Let's Negotiate

The ground shook as the men marched. Their faces were covered in war paint. They had a fire in their eyes. Their destination was within sight. The walls stood tall. They saw several men standing on top of the wall dressed in battle gear. There were archers poised. The men halted. Jarl Erick looked at King Knud, “We will attempt to negotiate.”

After a long talk between the men, King Knud realized he needed Jarl Erick and the others. He nodded in agreement.

Loki was their spokesman since he was proficient in both languages and the others were still attempting to learn. “Who among you is King?” he shouted.

King Henry spoke, “There are two kings here. But I am the King of this domain.”

“Our leaders would like to meet with you.”

King Henry looked out and saw the hundreds of men, he scoffed, “So you traveled all this way with hundreds of men just to talk.”

Loki smirked, “I know it seems that our motives are not clear. But I assure you that we do not want to fight. We are more than capable of a fight but why do we have to lose men if we can negotiate.”

King Henry looked at King Oswald, “They want to talk.”

“Should we trust them?”

Prince Oswald weaved his way through the men on the wall, “Our army is near.”

King Oswald smiled, “Good.”

“Are we to prepare?”

“They say they only want to negotiate,” replied King Henry.

Prince Joseph huffed, “I’m sure they are liars. Why should we trust those heathens.”

“I would tend to agree with Prince Joseph,” said Prince Oswald.

They heard their army. It was just as loud as the Vikings when they approached. The men assembled outside the gates staring down their opposition. Prince Liam and Aethebald were at the head on their horses.

Inside the castle, Yande could feel his energy. She smiled. Her mother taught her that spell many years ago when her father would leave they would do it together. She made haste and ended up on the wall where the men stood ready to fight. Her father grabbed her arm, “Yande.”

“I just want to see him.”

He nodded. She looked down. There he was. He was ready to fight. She felt better. Then she saw the opposing side. He was there. Their eyes were locked for a moment. She looked away.

Prince Joseph looked at his father, “This is no place for a woman. She should go be with the others.”

“I would not worry about my sister, Prince Joseph. She has killed many men and would kill plenty more. How many have you killed?” said Samba.

He rolled his eyes at Lord Samba and then mumbled to his friend, “Still this is no place for her.”

Lord Edgar nodded.

King Henry decided it was good to talk with the men to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. It was late into the night and everyone was tired but they allowed a dozen of the men to enter the gates. They knew the others would not risk their leaders' lives. Or that’s what they hoped.

****

The Kings, their wives, their children, and others sat eagerly in a large room. The Viking men stood before them with Loki translating his leader's requests. King Oswald expressed his discontent about being attacked on the road from Mercia.

King Knud said, “Tell the king, our attack was in retaliation for being ambushed by his men the night before.”

Before Loki could speak, Yande spoke in their language, “No such thing happened.”

Jarl Sigurd stared at her in awe. Sven nudged him, “Your tongue brother, put it back into your mouth.”

He shook his head.

“My man gave me an account of what happened,” rebutted King Knud.

“Then your man is a liar. I was on the road with my brother and future husband Prince Liam of Noth Umbria when your men engaged us very rudely. They wanted to do horrible things to me. I challenged him to a fight. If he won, I’d go with him freely. And I’ll allow you to conclude how that went.”

Several people chuckled.

King Henry lifted his hand. They were quieted. “What is it you want? You’ve traveled a long way.”

Loki nodded, “Yes. We have. All we want is a chance to live in peace. Land, a bit of coin, and freedom wo worship our gods.”

“There is only one God,” replied the king.

“Those are your beliefs. We have ours.”

King Henry looked at King Oswald and back to Loki, “And if we decline?”

“Then I can assure you that you will not have a moment of peace. We will keep coming, keep raiding, we will kill as many men as we can, take your women, and turn your children into slaves.”

*****

It was done. At the camp, they celebrated. King Knud stared at the box of coins and jewels. He looked up at Jarl Erick, “You have your land.”

“And you have your share of the coin. I suggest you head back to the ships, take what’s left of your men, and go home.”

He kissed his teeth, “I see. So this is what it has come to.”

“It’s clear our goals are not aligned.”

“I suppose I shall be on my way."

“May Odin bless your journey."

King Knud left. Einar was standing outside of the tent, “Are we leaving?”

Their boots sounded as they walked away. King Knud huffed, “You said you were attacked by several men...not some woman and two young lads.”

He gulped. Their footsteps halted when they were out of hearing range of the others. He set the chest down. Einar fidgeted, “Things are still a blur from that night.”

“Humf,” he replied.

“Shall I gather the men?”

