Squabbles

The remainder of the army stood back as Torvi alongside Ernak climbed the local trees to overlook the two armies, “They’re our targets!” Torvi spoke and nodded Ernak raised his finger to silence her as they heard the two armies speak, “You took my daughter! You’ve taken my land whilst I helped defeat your enemies?!” “My dearest brother, I used that as a ploy, just to get what I want. Now your army is weak, outnumbered and your towns people is mine, your village is mine and your daughter is mine!” “I will kill you and I will burn your villagers houses to the ground for this!” “So they are fighting against each other” Torvi stated, Ernak nodded as they turned and pointing to the Lord who had lost his land spoke, “We support him. He wins his land and daughter back, he owes us! Get...” he stopped to scribble a note down before handing it to her stated, “Get this note to him! I’ll scale around and find his daughter” she nodded before scampering back within the trees saw Ernak slide down the bank and crouching down headed towards the town, hoping to remain undetected.

“We need to think smartly Æthelbert!” the warrior spoke next to his leader, “You’re right, you always are but my daughters in...*twang*” he jumped before seeing the arrow sticking out from the tree glared at the blonde woman angrily but pointing to the arrow he studied it to see the note attached to it. Both men studied it before signalling for her to step forward, “You want to help us? Why?” “My people are looking for a place to settle. Our leader believes if he helps you, you can help us; we know you can’t win without us and we have the necessary shock value, experience and skill to defeat them” “Yes, I’ve seen what your kind are like; all loud, wild and show a lack of care to anyone, not even yourselves. My daughter is in there, seeing you lot will just give him more of a reason to harm her!” “Don’t worry about her; my leader, Ernak has gone after her, he is the best man for the job” “I don’t know... I just want my daughter back safe!” “Trust me he will return her, now let’s discuss the plan.”

Lucky for Ernak the new “King” had chose a village to defend over an actual fortification, so slipping in and out of buildings and groups provided him with enough cover to go unnoticed and keep the killing to minimal. Too him it was clear she wouldn’t be in the village and much like the rest of this layout she must have been in the other kings manor. Half an hour had passed and finally finding it he began to creep up crouching in between the bushes so he could get in close and peering in watched to see the guards stand alert at their posts whilst this supposed king wandered back and for puzzled on why there wasn’t an attack so scaling around to the back looked in to see what looked like a back entrance. He climbed over and gently opened the door causing its guard to check seeing if it was the wind. *Stab* and dragging him against the wall Ernak let the body slump against the wall before slipping in hid behind the wall to give him a chance to look around the corner and see only one guard walking the other way. A quick dash into the next room saw it was a bedroom, must have been hers but she wasn’t in it. Ernak waited for him to go past and breaking his neck from behind dragged him into the room before continuing his route.

The news of gathering forces drove the self proclaimed king out from the manor take a large amount of guards with him and Ernak the opportunity to now explore more freely. Door after door and there was nothing before hearing an muffled mummer and then a cry gingerly opened the door slightly to see the view of who he assumed was the daughter that he went to rescue with five guards. One forcibly grabbed her and pulled at her dress to reveal her breasts before trying to nuzzle into her neck. “Just take it whore, your father won’t save you!” she tried to wrestle free but feeling him knee her in her back fell to her knees before trying to break free and look up at a means to protect herself saw the figure, who now opening the door making his presence known. “Who the fuck are you?” the man snapped throwing the woman away but before he could draw his weapon felt the foreign blade go straight through his throat. Ernak ducked the next ones swing and stabbing him with his hidden blade pushed the body into the two coming from the other side. Ernak grabbed his axe and burying it into smallest one’s head confronted the two who had broken free from the body on top of them. Ernak threw his axe through his skull to the woman’s shock and amazement and drawing his bow missed an opportunity to draw an arrow as the past guard swung so kicking him in the back of his knees watched him fall to the ground and Ernak to use the bows string to strangle him until with a thud the body lay still, she looked up still bare chested and smiling asked now confused, amazed and if Ernak wasn’t mistaken slightly lustfully and asked, “What are you?”

