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“Free me and I will work your stables” “If that’s what you wish” Æthelbert stated checking it was in fact what he wanted, “First of all we need better coastal defences, perhaps some sort of lookout spot that looks out of the sea. If you follow me I have ideas” the group shocked by his “get down to business” attitude immediately began to follow him and seeing how he was going to be a very proactive worker already in their minds started to rework their plans for his future, so handing him his gear waited for him to begin his ideas.

Over the months his opinions mattered a great deal to the Saxon kingdom who relying on his advice for raids and advice for battles helped secure the region that under its stability allowed him to return to the coast, the land formerly owned by his people. To the women and children it was an welcoming sight; knowing someone they could trust was in charge. However, he had big ideas for this area; most to the King’s support, the first was to have towers or places that soldiers could lookout from, anticipating raiders. All people were trained to fight to a certain degree and traps were set up to immediately ambush and **** the raiders on the back foot; some of these were utilised for kingdom battles with the wealth gained from it were used reinvest in the kingdom but it was eight months later where they had their major success; a raiding party on their way home from raiding thinking they had one more chance at making a big score; something they would regret.

They were spotted a while back so getting the troops into cover Ernak explained to the coughing Æthelbert, their ships were land on the coast however because we have dug it out and kept it wet, when the ship hits the mud it will be too wet and mucky to get any traction to push it back, it will be stuck and that means they will be **** to fight at every coast. They’ll attack which at that time they will head up the hill when they do, push the carts down into the group, this will set anyone nearby on fire; when this does archers fire. I’ll use the smoke to mask my attacks. When the smoke clears we finish them off. Get to it!”

When the raiders lay dead, Ernak wasted nothing. The ships were going to be kept for their own purposes with even the concept of their own raiding party being formed. The wealth they had now obtained added a boost to the kingdom’s economy something that added needed comfort to Æthelbert whose health continued to decline but Edmund now realising Ernak’s true value started to bring his own ideas to Æthelbert who listening to the suggestions of his allies was more than willing to accept this new idea.

Meanwhile:

As the months passed protests continued with Torvi leading them, Erik’s **** was the call but urging for no more unnecessary **** Sigurd hoped to find a less costly decision. However, more people continued to leave or turn their backs on the Jarl; economy was suffering the lack of trading had put them in the worst possible situation heading into the winter months and their was no hope of things changing soon. The peace had temporary returned only after Lagertha defying Sigurd’s and Alfhild’s wishes of staying at the clan wanted to leave, the compromise resulted in the permission for her to go raid with her own crew as a form of coping or at least a chance to clear her thoughts. Torvi as a sign of peace offered to go with her and brought the last of Ernak’s men back under the terms of pardons and the terms that Ragnor stayed the hell away from them and for once Erik’s advice was true, they needed some sort of revenue or crops in to stop anymore from leaving so under the advice of getting either valuables of things they could use for the Clan they set off.

The issue was not the success from the advice the raiders and Torvi had learned from Ernak but the nature of it. Lagertha like a demon looked for fights, killed everyone who got in her way and mothers were her specialty; especially those who were protecting their children. It took an massive effort by Torvi and the others to even stop her from killing children but Lagertha didn’t care; raiding to her was not to get away from things or to live her own life it was pain; the pain of what she went through and the anger that she had at herself; and the victims in her mind just understand it. She refused any of her victims their weapon and often it was only another raider that hurriedly gave it to them as they watched their leader barbarise the next victim.

It got worse when they hit their forth raid, her uncle’s clan and killing the Order members who resided their discovered the notes and documents on her, the child and Ragnor. The notes that were flawed and missed the key factor; Ernak. It was planned by Sigurd and Erik and confirmation of the success of the child’s birth and then letters of no progress like it was an experiment; with this Lagertha’s angered worsened knowing of Ernak was there or if he knew, this wouldn’t have happened. She took the papers and destroying the rest of the place tore at the banner that matched their symbol to give her an reminder of what she hated then focusing on the documents which depicted other member locations took notice on the note that mentioned a necklace; something no one believed was true; Freyja’s Brísingamen. “Can’t be” Lagertha muttered smashing the crate but nodding Torvi explained, “It is. Key items in our beliefs did exist and had a meaning. That was Freyja’s; Logos’ consort, a gift of irresistible beauty; a item Aphrodite hated” “Hated? Why?” “Aphrodite wanted Logos as one of her many consorts as result he could return back to Olympus, he refused claiming Freyja was the most beautiful woman he has ever known; she believed the necklace caused him to say this” “Didn’t Freyja spend an night with dwarves?” Torvi laughed studying the documents that Lagertha threw to the floor in more detail, “The story Logos was told after retrieving it for her was, she agreed but sent her followers disguised as herself using Vanir magic; he believed it was some sort of device that projected her appearance on their bodies; Loki saw them and he told Odin. Loki stole it and Logos kicked both Thor and Loki’s ass to get it back; that’s why Aphrodites claim make no sense” “I have never heard of Logos in our myths” “That’s because he is Greek; a place in the East; our gods were the North. Logos was ‘Flawed’ and therefore eradicated from their own stories. This as you can expect caused problems a Northern Goddess with a Easten ‘flawed’ God. A realm shattering problem that resulted in them outliving the rest; when the gods worlds ended they survived” Lagertha studied it and putting it on spoke, “You said Ernak was Logos, if this belonged to Logos’ who is Ernak’s lover; then this is mine by right!” “It doesn’t work like that!” “I don’t care. Now let’s move I have more Order members to kill!”

