Raiding and troubles

Raiding and more raiding took place and for Ernak it provided him with more support from the raiding party than before and his system was simple. When they had enough or almost too much valuables to carry he would send home one or even two ships back to Ivar’s clan before they returned to the next location and the ships would swap over and Ivar’s clan now had an ever growing system of wealth; something Sigurd’s clan were struggling with; the problem now was Torvi and a few others was struggling to keep up, “Maybe you should sit this one out? You look warn out?” Ernak stated but staring at him she went to speak but stopped when she heard in her head, “He needs you, Logos needs you. He needs us, we have to be there for him!” “I’m fine Ernak” “She’s not fine Ernak!” Melanie snapped studying the woman but firing back Torvi snapped, “Don’t you judge me bitch. I know what I can do!” “Look at her eyes, the gold glint; it’s not right!” Melanie urged, “Not for a human!” Nyx joined in; Ernak nodded and attempting to ask for the devices back Logos’ voice boomed in his head with, “Don’t you dare” “Why the Hel not?” Ernak whispered and sitting down next to the woman Logos confessed, “I have been watching her over the months and...” “What?!” “I see faint parts of Freyja in her, those daggers were an gift from Freyja to Adara; I wanted to see if she remembered anything or if it triggered something and it has” “You didn’t tell me!” Ernak snapped at him and nodding Logos explained, “And say what? You have the wrong sister? How would even begin to explain that to everyone? Torvi; hey Torvi you are actually my wife from centuries ago, let’s go to bed and make more babies? And Lagertha; We were so close but so far? Or don’t worry I could have both sisters? I wanted to find out first and then discuss it with you; establish the facts before dealing with the potential consequences” Ernak sighed before calling out to Gundr asked, “Can you lead this raid; I need to talk with Torvi... I know it’s my role but it’s imperative” he nodded be grabbing the horn off Ernak replied, “It’ll be an honour” with the sound of the blow the group leapt off the ship with the others ship following but Torvi being held back Ernak began with, “Why didn’t you tell me you were hearing voices?” “How... but how?” “Logos told me; now speak? Are you Freyja?” “Freyja? I... I don’t know; it’s broken and disjointed but a woman’s voice that keeps urging me to support and be next to you!” Ernak sighed before massaging his temple stated, “You should have told me and you should have told me to Logos since this was your plot all along!” “What?! You are lecturing me about not telling you and you do this...” “Torvi... listen... Logos’ plot, not mine! I literally found out two minutes ago!” “Then what do we do?” Ernak grabbed his sword and pointing to the sand replied, “I say we wait and see where this goes; let’s see if the voices get clearer and then go from there. For now, let’s go raiding!”

“It’s been several weeks since our talk and I’m still stuck in circles. I don’t understand; I don’t have the mark on my head but I remember things about Logos... could it just be me experiencing memories that aren’t meant to be mine?” Torvi complained and shrugging Ernak replied, “If I knew the answer I would tell you” “It... It’s just frustrating, if I am Freyja then I want to know... I want to sort this out and...” “And...” Ernak teased sharpening his axe, “Well we wouldn’t be talking right now if I knew” Ernak laughed before replying slightly careful in his teasing, knowing the ramifications of them both being wrong and also Lagertha was still alive and his heart still bled for her, “Careful now... what would your sister say?” “She would complain and I would say; we’ll obviously you just couldn’t handle him!” and then duck her slaps but as a “God” she could kneel before my night” Ernak laughed once again until seeing Aife return with news she immediately businesslike revealed, “She’s there and yes she is one of you or at least an Isu. Unlike you lot she isn’t exactly hiding it and there are Order members there, she has followers who wouldn’t actually stand up to them for longer five minutes and she is planning a celebration for tonight. The Order are going to abduct her then, we need to get in first and get her before they notice” Ernak sighed looking at Logos who laughing exclaimed, “Typical Aphrodite, never was exactly subtle; when we see her, let me do the talking; I know how to get through to her” Ernak nodded before asking, “And how do we get her? The party or her house?” “House, it’s sound primitive but her house is near the coast, a smash and grab with the Raiders” Aife responded, “And I enter to retrieve her, whilst the others hold the Order off” she nodded and bedding down for some rest stated, “We’ll strike at dawn.”

The sun started to rise and to most it was an peaceful night that was interrupted by a blast from an horn and the sound of yelling and screaming. Gundr killed the first guard and leading some away to help Ernak and Torvi in his quest Aife quickly signalled for Ernak to follow her. Torvi covered his rear whilst the raiders continued to them provide with the cover he sought but plans change and this time it was because the Order also saw their chance to strike.

