Miles apart

“Wait up Ernak, we need an plan” Torvi called following behind him, “Plan’s simple I go in an kill them, you watch my back” “I want to help but I won’t walk into an camp and get killed my 100’s of arrows” “I’ll take out the archers and cover Torvi’s distraction. You will find the leader kill him and find Lagertha” Artemis spoke frankly joining the pair, “Simple enough” Ernak spoke somewhat unconvinced, however looking over to Logos, Logos simply stated, “We need to talk!”

“What?!” Ernak growled already frustrated by the delay, “You aren’t seriously considering walking up to the camp and fighting everyone in it?!” “What’s the matter scared?” “No but to succeed you will need either an army or an weapon that wields phenomenal power” “My sword…” Ernak commented walking forward to which Logos finished, “And me to wield it… Let me take control and I’ll rescue your damsel” “What do you mean control?” “It will feel like a long sleep but when you wake up you will be in front of Lagertha” Ernak sighed before nodding Logos muttered, “Sleep now, I’ll do the rest.”

“Time to get to work!” Logos spoke winking to Artemis who nodding in approval watched him walk up to the two guards standing at the edge of camp, “Stop Drengr” Ernak drew his knife and killing the first used the hidden blade to kill the other and marching forward aimed the glowing bow towards a group sending an explosive arrow in their direction, “It feels sooo great to be back!” Logos laughed grabbing the first spear off the weapon stack and sent it through three warriors, he grabbed the next and taking out an archer watched as the body knocked two others over. Logos drew the glowing blade and slamming it into the ground watched the shockwave of gold light send the enemies closer. Logos decapitated the first before sending out another blast from the weapon watched as the gold lines formed into bling shapes killing anyone who was near them or touched it and walking forward Logos simply looked at the remainder of the scared warriors and slammed 4 explosive arrows into the ground causing the bodies parts of these very people to now rain down over him.

He walked forward and killing the next guards barged passed the next group Knocking the oil jars over and setting the black liquid ablaze causing the small groups to scream when the flames reached them and now being made aware of an intruder the King emerged from his tent, to see the man causing the trouble remove his lieutenant’s head. His guards quickly encircled him but becoming weary of the glowing man who was in front of them but Logos not standing down simply barked horsely, “Give me my lover back.”

Logos closed his eyes and stumbling back slightly it was now Ernak who was awoken and smiling at Lagertha stated, “My beloved” she smiled back but being dragged behind the king who simply stated, “You killed many of my men it would be a shame to kill you for such a trivial thing” “It’s not trivial, it’s the woman I love” the king looked to his mother who drawing the document from its cover stated, “According to this document, she was wedded to Ragnor and he in order to establish peace between both groups accepted that he will marry this beauty and Ragnor would wed my daughter, Magnhild. You have no standing and attacking me breaks the fragile peace that we now share” “So that’s it? I have an choice to either sacrifice our happiness for peace or kill you and bring more **** upon both sides!”

Ernak grabbed his axe and raising it was met by Lagertha who breaking free stated, “Ernak, NO! It’s not worth it, don’t become a selfish monster because we can’t have happiness” “It’s not right!” “When has it ever been right; or even fair? You were picked on for no justified reason, you did everything for them, the village and they screwed your over, they failed when you asked for a favour to be returned and then, sold me off to him” “That’s why I am looking out for my own interests, for once I am putting myself first” “And this time you are wrong. We were never worth the effort we put into our relationship. We struggled every single step of the way” “And you want to throw it all way for them?” “No, for you. You are a God, we both know it; reincarnated for a reason. You need to be free from me, free from everything that holds you down, that holds you back and I need you to enjoy life” “I can’t enjoy it without you, not knowing how he is treating you!” “I won’t mistreat her; I wouldn’t even consider it. Magnhild’s safety would also depend on it, any news of mistreatment puts her at risk” Lagertha wiped a stray tear from Ernak and hugging him replied, “You will always have a special place in my heart because I love you. Remember that with him I will be content but never happy; that belongs to you and when you are feeling low just remember I want to hear some good news about you, I want to hear that you are happy, famous; no a legend. I want to hear that you got drunk and had fun or you knocked the strongest warrior out, that you are wealthy and that you became Jarl of the clan. I finally want to hear of you finding happiness with the right woman, I don’t want to hear any negativity because you don’t need or deserve it” Ernak looked down and dropping his axe stated, “We were never going to be, were we?” Lagertha nodded before explaining, “Maybe in Valhalla… no, not even then. You will be in the realm of Elysium for being what you are, brave and I maybe Valhalla” she looked down and leaving a kiss on his cheek spoke in one final line, “Don’t ever stop fighting for what’s right” she walked away and looking up to now see the king maintain his distance state, “I don’t know if what Lagertha said is true or not but if you seek blood fight with us, if you seek drink then drink but if you seek friendship I will be happy to offer it. You have shown a heart of an Drengr, a proud warrior; more than Sigurd did and if you became Jarl then I would accept it, no matter what you sought of it. Goodbye Ernak, you have given me a lot to consider about: them, what the messages are but also what I want and what I need for the kingdom” the guards stood down leaving Magnhild whose eyes swelled up in tears, almost crying for him, watched as he stared at the axe that Lagertha once gave to him and Ernak hearing the words of, “I’m sorry Ernak!” from Logos, Ernak simply muttered, “Doesn’t matter, you will have your Freyja and I nothing” he looked over to Magnhild and encouraging her to follow after him she looked back to the discarded axe and spoke, “He needs to remember that she cares” before picking it up hurriedly followed after him.