As more time passed and even more raids took place with the new focus of Lagertha hunting down Order members her **** only escalated in the hope it would lead more Order members to her, “Lagertha we need to talk” Torvi spat watching as Lagertha mixed an substance in her bowl, “What?!” “Haven’t we done enough? The clan has enough for the winter plus a bit more; there’s no need to continue unless you want to anger the other clans” “They’ll have to kill me in order to stop!” “Sister this isn’t the way!” “Ernak didn’t stop!” “Ernak died fighting to save us not kill innocents. He would have stopped ages ago and not kill women and their children!” “They will suffer like I have!” “This won’t stop your pain!” “No but at least they will know it!” Lagertha barked. “Take the Brísingamen off; it’s changed you worse than before!” “No it hasn’t. The Order has changed me and their plans. My necklace has made me stronger and smarter, it tells me things and shows me more!” “Show? Lagertha are you having an reaction to it. Tell me now. It’s important” “Silence sister; it seems you already know too much” Torvi studied the lines now under Lagertha’s sleeve and looking down to not draw anymore attention muttered, “Don’t let the others know. If they do the Order will find out and then you will be of interest to them” “Don’t you think I already know that. It’s why I will kill every single one of them for what they did to us!” “You mean you and him, don’t you?” Lagertha nodded and adding the blood to the black chalky substance Lagertha growled, “I walk alone in this world for what they did and my human body has suffered much more; I will end it once and for all!” Torvi nodded before offering her advice replied, “You’re shifting in and out of person. Just my advice but I wouldn’t speak much… Ernak didn’t when it was happening, causes less confusion” Lagertha shrugged before returning for a time to her original self snapped, “I don’t care anymore, I’m broken but not dead. A restless spirit with no end” Torvi nodded before thinking of an idea replied, “Come, I think I can help… but first add some more water to the bowl, otherwise it won’t spread equally.”

“You what?!!” Ragnor yelled hearing of Torvi’s plan, “Why not? If we can come back with his body or evidence of his end it will mean something!” “It is suicide!” Alfhild challenged but not caring Lagertha yelled, “We weren’t asking for your opinion bitch” “Watch your tone. Don’t forget that I am raising your child so you can be free from duties” Lagertha barged Ragnor out of the way and grabbing Alfhild by the throat growled whilst she glared through golden tinted eyes, “I will kill you and the brat then. Don’t think I won’t! I have killed many on my travels to find the Order and fathers contacts” Ragnor pulled her off but being met by a punch from Lagertha, Sigurd yelled, “Enough all of you. Don’t think I don’t know what’s going on! I have heard about what you have done; women, children, anyone in anyway. If seeking justice in Britain is a way to stop you from this path then go, we have the men and enough hatred for them to fight” “No. Her place is here with her husband; you said yourself that you are going to passing Jarlship onto your son soon” Erik reiterated, “No. If this calms the fire and hatred inside her then I support this. Ragnor will go as well” “Why me?” Ragnor yelled, “See this as a way to appease the villagers” Sigurd ordered and sighing Ragnor nodded readying himself for the journey.

“When we get there, I want their heads” Lagertha growled pacing back and for angry at the time it was taking them to get to the coast, “Calm down will you!” Ragnor ordered but being met by a glare Lagertha fired back, “Remember the place. The place that you left him to die because I remember! I will rub your face in the dirt if I must but you will remember” Torvi nodded before clicking her knuckles replied, “If you don’t I will!” “You think I have forgotten? I remember it. I remember everything; even if he was an rival to my position he was still my brother and a friend. We may have ended up at each other’s throats but he did care for us and village and a man we all needed by our sides” “A man who died believing I loved you” Lagertha grumbled with a somber tone, “When we get there, let me talk to Æthelbert; we know each other, perhaps we can solve this peacefully” “And if we can’t then I will return his head to his village before I burn it to the ground. No way those bastards are getting away with what they did to him!” “Lagertha do you hear yourself? You are consumed by your list for blood!” Ragnor challenged and laughing she replied, “Argues the one who lusts for power that he doesn’t deserve. I have earned this justice you have not earned your power and never will. You handle your business and I’ll handle my own!” “We don’t even know that they are willing to talk, it has been 4 years since it happened” Ragnor warned, “Then get ready for a fight!”

Britain

“King, three raider ships are nearby; heading this way” the cloaked figure nodded and studying the banners he spoke, “Sigurd’s clan and this late in the season, risky. Get ready for a fight. Æthelbert, remember what I said?” he nodded struggling to his straps up but Rheda adjusting it for him groaned stretching her arms as she ready for combat, “This is our chance at ****!” the figure nodded and grabbing the glowing bow replied, “It’s just a matter of who dies today and who waits for another day!”

