Finding Astrid

“Ernak, my boy I have heard about the village and don’t worry I’ll sort it! But I have more immediate troubles, my daughter... Astrid it missing” “Another man’s bed?” “She said she was stopping all that!” “Is that after or before she claimed she was going to become a priestess?” I joked, “Enough, I need you to find her; please!” “Where was she last seen?” “Fetching water!” “Come on then Ragnor let’s find her before she gets into trouble with the man’s wife!” he laughed grabbing his sword but being stopped by a hand from his father Sigurd spoke, “Not you, we need you to continue your preparations as a prince!” “Urggh!” “I’ll find her!” “And thank you Ernak!”

The stream was abandoned as expected but crouching down to examine the spoilt grass found the footprints of Astrid, “Yes that’s her, stands on the palm of the foot like she is always off balance by the way they are inconsistent with another man; better break up their gathering!” I mumbled following the the trail to the secluded spot, “What about your father? He won’t like it me a married man with you!” “Ssssh no one will know, Jarvik!” “What about örlendr?” “What about him?” “He is right behind us!” she turned cautiously around before being dragged away from Jarvik as he pulled feeling me to face him, “How dare you?” I growled punching him snapped, “You are just another conquest... deal with it and you! Astrid you are coming home; I have more important shit to deal with over dragging your ass home!” “Fine just don’t tell father!” “No I’m definitely am. I am fed up of this!” “Oh I forgot, I’m talking to mr perfect Hun, who only looks up to father for his money!” “I never have, I’m grateful but I only accept it because I’m need it, you accept it to spend it on more men!” “Not exactly true!” “Prove me wrong!” “Okay, let’s go, just don’t say who with!” I nodded before pulling her on the horse began to ride off leaving Jarvik reeling in anger from being suddenly abandoned from his “lover.”

As the horse slowed to a trot I looked out to see the gathering and cheering of the people who stood outside the house celebrating an occasion which to me was unknown, “Thank you, thank you everyone we are delighted to celebrate this occasion, the union between my family and Erik’s family will ensure we are united against our political enemies and any rebels who think they can beat us!” I froze when I heard the name “Erik” and getting nudged by Astrid she spoke impatiently, “I want to see my brother’s bride to!” I ignored her as I took one heavy foot at a time pushing past everyone until I was confronted by the scene in front of me and to Lagertha’s embarrassment and Alfhild’s remorse I simply glared at Erik who stood proudly next to Sigurd, “You bastard! I should kill you where you stand!” “What are you on about Ernak?” Sigurd questioned quickly dismissing the crowd by the help of his guards, “You gave me time to pay the dowry that you demanded because of “my kind!” “You were never going to raise it!” “I was two jobs away from it. I was going to pay it tomorrow afternoon but now you have sold her to Ragnor!” “He is the son of what you would call a king! You are just a filthy mutt!” “And have you ever thought about what Lagertha wants?” “She will have security with Ragnor!” “Ernak, I didn’t know... you should have said; we could have, no I would have payed it!” “And borrow off you again. It’s bad enough I live in your house, eat your food, drink your mead and offer you nothing. This was for myself, if I couldn’t raise it then how could I look after her, but that bastard over there screwed me out of it!” “Let’s calm down!” Ragnor spoke but being met by me pushing him back I growled, “You! You knew there was something between us but no... you had to take what little I had. I challenge you both to Holmgang; if it makes you feel better at the same time!” “No! We can settle this peacefully!” Sigurd reassured but pushing his hand away I protested, “I can kill you both without an repercussions!” “That’s not how it works here and you know it! That is a last resort which we haven’t reached yet!” “This isn’t needed, I’m not thrilled by it either!” Ragnor spoke but being met by me spitting in his face Ragnor nodded grabbing his sword, “Fine, Holmgang it is!” “No. Both of you settle down, I won’t have my two boys fighting each other!” Alfhild ordered getting in between them both “He isn’t even related to us!” Ragnor reiterated, “He is still part of this family. We need to be calm over this. There’s a raid leaving tomorrow, it was meant to be both of yours first but Ragnor needs to wait. We need someone we trust to deliver success with Sigurd’s brother Ivar, now he has always liked you Ernak. You go with him and we will sort this mess out; I guarantee it!” I glared at her seeing her nod, “You feel betrayed but I promise you that I won’t fail you. I knows what you desire and this will make me a great advocate for your case. Blow off some steam on that raid!” I hugged Lagertha as she desperately hugged me back, “If this isn’t sorted then you won’t see me again!” I stated bluntly before letting her go walked away ignoring Alfhild’s words of protest and comfort.