“Ernak they are taking her!” Aife snapped fighting the nearest Order guard, Ernak nodded and throwing his axe into one of the guards’ back yelled, “I’ll get her!” “Be careful” Torvi pleaded but too focused on killing Ernak’s response never came. “Stop fighting us, whore” the guard snapped growing more and more agitated by her resistance, “I’m not a whore, my name is Aphrodite, to you humans goddess of love and I demand respect!” “Shut up!” Ernak sent Odin up to perch high enough to look over the scene and squawking Aphrodite smiled seeing the faint golden lines that outlined the bird’s beak and wings, “Just a bit longer” she muttered; she took an breath before punching one of the guards in his penis began to run in the opposite direction, “Seriously!” the masked leader snapped, the others began to chase but being met by two knives to the throat and Aphrodite grabbing the rescuer’s knife to kill another off she simply smiled when an woman slit an surprised guards throat and fired an arrow directly into the other guards throat leaving a merely four to oppose them. “Quick and clean” Ernak stated crouching down to the only masked character and pulling the mask off him stated, “Naughty naughty... didn’t you know Aphrodite is an major bitch... she started a war because she manipulated two men to love the same woman. Thousands died just because that very woman didn’t like her dress” “More of you?! How many?” Ernak laughed before drawing his knife stated, “Don’t worry about it, worry about stopping the bleeding!” and in one motion he drove his blade through his throat before looking back at Aphrodite Logos spoke through him, “What was the last thing I told you before the procedure?! To not draw any attention when you came back and you do this! Honestly!” she smirked devilishly and trying talk act innocent she replied, “The human is called Kyra. I... I didn’t know Logos, if I knew you were around I wouldn’t have bothered with the others... but I don’t seem to find our new world, our new homes anywhere” Kyra ... maybe it isn’t obvious to you but we have human’s who are interested in our power. This isn’t the time to “make our new world” but to blend in and find the others” “Where’s my Ares then?” “Died in an pointless battle, I knew it was an waste; should have picked Demeter instead” Logos muttered “Oh yeah and whose’s that?” she challenged pointing to Torvi, “She’s Ernak’s, my humans sister in law and loyalest to him, she is also hearing voices which could mean she is one of us” Aphrodite sighed before throwing her hands out teasingly spoke, “If you are going to bind me, don’t forget I like my knees bent and head tied back” “Stop it! Torvi let’s get out of here!” Logos barked pulling Aphrodite away with Torvi now roughly joining in, “The sooner we are away from here the better!”

“Torvi” Aphrodite called out walking up to warrior who was too preoccupied with her ale to bother walking away, “What?!” “Finally, someone who wants to talk to me” she exclaimed joining her but shaking her head Torvi replied, “Ernak asked for us to be civil despite him not wanting us to openly talk to you. I listen to my Jarl” “Jarl? What is that? Lover? Brother? Commander?” “You would call him King or village elder but don’t tell him that. We just call him it because the crew respect him. Truthfully his stepbrother will be the Jarl of the clan but I can’t see it lasting” “That’s it? No I see it in your eyes, Freyja or not; you hunger for him; don’t you Torvi!” “Who’s talking now Aphrodite or Kyra?” “Does it matter?” Torvi sighed before nodding confessed, “No it doesn’t and yes I have always crushed on him. You see he and Lagertha have always been in love and it’s soo organic and sweet but they never looked down to see my diluting eyes and blushing cheeks every time I talked to him” “Does he know?” “He acknowledges it more but I know he yearns for Lagertha still and my hope is I’m his Freyja” “You are already having memories of someone similar to her... maybe you two should just sleep together and see if anything happens?” “What a baby?” Torvi snorted but handing her a glass vial, Aphrodite stated, “Slip this into his drink, it will... well make him more willing” “I’m not going to **** him!” “Torvi... see it as this: the worst that could happen is you get rid of your sexual tension and never speak of it ever again. The best is you will find out the truth, that you are Freyja and you conceive his child, Adara. Just think on it!” Aphrodite urged and taking it Torvi conceived with, “I’ll think on it!” but now being finished with the conversation returned to her drinking, maybe a drink or two would help her relax.

Torvi sighed seeing Ernak laughing with Nyx who was still glowing from seeing her former lover once again; she looked over to Aphrodite who was laughing with the others. Ernak asked for more drinks and Torvi offering to get them now faced a direct choice, it was her chance to spike the mead but he was her sister’s lover and doing this could ruin everything is she was wrong. She examined the tankards once again and taking a breath muttered, “I’m sorry Ernak but I must know, I need to know the truth; I just hope you can forgive me.”