“Towers… hmm” Ragnor muttered unsure of this rare sighting, “They listened to Ernak’s advice at least; he always did say towers would help spot raiders before they could get ready to invade; allows the defenders time to set up.” The boats docked and walking cautiously to up the quiet town’s hill Torvi muttered feeling uneasy, “Something’s not right. Ralf I don’t trust Ragnor’s lot. Bring our men” he nodded before signalling the other fourteen to join them Torvi called out, “Æthelbert, I want to talk to King Æthelbert. It’s me Torvi and HIS army.” The cloaked figure looked to Rheda and whispering something so Ragnor’s men would feel more comfortable and venture further inland turned to Æthelbert and whisper, “Injure Torvi and her group the rest are expendable” “Agreed!”

“Rheda?!” Torvi cried in happiness before hugging her Rheda cried in her act, “Torvi what are you doing here? They see these ships and think you are coming for an invasion” “We are if you don’t tell us where Ernak is!” Lagertha growled lifting her sword to Rheda’s throat, “Lagertha yield. Rheda is a friend; she will know. Where’s you father? Where’s Æthelbert?” “He isn’t the man you need to be talking to” Rheda spoke coldly, “Edmund is it? That’s a lot harder” Rheda watched Ragnor’s men draw closer and smiling said to Lagertha, “Funny how we both want the same thing” “Justice!” Lagertha growled and nodding Rheda said as the exploding carts were hurled into Ragnor’s forces, “My thoughts exactly. Men!” Torvi looked up and seeing the archers attack the army ducked the spears being slung from the makeshift artillery, “Men!” Ragnor growled charging forward before seeing his **** get cut off by the defenders a cloaked figure snapped, “Huginn, Muninn go for the throat. Athena kill anyone who isn’t wearing my red!” the giant of a wolf jumped down and charging forward leapt over Torvi to attack Ragnor’s army. As she turned around she saw her warriors get taking out but not killed instead being dragged away the cloaked figure jumped down and throwing spoke joined the battle.

The army was sent backwards the cloaked figure with ease killed the invaders but not before seeing Lagertha kill her own share in her anger until seeing the battle was lost threw Torvi’s hands off her, “We have to leave. We will try another way to find the truth!” “No! This is my **** like it was his. Now go!” Torvi shook her head and the remainder of the original **** joining in snapped, “We make a stand here then! I won’t leave, not this time. Ragnor! Ragnor? RAG…NOR” “I’m sorry Torvi but it’s not worth the ****!” he spat sailing away with the remainder of his **** and nodding Torvi spat in disgust, “Just like last time. That son of a bitch!” she growled looking back at the cloaked figure who firing an arrow into her arm she looked down, coughing violently as she felt drowsy then falling next to the other warriors. Lagertha growled as she charged forward. “I’ll kill you. I will kill you all! Nothing will stop me!” she wailed meeting the cloaked figured steel, she attacked but being quicker the figure laughed before declaring, “You never learn!” then with one leg out tripped her over causing her to fall and land with a thud to the floor. She watched as she was tied up and being dragged away with the others the figure snapped, “Reset and have men watch. If that bastard returns I want to know! If any others come let me know. Move it!”

Torvi was dragged to the camp with the others and being **** to kneel in front of Æthelbert, Lagertha spat in anger, “Coward. A king who won’t fight! Just like last time. At least kill me in battle so I can join Ernak or at least have the chance to tell him the truth!” “Why Æthelbert? We only wanted to talk. We wanted to know what happened!” Torvi pleaded and kneeling to Lagertha’s level putting his hand in the way of his mouth to catch is coughing spoke afterwards, “I’m in no state to govern the lands anymore. He is!” The figure hooded figure walked forward gently pushing past his own men and stopping a small distance away spoke, “I expected better from you all!” “You wouldn’t say that if Ernak was alive” Ralf bit back and shrugging the character replied, “I suppose so. Different battlefield as well” “What do you want with us?” Lagertha spat trying to free herself once more, “You’ve improved!” the figure remarked not giving anything away, “What do you want?!” she repeated and kneeling to her level, his face covered to only reveal his eyes he replied, “Start with something smaller. What’s my name?” Lagertha refused to play his game so looking away it was Torvi who being slightly more corporative asked, “Who are you then?” the figure paused before hearing the cheers from his men said in a royal tone and played to the crowd, “I’m the king, Lord, Jarl if it were, friend, family, god, Isu, wiseman, the All-father, Odin, sage, Logos but most importantly to you…” he paused and turning back to face them finished pulling down his hood, “Ernak!” Torvi’s eyes widened and in a cry Lagertha wept trying to free herself from her binds and get up.

Ernak nodded and feeling the binds be cut to Torvi and Lagertha felt Torvi’s hug and immediately return it but Lagertha’s was met with the cautious suspicion, “I can’t believe you’re alive” Torvi cried getting in before Lagertha could and nodding he asked, “Want to be my Shield Maiden again?” she nodded as she cheered, “And you king?” “Long story, I’ll explain it later!” he looked to Lagertha who between tears cried, “I thought I lost you!” “You had your Ragnor, nothing to worry about really… oh wait he left you like he did me” Lagertha looked down before trying to fumble out another sentence Torvi stated, “Ernak enough trust me, you will hate yourself if you say anymore. You need to know the truth” he looked at Torvi who nodding heard Lagertha whimper, “Please!” he looked to his men before offering as a sign of would they join his kingdom, “Want a drink to dampen the pain?” the men cheered and feeling their own binds get cut immediately hugged the man lifting him up as if he had just won them a war before being lowered down Ernak spoke, “Get some drinks in you, I’ll join you later. Torvi, Lagertha let’s go somewhere private.”