“I’m sorry Ernak” Magnhild called out to Ernak who not looking back said, “I have had enough of this place!” “Right behind you. Can… is what Lagertha said true?” “I don’t want to talk about it!” “She said you were an god reincarnated, that you hear his voices and feel his memories” “Doesn’t your brother have the same?” “That’s what interests me… he apparently saw visions but they are inconsistent in their “orders” for him” “You think he is lying for support? Did he say what God was talking to him?” “None but yet the Seer and his council listened to him, believed him” “Coins and power always talks. If you offer enough, people will agree to anything and he has lied to my people just to get Lagertha and a deal and once again I have nothing” Magnhild nodded before stating, “Similar to me. Sold off to this Ragnor… any idea what he is like?” “A foolish idiot, who will listen to anyone who has said something that seems slightly complicated he goes for it. Alright fighter, just don’t ask him to lead an army into battle. You could easily control the future Jarl and the family” “So I have to marry a spineless weasel and my reward is ruling the Clan unofficially” “Basically, my advice to you is to kill Erik before he tries and spread his poison to your advisors” “Or you could become Jarl… I know this is sudden but my brother has unofficially given you an order” “After what he has done, you expect me to listen to him!” “No but the offer is there, he will look after her; I know him. He may be going insane or just being crafty but he won’t neglect his duty to her” Ernak fell silent and returning to Torvi and Artemis who looked down disheartened that they had failed it was Artemis who spoke first, “Son, this isn’t Lagertha… well not what you described her as. What happened?” “Where’s my sister?” Torvi growled and looking down Ernak stated, “I was given a choice to either leave now and spare three clans worth of **** on our side or start an bigger war and possibly us dying before leaving the camp just for me and Lagertha to say ‘we are together’ I had ****!” “So that’s it? You are just like the rest, my sister!” and head butting her Ernak snarled back, “Shut your fucking mouth. I didn’t have the choice because Lagertha choice FOR US. I drew my axe and readied myself, Lagertha stood in his way and refused to listen. Then she thought she could make it all better with a crappy speech and orders that I shouldn’t care about any of you fucking families and enjoy life for what it is; basically told me to be the male version of Astrid whilst also butchering everyone on the battlefield because they got in my way. She betrayed me like the rest of them!” Torvi looked down and clutching her bleeding nose went to apologise, “Shut it. I have had enough of your family and Sigurd’s, you know what; screw all of you” “You don’t mean it!” Artemis responded and pointing the finger of accusations to her he snapped, “If it wasn’t for you and the others I could have been here, I could have stopped all of this!” Ernak pushed past her and pointing to the new woman snapped, “Tell Ragnor I got his bride back. I hope he finds comfort in being a weasel.”

The group watched him leave and Torvi taking it the hardest spat, “I… I didn’t… I have tried everything to make him happy” “He doesn’t mean it, it was tense there and he was fighting that argument all by himself, your sister didn’t even acknowledge his efforts” Magnhild replied before handing her a cloth to stop the bleeding stated, “He’s probably already regretting what he did but to experience what she did to him… I understand his anger. You just have to remind him of the good times they both shared” but shaking her head Torvi explained, “They never had good memories, every time they tried to have some time together they were disrupted. Hell, I feel bad thinking about it. All the times I purposely interrupted them because I was jealous of her getting his attention… should have known this would have happened” “You were just a child, you couldn’t have known” Artemis tried to comfort her granddaughter but shaking her head Torvi replied, “It doesn’t matter anymore. What’s done is done. Artemis when we get back buy the drinks; he’s going to need a lot of them.”