“Now I know my English isn’t that good but shouldn’t it be who am I?” “No, I stand by my question what are you? Are you a Norseman like my mother once said? If so why are you so far inland? I thought you would be paler considering you live in the snow?! Is it true you can crack an mans skull open with your own hands? That you can also throw balder’s or an Oxen?” “Wow... wow... wow... let’s start with you know... your dress!” she looked down before laughing spoke, “It’s only breasts!” “I know, I just thought you may have wanted to adjust yourself!” she shrugged before doing so asked, “So are from Norse?” “First of all its not called Norse, it’s the men from the Baltic or simply Norseman. Also, I’m not a native from there” “Your not Saxon are you?” “No, I’m complicated...” “Well you can explain after you’ve stopped him” Ernak looked back and seeing the guard scamper away Ernak threw a throwing knife through his head before returning to her, “Let’s get out of here!”

“So you’re a Hun? Where is that?” “The Hun’s were a nomadic people or were a people. I don’t know where from, just they were around the mainland foreign to both your people and the Norseman. My family survived because the moved to live with my non-Hunnic parent who was an Vandal, from there they moved to live in the Visigothic Empire a old empire that fell not long ago. Somehow when I was barely a boy, alone I turned up to the Norseman who raised me. I’m darker because of my heritage” “What else is different about you?” “I’m taller and more deadlier” “How so?” “They are fierce yes but are terrible on horseback and struggle to fire an decent arrow at a target, I can do both and also on horseback” “Well I’m glad to hear you can ride an horse!” “I can do a lot more, than that?!” Ernak exclaimed, “I bet you can big boy... but tell me why are you here?” “Not fair, you know I’m Ernak, what’s your name?” “Rheda!” “Well Rheda, me and my people are looking to settle here, perhaps form some allegiances but to mainly build a life here!” “I think we can help. If you help us get our kingdom back!” “Viking’s and fighting?! That’s something we thrive upon!” “If they are all like you then this will be an easy day for us all!” Ernak nodded feeling her arms wrap tighter around his chest, “And maybe you can teach me some Viking Celebrations after?!” “I suppose we could but first of all let’s actually win this war!” they rode back to the King’s camp and dismounting Rheda jumped down purposely so he could catch her and tease, “My what strong arms you have!” before looking around saw the other more bearded men; hair either tied up or braided and faces covered in paint to some extent. “Rheda, your back?!” the older man spoke rushing to her before hugging her person began to hear her “epic tale.”

“So you Norsemen do really live up to your violent nature!?” “They do father but he isn’t one, he’s an Hun! They sound better than Vikings!” “I wouldn’t say that...” Ernak trailed off looking over to Rheda who was spending her time studying or more like gawking at Ernak’s warriors, “So do we have to address you as King? Majesty? Lord...” “Cenric, it’s my name so let’s just use it” “So the plan. Set your archers up above in a elevated position overlooking the field of battle or at least in a position away from their main forces. You will lead the rest of your forces into the main ****. The aim is to sustain the defensive line!” “We charge in and attack from their sides?” Torvi grinned and I nodded before pointing to her spoke, “Take half of the warriors and take the East side, the rest with me will take the West and Cenric; paint yourself blue or something, to distinguish your men from the others!” “Of course; Alwin, Cuthbert, Harold stay and protect my daughter!” “Wow, father, if Ernak has women fighting in his army then I will fight as well!” “No. You aren’t like them!” “I will fight with Ernak’s men then!” “Rheda...” “What?!” “Do you even know how to swing a sword or fire an bow?” “Teach me!” “This isn’t the time!” “Well I will just have to learn won’t I?!” “I’ll tell you what. Be my spotter; find somewhere high and keep us updated when we’ve begun!” “Fine, but can I...” she spoke wheezing as she strained trying to lift the axe, “No. You will have an knife and armour!” Torvi stated taking it from her and sheathing it looked over to Ernak, “I’ll see you in battle, ready?!” “Always! Come on Rheda let’s get you something that will fit!”