True to Aphrodite’s word Ernak started to feel lightheaded and hornier and the others believing that his flirts were as a result of the amount he had drank, allowed Torvi; his most trusted friend to put him to bed. Ernak fell dizzily down to the bedding and closing tent flap, Torvi fumbled for Ernak’s clothes claiming she was aiding him waited a few seconds, so he would calm down before removing her clothes, let her tunic drop to the floor before kicking her trousers over the bedding and smiling watched Ernak’s aroused but drowsy and unaware of his state. She took an breath then almost pouncing on him like an predator, she began to hurriedly and hungrily kiss his lips and face before gnawing on his neck leaving hungered bites to Ernak’s neck, whilst her body yearned for his, she took an breath and closing her eyes lowered herself onto the cock beneath, her virgin lips being **** apart and biting her lips through the discomfort she groaned adjusting to the new sensation; she looked down and wishing she hadn’t began to feel immediate regret and guilt upon seeing Ernak’s almost **** form, she thought on stopping it but considering how far she had gone knew it wouldn’t make much of an difference to things hoped she would get answers to her past; so taking an breath fell back into her comfort; enjoying the ride.

“Happy?!” an voice snapped, Torvi’s head looked up and using the blanket to cover her chest, in case it was an raider smiled upon seeing the faint lined woman staring at her, “Freyja, I’m Freyja!” the figure shook her head before studying the blades remarked, “You got them then, my blades” Torvi groaned before throwing her head into her hands cried out, “Shittt... I’m Adara; his daughter.” “Yes, wasn’t it obvious? You really thought I was Freyja?” “Logos saw Freyja in me and thought the gift she gave you would trigger the memories” “That’s father, he always did she mother in me” “I’ve messed up bad!” Torvi exclaimed and nodding Adara remarked, “I always did have an thing for father... now I know what he is actually like in bed; even if you did **** him” “Aphrodite said...” “By all accounts, Aphrodite talks bollocks; ignore her at all costs” “How do I even explain this? How did you even survive; I thought you were too young to use the machine?” “The old fashioned way of reproduction... technically you are just an ancestor of me; whose blood is diluted by the human partners; however, with all the devices and places we have been linked to my family, my blood it’s caused your body to react and trigger your Isu genes. To answer how you are going to explain this? I suggest getting back to sleep; it’s going to be a long day tomorrow.”

After a few days of silence and Torvi letting the situation simmer down an hopefully let both people think of what to say but not talking to him hurt Torvi, like Lagertha was too him he was her only real friend but now as they waited for Aife’s intel, Torvi **** out awkwardly, “I want to talk!” “Want or need?” Ernak stated, “I’m sorry for drugging you, I’m sorry for taking advantage of you and I’m sorry for not even talking to you about it. I didn’t think and had to know who I was... Aphrodite gave me the syrup and I just put it in your drink. Thinking about it now, it was stupid... of course I was going to be Adara’s descendant; it’s her blades I just thought... I hoped!” “You hoped that you were Freyja so you be with me despite ignoring my attraction to Lagertha” “I know... I just; doesn’t matter I’m your daughter anyhow or a version of her. I just wanted to say I’m sorry” Ernak nodded before wrapping his arm around her to hug her he simply replied with, “Let’s just pretend nothing happened; for now at least!” she nodded hugging him in a full hug before replied, “I’m just sorry for this” he nodded before letting go called out to the returning person, “Aife, got what we need?”

Back at home:

A year had now passed since Ernak left to search for his family and this with a lack of communication provided a lot more trouble than it should have been; raiding usually only took place over a few months and then they would return however this was 12 months, 12 whole months with only the odd ship returning back to drop off the loot before getting supplies set back out, Ernak himself only returned once to personally had a package to Ivar who, keeping his word promised to deliver it to Lagertha but as he rode in with Björn it was clear his brother didn’t have as much luck like he and his clan. The blacksmith’s house and stables weren’t burnt to the ground and Erik’s men had slain a few men who by the look of it had dared to take up arms against them, “Enough!” Sigurd yelled at the men who laughing snapped, “We were payed to take every single piece of opposition down... we don’t get payed if we don’t fulfil it and Erik is a right bastard like that!” the leader of the group snapped throwing his axe at an running girl!” Ivar’s men drew their weapons and attacking the group head on took the group by surprise and seeing why this had began soon some of Sigurd’s men joined in pushing the men back and quickly getting them on the back foot but not stopping there Ivar’s men carried on pushing them further and further away from the clan apart for Ivar who studying the mess, his eyes soon met his brothers who devastated by the number dead and damage done was soon joined by the others and Lagertha who was disgusted by her fathers words of, “At least the trouble is dealt with and we don’t have to pay them!”

