; it’s the last thing we have of him” “It’s fine, I’ll sleep in the stables” Ernak responded looking over to the wooden barn, “Nonsense, we wouldn’t have that for anyone and if Sigurd heard...” “I prefer it there, it’s peaceful and quiet there; I used to do the same back home” Ivar conflicted by it nodded before stating, “Björn, put a bunk in there and tell the men I want an extension to be added on, the size of an bedroom. Go!” Björn nodded as the couple now looked over to Ernak who looking down seeing the couple embrace heard Ivar push his wife back so there were now a fair distance away, “Ivar?! What’s wrong?” “Estrid. Later. It will make sense later, just have patience but for now let’s get you Ernak settled in; follow me.”

It was a few hours later when the forces cheered hearing of Ivars success and Estrid after hearing what had happened contemplated what she should do next with her older sister, the apparent “smarter sister” according to her mother. Their parents always warned them about Erik and his family, always scheming and most of the time creating a mess; it’s what caused Erik’s father to leave the village and yet Alfhild fell for his “advice” which was just clear bluffing and scheming for power on his part, however from the growing louder cheers and singing from the guests to the feasts her thoughts were pulled to the celebration and the query of why is there a spare seat. “Where is the hero of the latest raid?” Ivar leaned over before stating, “He did this as the last feast; giving what happened maybe some time to think is for the best, Björn delivered him a plate of food earlier; he was looking after Olav, that reminds me, he has a chirped tooth that needs to be removed. He will need an hand with it” “Did Hugin mind being replaced?” Estrid queried and shaking his head Ivar replied, “He hates the smell of horses so I doubt we will have much trouble from him” she nodded before seeing the seat designated for her daughter was vacant asked, “Where’s Þorunn?” Ivar shrugged before annoyed by it spat, “The women have been mocking her again because of her scar... if I had my way...” “Yes if you had your way everyone would have that scar; it doesn’t help her situation and it shows you are trying to make her normal instead of helping her to accept it and move on, it’s why she is so nervous and shy around others and it shows in her bullying and hiding from the people in the village and also Björn’s constant fighting with the boys in the village!” “It’s just not fair, she didn’t deserve it...” “I know my love, those bastards will pay but we should be there for her and not like Sigurd and Alfhild” he nodded before taking an breath thought for a few moments until he froze in realisation of an potential unfortunate event that could take place, “She is probably in... the... stables, she likes the horses. She doesn’t know Ernak is there and he doesn’t know about her...” Estrid contemplated it before stating, “You said he was picked on when he was younger for his looks and family... maybe he will understand?” Ivar got up before saying, “We should check up on them!” Estrid’s hand pulled at his arm before making him regain his seat commented, “Give them a few moments to see each other and react, you still have to tell me the story of how he saved you!” he nodded before grabbing his tankard called out, “Skald tell us the tale of the Mighty Örlendr!”

The stables were quiet, well as quiet as they could be considering the horses were unsettled from the loud celebrations of the villagers from only a small distance away. Þorunn smiled as she pet the horses who weren’t yet asleep before seeing the new white horse sleeping in the biggest space designated in the stables and hesitantly walking up begin to pet it muttered, “What a fine beast, I would love to own one so magnificent!” she froze when she heard the man’s voice boom causally from behind her, “Yeah Skadi is magnificent however she is mine, you know in the morning if you want to go out on her I can loan her for a few hours” “I can’t...” she cried immediately backing away turning her head to the side, “Wow calm down, I’m not going to harm you” “Please stay back!” Ernak nodded before grabbing hold of brushes stated, “Want to brush her?” she hesitantly leaned over and forgetting for a few moments to look away immediately regretted it as the stranger now saw what she was trying to hide, “So that’s why you were hiding? That scar?” “My face is mangled, I usually hide away here whilst the others celebrate. The horses never minded and I leave in the morning!” “A scar doesn’t make you only fit for the stables, a scar is just a mark of the past not the future.” “Then why are you here?” he grabbed a brush and brushing the furtherest horse away stated, “I like the quiet, helps me think and calms me down. I’m... I’m going through some things” “Try being me, picked on because of this fucking mark because now I am too ugly to marry and I’m every name describing monster in the world!” Ernak nodded before commenting, “No, but I know what it is like to be picked on because of physically being different. If you haven’t guessed, I’m not exactly fitting the Norse mould. I was bullied in my younger years because I’m a “Mongrel” with no friends other than the man who later married the woman I loved. So I do have an idea about what you are going through” “How do... do you go out in the village and not want to hide from their glares and sneers?” “I simply think, if they care more about me then themselves then they are wasting their lives instead on focusing on their own life’s” she nodded before stepping slightly closer asked, “So you are the man who saved my father?” “Ivar has a daughter? I’m Ernak or to everyone “Örlendr” and you are?” “Þorunn” he nodded before asking, “So what happened?” “My father had a long rivalry with a bandit and his men; they were once friends but after a few deals going south it started. They tried to repair their relationship when Ivar offered my hand to his son but all he wanted was sex. This was to teach my place when I said no, apparently I had **** but to accept him because no one else would ever look at me. Since then Ivar and him are constantly squabbling and father not being able to look at me. He blames himself for it. So what about you?”