“This is your last chance brother, leave my lands or we will have to take it back by ****!” Æthelbert offered, “No! Even if I did there wouldn’t be anyone to stop the next army to take this town! Your number is too few where mine is too great!” Æthelbert nodded before drawing his sword yelled, “Fine, too war!!!” the armies stormed into each other, Æthelbert army playing an more defensive role which to his brother was to be expected; he had the larger **** so it made sense, “This is foolish Æthelbert, you won’t win and then there will be no one to stop me from taking all that you once had, even your wife!? I bet her screams will tear the walls down from your bedroom!” “Foolish brother never really understood the nature of alliances, I have an surprise for you!” they looked over to the nearby horn being blown and looking wide eyed Harald gulped to see the painted “savages” storm towards both armies, attacking those not wearing the Norseman blue. Ernak swung into the nearest Saxon before beheading the next threw his axe into the oncoming one before carrying on carving the forces in half watched as the temporary allies joined in through the gaps and Harald who scampering back behind his men was met by a blow from his brother who now looked down over him in disappointment, “You could have been soo much more brother!” “You won’t kill me brother, you could never land the finishing blow to me in an sparring match, you won’t do it now!” Æthelbert nodded seeing the Hunnic man walk forward the blade jutting out from his wrist and nodding simply spoke, “You’re right but the Örlendr will!” in a quick motion the blade went through his throat and falling to the ground Æthelbert spoke, “Let’s finish this!” and looking from her vantage point Rheda’s mouth watered seeing the tanned warrior tear through the army secretly enjoying every moment.

“You fight good Hun!” Æthelbert spoke wiping his blade clean watching as Ernak simply swung his blades to see the blood run off and sheathing them both met the Saxon’s hand and shook it, “But of course it’s comes at a price so name it!” Ernak nodded before looking around commented, “It’s simple we are looking for a place to settle and live; now as we can all see, your land is too big for you to manage and protect from those who would steal it from you. It’s simple, we run it for you; protect it and maintain it. All that we ask is I am equal to you and you recognise us as your ally” he glared at him as he began to list the reasons why it’s not a good idea but both sets of people were relieved by the interruption of an woman’s voice call out, “I don’t believe it, it’s you?!” Ernak looked over and smiling replied, “I remember you from my first raid.” “My love you know him?” Æthelbert queried taking her arm and nodding she replied gratefully, “If it wasn’t for him me and Rheda would have been dead, he helped us get to the building where he posted men to protect the women and children. It was him who helped those remaining. Örlendr your name is? I’m Frida!” “Örlendr is more of the Norses word to insult me, it means foreigner or outsider but it’s apparently a title or a legend now. My name is Ernak!” “Well Ernak, you want to settle here?” he nodded and smiling she nodded to show she agreed, “Frida you can’t just make these decisions for your people!” “Trust me Æthelbert, he will honour his word!” Æthelbert sighed before nodding grumbled, “Fine but there will be terms!” “Of course” Ernak replied shaking his hand and Rheda showing off the minimal diplomacy she did know and as an opportunity to get close to the Norse people especially the men commented, “I will stay here to act as diplomat for both sides!” Frida smirked before nodding stated, “Good idea but enough talk, let’s celebrate our victory and the success of gaining more land for our people!”

“Drink up Ernak!” Torvi commented nudging his hand, he looked up from his seat and taking an mouthful spoke, “You’re right, I just wish it turned out differently!” she nodded before joining him replied, “We both do, I wanted soo much for it to be easy, win a war; find a place to stay and become acknowledged by the local kings, Ivar and Björn with us and being able to bring the others over and now we are living off the scraps!” he nodded before groaning spoke, “And here I thought it wouldn’t be long before I could establish ourselves and send for Largetha!” she nodded laughing as Æthelbert tried his hand at flyting with the Norseman, proving he was quite good at it, “Come on Ernak, drink and join in... look even Rheda and her mother are... Rheda closer than the Saxon’s probably would like!” he nodded before standing up spoke, “I suppose seeing me like this doesn’t improve morale does it?”

