Chapter 8
1116 Words
"There it is. There is our home, our kingdom," Halfdan said, as he pointed to the huge village.
I have to admit it looked more like a city, there was hundreds of wooden structures that looked like a mix of houses, storehouses, and stores. It even had a wall with ramparts and ditches. The coastline was scattered with hundreds and hundreds of Viking warships. It was an incredible sight.
"It is incredible, such a grand kingdom," I replied.
"That is true. Well, it is time for you to meet our brothers," he added, before kicking his horse to get it moving again.
We trotted down the hill, with the cart close behind us. I kept looking around mesmerised by the grand sights, I beheld.
We rode through the open gates, which were bustling with trader and merchants coming and going. These traders and merchants spread all the way to the marketplace. They spread completely apart to allow us to pass, which just showed the status of Halfdan, Ubbe, and Ivar. It was almost like they were all kings.
"Where is your home," I inquired, as I continued looking around.
Halfdan smiled, pointing his finger, "See that long building there. Our home it connected to it. That building is the Great Hall. It is where we hold our feasts, celebrations, and plan our raids to other lands."
We kept on at a slow trott through the busy streets. Men were staring at me, women too. Some were whispering to one another. I was riding on a horse with Halfdan, of course they would stare and gossip.
A group of four men were staring more than others, and for some reason every ounce of instinct in my body was telling me to fight. I had a feeling these men meant me harm, even though I had done nothing to them. If I saw them again, I knew I would have to fight them.
Halfdan brought his horse to a hault outside the Great Hall, with the cart coming to a stop behind up. Two men immediately exited the building, walking towards us. I could tell that these were also the sons of Ragnar. The facial similarities between them all was uncanny.
"Bjorn, Sigurd, it is good to see you. How our preparations coming," Halfdan asked.
Bjorn looked alot older than the rest, possibly the oldest. He looked me up and down before turning to look at Halfdan, and replying, "We should talk inside. Bring our guests inside too."
Halfdan nodded and looked at Sigurd, who had been staring at me the whole time. Sigurd reached his arms up to me, taking me firmly by the hips. He lifted me up and then down off the horse. He placed me on my feet right in front of him. That is when I noticed his pupil in only one of his eyes. It was shaped like a snake. That must be why he is called Sigurd Snake in the Eye. He must have a medical condition that causes it to go like that.
Halfdan got down from his horse and handed the reins to a man, before saying, "Come on, let's get inside."
Liv came up to my side, linking our arms together, as we walked side by side, following them inside. Well, I limped in.
"I am Sigurd Snake in the Eye. You must be the young woman, Halfdan and Ubbe have told us so much about. It has been a long time since I last saw you Liv," Sigurd remarked, as he came to my other side.
"I am indeed. My name is Daphne," I responded, while Liv smiled and nodded at Sigurd.
As we entered the Great Hall, I have to say I was amazed. It was like a giant throne room. But with many long tables and benches that looked like they could seat ten people each. This room could sit hundreds of men. It was also highly decorated with Norse mythological art work. It was breathtaking.
Bjorn took a seat on the head table, I guess that is where alll the brothers sit when this hall is empty and probably full too. Sigurd and Halfdan gestured for me and Liv to take seats at the table.
As we did, both Sigurd and Halfdan began fighting over who should sit next to me. But, Halfdan won. Well, that just shows sibiling rivalry hasn't changed much in over a thousand years, with brothers fighting over a girl. Bjorn just sat there in silence shaking his head at how childish they both looked. Ubbe had placed Ivar in a chair and taken a seat next to him.
"Preparation are going well. We should be ready to sail at dawn in two days time. Liv and Daphne, will be on our ship with us. Is there anything we should know about Daphne," inquired Bjorn.
"She put Ubbe on his arse. I think with alittle training with weapons and she can be a great warrior. She is skilled," Halfdan conferred.
I smiled awkwardly, focusing on my hands, as I really didn't want to make eye contact with anyone right now.
"Is that true," Sigurd asked, completely shocked.
"Putting Ubbe on his arse is true, but being skilled is another story," I conceded.
"Well, we will train you and you will help protect the wounded or anyone who will not fight that will come with us. But, tell no one of your skill only we are to know," Bjorn ordered.
I nodded. I knew had to keep my skills a secret, especially as it will be my only way to defend myself, if something were to happen. My instincts are so heightened right now. I feel as though something bad will happen and soon.
"Good, I will have a servant show you to your rooms, so you can relax before dinner. Servant," Bjorn bellowed.
A young poorly dressed girl came rushing in and stopped just behind Bjorn with her head bowed down, a clear sign on submission. She almost looked like she was a slave. I truly felt sorry for her.
"Show the women to their rooms and get them what ever they need. Do I make myself clear," Bjorn ordered, in a almost threatening tone.
The young girl nodded and led me and Liv to our rooms in the sons of Ragnar's house. Me and Liv retired to our rooms to rest. But, I could not rest I seriously felt sorry for that young girl, slavery is abolished in the future. But, I am in the past, way before slavery was abolished. I will never condone it, but to keep my secret, I will have to play along with it.
- Writer