“I’m... I’m sorry Ernak. He should have honoured his agreement with you and Sigurd... well he could have done hundreds of different things to fix the mess if he actually cared for you!” Ernak nodded before shrugging said, “Just our luck, both of us not cared for and instead we are met by endless excuses” she nodded before looking at the night sky sighed getting ready to cover her face with the sheet she had previously used spoke, “I’d better go. I need to find somewhere secluded to sleep or at least hide.” she began to walk to the door and peering through the small gap felt Ernak’s hand pull her away and offer, “Come, my bunk is big enough for two. You’ll just have to choose whether it’s head to feet or back to back” she nodded throwing the sheet down and following him into the small living space contemplated it before beginning to blush when Ernak removed his shirt for bed and getting an idea stated, “Back to back.”

Þorunn groaned struggling to get comfortable especially since Ernak and turned over in his sleep and his breath now lightly tickled the hair on the back of her neck. She lightly pushed back so she could feel the body of an man against hers but eyes widening she froze feeling his body shift getting closer to her and now his hard cock pushed against her back straining as his arms wrapped around her waist but yet he remained asleep, was he dreaming of her or was it Lagertha? She hesitantly raised her hand and smirking felt the tip through his pants before gently moving it down to feel the rest and groaning in disbelief couldn’t believe the package he possessed. She quickly retreated her hand before changing her position once more pushed back to become even closer now feeling his cock between her cheeks quickly closed her eyes when he groaned hoping he wouldn’t wake up, deciding it was probably best if she to tried to sleep.

When they woke up Ernak eyes opened seeing the blonde next to him and for a moment thought it was Lagertha and reminiscing to the dream he had last year realised just how close Porunn was to him, her rear was almost rubbing against his now grown erection so deciding to immediately turn over heard her yawn herself awake, “What time is it?” “Late enough for you to go back to your parents and for me to start working on the horses” she nodded sitting up before asking, “Can I visit them again?” he nodded throwing a shirt on before joking when her mother walked in, “Yes but you will have to help me muck out their bedding!” Estrid smirked watching her daughter desperately get changed and Ernak joining in replied to her actions with, “The more you rush the more you give the false impression that something did happen” “Porunn dear, I’m just happy that you found a friend” she nodded leaving the two to look at each other and leaning against the frame with Ernak expecting an lecture or warning but instead she spoke, “Ernak... I’m sorry for my sister. Lagertha was your love and you her’s and nothing I will say will make up for what happened there but understand this: you are welcome here and we will treat you a hell of a lot better with no obligations other than the horses in the stable.” Ernak nodded before asking, “Can we do anything to free her from them?” she thought about it before confessing, “There’s only 3 ways to do it and none that will happen or will cause a lot of bloodshed. We could go to war with them but we can’t justify it to the people. We can break off our treaty and then when they want to renegotiate demand both clans be united in marriage between you two which requires us to be prospering or finally just apply political pressure to them; you know refuse to help in wars, expand our borders and detain anyone from their clan as prisoners. Ivar is looking for the latter two. Become stronger from their troubles and then break off the treaty when we are powerful enough but that this will take work and time; a lot of warring, raiding and looting. Will you help?” he nodded and smiling she spoke, “Come, Ivar will explain the next steps.”