“Is that all you care about?!” Sigurd roared before pointing out, “We have no horses, no stableman, no blacksmith and very few merchants left and the rift is further apart than before!” “I’m thinking practical and trying to turn an negative INTO a positive!” Erik replied before throwing his heads into his hands grabbed the pouch of coins intended to the group and threw it to Ivar who throwing it back snapped, “We don’t want your blood money... besides we have more than enough! Wouldn’t you say Björn?” “So much so we could buy this clan and it’s people; maybe make Ernak Jarl as well!” “Ernak? He’s back?” Alfhilid cried out pipping Lagertha to the post, “No, well he was then he wasn’t... he returned to deliver this to me, to deliver it to you!” “Why not come himself?” Lagertha queried to which Ivar shrugging tried to the remember the exact reason, “Something about finding his mother and father... he had an lead on them!” “A lead? They are dead Ivar” Sigurd stated and shaking his head Ivar tried to explain, “Not those parents his other ones, his godly ones!”

There was an awkward silence before Ragnor laughing joked, “Rubbish!” Sigurd agreed with, “Enough, it’s time he stopped this foolish chase and come home, to us where he can help us fix this. The people want Ernak and they want reassurances he is alive; not stories!” Björn shaking his head fired back, “You don’t care about him. You just this instant said it was for political benefits not because you miss him. He was right, you aren’t his real family and those who he claims to be actually do care. Even if they are stuck up!” “Family? How many has he found?” Alfhild asked and trying to work it out Björn counted, “There’s his grandmother who died from old age, his uncle who died in battle, his distant cousin or aunt I can’t remember what she introduced herself as and then his 2 aunties; Athena and Aphrodite, oh and his distant uncle Hermes who is helping him track the others down. 6 down and 7 to go!” “And they believe his madness?” Sigurd asked in disbelief, “They have evidence, visual evidence that proves it according to Torvi who is apparently hearing the voices too...” there was another awkward silence before Lagertha hesitant but still needing to know asked, “Has he... has he found her? His Freyja?” Ivar shook his head before handing her the box replied, “No or his daughter. I think it’s time I gave you this; he said that he is still thinking of you even if the others don’t want him to” “Daughter?” Alfhild queried and understanding who he was talking about Lagertha stated, “So he had an daughter, didn’t think he would of had time considering what happened... making me her step-mother; unless... you know! What was her name?” “Was called Adara but I don’t know who she is now or even if she is a she and I don’t even think he knows where to start!” she nodded and opening the lid gasped upon seeing the golden necklace with valuable rubies and other gems encrusted onto it” “Where on earth did he get that?” Alfhild asked sighing slightly when Lagertha threw the clans own one to the floor and was aided now by the woman to wear her new one, “This? This is one of the many pieces he has brought back. We have had 5 ships full of these valuables back from his looting but this... he instructed it was for you even though I asked if Estrid could have it; he made me promise to deliver it and unlike you lot I keep my promises!”

“You know something don’t you!” Ragnor challenged his wife who pushing his hands away snapped, “How about you back off before we start another rebellion against you!” Lagertha fired back walking past him enjoying her new freedom of being able to walk and travel freely, “No, we can’t afford that not after the last smear campaign!” Sigurd stated pushing ragnor back and nodding Ivar asked, “Things been going bad for you I see!” Sigurd brought his journal out and relating the past years events began, “4 rebellions, two raids, those bastards Erik hired and losses of 10 percent of our harvests; I suppose the dead won’t have to be fed and thus it will be balanced out but as you saw we also had fires. What about you?” “We are winning, the taxes to use our new docks and waters combined with Ernak’s wealth is staggering, smaller clans have now joined and with that comes more food and resources; Ernak is a very very rich man and you know what he has done with most of this?” “What?” Alfhild asked, “Solidified our defences and bought the stables the rest is just there or was given out to everyone else” “I just can’t believe he has left the stables for this long!” Ragnor lightly joked, “My daughter, you know the one who was scarred because you suggested she marry the bandits son... the one who took an knife to her!” Ivar spat still struggling to deal with it, “I know...” Sigurd stated looking down embarrassed, “When you want to deal with them we will be here!” “Too late... Ernak dealt with them violently, the only language they knew. Anyway she is looking after them and is happy so; he stood up for her and taught her a lot before leaving and now after everything he has done, they treat her as a human once again, in hope she doesn’t tell him about what they have said!”