“Ernak, what happened?” Alfhild called out trying to get an answer from him but walking past her it was Torvi who then pushing the other woman forward simply stated, “Ragnor here’s your bride!” before storming off after Ernak it was Artemis who started to explain, “He butchered a lot of his men but was faced with an choice… he chose the Clan” Alfhild waited for her to elaborate however it was Sigurd who snapped, “Tell me now!” “Magnhild said he had the choice of taking Largetha and if they managed to escape risk a war with more life’s lost on both sides or leave Lagertha and no more fighting and he could bring Ragnor’s bride back to the clan” Artemis replied to which Ragnor not believing it fired back, “Ernak would never agree to it, Lagertha is the only thing he would fight for!” Artemis nodded before placing Lagertha’s axe on the table replied, “Lagertha never gave him the chance to choose. She stopped him from attacking and made him walk away. The betrayal… well let’s just say this is going to take a very long time, a lot of drinks and a lot of **** to calm MY Logos down.”

“Right… yeah… I… need to say something… but I don’t know what I can say to him” Sigurd struggled to formulate and looking back at the other warriors nodded to acknowledge the angry eyes glare at him. He turned back and addressing his war council stated, “Give them 25% more of the promised share!” “You can’t be serious Sigurd, that would put us back to square one!” Erik snapped, “We have to, I know the Clan and I know what they are thinking. Their eyes are glaring at us, readying to rebel against us. We need to pacify them or at least calm them down. Ernak to them is a hero for sacrificing himself for their lives; we are merely the villains. We will have to rebuild!” “All over again… it has taken us over 2 years to get to this stage and we still aren’t even close to being as stable as we’d like. Ivar can pay” Ragnor spat but being met by an headbutt from Björn he fired at the ‘future Jarl’, “We would have fought for him against that smug cunt. You cut the deal, you accepted the terms; you can pay and let this clan rot. Ernak can return with us; the village who care for him!” Sigurd pulled Ragnor back to his feet before stating, “Enough, this isn’t going to help us. We need to be united!” “Yes you need Ivars clan don’t you!” Magnhild commented already constructing the situation in her head, “I’m sorry if we aren’t giving a very positive or strong perception of our clan!” Alfhild began to spin but laughing at her pathetic attempts Magnhild simply stated, “What Artemis or Ernak hasn’t told you is my brothers offer to Ernak; who unfortunately hasn’t decided whether he is going to accept it or not” “Offer?” Sigurd huffed and smiling Magnhild replied, “A far better offer… be named Jarl by your council or kill Sigurd, Ragnor and Erik and install himself as Jarl and rule alongside me; doesn’t even have to be married to me and my brother would accept the partnership more willingly than he currently is. I for one support Ernak over Ragnor!” Ragnor growled and storming out the room headed to the tavern with the family looking at him concerned immediately followed suit.