The room was emptied so sitting down on his seat to support the coughing figure and Rheda joining him side to aid him Torvi asked, “This is personal… no offence but could they leave?” “Unfortunately doing that would cause people to talk especially given your arrival. You can trust Æthelbert; he’s a good man!” Ernak stood there waiting them to speak but feeling as if it wasn’t coming asked, “So what is the truth?” Lagertha stood there and struggling to start the first few words Torvi started it with, “Whilst we were away fighting the war with Ivar and Björn, Lagertha fell pregnant with her son” “I know that Torvi” Ernak shrugged before looking at her sister Torvi asked, “Are you going to tell him or am I?” Lagertha looked down before looking to her side took an breath and said in her brief calmness, “It wasn’t sex or out of love” her head dropped until feeling Torvi’s hand on her shoulder and whisper, “It’s okay Lagertha, we’re here” then in one quick **** out sentence she cried, “He **** me, I tried to fight but Erik’s men held me down so I couldn’t fight back” Ernak looked down and tearing at her sleeves to reveal the permanent marks that scarred Lagertha’s body Torvi stated, “The proof if you were wondering like me!” Ernak didn’t reply instead walking up to Lagertha and studying her wrists she cried, “I tried but I failed.”

Ernak let go and pulling her into a hug held onto her and feeling her arms cling onto him Ernak replied, “I’m sorry” “For what?” she cried, “For not letting you explain. I should have known better; I was hurt seeing the baby but I should have listened” “I should have stopped him, I wasn’t strong enough” Lagertha continued, “No, it’s NOT your fault. This should never have happened” Ernak comforted her with and wiping the tears away before taking her hands in his own spoke, “We can’t change what happened but we’re both alive and together once again. Look at me, look at me!” he lifted her face up so she was looking into his eyes and kissing her cheek he said, “Now we are reunited, nothing will stop us and I swear nothing like this will ever happen again. In fact by time time I have finished with them, they will know what it means to anger the gods!” Lagertha returned to his side and looking down at her he said, “We will get the child back but only after you are okay!” “You have got to be kidding me, the child why?” Torvi challenged, “The child is innocent and will be my step son. I won’t leave them in the hands of Ragnor and Sigurd, especially after what they did” “It’s not worth it son, she has her freedom, you have yours, a place to live, followers and wealth to sustain you for the entirety of your existence” Æthelbert asked, “The child is part of us, no matter how good or bad it is” he nodded before getting up said, “I’ll get your warriors settled in and the celebration planned.”

Ernak escorted Lagertha to his side and sitting down on his throne Torvi asked, “So how did you become King?” Ernak smiled gently feeling Lagertha lay her head in lap and wrapping his arm around her protectively he began his story, “They spared me. You see Æthelbert didn’t want to kill me and Edmund despite not liking the Norsemen after what they did to his family, liked me. It goes to show that respect goes a long way. I was faced with three options: become King by marriage to Rheda, join their kingdom or return which would have meant I would be a Thrall. I thought Lagertha and Ragnor were happy so I didn’t want to return and both suffer the humiliation and pain knowing it meant nothing to her but also didn’t want to ruin anything for them. I didn’t want to be king or marry despite Rheda’s pleas so I stayed and helped the kingdom where I could. The towers, raiding, combat; everything was my idea. I helped win wars and take land, then eventually a lot of the powerful figures in the kingdom respected what I have done. Combine that with the stories of me being a god reincarnated by the way I will have my sword…” he trailed off pointing to the glowing sword of Logos, “Combine that and my success and I was the perfect candidate because unlike the other heirs I actually care for the people and have helped them in recent times. Edmund a few months back died in battle so I took over as provisional ruler, I defeated some heirs in battle and then more conceded to my rule now as you can see Æthelbert is ill, so he made me king so there won’t be any drama when he eventually passes on to his afterlife” Torvi nodded agreeing on the reasoning before commenting, “Hasn’t changed you much; still the same old you” “Ruling is pretty easy providing you don’t mess up. Often you presented with a choice that all boils down to win or lose. Sometimes it is a decision of which is the bigger win or lesser loss but it still means winning. Logos taught me that” “So… how is it with Logos?” “Getting there, almost there” Torvi nodded before leaning over said, “I have a surprise for him” Ernak raised an eyebrow and waiting for Torvi to give him the surprise watched as she instead lifted her device up and simply flicked a dial which now sent an glowing beam out in the room and now showed the two figures opposite each other and smiling Freyja cried out in disbelief, “Logos?! You’re alive!” The figure laughed before tapping the human on his shoulder replied, “He did well keeping me alive” Freyja nodded as a sign of respect to Ernak before not caring about who saw her ran and leapt into Logos’ arms and hungrily kissing him who returned it, Torvi laughed turning the dials off spoke, “Let’s give them some privacy shall we” and nodding Ernak motioned for Lagertha to sit up, “Yes, let’s get you cleaned up shall we?”