“And you said family? How do you even know they are related?” Alfhild asked defensively, “I don’t know but Torvi and the other raiders agree with him, something about an device that proves both their connection and their blood is of the gods. They call it Isu blood or something and reincarnation but I didn’t ask that much... he is happy so I, for one won’t break his happiness. He was lost without them and they were the same; he just... well he wants to know, he wants to find Freyja; his love and have answers or closure; he needs it. I will state this however to you Ragnor... you laugh now but fail to realise something important; you assume this is all going to be yours when Sigurd passes it on to you but yet... you haven’t proven yourself to the clan, most of your raids are an bust and your decisions are dominated by Erik’s influence. What’s to stop Ernak from claiming power? Illegitimate yes, but succession isn’t determined by this; it’s determined by what the Jarl decides and Ernak is a proven diplomat, raider, warrior and both caring to the villagers but also popular he is also in line to inherit my clans lands with Porunn and what’s to say the people actually accept you as their leader... maybe you should reflect on that because I would be shitting myself if I was you!” Sigurd calming the situation down stated, “Come, let’s stop the arguments and feast; you as our guests... you can tell us more about Ernak’s stories and we can fill you in on more; Alfhild find some entertainment for tonight and Ragnor inform the town; let’s have this day... the start of an new beginning. Lagertha why not show Björn around?”

“*Laugh* that’s Ernak for you, loot everything but leave the temples” Sigurd laughed too which glaring at him in an snarl Ragnar fired back, “How would know... you have never seen him raid” “No but that is the type of person that he is!” Sigurd defended, Alfhild seeing the tension tried to change topic instead was met by Lagertha snapping, “None of you know him like I do. Stop trying to say things he is not and let me tell you something Sigurd. I will not stay here like you want me to. You pleaded before for me to try this relationship out but I won’t be pushed around anymore. I WILL NOT!” Astrid shaking her head snapped, “Really? You are going to dictate a Jarl in what you are going to do...” “I won’t bow anymore. Maybe if they actually tried to enforce rules on you then maybe they wouldn’t have to hide you from guests; you know in case you fuck them!” “Shut it Lagertha, unlike you I don’t lead men on. I just sleep with them and move on. What about Ernak huh? How long will you continue to lead him on!” Alfhild stood up trying to calm down but Astrid being met by an punch to her face Lagertha yelled addressing the guests and especially the family, “Let me tell you something whore. Unless this Freyja is truly outstanding; we WILL be together; I don’t care what you all think and if he does find Freyja then she better treat him like his title deserves otherwise I will be sticking my axe in her skull and anyone who says otherwise.”

“Let’s all calm down!” Alfhild encouraged sitting the two women down who weren’t helped by Ragnor’s lack of care for the situation, “So... what are his ‘family’ like? Did you talk to them or did Ernak or Torvi mention them?” “Kyra is kind and really attractive... sort of like Astrid but also commands more respect from her men. She doesn’t throw herself around but instead chooses who she sleeps with apparently. She was married as well apparently; her kindness is too sweet for me. Melanie... what an bitch! Stuck up bitch and knows it, she won’t speak to anyone who isn’t part of the “family” apart for Torvi but I feel like Torvi is merely tolerated by her. She is incredibly smart and wise apparently” Ivar before Björn joining in stated, “The only one and I mean the only one is was willing to talk to us was Nyx. She was kind, fair and seemed to understand the situation more than the others. She even tried to explain the situation to me and how it works... it’s the reason I believe Ernak; why would she lie or even bother to explain it to me if all this was an lie” “Explain it!” Sigurd ordered, “She explained it like a child. When a child is young the parents nurture it until it is old enough to defend itself and survive on its own. The human part act as the parent raising protecting it until the time is right for them to take over and live it’s life. However, Logos doesn’t want to take over unlike the others; he wants to coexist with Ernak. She didn’t try to the explain the rest but stated it was timed for this time and everyone had a trigger event that started it; it was the fates that dictated Ernak would receive his bow and that started his memories.” “And Ernak?” Lagertha asked half holding her breath hoping he hadn’t changed, “Nothing different. He is more self aware, wiser and shows more authority in his actions but they have named him the leader. Nyx mentioned something about it being his idea.”

“I’m surprised he isn’t stuck up like the others!” Ragnor grumbled to which the Seer now joining in explained, “They are gods, why would they want to talk to us?” “Torvi does...” Alfhild challenged and nodding the Seer explained, “Yes and what is her relationship to Ernak? Not everyone will be excluded but we are beneath them in nature, adjusting for most of them will be hard. Do you know who he is? Did they give you an name?” Björn sat there trying to think back before nodding said, “Nyx mentioned Logos... I’ve never heard of him. What is he? another faiths god or one of our lost ones?”