The next morning at Jarl Sigurd’s clan, whilst the villagers kept on with their normal jobs the Jarl sat in silence with his wife who spent her time now fussing over Astrid who wasn’t interested, “Look we could arrange a marriage to a man you like most!” “And be sold off like Ragnor? I don’t think so!” “Enough!” Sigurd yelled slamming his fist to the table sending his fork to the floor before clutching his head spoke, “Enough, please. I don’t care... Alfhild we have already lost one son, let’s not lose a daughter to” “Sigurd... you wanted to secure our clans legacy, I’m just fulfilling your wish!” Alfhild spoke and looking over to her he spat back in venom, “We have just lost a already folk hero after one fucking raid. A morale booster to our men, who know what he could have done as Ragnor’s first, his Drengr, his advisor; maybe even a future Jarl but he’s gone now... so let’s leave it as that!” Sigurd reached for his fork when Alfhild replied, “He isn’t coming back is he?” Sigurd shook his head before replying, “Like I said we have lost an son for our futures. Let’s hope it was worth it” “Erik wasn’t worth it!” Astrid spoke toying with her food and feeling her parents eyes on her she simply continued, “Erik has money yes but that’s it. His influence relies on his sources happiness and attitude towards him, he doesn’t have many friends at it is and when his money dries out what does he offer? One lousy sword for hire and his daughters. Already he is trying to negotiate a marriage between Torvi and Ernak to unite both clans but the diplomat here from Ivar has told him to fuck off or die.” Sigurd nodded before sighing spoke, “We need to fix this... I can’t be without my brother in arms Ivar” Astrid looked up at him before smirking replied, “Too late. The diplomat packed up and left, something about Estrid orders to not support the clan anymore.” Sigurd looked to his wife and nodding she assured him by, “I’ll wait until Ragnor and Lagertha come back, maybe I can soften the blow for them both and then ride out to my sisters, maybe I can persuade her to reconsider her actions and make it up to Ernak, he is clearly the injured party here and why she has done this” Sigurd nodded before looking down stated, “I don’t even know what to say to them both. To explain to Ragnor that his brother, his best friend and voice of reason has left us and has even threatened to kill him the next time he sees them. Lagertha; she’ll never forgive us” Alfhild nodded before sighing replied, “She only went through with it and never accepted exile because I promised her she could see Ernak behind Ragnor’s back and if a child was born who knows what would happen” “You did what woman?!” Sigurd yelled and nodding Alfhild replied, “It was the only way I could get what you all wanted passed” Astrid spat at her before yelling back, “He was right. You were lying, you used him and deceived him” Alfhild slapped her before replying, “I had my own plan and Ernak leaving isn’t part of it. Lagertha was going to marry Ragnor and a child would be born tying both our family’s together maybe even Ernak’s child, I was then going **** Erik and divorce Ragnor from Lagertha and marry Ernak to her. Failing that take Ragnor out of the equation. I love my son but what happened to Ernak I will never forgive you all for. We should have been there for him and when I think back now it was obvious that there was something between him and Lagertha but we chose to ignore it” “I said enough. We must move forward and then make it up to him. Without security for our clan this will have been for nothing” Sigurd fired back until Torvi rushing in yelled back to her father, “I said no. I will not marry Gorm’s nephew. I will stick my axe through his head before doing such a thing!”

“Wow wow calm down” Alfhild spoke separating the father and daughter as Torvi grabbed her axe ready to launch it at her father, “What is the meaning of you both interrupting us?” Sigurd bellowed demanding answers and spitting at Erik Torvi yelled, “That Bastard isn’t contempt in selling Lagertha off to a man she can’t stand but now wants me to marry his cousin’s nephew. I. Will. Not. Do. It!” “Imagine it, you would rule the coast, have anything you could import and potentially a Queen!” “I said no!” Torvi yelled lifting her axe, “If you don’t stop waving it around, you are going to cause an ****!” Sigurd responded trying to calm her but looking over to him she simply spoke, “That’s what I intend to do. Erase the plague from our Clan!” “Watch your mouth!” “Or what? Going to marry me to a dog because then we would have “the best trackers” in the kingdom is it?” “Torvi, he is still your father!” Alfhild warned her and slamming her axe into the table Torvi spat, “Fuck you. You know what... Fuck you all, I don’t need you; any of you. The only ones I ever needed were my sister, Ernak and inherently his damn horses” “Watch you mouth Torvi” Erik warned disgusted by her lack of respect and shaking her head Torvi replied, “No. Hear this: you want an happy family with the perfect son and daughter ruling with children and politically secure then you can have it. Have Lagertha, Ragnor and their bastard children... I won’t stay here and see my sister emotionally and mentally kill herself for you” “Where are you going?” Sigurd yelled and turning back she spoke, “Packing, I’m leaving in the morning to Ivar’s. At least he respects people” Alfhild looked down before replying, “What is happening to this family? We were friendly, so friendly and now it’s falling apart” Torvi lifted her finger to the three of them before sternly saying, “You happened. Ernak and Lagertha should be together, you flogging her to the wrong son has ruined this friendship, but hey at least you got your alliance” Alfhild looked down before nodding spoke, “We permit you the use of weapon against any suitor you don’t: want to meet, marry or if Erik and/or them try to suggest anything” “And kill more of this family? It’s better if I leave like Ernak.” Alfhild nodded defeated begged, “Please Torvi listen to this suggestion... I’m leaving in the morning to talk of business there, stay for tonight and talk to your sister about it when she returns in a few hours, help me explain what happened with Ernak to her and Ragnor and I will personally take you to Ivar’s in the morning. Please talk it out with Lagertha, she’s going to need all the support we can offer and you leaving won’t help.” Torvi nodded before looking to the others spoke, “Alright if not just to say goodbye to her, but I am still packing now” Alfhild tried to find the words to thank her but hearing Astrid slam through the doors, she didn’t even get to explain why she has stormed in because from outside the shouts and protests were clear be held so nodding to each other Sigurd began to lead them to the doors, hoping to calm the situation down.

