Tensions

“Ernak, what’s the meaning of this? 4 times it’s usual price!” Sigurd growled slamming the bill to the table, “Simply this... the fracture in the metal was more intensive and more complicated then we once thought. We adjusted the bill accordingly!” “Bullshit. You’re just trying to make money off us!” “Possibly... but at least it goes to a good cause... his family!” “You know what, whatever take it. I will just get a new one next time!” he huffed marching past his wife who stopping opposite him queried, “What have you done now?” “Just business... You wanted a horse right?” she nodded before walking in smiled to see the horse she desired still waiting to be purchased, “You’re lucky I still like you!” he spoke slumping against the wooden frame, “Four people wanted her and I’ve had to turn down big sums of money for her!” “How much?” “Several hundred!” “700 hundred?!?! I’m not paying that!” “No that’s what they were offering me” “Oh, so how much?” “400 and a seat next to Largetha tonight!” “You know that’s Ragnor’s seat. How much without the seat?” “600!” she sighed before nodding spoke, “Are you going to at least provide me a saddle?” “Not just that, a saddle, brushes, treats, a pair of new horseshoes and some advice. He likes to fake having a bad front leg when he wants to be lazy. Just dangle a treat in front of him and it magically disappears” she laughed before looking back saw the half drenched raider rush into the town and looking back now saw Ernak watching him scamper up the hill to the villagers.

“What’s wrong?” Sigurd asked rushing to the man who handing Sigurd the document read out, “It’s a declaration of war against us. They will be waiting for us at the coast!” “We are still fighting our own people trying to secure it. How on Earth are we going to fight them as well?” Alfhild cried and shrugging Ernak stated, “This could be what you have all been looking for; we are struggling to survive here, struggling with the winters and sometimes on just getting the resources; we go to Britain **** our way into their land and settle. We do that and then we can move there, Britain has a lot of resources and their winters aren’t as hard and cold” “We would require an great army...” Sigurd pointed out and contemplated it I spoke, “We send out a large enough ground **** to win the initial war and then send a secondary and even third **** to support them if we have to!” “And who will lead this?” Ivar stepped forward before claiming, “My family don’t have much of an kingdom left, me and Björn will lead it and with Ernak at our side we won’t fail!” “He isn’t fit to fight!” Alfhild pleaded but disagreeing Ernak spoke, “Let’s get ready and establish our forces!” “Then I’m going with you!” Torvi barked pushing past the others, “Torvi please this isn’t a game!” Lagertha pleaded but shaking her head spoke, “Long a ago you were an shieldmaiden, proud to stand alongside him and not caring what they thought but now you are just some pampered princess who won’t admit the truth and won’t dare herself to grab what she wants. Erik, doesn’t care what happens to me so my job will be seeing Ernak come out of this alive. At least he cares!” “And if you die? What am I meant to do without either of you. You two are the world to me!” Lagertha pleaded becoming more distressed by the minutes causing Torvi to speak, “Then pray to the gods we survive!”