Chapter 10
1116 Words
The smell of sea water, a continuous swaying, and the sound of men rowing, hit me all at once, as I came too. I groaned, "Ouch."
My eyes slowly fluttered open, as I heard poeple rush to myside. I was blinded by the bright sunlight at first. Someone grabbed and took my hand. My vision came in to focus on my hand, which was being held by Halfdan.
"How are you feeling," Liv asked, placing a hand on my forehead.
"I think I am well. I am in pain, but it is bearable," I groaned, trying to sit up.
Halfdan placed his hand on my shoulder, before saying, "You should stay laying down till your better."
I met his concerned gaze.
"I want to sit up. I am not going to stand up."
We remained silent for a moment, staring at each other. He finally conceeded and helped me sit up. Now I was sat up, I was able to see that we were at sea, all the sons of Ragnar were surrounding me upon their ship.
"Do you remember what happened," questioned Ivar.
The images flash in my memory, I couldn't believe I did that. I nodded. Ivar moved closer to me, before interrogating me further, "How did you kill all of them without a weapon?"
I shrugged, I mean I knew I did self-defence training when I was younger but how I managed to do that without hesitation, I don't know. I guess my fight or flight response, is heavily weighed towards fight. Probably has something to do with my familys long standing military heritage too.
"Did you not see what happened," I responded, as I looked over my shoulder and arm, both wounds were on the left side of my body.
"We did see what happened. We got there just after you killed the second man. We all were stunned. Halfdan tried to charge in, as the third man lunged at you. Even, Halfdan was stunned after you killed that man," Ubbe informed me.
"Why didn't you pull the arrow out," Ivar asked.
I moved the dress off my shoulder, so I could inspect the wound. It had been cauterized, but it was clean and looked like it was healing well. Great, no more strapless or off-shoulder clothes for me unless I have a shaw on continuously. I will have to really revamp my wardrobe when I get back to the future. I recovered my shoulder by pulling my dress back up on to my shoulder.
"I don't know. I passed out soon after though, didn't I? How long for," turning to Liv, as I directed my questions to her.
"Yes you did pass out straight into my arms. You have been out cold for over a day and a half now," Halfdan said.
He seemed so protective of me, it was nice. It actually made me feel special. But, I really couldn't let my emotions get the better of me. I don't know why I am here. I know it would destroy me if I returned to my time, and the man I fall in love with was not allowed to come with me. Plus, I am not ready for a serious commitment, my life is perfect just the way it is, in my time.
"Are you feeling well," Liv asked, concerned with my silence.
I nodded, "I am a little hungry, but other than that I am well. Where are we, now?"
Bjorn rushed off almost the moment, I said hungry. He quickly returned to Halfdan's side with a plate of food. He passed it to me. I smiled gratefully at him. He nodded at me before turning back to deal with the sailing of the ship.
I began to eat. Halfdan seemed to relax. Ivar though seemed curious. He was probably wondering how I managed to kill those men. Ubbe just seemed impressed. I wasn't proud of it, but it was to save my life. I had no choice, the guilt was still there, yet I didn't feel it strong enough to cry over it or to go into a comatose remorseful state. I don't feel remorse for what I did. Does that make me a sociopath?
"I think we should start with some basic sword fighting skills, Daphne," Ivar declared.
I looked up from my food and met his gaze. I nodded, "I don't see why not, but atleast let me finish eating before we start."
Liv looked worried. Her eyes darted from Ivar to Ubbe then to Halfdan. Halfdan lips pressed into a thin line. Ivar sighed, "She needs to learn to wield and use different weapons. With how skilled she is with her hands, weapons will be easy."
"She got wounded. She needs time to heal," Halfdan snapped back.
"She could die next time..." Ivar shouted back, but I interrupted into a full blown rant, "She is right here and can damn well make her own decisions. I might be a woman but I could damn well decide for myself. Being wounded shouldn't stop me from learning. What if I am wounded again in the middle of a battle of heavily armed men, I will still have to fight so I can survive. Neither of you get to argue with each over me. Me is my responsibility. So, don't you dare make decisions for me!"
I was so close to seeing red. They were arguing over me like I was their property. I was not going to stand for it, not now, not ever. I looked between Ivar and Halfdan. They were both stunned at my outburst. Even Liv and Ubbe were just as stunned. But, I could see a small smirk slowly appearing across Ubbe's face.
"I will not stop you from learning to fight with weapons. I am just concerned for you," Halfdan mumbled, sadness spreading across his handsome face.
"I will be fine. I have to learn or next time I could die. And I refuse to die until I have achieved everything that I want to achieve in my life. So, I need to learn," I said between breaths, trying to calm myself down.
He nodded, "Then when your ready, I will teach you. I seem to be more concerned with your well being than that of my brothers and yourself. So, I will teach you to fight with a sword, axe, shield, spear, and bow."
I suddenly felt soo happy. I beamed, "Thank you, thank you. I learn fast, don't worry."
Halfdan nodded. I continued eating my food. Ivar just kept staring at me. Ubbe wondered off to speak with Bjorn. Liv checked on my wounds before allowing me to do anything.
- Writer