“There you are! Where’s Ernak?” the merchant snapped, “And where’s my horse? It’s the light brown one. I was going to purchase it from him...” he continued before a woman snapped, “He promised to help me with the baking!” “And he payed for some horseshoes!” the blacksmith spoke before Bernia snapped, “Where is he? He promised to help us find some work today” the crowd stopped and waiting for an response which now came in the form of Torvi who snapped pointing to Sigurd and Alfhild, “Left because of the poor treatment by them... so the stables won’t be open for a while, you won’t be getting any help and you will have to do all of your jobs by yourself for once and thank them both for it!” Sigurd stepped forward to address the group before beginning took an breath to ensure that he knew he what to say, “Yes, Ernak left us last night. He found out about Lagertha’s marriage and decided he could not stay here anymore, we tried to convince him to stay; that we all needed him even offered him incentives but he wouldn’t accept it, he wanted to leave by himself but luckily enough he listened to reason and has moved East to Ivar’s clan; we also sent the special cases of horses with him because only he knows how to treat them” the crowd was silent which to the family concerned them was it because they were upset or just plain old angry until the Blacksmith walked forward and snapped, “He only ever wanted Lagertha and now he’s got nothing... should have known you would screw the boy over. Bastards! All of you. Always fair to us even when we weren’t to him!” “I remember them both coming to get bread from me, he was always gentle with her” the Baker responded before snapping, “And now he’s gone. Does Ragnor and Lagertha even know? How you failed to convince him to stay. Ragnor lost his brother because of something YOU wanted and Lagertha is never going to see her love again?” the family fell silent and nodding the Seer who joined the group from her hut spoke, “So we have no properly maintained mounts, we have no heir to you if Ragnor dies and we have lost what? Ernak? Ivar’s support? Safe passage from our shores? The gods wouldn’t want this!” “What do you know Seer?” Sigurd spoke and addressing the crowd Seer spoke, “Ernak is descendant from the gods, the one’s who came before, those who created this world” Sigurd laughed before stating, “He’s just a young man” she shook her head before stating, “With dormant gods blood inside, the artefact triggered it to take place, an living Demi-god who isn’t aware of his power” they was silence apart for the start of concerned whisperings between the crowds of people and looking down Sigurd spat, “We will speak later Seer, in my war room. For now we wait for...” he trailed off seeing the wagon pull in and the crowd turning around Sigurd sighed, “This is going to get worse.”

“But first the crowd” Erik urged and nodding Sigurd addressed the crowd, “People, I’m sorry; him leaving us hurts my family more than any of you could imagine. I saw great things for both my boys, Ernak the proud and honourable Drengr; the best of the best and Ragnor steering this Clan through whatever happened, both eventually happy but we can’t dither on the what could have been and focus on the what will happen. We will try and bring him back to us even if it costs everything but this will take time. For now the stables are temporarily closed until we can bring more horses in and someone to care for them. What help was promised will be delivered and any compensation will also be delivered and... telling the rest of the family... we will do that after they settle in” the Blacksmith shook his head before spitting and the floor near Sigurd spat, “Don’t fucking bother. Come on everyone, I don’t know about you but I feel nauseous looking at them!” Sigurd tried to plea to his longtime friend but seeing Lagertha and Ragnor see the scene and people glaring at them as they walked past it was their turn to grill the family, “Let’s take this private.”