“It’s an lost story, a story that no one believes to a god no one worships, Greek in origin. Story has it, he was an bastard son of two gods who should never have been together but were, flawed in nature but also an friend to many. He went to help get answers for Ragnarok but fell in love with Freyja; Odin saw this and banished him from his lands; a foreigner in love with an Queen of Asgard. When the end began, defying all rules and restrictions Logos hiked North and rescued Freyja from the end and brought her South where they lived whatever time they had left together. Zeus like Odin disapproved of it and wiped him from the history books but yet the story lived on and it all started because he simply “cared” for the humans” Ragnor laughed once again before stating, “Where’s Odin? Loki? Where’s Thor or Tyr?” “Freyja will know!” the Seer stated before realising it was an joke warned, “You jest but when he returns will you jest to him or will you finally respect him?” “I have always respected MY BROTHER, when you all laughed and mocked; I was there!” “Wrong... you were there when I talked to you otherwise you would have still been laughing at him with the others. I was there for him, I stood by him when you all were quick to mock and pick on him because he was “different” from you all and I loved him when he thought no one could!” Lagertha yelled to which contemplating what was said in a light hum the Seer walked away thinking on what she knew from the story and the Seer’s information from Ivar’s clan started to put an idea together, if only she could find a way to prove it.

Three months later, Alexandria. “They are moving her to Cairo. We need to intercept the convoy and rescue her before they make it!” “Then we raid!” Ernak emphasised to the warriors who nodding weren’t particularly bothered for now. Fifteen months of raiding was more than beneficial when it came to wealth and now it was merely loyalty to Ernak and exploration that interested them, “Look at this place... the architecture... are we going in them?” “The pyramid’s? No!” Ernak stated studying the map before replying, “Their faith is older than ours and as such we’ll respect it. Stalls and houses yes but leave the monuments, statues and temples alone” “I suppose it would the equivalent of us seeing our shrines being destroyed” Ernak nodded before hearing, “Our Egyptian branch will aid us and respect your request, they have told the recruits that it’s to stop anything from developing!” Ernak nodded before looking to the others stated, “Aphrodite stay with the raiders. Nyx take positions here with a few of the better archers. I will lead the ground ambush with the Hidden ones, Torvi and Melanie. Gundr lead the raid distract the guards and **** them to make an mistake!” he nodded before sharpening his axe snapped, “If I get a chance I will bury my axe in those cunt’s heads!” Ernak nodded before following Aife’s lead into the water called back, “We’ll meet back here afterwards!”

“There they are!” Aife muttered being joined by Amun and the others who shaking Ernak’s hand already knew of what he was but decided to listen to Aife’s experienced leadership and at least for now agreed stand with the Isu. “We have the plans of their journey and are heading to an nearby pyramid apparently there’s secrets they could unlock... we need to kill them and unlock the secrets for ourselves or seal it so no one else could!” “Agreed!” Aife responded watching as the group came in to view, running from the distraction that Gundr’s men had caused, “There’s one more thing. There’s two of them... the intel “we leaked” was bought and gave us the time to catch up” Ernak sent Odin (his raven) up to survey the seen and looking back to anyone who didn’t know of Ernak’s “condition” as weird waited for him to fill them in. Logos was crouched next to him and observing the women stated, “Artemis... Ernak, my... our mother is there. We must save her!” “Agreed. So one’s mother, who’s the other? Guess it doesn’t matter unless we save them!” he waited for Aife’s signal and watching as the group continued their path fell backwards when the nearby jar exploded and yelling the group led by Ernak charged to meet them head on and the Order’s men hurriedly tried to get their prisoners away.

“Watch your step and remember this is sacred to the humans” “If only if Sobek and the others knew that they were worshipped like this” Nyx muttered gleefully, “It’s a shame they were hit first” Melanie responded taking the torch from Ernak who aided by Aife assassinated the nearest guards before leaping off the wooden fortification killed the next two and looking up Ernak replied, “Torvi with us the rest find away to take any lookouts and archers out then... provide fire support” Torvi slid down and smiling simply said, “Yes father.”

“Open the fucking vault!” the leader of the Order barked to the woman who Logos recognised as his mother and attempting to storm forward Aife pushed him back before muttering, “Let’s find out what they want first!” Ernak drew his sword waiting for Aife’s signal whilst they heard Artemis’ response of, “It doesn’t work like that... like an door it has an key which we do not have. You have the wrong people! We are both from the East this is the south. You need someone with an Southern Isu blood or that bloodline to open it” “Lies!” he yelled slapping her and firing back Artemis yelled, “You really think I would be arguing with you if I wasn’t telling you the truth? I would open it just to shut you up!” he punched her and being held back by Aife the leader pointed his knife at the youngest of the two snapped, “Fine she can do it, failing that I will start butchering her until you give me what I want!” “She can’t because for one she is of the same blood as me and two she hasn’t been fully awoken to her blood. She needs time” “Too late!” he punch the redhead and crying out she wept, “Please help me mother!” “Logos what’s wrong?!” Logos growled before trying to make Ernak walk forward snapped, “That’s Persephone. I know that cry anywhere. They have my family, Ernak!” Ernak nodded before headbutting Aife snapped, “Our parents!” storming forward with Torvi following him and the recovering Aife drawing her blade to join in the combat.