“Ernak!” Rheda squealed joining him at the table accepting the money from the loser, “Want to play?” Ernak offered smiling as he was getting an hang of the game before him but pulling him up to his feet she quickly led him into the next room which looked like her parents bedroom, “Rheda?!” Ernak protested seeing Rheda peel her dress off and kissing him she whispered, “Ssshh! Just sit back my fierce Hunnic warrior!” he pushed her back and turning away replied, “I can’t!” “Please!” he shook his head and handing her clothes back she cried, “If it’s not a tradition in your culture or you require commitment we can talk to my father about it!” “Rheda you’re drunk!” “Not drunk, I just know what I want...” he refused once again as she cried, “Why?” “Because I love another!” she froze before nodding replied, “Oh! I thought since you were here alone!” “Sit down and let me explain.”

“Ernak... I’m sorry, I know you have probably heard the endless comforting words but I will say this, I will do whatever I can to help you get her here!” “Thanks Rheda but I fear it won’t ever happen. We were here to carve a new kingdom up, settle here and I just hoped they would decline back home, Erik would be **** and have to grant Lagertha a divorce with Ragnor” “Let me help you raise to prominence, we can help you!” “Let’s hope they actually get my message first!”

A week and a 1/2 later.

The messenger rushed through the town past those busy in work and stopping in front of Sigurd who was calling for peace between his son and Lagertha was met by Alfhild taking the letter from him and began to read, “Lagertha give him an try!” Sigurd pleaded “No, I won’t; Now leave me alone; I want a separate house; which happens to be Ernak’s to live in, none of you are invited there so stay away or I will hire some mercenaries to make you stay away!” Lagertha spoke quite sure of her position, “Please!? For the village sake!” Lagertha laughed before grabbing a stick from the nearest fire and setting the nearby hay on fire spoke, “That’s what I think of this village and it’s all your fault, all of you!” Sigurd looked down defeated before stating, “Ragnor find another woman. We will adopt it as our own and raise it as heir, I won’t **** her even if Erik suggested as such” Lagertha shook her head and snapped, “Yes, do that; give me ground for divorce and I will take the compensation and leave to live with Ernak, my love. Or... marry me to Ernak and there will be a rooms full of HEIR’S. Remember that!” Sigurd contemplated it before smirking replied, “You know what... that could work. Ragnor Jarl, Ernak’s son or daughter next in line and our support from Erik continues...” “She won’t divorce him and she WON’T be marrying Ernak, I don’t like him and never will; that mongrel is only fit for one thing!” Lagertha growled before being met by a clubbing blow from Ragnor, Ragnor yelled, “Don’t you fucking say it. He is my brother and I won’t have you speak ill of him. Furthermore when I do become Jarl I will remember this. I will bring stability and I will make things right. Lagertha you will have **** but here this: comply and when I’m Jarl I will release you from this marriage and reimburse you for the inconvenience!” “Or what? Going to **** me? Because I’ll tell you I will not go through with it willingly and if Ernak finds out he will butcher you for even thinking on touching me!” “Everyone shut up!” Alfhild screeched causing everyone to stop even the villagers as Alfhild began to yell, “Ragnor, if you do that I will **** you myself, Sigurd gain some control over the situation you are Jarl, Lagertha if you want to be with Ernak then I suggest taking the next longship for Britain... they are in trouble!” Sigurd took the hand written note and nodding spoke, “I’m sorry brother, I hope you feast in the halls of the dead!” “Is Ernak okay?” Lagertha asked and nodding Sigurd summarised, “They were attacked before even hitting the beaches and were largely outnumbered. Suffered great losses including Ivar and Björn who fought until the end, Alfhild tell Ivar’s wife. Ernak managed to break through and defeat the army but the army is barely a quarter of what it once was. They have requested reinforcements but we barely have enough men to help defeat Harald” “We must help them!” Alfhild urged but shaking his head liking the fact that two out of the four main opposition were dead Erik spoke, “We can’t send men if we haven’t got a safe harbour to see up a launch pad” “But they need men. Why don’t we send our men and secure our future instead of hoping to wait out the storm here!” Lagertha pleaded and looking to Sigurd he reread the letter and spoke, “I’m sorry son...” he looked up before saying, “We must secure our home and then push out. Alfhild send an messenger to Ernak, tell him to loot every nearby town and return back. We need every man and woman warrior back to defeat Harald!” she nodded before rushing off Erik smiled before stating plainly, “I’ll check our forces ready” knowing that him replacing the message being sent would enhance his position and reduce the opposition when Ernak never returned.