“Another one Helvig” Ernak grumbled going for his coin pouch but refusing payment Helga stated, “You can drink as much as you need!” Ernak nodding before looking back down at his tankard replied, “I’m sorry but I don’t feel myself anymore” “We understand” Helvig replied but now the door had swung open and storming in with his heavy boots to the counter that would soon be propping Ernak up Ragnor yelled, “Trying to take my throne are you? Make a deal with our ally, to cut the family out, is it?” “No…” Ernak tried to calmly explain back, “Then why not tell us!” Ragnor growled shoving Ernak who adjusting his position stated, “It’s not important, that’s why!” “It is to us!” Sigurd joined in and Ragnor smugly knowing he had the numbers knocked Ernak’s drink from his hand, “Enough, he is trying to distract himself from the events. Leave now!” Helga snapped to Sigurd, her being the oldest member of the clan hoped Sigurd would stop this; which he usually did respect her wishes. “Answer me!” Ragnor growled pushing Ernak to his feet and standing up Ernak snapped, “Fuck you!” Ragnor looked around and seeing how the other patrons laughed at him Ragnor responded with a punch to Ernak’s face. “Come on then, you lying mongrel scum!” Ernak responded with an punch taken Ragnor back before kicking him further back into the support pillar, ducked Ragnor’s swing as he slammed his head backwards into the solid wood. Ragnor kicked Ernak back before firing, “You always were a leech to MY family and MY Clan” Ernak got up and ducking Ragnor’s arms threw him over the wooden table before slamming a stool repeatedly over his head almost as if he was trying bludgeon the man to **** Ernak yelled, “Ragnor, Jarlship has poisoned your mind; it’s made you paranoid and ill. Erik has caused this; all of this for both the Clan and the family” Sigurd rushed up and pulling Ernak off the bleeding Ragnor, Ernak broke free using the stool to attack Sigurd’s head; sending him to the floor. “You traitor! You deceiver” Ragnor yelled charging in with his knife and dodging it Ernak’s threw him into the bar before kicking Sigurd in the ribs spat, “Me?! I defended both clans, I left to stop anymore conflict…” Ernak grabbed the Ragnors knife and slamming it through the man’s hand returned his attention to the struggling to breath Sigurd, he continued, “I raided to stop any potential conflict and to help Ivar’s clan; your cousin clan. I even brought your bride back and never chased after the Bastard who took Lagertha!” “Only because Lagertha told you not to!” Sigurd muttered trying to pull himself up and bring peace to the topic but Ernak throwing Sigurd through the window snapped, “That’s what hurts the most!” Ragnor pulled the knife out and stabbing Ernak in the side, Ernak flicked his wrist to reveal the hidden blade and retaliated with a wound through Ragnor’s shoulder and pulling the blade out of Ragnors hand Ernak threw Ragnor out into the cold snow next to his father and watching the village gather it was Ernak who addressed the two men and village with simply pulling the dagger out and showing who it belonged to and crouching he clutched the wound before yelling for all to hear, “The only person I loved betrayed me and that hurts the most. Something you’ll never understand… being a flung to floor by the family is one thing but being abandoned by the only one you love is… is all too much” the group lowered their heads and hearing his next piece really showed sympathy to the former outsider, “You want to know why I never mentioned HIS offer for me to rule instead? Because I was never going to accept it; that’s why I didn’t see the need to mention it. I didn’t even consider it. You idiots! I don’t want to rule this clan and never will, I have been made to suffer enough and ruling means I have to fix everyone else’s problems and wishes but never my own. After what you all put me through as a child, a teenager and even an adult you won’t ever get me as Jarl even if that means Ragnor destroying it with his sick paranoia which is spreading every time Erik opens his mouth. You can all burn in Hel!”

Ernak threw the knife to the floor and glaring at Sigurd who staring at him bleeding faced and trying to apologise for their behaviour Ernak stated, “It’s hurts more knowing you think I would betray you!” Ernak studied the wound and smiling at the healed scar he turned back to the bar and said, “Now leave me, I wish to forget this happened!”

When Leif finished patching Sigurd up Sigurd looked over to Alfhild who now shaking her head at the Jarl spat, “Traitor really?! Of all the things you could’ve claimed and you said that” “I didn’t, I wanted answers but it was Ragnor who claimed he was… I don’t know maybe Ernak is right” “Right?!” Alfhild questioned missing the first part of the argument, “Ernak claims Ragnor is growing paranoid and people like Erik are manipulating him. If he is like this now then what will he be like when he becomes Jarl?” “It has to be Ragnor… Ernak doesn’t want it!” Alfhild stated and nodding already aware of the fact before questioning, “Astrid… she marries an strong leader or Björn; that could unite the clans or… Magnhild with Björn, Magnhild with… umm… a good candidate” “Björn could marry Magnhild but it would mean we would have no standing in the clan anymore. We need to snap Ragnor out of this!” Sigurd nodded before turning to the tavern door he spoke, “First let’s apologise!”

“No, I won’t do that! Look even Logos isn’t agreeing with it!” the Seer snapped back to the opposing Ernak, “Please, I need it!” “And risk you becoming more like me… Ernak no. I won’t take your life, we need to find Freyja and it will all be alright; she was always the calming factor in our relationship” “Shut it Logos, the last thing he needs is your selfish aims” Torvi fired back, “Silence Adara; you have your life back and I’m trying to find mine” “To what end? When he gives you his body? When he has nothing else to live for?” Torvi continued to challenge knowing from the behind door that Sigurd was eavesdropping, “That’ll be a problem Logos…” The Seer stated, “I believe Lagertha is Freyja; she had the mark, knew the name before I even mentioned it and it explains why you two had this irresistible pull towards each other” Logos looked over to Ernak who head butting the counter in frustration left it there as he groaned, “She was here all along and I’ve wasted two years to look for her!” “Wait that makes her my mother?” Torvi question and nodding Ernak moaned, “Just my fucking luck and she is somewhere that I’ve no clue where with a bastard like her old husband and he’s going to fight another war for no reason other than the Norwegian’s being asses.”