“Who the fuck are you?” the masked leader snarled but being met by an electric golden blast from the foes sword looked up confused when the woman he was previously threatening called, “Logos?! Thank the heavens!” “You okay mother?” “Better now you are here!” Logos nodded throwing his axes towards the targets and smiling saw Torvi bury her axe through the leaders skull; the Order guards had now gathered shape after being rocked by the initial surprised **** but hearing an whistle looked up to only have a chance to watch as the arrows penetrate their exposed skin, “Mother get to cover; we’ll take care of this ravel.” Ernak cut the next one down before using his shield to bash the next out of was into Aife’s blade used the hidden blade to kill the next and seeing how the rest of the members now tried to find a way out Ernak snapped, “No fucking survivors” and picking one of his axes up threw it towards a fleeing Order member.

“Are you alright?” Ernak asked looking down to the women who were hidden behind the solid chests of valuables but seeing there was silence, he waited for them to make the first move which now came in the form of Artemis cautiously offering her hand out to touch his cheek smiled in disbelief to once again see her son, “Logos... is it really you?” “More or less” Ernak replied but Artemis didn’t care she threw her arms around him in a hug whilst encouraging the stranger forward to join him, “Why is she with you? The Hidden One’s are just like those bastards!” “We aren’t but I understand you concern. Fear not I am with Ernak, he lets me and my associate stay and learn from him and we protect you all and keep the others off your back. Ernak just tell me to move next time” Aife finished clutching her head still feeling the effects of his headbutt. “I just can’t believe it worked! You said it would” Ernak nodded before confessing, “Almost... there has been some setbacks” “Come, tell me on the way out of here.”

“The first problem is we weren’t all in the same place which was to be suspected but the two major problems are: we weren’t all born at the same time meaning some of us are older than others and our memories...” Artemis nodded before explaining, “Some of us have only just began. But you, how are you, Logos?” “Look... the name’s Ernak and getting there. I was one of the last to start remembering. You and Nyx have completely remembered and have taken over, Athena has almost completed hers and Aphrodite is even closer...” “And Persephone is struggling” Artemis confessed looking back at the nervous woman who was being comforted by Torvi, “I said to her “As soon as we get away that we would find you and you will fix it... but you aren’t even Logos!” “That’s because Logos wants to merge with me not take over but yes I know people who can help” “And who’s the human that follows you like a puppy? Don’t tell me that’s Freyja?!” Ernak laughed before encouraging Torvi forward stated, “Introductions.”

The group stood in a circle whilst Artemis still beaming with happiness upon seeing her son started to realise that she knew the others. “From left to right. The dark haired woman with the scar on her cheek is Nyx. Next to her in black with the firm bust and curvy body is Aphrodite to you but Kiera to us. Next to her; the one with the brown braided hair and Fox pelt jacket is Melanie or Athena to you; she is almost completely integrated with her Isu counterpart; you know me and this...” “Freyja?” Artemis smiled but shaking his head Ernak replied, “No not Freyja; we still can’t locate her. This is Adara’s descendant, my daughter’s ancestor Torvi!” Artemis smiled once again before warmly hugging her stated, “I can see the resemblance, it’s nice to finally see you granddaughter” “I’m not technically...” “Doesn’t matter!” Artemis explained pulling her in tighter, “I must say you look... well exactly like you; just slightly darker in skin tone and hair colour” “And I still have my hunting and tracking abilities” Artemis bragged and now ushering the youngest forward Ernak smiled at her whilst she nervously did back, “This believe it or not is Persephone; I know this because of the constant dreams and visions she has; all of Hades **** her. By the way where is he?” “Oh yeah, Hera died from old age, Ares in battle, Hades died from illness, Hermes has decided to stay where he is and to focus on finding Thanatos, Freyja and Apollo” “Good to know that we are only missing 3, I thought it was just us two that made it” Ernak nodded before encouraging the redhead forward asked, “What’s your name? Or do we address you as Persephone?”