As the night drew in the celebration took place and the loot that was gathered on the way to Britain as both a sign of payment to Ragnor’s raiders but also a morale boosting move now sat proudly in Ernak’s storeroom but of course this meant a celebration for more wealth the kingdom had achieved, “I’ve got to ask what’s with the Raven’s? You always said Logos had a big wolf as his symbol not ravens” Torvi queried also examining the black hood that was close to what Odin had worn, “Lagertha where are you in your memories?” “I remember you killing my first husband” “A fair distance away then… Freyja will know exactly… how do I explain it…” he pondered before getting a tankard said, “The tree of life was more of a device that granted the Isu knowledge and had the power to bring them here in our times. Odin was paranoid so copied pieces of him in each baby alongside our own presence or as they call it DNA. Mine came active when I saw Odin in Logos’ memories. For a week Logos fought against Odin until eventually defeating him; as he should being the dominant presence in my mind and body combined with his artefacts. Logos suggested however, absorbing his knowledge and skills instead of wasting them; Logos could stop the madness and I gain the knowledge. It’s why it has taken me longer to digest everything” she nodded pouring more ale before laughing to herself asked, “Just a thought… what do you think Sigurd’s reaction will be to see Ragnor has lost all the loot, almost two thirds of an raiding crew and us” Ernak shrugged before replying his feeling Lagertha’s nervous hand cling to his own, “If they come to these shores they’ll die. I imagine Sigurd will be pissed at it, my reports said you were doing better than before and a little blonde raider was butchering everyone in sight” Lagertha looked down upset by the things she had done but shaking his head Ernak explained, “Freyja never did care about the humans much…” “She was hurt believing she was alone in this world, “I was actually impressed by skill; a lot better before; both of you. You went after the Order members who were tracking you down for your blood and to stop you wiping groups of their supporters out. As far as they know you all died when the carts landed on and burnt you all alive. Stops them asking questions and gives us all peace and quiet for a bit” Æthelbert nodded smiling lightly had the affection Ernak blanketed Lagertha with; reminding him of when he was in love said, “We’ve moved you both in Ernak’s house, seems appropriate, Ralf and the others will live on the coast; to help maintain it but also to keep watch on the coast” Torvi nodded until hearing Rheda whisper, “You’re next to my room; if you need anything…” raised her eyebrow to the Saxon who winking returned to her merry drinking.

Hours later and opening the door to his room Lagertha anxiously studied the bed before rushing away stopped when Ernak pulled her to face him and sincerely say, “It’s okay… I won’t touch you like that” “It’s… too much, a bed, a man… I can’t” he nodded before opening the bed covers said, “Do you trust me?” she nodded empathically but still being reserved spoke, “I do but this…” “Try it, if you really can’t I’ll find alternative accommodation; just for me?” she took an breath before nodding Ernak respecting her privacy said, “I’ll go and check on Torvi whilst you change” she nodded before yelling to herself, “It’s Ernak. Not Ragnor, he’ll never hurt you. It’s not fair on him!” she took an breath before changing spoke determined, “I can do this! I must!”

Ernak walked down before stopping at Torvi’s door, laughed to himself when he heard, “Oh Torvi… take me and laughing to himself muttered, “Rheda always did like our people of any description.” He laughed returning to his room and seeing Lagertha laying there close to the end climbed in on the other side keeping enough of an distance to allow her safety in comfort Kay on his back laughter still laughing at what he saw, “What’s funny?” Lagertha asked and looking at her asked, “Turn over and I’ll tell you” she hesitantly did and looking at her said, “Torvi is going to be occupied for a while” “How so?” “Rheda has this fascination with anyone Norse. Anyone of us stand near her and she’s turned on by it; Torvi is her latest conquest” “I… I didn’t know Torvi was like that” “I don’t think she is… it’s just a lot of ale and a lot teasing. She’ll regret it in the morning” “I suppose there’s an Astrid in every village” “To be fair she isn’t like that, she does lust over a lot of people but doesn’t act upon it often; she understands her father’s position and knows what’s expect of her at least until I became ruler, doesn’t matter too much anymore. Torvi was just always an fascination for her” “Always liked her?” “When you all left, she wanted to bring Torvi back, at the time I wanted a clean break so we said no but she never did stop trying to bring her here, I suppose seeing Torvi return made her take her chance” “Torvi was just surprised to see you after all these years, we thought you were dead but to see you; alive, King and not aged at all… how would anyone believe it” “I stopped ageing not long before you came the first time. Something about he was always considered young in his realm, this is meant to mirror it” “And Freyja?” he looked at her before recalling a story began, “Aphrodite thought she had it all worked out. She thought young would attract everyone; old enough to be fully developed but not old enough that people would consider her on the decline. She thought Logos would fall in line with the others but Logos… he liked them mature; so the mature Freyja was something he longed to be with” “That didn’t answer my question” he nodded before saying, “I stopped ageing at 24. You are three years older than me. Then it’s been four years so you are thirty one, it takes about 3 years to get to tue point of your body merging, so will stop ageing at 34 roughly” “So I will be ten years older than you?” he nodded before winking whispered, “Age is just an number when you don’t age, it doesn’t even show” she giggled in what felt like forever since she had done so before replying, “You never said that about the horses?” “Well yeah… I didn’t want any hairy, smelly and probably drunk person on the horses I had just recently cleaned, they hate washes as it is and no, this doesn’t mean I’m going to bath you” “I think not, does it look like I have tail or a muzzle?” he laughed with her and pulling her closer so he was laying on his chest spoke, “See, I told you would be fine” she shivered feeling his arm wrap around her body, only for a short while before adjusting to who it was with her apologised, “I will get better at this, I don’t know how long but I will” “You can take as long as you need, that’s an order by your king but for now, let’s get some sleep.”