“Didn’t Logos’ story include going to a foreign land to retrieve Freyja…” Alfhild questioned walking in with her husband and looking back up Ernak yelled, “Get out!” “No, we want answers. What the hell is that?” Sigurd yelled pointing to the golden outlined person sat next to Ernak and Ernak nodding simply said, “Logos… he’s the god that we keep on talking about. People weren't lying when they said I was a god… now leave me!” “No. Why didn’t you show us earlier; this makes an difference!” Ernak looked to Logos who shaking his head stated, “Ignore them. They will use you like they have before” Ernak nodded before replying, “I already know this… goodbye Sigurd; if you want anymore information then Torvi will explain. I for one am done with this!”

The stables was quiet, a nice quiet and as Ernak finished checking the last horse over he looked back to see Logos standing there angrily waiting to talk, “What have I done now?” Ernak simply asked to which Logos yelled, “She was there right in fucking front of us! Her memories were intwined with ours and now she is further away than before!” “I know!” Ernak calmly spoke, “And you are okay with this?!” Logos challenged, Ernak stopped before glaring at him snapped, “I’m furious but if I don’t step away and breathe we will have more problems than finding her to deal with” “Then what are you thinking?” another man’s voice spoke and groaning there Sigurd came in concerned for his “son” who not caring what he thought Ernak fired back, “Don’t worry it won’t affect you precious little Clan.” “I don’t understand it fully but I’m willing to listen to your ideas and beliefs; if there is an god inside you then we could use any advice he could give us” Logos looked at Ernak who sighing stated, “I can’t trust you all so I need to either join the Norwegian army against your own, sneak in and abduct her or just go the other way and not look back ” “We need her or you do!” Logos snapped and nodding to him Sigurd questioned, “Why her? Torvi adores you!” “We are trying to merge together and become one; like we are meant to be. Lagertha being Ernak’s Freyja is the equilibrium that we need to join us, otherwise this ends badly for one of us. Torvi is also my daughter’s descendant” Sigurd considered it before offering, “You want a calming factor, someone to see for you?! Torvi… no, too much like you! That redhead girl… or Porunn” there was an loud thud and turning to its direction Logos yelled, “No. It’s your fault, kill this traitor and find Lagertha; I’ve dealt with enough of these primitives to know they don’t deserve what they so greedily steal!” “Calm son, it’s not their fault for being human, they have always been flawed; even your host if flawed!” Logos’ mother stated before storming up to Ernak snapped, “You either become Jarl and oppose this King or fight for Norwegians but don’t just stand there and cry about it. Do something, Logos would, if not then give your body to him because you aren’t helpful in this state” Ernak looked down and nodding spoke, “I’m considering it; if this is all I meant then why should I keep fighting against what is always going to happen!” Ernak looked down almost accepting it but Logos offering comfort spoke, “Because you have something to fight for; don’t forget that!”

Days later and finding Ernak slumping against the counter Artemis sighed sitting next to him slapping his head so he would awake heard him groan as he pulled himself up, “How many more days are you going to be like this?” “Don’t know ask Logos, it’s his fault!” “May I remind you that if it wasn’t for Logos you wouldn’t be here today! You are his sage and that is your only reason of existence. It’s harsh but true. Find Freyja! You need her!” “Freyja is gone. She won’t be coming home anytime soon!” Artemis nodded before pouring him another mug full of ale stated, “Then move on, we need you Logos, it was your idea” Artemis looked back to see Ragnor walk in with Alfhild and Torvi so taking her leave stated for all to here, “Logos it was both yours and Freyja’s idea. We need your leadership now more than ever!” Ernak looked over to see the cloaked figure that had always been ignored who simply observing the situation had a look of fury towards the situation which now caused Ernak to ponder, “Why not Odin? Logos has brought me nothing more than endless pain; maybe I should let the other guest speak; hear what he has to say!” “Following Odin will lead you to nothing more than madness!” “Yeah… well maybe I have had enough of being the sane guy. Maybe in all that has happened we need a bit of madness to restore order!” “You are drunk, sleep on this and talk with the others. This effects more than just you!” she walked away and getting closer than Logos ever allowed him to be, Odin spoke, “Logos failed you and now you are stuck paying for his mistakes trying to fix his wrongs or waiting for him to fix them!” Ernak sighed and Logos who had now joined the room just lowered his head as he responded, “I know I have failed you but listening to Odin or joining Odin is a grave mistake! I won’t let you him take over your body!” “No, I suggest you let me play the role of Logos and if it goes well then I can take over if not then Logos can return to his role!” Ernak pondered it before stating, “Well he is the God of Wisdom!” “It’s not wisdom but selfish arrogant madness, please!” Logos pleaded but being met by an headbutt from Ernak he fell to his knees only having time to see Ernak accept the offer and sighing muttered, “Good luck Ernak you are going to need it!” Ernak smiled feeling the knowledge fill his body and pulling the black cloak off the drunk at the table next to him threw his old one to the floor so he could now wear it and pulling the hood up Ernak spat, “People are going to pay for this!”