“Morrigan. My family named me after these dreams started; claimed I was an witch that would bring **** to them all. Maybe they were right” “Let me tell you something Morrigan; it’s bollocks. You should hear what they have said about me; we decide our own path and the rest can go fuck themselves but I have to say... what an improvement for you” “Really?” she blushed and nodding Ernak explained, “Yeah, Persephone looked practically the same as everyone else but you... those piercing green eyes, that curly red hair and low seductive Irish accent, if I wasn’t with someone both Isu and human I would have taken an chance with you” “I...I... would have liked that!” she blushed even harder until the moment was broken by Melanie’s yelling, “I told you not to touch anything and you did. I told you that you did but you claimed innocence... now look at you!” “I...I don’t know what you mean?” Morrigan cried back, “Leave it Melanie, it’s unfair to have a go at her when she doesn’t even know what you are on about. She can’t remember the memories like us” “Fine but you better make her remember because I want a word with her!” “You promised Artemis, you said you could help!” “We can. The Seer’s at my clan found a way to unlock my memories; if we can do it with you both your nightmares and stress will vanish because let me tell you something after the darkness that you witness in the early stages, Persephone has a lot of good memories including that scandal” “Scandal?” Morrigan questioned and escorting her to both his and Torvi’s side Morgan explained, “Persephone, Logos, a wolf, oil and in public; it was equally comical as it was sexy” “This I have to hear” Torvi laughed, “Okay before you tell the human all our secrets, tell us where are we going next?” Nyx asked and pointing to the exit Logos smiled warmly, “Home, it’s about time we had somewhere to rest and drink... definitely drink. You can all see Lagertha as well... *groan* I have missed her soo much!”

“Where to Ernak?” Gundr called up seeing the new editions and looking out to the sea replied, “Well I don’t know about you but who wants to piss Sigurd’s clan off?” “You want to raid our neighbour clan?” Gundr replied and shaking his head Ernak’s replied, “I say we cruise past their clan’s part of the river and drop our loot off, I can drop off the passengers and you can spend time with your family; then if I... don’t know go to Sigurd and start bragging about our new wealth to him and punch Erik in the face, then who knows?” Gundr shook his head not liking the idea but seeing the bulging ship stated, “We need to at least drop our wealth off and I would like to see my little woman again even if it is for a week or two. Come on men, we’re going home!”

“Will we be safe back at your home?” Morrigan asked worrying about the previous incident, “Yes of course we will be, don’t worry Ernak will get you the help you need to” “I hope so, these dreams... they haunt me every minute of the day” Torvi nodded wrapping her arm around the woman to offer comfort and smirking Torvi noticed Morrigan stare at Ernak who was busy talking to his “mother” a sight which to the Isu was a happy scene, “You like him don’t you...” Torvi teased, “I... no... well” “You’re blushing” Torvi continued to tease, “You’re his grandmother and my great grandmother and you fancy him... you want to sleep with him, be owned by him!” Torvi once again teased, “I... what if I don’t go through with this; refuse to become Persephone as it were and stayed me?” “The nightmares will continue at the very least. Don’t worry though, I heard Isu families slept with each other regularly and considering these bodies aren’t blood related who knows what could happen?” she went to speak but stopping when see saw Torvi look away as if someone else had her attention she simply nodded before turning back to Morrigan and stated, “Adara and me both agree that you should try and make a go of it. If we can’t find Freyja and Lagertha isn’t available then go for it. He deserves some happiness” “Thank you Torvi, it means a lot.”

“Ernak” Morrigan called out aiming to gain his attention and nodding welcoming her into the conversation with his mother she immediately heard, “It’s soo great to see you again mother after your memories haunted me for weeks” “I had to warn you about you if that makes sense” “To us yes but not to anyone else” he nodded before turning to Morrigan reassured her with, “We’ll solve the dreams don’t worry” “Is there just a way to stop the dreams...” “What do you mean? You don’t want the memories? The knowledge?” “Well no... I would be grateful but I would lose my OWN memories and my feelings” Artemis laughed and whispering why to Ernak he simply nodded and explained, “I wouldn’t worry about that, you are more like Persephone then you actually know... Artemis, how many times did she confess her love for me?” “Practically every other day, the difference now is Hades isn’t around to stop it” Artemis chuckled, “It’s just unfortunate that you are stuck behind a massive queue of people who like him” Artemis joked, “I know... just keep in mind that I’m here for you” Morrigan muttered to Ernak before walking off embarrassed it was Ernak who then called her back, “Morrigan stay, there is some nice views from over here, we could show you them...” “The three of us?” Morrigan asked and nodding Ernak replied, “It’s better than waiting at the back with the others” she nodded and rushing back waited for the place to be named and then a story to follow suit.