Week later, Norway

“Ragnor! What in gods name have you done now?!” Sigurd yelled seeing the single ship return and Alfhild seeing how Torvi and Lagertha weren’t with him shrieked, “And where’s your damn wife? And her sister?” Ragnor’s head dropped before trying to muster the words to explain, “We headed to the island, Lagertha was worked up as she has been for the last few months but Torvi insisted she could talk to the locals and get us a safe path to find out what happened to Ernak. We formed up with our weapons sheathed already on cautious because of the towers the village had overlooking the sea. We felt and knew they would have seen us but Torvi insisted we could do it peacefully. Torvi called out for their leader Æthelbert but a girl called Rheda came down. Torvi was very friendly with her and stopped Lagertha from carving her up. Rheda warned about us being here but it was an set up” “How so?” Erik questioned joining the others equally annoyed that his plans were destroyed over actually losing daughters. “We immediately didn’t like it when Rheda said to Lagertha “we both want the same thing” and when Lagertha said justice Rheda agreed saying she was right. Then the attack came. It was obviously a pre-learned attack and the villagers all knew it because everyone fought us. Wagon on fire smashed into our men, then machines shot arrows and other objects at us, their archers stood up and fired down at us. Then… then their king came. All in black and face covered; he threw clouds of spoke and out of nowhere killed our men like a demon. We retreated back to the ship but Lagertha in her rage; refused to leave. Torvi insisted but Lagertha refused; so standing with her Torvi stayed. We could waste anymore men, father. We don’t have enough to defend the clan now as it is; if we stayed any longer we would have no one left.”

Sigurd sighed but Alfhild having enough of her son snapped, “If only it was the other way round. Ernak wouldn’t have failed or left them there” “Mother I’m sorry, you have to believe me!” Ragnor pleaded but shaking her head she snapped, “If Sigurd only let Lagertha and him be together. Ernak wouldn’t have stayed in Britain, Ivar and Björn would have been still alive, Torvi and Lagertha would still be alive. Now what do we have? The failures of the clan standing here acting like it’s all okay” “I know it’s not” Ragnor muttered and slapping him Alfhild turned to the men in the room and exclaimed, “You don’t deserve the clan. Excuse me I am going to check up on Bodil and tell him that he’s now motherless!”

“Father, I tried…” Ragnor tried to explain but looking down Sigurd spoke, “At least they are together in the afterlife. May they rest in each other’s arms; away from our curse” Ragnor nodded but Ulga offering some hope said, “They weren’t all getting killed directly. From what I could see some where were only getting wounded” “Why?” Sigurd questioned and shrugging Ulga continued, “I can’t be certain but I think it was Torvi’s lot that were only getting wounded. That means either she set it up and Lagertha will be alive as part of it, maybe it was Torvi’s justice or they wanted to keep the valuable members hostage for money or whatever. This means both could be alive” “Thanks Ulga but unless we hear something let’s assume the worse” Sigurd stated and looking down at Ragnor he said, “I wanted to pass my crown to you… I’m soo fed up with everything but if I have to… I guess I will have to continue. Excuse me, maybe Alfhild needs help.”

A few months had passed and as Winter came Sigurd’s clan struggled to cope, harvests had failed and struggling to keep the people fed which now led to Estrid and her clan arriving to Sigurd’s clan and lend them resources the only issue was payment. “Estrid we can’t afford it…” Alfhild pleaded and nodding Estrid replied, “No food for your people!” “I just don’t get it. Your crops struggled just as much as ours and yet you prosper. How?!” Sigurd questioned and laughing Estrid replied, “Ally’s. I have allies who aided us in exchange for resources. Funny enough their king gave us excess to sell to you” “Why not trade with us directly?” Sigurd questioned and smirking Estrid replied, “He had his reasons and I know what payment he would like” Estrid replied, “What… we will pay anything for it?” Sigurd pleaded and nodding to her people Estrid replied, “Sigurd. Alfhild help our men fill your storages” and whispering her to protector he nodded walking off to the stables and seeing Sigurd leave with Alfhild; Estrid made her move.