“We must send them aid now, it’s a token of good faith that must be adhered to” Alfhild stated following the traditional protocol but Erik and Ragnor fought back with, “We need to rebuild and solidify our defences in case they try to outflank the army and head straight here!” “If we don’t send help, they will see it as us either going back on our word and traitors or not being strong enough to support his demands!” Alfhild protested which caused Erik to snap, “If the army falls and we can defeat the Norwegians then the clans will owe us for saving them. Think of the favours and rewards we would earn!” “So you suggest us making sure they fail?” Sigurd pondered and nodding Erik was now interrupted by the doors being swung open in a thud and black bird landing on the map.

The group looked over to the cloaked man who staring at them joined the group at the table, “Ernak… we… I… well we didn’t expect you to be joining us after what happened” Sigurd fumbled and glaring at him Ernak spat in venom, “And miss out on you dooming the Clans once more!” “Maybe you can reason with the others!” Alfhild pleaded and glaring at her Ernak simply snarled, “And what convince them to listen your your poison over Erik’s!” she stood back as Ernak snapped, “You are all going to shut up and listen. If you don’t send help the other clans will think you are untrusting and liars and to secure the clans status requires finding a new peace deal between Ivar’s clan and your own” “We should consider **** if Ivar won’t agree to our terms!” Erik contested but warning him Ernak spat, “Your presence here is just an formality so shut your mouth!” the group stood back and waiting for him to finish Ernak stated, “You send the required forces to aid the king plus a few other presents to show ‘we are going to do more than what’s expected’ and to create peace between both Ivars and your own clan. Torvi will marry Björn with Torvi living with Björn and you getting a cheaper rate for using their docks!” Torvi glared at the betrayal from her best friend and father, her true one. “Don’t I get a say? You hated what happened to Lagertha and you are willing to do the same to me…” “You don’t get happy endings in this world and you have no placing in this world to protest!” “I agree it would solve a lot of problems!” Erik spoke, “I wasn’t looking for your approval!” Ivar shook his head in disbelief as he spoke, “This isn’t you or Logos. From what I know of you both, you would never sell Torvi out like that!” “Please reconsider this proposal. Why not Astrid?” Alfhild bargained and drawing his knife Ernak yelled, “One more word and I will slit your throat you venomous bitch” Sigurd stood in the way of Ernak who not respecting the chain of command anymore pushed him away to continue to address Alfhild, “You caused this and Astrid… she has no value, never will. Just marry her off to pig at least you would get meat when it dies!” Erik laughed until feeling Ernak’s knife impale him in his chest Ernak now spoke, “Things will change now for the better and if you don’t like them then leave!” Ivar pulled Torvi away as he whispered into her ear whilst the overs argued, “Find Artemis, we need to know what happened!”

“Artemis!” “Adara, something is troubling you!” “Ernak is trying to sell me off to Björn, he is threatening war with the clans. He has threatened Alfhild and his whole aura is just off; this isn’t him” she sighed before contemplating it asked, “Different how?” “Dark hood, angry, acts like everyone is beneath him” Artemis nodded before stating, “Do you recall the part of story where Logos implanted his DNA into the device and Odin had already altered it so his personality and memories would be present” “Odin was mad…” “And a master manipulator; Ernak was arguing with Logos before this. Ernak blaming the “Fates” on his misfortune and Logos blaming Ernak for not finding Freyja. Odin must have used this against Logos and took control” “Tell me, how do we stop this!” Torvi questioned and pondering it Artemis replied in a guess, “Either prove Logos was right all along or Odin was wrong and Ernak wrestles control back… Preferably the first. Odin maybe mad but he is incredibly cunning and knows he needs to build trust; for now; tell Sigurd to block most of the serious decisions he suggests! I’ll plot the rest!”

