(A/N: I own nothing except my own characters. :) It's been years since I wrote any fanfics, so please R&R. )
Prologue
Rain is coming down hard, and wind is whipping her long red hair. Stinging her face with every gust, and leaving burning sensations on her skin. Her hands were raw from grasping the reins. Both she, and her animal were exhausted. She has been riding hard for 2 days since the attack in her village. Her husband murdered in front of her eyes, her people slaughtered, and the fiery blaze that took the land was still fresh in her mind. Everything was gone...
Why did this have to happen? Tears began to form in her eyes, but they were quickly blinked away. Now wasn't the time to grieve for those lives lost. She still had a long ride ahead of her, and needed to concentrate fully on the road ahead.
Now she was riding for safety, and she was beyond thankful that no one was pursuing her. A small prayer to the Gods were said.
She brought her horse to a stop for a short breather. The rain was still coming down, but the moon shone brightly in the sky. The poor animal was gasping for air, and she felt terrible for working him so hard.
She took hold of the reins and winced. But she wasn't about to let pain stop her. She was determined to return to her family. The family she hasn't seen in 3 years. Since the day she was married off. Saying a final prayer to the Gods, she kicked her horse into a gallop.
'Ragnar... Rollo... It's been too long, and I wish this would be a more joyous reunion...' Tears appeared in her eyes again, but this time they fell free.
'Brothers...'
She whipped her eyes, and kicked her horse again. Urging it onward...