A few hours later, “Sigurd Bodil is missing?!” Alfhild screeched rushing back into their longhouse, “Missing? How in the gods name do we lose a child?” Sigurd yelled sending his guards out to look, “It has to be Estrid. No one else could of had few movement in your house” Erik growled, “Or you… that child was an failed embarrassment to you and the family. Only makes sense you would want it gone!” Alfhild yelled defending her own family, “Face it your blood has polluted Sigurd’s” Erik challenged but before Alfhild could attack him Sigurd’s men pulled her back to which smiling knowing he was safe Erik was soon silenced by, “Take Erik away and keep under guard until I have searched everything of Erik’s, Alfhild go to Estrid and find everything you can out about her involvement. Don’t come back until you know everything and have a location! Now go, that’s the next Jarl; we’ve lost!”

Three weeks later and after endless appeals to her sister, Estrid agreed to meet her oldest sister who only answered her request because she didn’t want her village to be surrounded by Alfhild’s men in an attempt to **** information out of her. “Finally you met me sister” Alfhild thankfully greeted. “What is it sister?” Estrid challenged, “Bodil is missing. You was the only person around when he went… so tell me. Where is he?” “Safe” “That’s not an answer!” “It’s the one you need to know” “Tell me!” “Or what sister? Going to cough your disease over us?” “I need to know! What if the child is in danger?” Estrid contemplated it before coldly replied, “I have fixed an injustice and my clan is benefiting. The child will be in the best possible care” “What’s that meant to mean?” Estrid sighed before offering a deal said, “Do you believe the child is safe?” “Yes but only because you said” “Then I will tell you only if you promise to leave the child with the family” “How can I agree to that when I don’t know who he is with?” “I’m the only one who knows the child’s location. Don’t you trust me when I say he will be safe?” “I do. I do but it’s the only thing we have left since the **** of Ernak and Erik’s daughters. We needed something good to happen” Estrid nodded before pointing to a ship explained, “In a week my ship will go and trade with our ally, don’t ask questions and go with them. It will be up to them on what they do to you” “I need to tell Sigurd I’m leaving!” Estrid nodded and growling at her said, “I have a good deal with my allies, so when you come if you ever and I mean ever do anything to ruin it then sister or not you will die” “Who is this Ally? Why is Bodil there?” Estrid smirked and contemplating her response said, “Let’s say when the ghost came to my doorstep I was just as surprised as you will be.”

“Sigmund I have news” Alfhild replied pulling her husband to the side and away from prying ears of those she no longer trusted, “Yes… what is it?” “Estrid has revealed to me a path to get to Bodil but it will take me offshore” “Offshore? Where the hell has he gone?” “I don’t know I just have ship to catch by the end of the week” “Do you trust her?” Alfhild looked down and nodding revealed, “We both want to know the child is safe at the very least. I promised that if she told us where Bodil is I wouldn’t try and take him back. She already threatened me with if I ruined the partnership with its king that I would be murdered. So…” Sigurd nodded before asking, “The new “parents” can decide what to do with you?” she nodded before hearing him order, “I want details when you return. Just return soon my love because I don’t want many people asking questions” Alfhild nodded and packing clothes and some of Bodil’s favourite items muttered, “I just hope he is safe.”

A week had passed and reaching their final day on sea Alfhild started to make her presence known. Previously she had kept silent but now trying to find out here they were the crew chose to ignore her and instead trusted Estrid’s words, “Come on where are we?” Alfhild whined continuously and pointing to the water Udda replied, “It’s obvious isn’t it… we are at sea!” she grumbled but seeing the green banks it was clear that they were a long way off.

She watched as they raised the flag and performing the signal to the nearby workers received the return signal allowing the ships to slowly drift into dock. “Udda… you’re late!” Rheda called and smiling Udda replied, “We were delayed by some civil issues with another pointless clan” “Not pointless enough to ignore it though?” Torvi challenged and falling almost out of the ship in disbelief, “Tor…Torvi you’re alive?!” Torvi groaned and nodding sighed, “Of course you washed up here” “Torvi?!” “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be worrying about Ragnor not burning the village down?” Torvi mocked and shaking her head Alfhild replied still in shock, “I… I can’t believe it’s really you. I came here hoping to find Bodil, not you! Do… do you have him?” “No why the hell would I?!” “Is… is Lagertha?” “Nope. Not really” “Then what?! Where is he?” “Always to business… I suppose I do mean very little in your eyes!” Torvi fired with hatred but Rheda taking her arm ushered in a calmness when she spoke, “She saw you are alive and well so has her concerns answered. Bodil is a young child, of course they are going to worry for him” Torvi nodded and taking an deep breath said, “You might as well see the king” “I don’t want to cause any trouble, I just want to know my grandson is safe!” and pointing to the longhouse Torvi replied, “Trust me you are going to want to see this. Now move!”