“What was going on there and the stables?” Ragnor laughed seeing his flustered father, “Isn’t Ernak not back yet?” he continued but looking at his wife it was Lagertha who shrieked, “He isn’t dead is he?” Sigurd shook his head which caused her to follow up with, “Then where is he?” Alfhild nodded to her husband who looked to her and being already done with their dithering Torvi spoke, “The raid went wrong and they returned earlier, he reacted as you would expect finding out that Alfhild had failed to win the argument and you two were married. His words before the raid was ‘If this isn’t sorted then you won’t see me again’ he left the morning after returning” “Where?” Lagertha cried disheartened by what happened, “Ivar’s Clan. He wanted to go out by himself but listened to Ivar when he pleaded with him to at least live with his clan until he has a plan. Refused anything the family could throw at him to; money, raiding crew with ship, own warband, stables, his own house, another woman, several women and a right to lead this clan. From what I saw Ivar isn’t bought off like you lot. Refused coin off Sigurd. This is why we don’t have many horses in the stable, majority of them require special treatment and they were sent with him to care for. Skadi is even gone. It’s why the villagers are angry and it’s why more people are leaving!” Erik snorted before stating, “Like who?” “Me for a start, I won’t be fucking married off like my weak sister. Perhaps it’s me being around Ernak to long or me actually have a backbone or maybe it’s because I care for him whatever the reason, I will not be married off; I’m leaving in the morning!” Lagertha’s head sank before looking at her sister from barely an glare pleaded, “Please not you too. I can’t lose both of you, I don’t want to lose Ernak but I can’t handle losing you” “I will not be sold off and that’s what father desires! Hopefully like Ernak none of you will see me again” Lagertha slumped against the table before asking, “I can’t believe he didn’t even say goodbye to me” Torvi glared at Ragnor before snapping, “If he did stay for that, the family would be burying a son. Either Ragnor’s by Ernak’s hand or Ernak’s by the guards hand. He swore **** upon this village and by the look of it the Clan has lost Ivar’s support and the use of their dock, seas and trading. The diplomat was recalled earlier on today!” Lagertha looked at the family before addressing her sister directly, “Is there anyway I can persuade you to stay?” Torvi shook her head before replying, “I’m going to look after Ernak. Who knows maybe he will move on and be happy from this shitstain” Lagertha nodded before replying, “If he does just make sure she’s worth it!” Torvi slammed her chest with her fist before claiming, “If I get what I want, it will be!” Lagertha went to hug her sister but pushing her hands away Torvi spoke as she walked to the door, “Good luck sister, this isn’t what you wanted but this is what you accepted!”

The room feel silent as each family member’s attention fell to the one person who stared into space until Ragnor’s hand lightly touched her shoulder which lead to her simply glare at him, “We... I will fix this, we all will!” Lagertha shook her head before spitting, “It doesn’t matter now. It’s like Torvi said, it’s all my fault; I should have refused it all ran to Ernak or something... I accepted this and now I must pay the price” “It’s not like that, we can fix this and politically it makes it more pressing” Alfhild reassured but it was Erik’s compromise that turned Lagertha mad, “I’ll tell you what, 10 years together, a couple of children and then you can be with that mutt” Lagertha shook her head before snapping, “I will not be handed to him as some disused, worn out tool for him to love. You **** me into this father and I will make you all pay for this... every single one of you.” “Lagertha” Ragnor urged but shaking her head she spat, “You will be first, my ‘dearest’ husband” Sigurd trying to calm the situation stopped when the Seer walked in and dismissing Erik and his guards left the remainder of the family to watch her lounge back on the nearest seat waiting for Sigurd to irritatedly get angry at her.