“For what?”

“To head back to the ships.”

“We’re not leaving Einar. I have the ambition to have everything. I have their lands back home and I’ll have whatever lands they acquire here. All I have to do is bide my time.”

Einar nodded with a devilish smile.

****

Back in the castle, Liam spoke with his brother. He showed him the letter that Warwick gave him. Oswald read it. He took a long deep breath, “Winfred is not well. She almost lost our child. I can’t bear to tell her this...now. It may upset her.”

Liam nodded, “I understand but you can’t wait too long. She will need to know and I’m sure the Queen will come to tell her in person soon.”

“You’re right,” he kissed his teeth, “will you ask Yande to be there when I say it? I don't know what it is but Winfred feels a lot better when she is around. It will bring her some comfort.”

“Sure brother, oh.”

Oswald stopped, “What is it?”

He handed him a letter, “It’s from Abigale. She was worried about you.”

He placed the letter in his pocket, “Thank you.”

****

She stood by the window. He stood behind her kissing her neck, “I am so happy to finally be alone with you.”

She turned to him and touched his handsome face, “I am happy you have returned to me. I knew you would.”

The day was long. Seemed like it would not end. But in the quietness of the wee hours of the morning, it felt good to indulge. Her hand touched him below and their lips danced. She looked down and saw it. He was warm, “I want to feel you,” she confessed.

He shook his head, “Please, my love, don’t tempt me. I don’t know how much longer I can resist you.”

“Let’s marry tomorrow.”

“You want your mother at the wedding.”

She smiled, “I do.”

He peeled off her gown and sucked her nipples slowly. He kissed her chest and went down slowly parting her legs. His thumb rubbed. She licked her lips and let out a soft sweet moan. He kissed her below. Her fingers played in his hair. Her eyes rolled, and she moaned and gasped. He stood and kissed her wildly. They paused and stared into each other’s eyes before kissing again.

Her hand stroked slowly up and down his third leg. She felt the moisture on the tip. She went down. Her mouth opened. He hesitated but finally gave in. Her mouth was so moist. His hands caressed the side of her face. He moved back and forth with delight. The second woman to ever give him that pleasure and he hoped the last.

He pulled out of her mouth with a popping sound and stood her up. He kissed her mouth over and over while rubbing his member against her swollen button. He moved rapidly. Heard her soft moans. He felt her body shudder and finally he erupted on her thigh.

****

Wessex

He stared at his reflection with a huge smile. His robe was opened slightly. His wife lay in bed on her side watching him watch himself, “And what did you do with the young queen?” she asked seductively.

“Nothing,” he replied and turned. He dropped the robe, “She’ll stay there as my eyes and ears. I’m sure watching her husband die at the hands of his brother has placed an indelible stain on her heart. Eventually, she will want blood.”

“Clever,” she replied.

"I could not have planned it better. God has truly blessed me in many ways," he said with a grin. He looked at his adoring wife. She was older, yet her body was still full of life. She was not as active as they were before but when they did get together, it was always amazing. He slid into bed and laid on his back, “Mount me, my dear.”

She did just that and smiled, “Ummm, my King. Splendid.”

“Ahhhhh, yes, My queen. Splendid indeed.”

*****

East Anglia

Her eyes popped open. She felt a surge of energy. She saw him standing at the foot of the bed watching her. She smiled, “Have you been there all night?” she left the bed.

“Not all night, but you should stay resting.”

She rubbed his shoulder and then kissed him sweetly, “I feel great. Better than great. Like I could climb a mountain.”

He chuckled, “Well, we won't be doing any of that.”

She grinned, “Not that kind of mountain,” she said as she rubbed his member.”

He chuckled, “You are with child.”

“I know but I don’t think it will hurt the baby. And it will be our little secret.”

His trousers were at his knees. He was stiff. She showered him with kisses. “Winfred, there is something I must—”

She pushed him onto the bed with great strength. She slid down with a satisfying, "Hmmm, you can tell me after, um, it has been forever since I’ve felt you inside me.”

She moved her hips in at a nice tempo. Her hand caressed his chest. He reached for her ass and guided her, then held her in place as he thrust underneath. He felt her quake. They kissed slowly, he felt it rising. Just as he erupted the door crept open, “Brother—” Liam quickly closed the door and spoke from outside, “Father wants to speak with us.”

Oswald got out of bed. Winfred was frantic, “You don't think he will say anything.”

Oswald shook his head, “My brother is my most trusted confident.”

She cleared her throat.

“Well, my second most trusted. He won’t say a word. However, there is a matter I must speak to you about before I leave.”