“Wait here! I’ll fetch the Queen” Torvi barked leaving Rheda to face Alfhild and growling Rheda spoke, “So your womb produced the bastard Ragnor!” “Yes…” “Not Ernak?” she shook her head before explaining, “No Ernak was adopted by our family. When it comes to my peoples traditions we adopt orphans and others into our family’s instead of abandoning them. Ernak was always my special child because I was the one who wanted to adopt him. Sometimes… sometimes I wish Ragnor was the one who was dead” “Because you chose Ernak to be your son not the one your birthed” Alfhild nodded and smiling Rheda replied, “He had the respect of our peoples soo much, it was such a shame your people couldn’t be bothered to support his and my fathers deal!” “Rheda… I…” “Doesn’t matter!” Rheda fired at her couldn’t help herself when it came to making Alfhild feeling worse about the situation, “We were lied to by Erik” “Yes, Torvi did explain how much of an asshole he was. Should have been executed by now. In my lands it’s treason!” Alfhild nodded in agreement but trying to explain why he hadn’t been her mouth dropped open to see Torvi return with Lagertha who looking a lot healthier glared at Alfhild, “I really hoped it wasn’t you!” “Lagertha… you’re queen?! The child is here with you? I told you there would be that one moment!” Alfhild cried in joy but shaking her head Lagertha replied hostilely, “No I can stomach looking at him. It’s the king who insists on keeping him around because he is a “part of me.” Is that why you came here? To bring him back. If so then good. Take the bastard and never come back” “No… I just wanted to make sure he was safe. It’s… nice to see a bit more livelier here. I suppose all this green helps? And Queen? You have really gotten better… moving on from your past. Can I meet him?” Lagertha shrugged taking a drink from her cup before replying royally, “I suppose the warm springs help. Moving on? I haven’t moved on… Ernak was the man I loved and will always love. Some things have happened that has woven in my fates with the king that makes it both an necessity and a personal enjoyment for me.” “What is he like?” Alfhild asked acting like a young woman exchanging descriptions of her crush to her friends, “He will be here in a few moments. Drink? I think you will need it!” “Thanks it has been a long journey” and laughing the three other women knew what Lagertha meant.

Alfhild stood waiting patiently before head shooting over to Lagertha, saw the woman smile when the figure walked in the room. Alfhild wept in disbelief and relief when her son walked past her, crown on top of his head and in one arm firmly tugged away and asleep Bodfil slept and his other a bright assortment of flowers that immediately were given to Lagertha and a peck on his cheek she immediately began to sniff them whilst Ernak sat down next to her smiling equally as warmly when Lagertha lowered her head to his lap leaving his spare hand to play with her hair. “Ernak?! I can’t believe it. You’re alive” Ernak nodded and coming closer to the pair Ernak replied, “Some say back from the dead. Truth is I never died. I was spared and helped the village; I wanted to make the kingdom better and never once cared about ruling or rivalry’s. My tactics grew popular and when the king asked the people for their thoughts they chose me to govern them. Winning some wars and taking those lands combined with increased trade, no raiding on my lands but instead raiding others has made me even more popular. Lagertha’s forces came and wanting to savour in the moment on killing Ragnor I captured Torvi and my old forces and Lagertha to get answers to my questions. Of course Lagertha told me everything; it’s only down to Lagertha that I haven’t come back to destroy the clan and blood eagle Erik, Ragnor and your fucking useless husband” he looked down at the waking baby so returning to rocking it slightly back and for Alfhild smiled understanding why the baby was here now, “You wanted Bodfil here because it’s a part of you, you wanted everything of Lagertha and leave nothing to Ragnor?!” “I will marry my bride and then Agilberht will be my son, a part of me. I wanted a new name for him, giving him a Saxon name just pleased the people more. Agilberht Sigurd.”

Alfhild nodded and offering the child to her Ernak spoke, “Come on, I know what you are like with children and I know you will tell Sigurd. Do it but don’t tell anyone else where we are. We value our peace and quiet” “I understand, you wish to be left alone from us all. I will make Sigurd understand and if he wishes to pass any messages or gifts to you we will do it via Estrid… speaking of which she sends her thanks for the support against us” “Anything to piss Erik off” Alfhild chuckled to herself before looking down at Agilberht spoke, “At least you are aware from it all now. Can’t be deemed a failed experiment anymore” “Wrong brother!” Torvi joked and laughing Ernak replied, “All that for nothing. At least Freyja has returned to Logos’ side like Lagertha has returned to mine” “And I won’t be leaving it ever again” Lagertha muttered dosing off in his lap, “So… how is the relationship going?” “Getting there. I knew it would take her a while to get to a man touching her again and that person isn’t hurting her” “I don’t flinch anymore” Ernak agreed before filling her answer out a bit more so Alfhild understood, “The relationship is fine apart for the odd time I scare her when I surprise from behind and relations is a slow process but we don’t age anymore so it doesn’t worry me. Even if we did age I wouldn’t care. She has been through a lot and I want her to be happy with me not regretful” “I would never be like that!” Lagertha replied and kissing her hand Ernak spoke, “Just means I got a lot of areas to kiss better” Torvi giggled before asking, “Want me organise a feast for our guest?” Ernak nodded before getting up to Lagertha’s grunt, “Yes. Come Alfhild I’ll give you a quick tour, you can also see Skadi as well. I sort of asked Estrid to steal her to” “But the environment… she isn’t made for these conditions” “She is Logos’ horse. Linked to his blood. She not only can live in conditions and is stronger but she also has an extended life. She will live for centuries yet. Come on I’ll show you!”