“Want to explain what you said out there?” Sigurd snarled and nodding she simply spoke, “Okay I will repeat it, Ernak is descended from the gods. His blood is from them and has laid dormant until he found his ancestors artefact, it’s why he can wield the bow and why he was seeing the visions and hearing the voices of the ones who came before, those who created the world and governed it; before he left we discussed in great detail what this meant however, I will never know. He could be a descendant of Odin or Freyja but we didn’t have time to go into detail. He saw these symbols and language in his head that when it first began he couldn’t understand but the longer he focused on them the more it became clearer what the message was” Sigurd laughed before bellowing again in another laughter asked, “God? He’s just a young angry man...” Torvi shook her head before contemplating what the Seer spoke commented, “He was hearing voices, I remember him mentioning Freyja and Odin are arguing and telling them to both be silent, but even then it was only the odd occasion it happened. Did he knock his head on the raid?” “Nothing. Completely fine apart for being tired” the Seer spoke to which Alfhild asked, “Let’s assume this is true... then what could you possibly do?” “I wanted him to explore these visions and see what they told him. It must have been important for something but alas I can’t do that now” “So he could be a God? A chosen one of the gods?” Lagertha asked and nodding the Seer replied, “I won’t know for sure unless the Seer in their clan is willing to explore it, so too that length I request you deliver this note to the Seer when you leave, it’s important she has it” Torvi accepted it before stopping hearing her sister’s weeping, “Could this be the gods stopping us from being together, am I being punished?” the others tried to think of a response but it was the Seer who broke her cold gaze and stated, “If the God’s have caused this then maybe they will reunite you two later. Could this be part of their plan? Could it mean you aren’t destined for each other and something greater lays in wait or neither? We won’t know until we find out what they want from him and us. For now keep on believing in your desired ending will come.”

The night sky was illuminated by the lit torches that encamped the table allowing the much smaller but nevertheless a celebratory feast for Ragnor and Lagertha next to them was an empty seat purposely left by Torvi to illuminate the point that Ernak was not there next to Ragnor almost like a parrot was Erik constantly talking to make things about his “brilliant daughter” and how they had saved the clan. Sigurd sat next to him after drawing the short straw and next to him was Alfhild who was next to Ragnor and by him was Lagertha who chose to sit a seat away from his person on purpose and despite the occasion wanted the guests to know all wasn’t well, the others seats were made up of close friends. The mood was heavy and not in a good way, views were divided among each mini group and Erik knew eyes were glaring at him, “Skald the mood is depressing, tell us a story about our legends!” the Skald sat up as he became to speak, “For Lagertha and Ragnor who have missed the telling of this story, I will tell you all the story of ‘The Örlendr’ the story I was able to witness” Erik growled as he tried quickly to change the story, “No another one!” “I want to hear it!” Lagertha snapped coldly waiting for the Skald to begin, “It was a foggy morning when our boats reached the beaches of Britannia’s cost and our young legend unaware of what would befall him this very day followed behind Ivar who full of his usual confidence led our men forward. Whilst the others blindly raided the land like and infestation of crops, Ernak stood out. Even his enemies were shocked that he spoke their barbarian language; but it was his actions that surprised even I, this humble Skald. He didn’t harm an innocent and protected the women from harm our own men, Bernia now one of us and mothers safe the legend had already began. His selfless bravery pulled Ivar from the jaws of this “Christian Faith” in the monastery and with the wisdom that Odin granted him charged alone into the warriors who had set us up in a surprise ambush. His swords gleamed as the blood squirted from our foes, allowing us to escape to the ships. When his horse was chopped down the enemy encircled is like a pack of wolves waiting to pick us off engulfing us in this darkness that only could only be described as Helheim creeping up on us. Björn like his father wounded with Ernak by a sword through their chests and to us signalled the ending for us all but through this darkness came a mighty roar almost as if Kratos had came to save us; in this darkness came two swords on fire which lit our way through the darkness. What came next could only be described as fearless, swords on fire Ernak released another roar when he charged towards the enemy looking to **** the pack back. Enemies tried to flee but he didn’t allow it he pushed forward killing everything in sight forcing them to retreat and Ernak in one masterful shot kill the evil that commander the darkness, a shining arrow pushing past the clouds of darkness and him to simply carry the Jarl to the boat. Many ask what happened to him but our hero, our Örlendr packed up and left the day of his return, where to? I like to think his path will lead him back to us but for now he helps family and seeks his own path in this world. Will he continue his legend? Or be a curse on our lips? perhaps in his heart he will reach the closure he most definitely deserves!” the main family fell silent whilst the others cheered, toasting his success and Lagertha for once smiled but this didn’t last long, with this story it made her remember just how much she would miss him and her sister who sought to join his side, yet it provided her with hope that maybe he would come back and maybe it could be different on their terms, for their interests and no one else’s.