“Ernak, Ernak!” Ragnor snapped pulling at the man’s cloak before pushing him became more annoyed when Ernak ignored him. “Turn around damn it!” Ernak stopped and pulling his hood back up snapped, “Watch it boy!” “Boy? Boy! I’m Ragnor son of Sigurd and future Jarl of this clan and don’t forget it!” “That’s the name you possess but not the name you deserve” “Watch it mongrel!” “No it is you who should be careful. What I am is far superior to your manmade claims. I am the All-Father Odin, reborn and could take what you hold dear away from you. The difference is I don’t want it; not yet!” Ragnor growled before landing a punch to his brother yelled, “You are not; you are my brother who is ill and needs our help” Ragnor challenged hoping to trigger the hotheadedness of Ernak to show what he believed was true but unlike the other times Ernak took him down with wit, “Funny how you are clearly trying to lure me out but fail to realise that you have never beaten me in a fight or even laid a finger on me that left an scar. As for being Jarl… well losing to a fellow claimant is a sign of weakness; your tactics is a sign of desperation and also shows weakness. My ‘illness’ is knowledge something you have neither the brain to harness or will to learn” Ragnor glared at him who now studied the concerned villagers and yelling Ragnor swung for him.

Ernak within a few deflecting blows from Ragnor he took Ragnor to the floor and launching blow after blow, Ragnor in desperation gouge for Ernak’s eyes and yelling out in pain Ernak let go to feel the blood to trickle from his eye socket and growling Ernak sent him back with a kick before returning to the offence grabbed Ragnor’s throat aiming to **** Ragnor out. Ragnor once again In desperation Ragnor tried something to stop Ernak. Ragnor slammed his knife into the arm of Ernak who flicking his wrist to show the blade attached to his wrist feel the blade reenter his shoulder yelled out feeling the blade pull out and about to enter his throat. Arms pulled Ernak off him and leading the separation of the two he ordered, “Stop it both of you. Ernak enough; I don’t know what’s up with you but stop it and Ragnor stop listening to Erik. Every time you do, you end up almost dead. Now both of you pack it in; look at you, blood everywhere. Leif treat Ernak since I don’t want him going blind. Sif treat Ragnor; Ivar go with Ernak make sure he clams down. Magnhild with Ragnor. I want to know both sides of the story as soon as you get them, I want to hear them!” Ragnor clutching his wound snapped at Ernak whilst being escorted away, “I see a raged demon inside your eyes, we created it but don’t let it consume you brother, we couldn’t handle it!” Ernak looked back and snapping in one final response, “And you. I see a weak pathetic leader that will lose everything to gain so little. This clan is weak nothing you can do will fix it!”

Weeks passed and after insisting both brothers kept their distance, Sigurd came down hard on Ragnor insisting on getting to know Magnhild, blocking contact with Erik but also on leaving Ernak alone; he accepted but Ernak was different. He agreed to stay away from Ragnor but refused to accept Erik as an advisor to Sigurd’s court, he refused to accept being restricted from areas and keeping out of issues. Problem is the more time that passed the more he changed and now what Ernak had become came ever more clearer when his philosophy towards war had changed.

“How’s the eye?” Sigurd questioned seeing how Ernak’s eye barely stayed open. “Why do you care?!” Ernak snapped back sharpening his blade, “Because Alfhild says you’re going blind in it” “That’s to be expected!” “What do you mean expected?!” “I am part Odin, he now guides my actions and I’m becoming more like him” Sigurd bowed disappointed in what he heard and studying Ernak’s glowing hands he asked, “Any advice for us?” Ernak looked over and nodding Ernak gravely spoke, “Just stay back and let me do the rest. This isn’t about winning, it’s about making an statement. A statement you won’t like” “Like what?” Ernak wiped the animal blood on his face and smiling when he rubbed the ash from the fire on his face, Ernak simply spoke, “Fear. They won’t fight what scares them!”

“Ernak enough!” Sigurd yelled killing the warrior before him, watching as Ernak butchered the nearest warrior and grabbing a spear used to impaled the crawling body. Ernak picked up a torch and using it burn those who came towards him yelled in a wail Sigurd stood back, far enough to stay away from harms way. Ernak still used clean kills with his bow but with every opportunity he would barbarise the bodies creating “his statement.” When it became clear the enemy had lost the group turned their attention to Ernak who had left trails of blood and body parts behind him and laughing at those who had surrendered taunted them with the spears he now held.