“Well, what is it?”

“Your brother was taken to North Umbria last night on orders of Queen Godgifu. She stated your father was thrown from his horse and later---”

She shook, “No. No. That can’t be. My father was extremely skilled at riding and the horses loved him.”

He was at a loss. She took a deep breath, “I am sure my stepmother will come to visit me soon and I’ll get to the surface of the matter.”

“I am sure she will.”

Her heart broke into pieces. Yet, she looked at him, “See to the King. I’ll prepare for our journey home.”

“Yes, my love.”

*****

After speaking with their fathers, the three princes were tasked with meeting Jarl Erick, Jarl Sigurd, and several others. Jaoquin and Samba decided to accompany them to help with any language barriers. The men met at the camp outside of the castle. Prince Joesph looked down his nose as the other Princes shook hands and greeted the men from the Viking camp.

“And where is the King?” asked Oswald.

“He is no longer with us. He took his men and left sometime early this morning,” replied Jarl Erick.

“Then he is no longer a problem?”

Sigurd sighed, “He is a problem but rest assured we will help you solve it if and when needed.”

The Princes smiled after they heard him state it with such conviction. They guided the men to the land that was agreed upon. It was beautiful and vast. The men smiled. They had visions of all they could accomplish.

“This is amazing,” admitted Jarl Sigurd. I could raise my children here.”

Erick agreed, “The land is fertile. I’ll stay to help set up things. I’d love to leave you in charge of things while I return to Kattergat for my wives and children.”

“I’d be honored. You will also bring my wife, Yana.”

“Of course.”

After admiring the land, the men went to the woods to hunt for lunch. Liam was on the heels of a nice deer but he didn’t know that snake had him in its sights. Just before it struck, Sigurd spotted it and chopped off its head.

Liam turned swiftly to see the dead animal and Sigurd. “Thank you.”

Sigurd nodded and replied, “You’re welcome.” He had heard the phrase since he had been there.

Liam smiled, “You speak the language?”

“Our friend. Loki. He teaches us.”

“Good. It will be beneficial since you plan to live here.”

“This is true Pince Liam of North Umbria.”

The other men appeared. They had rabbits and other wild animals ready to be defuzzed and cooked over an open fire.

****

The sky was bright. The sun shined. The birds chirped. Winfred walked through the garden with Yande. She confided in her about the **** of her father. “I still don’t believe it.”

“These things happen.”

Winfred stopped walking, “No. What if my cousin had something to do with this?”

“How?”

She sighed, “I do not know. I am merely searching for something that makes sense. I am motherless and fatherless now. I wanted my father to meet his grandchild. Now I have to care for my brother and see to my father’s burial.”

Yande reached for her hands, “I am sure the Queen will arrive soon or maybe we should go see her.”

“The two of us alone? Oswald and Liam would not approve.”

“You’re right.”

“We’ll wait for her arrival.”

They started walking. Then Winfred stopped, “If you had such a gift to see the truth of a matter, could you?”

Yande didn’t confirm or deny.

Winfred asked a different question, “If you knew a person with such a gift...would they be able to see it?”

“From what I hear, most people with the gift can see the truth of it. It depends on how strong the gift is.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning... sometimes it’s bits and pieces and you're left to understand the rest. Other times, it’s the complete picture. And there are times when the truth is hidden and revealed when it's ready.”

“I see. Very well then. We shall see the Queen when she arrives in North Umbria. I am so ready to go home.”

****

The men trotted along the trail. They were nearly back at the castle. It was a good time surprisingly. They learned that men were just the same as any other. A little rough around the edges and didn't have the social graces that the royals possessed but they were honorable.

When they arrived, Liam and Oswald took their time outside as the others went indoors. Oswald was relieved, “I am glad this wasn’t the blood fest I thought it would be.”

“As am I brother.”

“About what you saw earlier.”

“You don’t have to explain. I am sorry. I should have knocked. Although I didn’t think we could...”

“As the queen of Mercia has said many times...it’s more than safe. I have with both her and Abigale.”

Liam smiled, "This is good to know."

Oswald hit his arm. They continued to joke but then, he remembered the letter Liam gave him from Abigale. He had not read it. “Excuse me, I must do something.” He hurried into the castle and went to the room where Winfred had spent the night. He looked all over for the clothes that he wore.

Winfred enetered the room, “Prince Oswald.”

He turned, “My beautiful wife.”

“Your parents are ready to leave.”

He nodded. She stared at him, “Is something the matter?”

“No. I was just. Our things.”

“Already packed.”

He walked up to her and kissed her mouth, “Then let's take our leave.”