“Please, please we surrender” the group of six cried knowing it was foolish to try and flee and knowing no help was coming, “You aren’t even worthy of joining my table!” Ernak bellowed watching Odin land on his shoulder. “Ernak enough. If you want to kill them then do it but don’t toy with them and ensure they have their axes with them. We aren’t savages!” Ragnor nodded turning away with his father to plan what would happen next. Soon they rushed back hearing the screams from the men that were left in Ernak’s charge and what they saw sent a cold shiver through their backs. It was bad enough Ernak had impaled victims on spears along the path but now there he was creating an altar or a warning of what would come for those who dared to challenge the clan. Two bodies were impaled on spikes, headless but posed in a manner that their hands were up holding their heads and three others were tied to posts screaming in pain when their felt the skin to their back be open and ribs cracked, “Ernak no. They don’t deserve this! Send them to Valhalla!”

In one pull the lungs were spread into the wings position as Ernak spat back to Sigurd, “I don’t want them at my home. I don’t want cowards who surrendered and I don’t want the weak. You!” he pointed to the remaining warrior who cowering felt Ernak’s men pushed him forward held his hands up to protect him from any blow that Ernak may dish out but instead it was words he had to handle. “You will go to the nearest clan and spread the message that I, Odin am not happy with any of them. They are all cowards who don’t deserve a seat at my table. You tell them of what you saw and tell them that the All-Father did this to prove a point. You tell them that this Clan is not to be challenged by anyone and you tell them that more will come if they seek battle!” he nodded rushing away utterly sickened by the sight that he was **** to watch and satisfied with his work Ernak simply stated adjusting his cloak, “Odin let’s go boy!”

“What the hell Ernak?! That’s not the way, there’s no honour in doing that. You won’t make it to Odin’s hall if you do that!” “Don’t tell me how to run my own hall!” Ernak retaliated causing Sigurd to remember his place but still disgusted challenged, “And that’s justified to you?” “Yes. They won’t return, armies won’t go to war with your clan which means less time fighting and more time building. See, once again I have brought stability to your clan… what has your allies done? Erik… pointless intel and your “King’s” men are stuck fighting a war” “That can’t be helped!” “You sold out and have nothing to show for it and now you are begging God’s for help and can’t deliver what I really want. Pathetic!” “I have been trying to renegotiate the deal!” “Crap. All crap. You couldn’t even get him to deliver Magnhild immediately; I had to get her, never mind trying to free Lagertha from her marriage!” Sigurd sighed understanding what this was really about; he hated the family still so trying to make him see reason replied, “I understand you are angry but that’s not the way” Ernak laughed before drinking a mouthful of his ale spat it in Sigurd’s face, in front of Alfhild and the other members before snapping back, “You don’t order me around anymore. You wanted my help; you wanted me to stop any invasions and to help Ragnor, you got it. Don’t like what you see or my methods then don’t ask for my assistance!”

Sigurd wiped the ale away and looking at those who dared to watch and judge the scene snapped so even his family would hear, “I asked because you needed to get out of tavern once in a while, I asked you so I could talk to you, I asked you because we still care for you even if you don’t. I asked you because we need you; all of us and I asked you because I can trust you. Erik, Ivar, hel even my own son would betray me because of his growing paranoia but not you, you hate my guts but you are honest and maybe I don’t understand this God thing you are supposedly going through but I still trust you with my life whether it’s you ending it or you saving it!” Ernak shook his head whilst responding back, “If you can only trust the man who hates you then you have failed as Jarl, if you can’t trust your son then you have failed as a father and if you can’t trust your brother then you will live a very short life” he acknowledged it before confessing, “Maybe you are right but if I could fix just one thing, this would be it and whether I like it or not… you could be the next Jarl so remember your actions will be remembered” “Father, he is insane, unwed and not even one of us!” Ragnor shrieked and nodding Sigurd explained walking past him, “And he doesn’t want it but I would prefer to have a Jarl who believes he is Odin reborn than a Jarl shrouded in his own paranoia, illness and blindness. Unwed is a simple fix and it the rest doesn’t matter. I pick the next Jarl no matter their skin, blood or feelings on the role. You are just lucky Ernak doesn’t care about the title and has his own troubles. Anyway I have a lot to consider and decisions need to be made.”