AN: Ok, originally this was suppose to be a double or triple shot, I can see that, that's not happening. So it'll be a few chapters. Again, don't get on me with the historical inaccuracies. Still no beta. Hope you're amused.


"Sookie! Where are you?" her father yelled at the docks

Sookie was running around the docks watching the large ships come in and out. She was 6, the only daughter of their tribe leader. The docks were busy with traders, merchants and sailors. She watched in awe as the largest ship came to the port. It was the largest ship she had ever seen. There were colorful shields on the sides, too many oars to count, several large colorful sails and an ornately carved mast. She watched as they docked and got off their ship. They were all tall and blonde. She stared in awe. One of them stopped and bent down to her and said something to her in a foreign language. She shook her head and had her hands out trying to explain she didn't understand what he said.

"He says you remind him of his daughter" a voice said from behind

Sookie looked behind the tall man and saw a young blond boy with blue eyes. He wore a simple tunic with pants and a strange torc necklace.

"Oh, I don't know what I should say to him" Sookie said

The blond boy said something to the tall man, who laughed and walked off.

"What did you say to him?" Sookie asked

"Nothing really, he thinks everyone reminds him of his daughter. He's been on that boat too long."

"Who are you?"

"I am Erik, son of EsbjÖrn. We are Vikings" Erik extended his arm out to her

"I'm Susanna, daughter of Eochaidh, from the tribe Brega" she reached out and clasped his arm.

"Are you the only boy on the ship?"

"Are you the only girl on the longphort?"

"Yes, my father is king, and one day I will be king"

"Good for you Viking prince"

"Sookie where are you?" her father yelled

"Erik!" his father yelled

"Let's go" Sookie started to run and Erik followed her

The two kids ran up the hills overlooking the port. They watched as their fathers searched for them. They laughed as their fathers looked for them aimlessly.

"It's pretty here" Erik said as he looked around

"Course it is" Sookie said as she stood next to him, "Isn't it where your from?"

"It is, but it's so green here"

"Are you hungry?" Sookie asked as she offered him a piece of cheese

"Thank you" Erik took it from her and took a bite

"How long have you been on the boat?"

"A couple of months. I haven't had real food in a while. Mostly stale bread and cheese, and lots of salted fish"

"Come with me," Sookie grabbed his hand and led him down the hill towards the village.

The two came to the baker's house. The baker was busy taking bread out of the oven. Sookie saw the fruit tarts cooling by the window sill and quickly reached up and grabbed one. It was still hot and she held it with her shirt. The two quickly ran off into the forest. They stopped by a few rocks to catch their breath. Sookie took the fruit tart from her shirt and offered it to Erik.

"Here" Sookie said

"Don't you want any?"

"I take one from him every day, I don't think he notices. Besides you've been on a ship for months. You need it more"

"Thank you," Eric broke it in half and handed her the other half

Sookie smiled and looked at the fruit tart in her hands. She could still see the steam come out from it.
"Wait, it's hot!" Sookie yelled

But it was too late, Erik took a bite and burned his mouth and tongue. He yelled out in pain.

"There's a river nearby, come" Sookie took Erik's hand

Erik let the cool water hit his lips and cooled his tongue. Sookie watched as the boy stuck his face into the river. Erik was looking at the small fish swimming in the river. Erik pulled his head out of the river and wiped his face with his sleeve. He pushed his shoulder length blond hair back.

"Feel better?" Sookie asked

"Já, I mean yes, thanks"

Erik looked and saw berries in a shrub nearby.

"What are those?" Erik asked

"Those are bilberries. The same berries in the tart"

Erik walked over and pulled a bunch off the shrub into his hand. He ate one and offered some to Sookie. Sookie was still holding both halves of the fruit tart. Erik took a bilberry and put it in her mouth.

"What are those berries, they're so bright and red. They look like a berry from home"

"No, don't touch those! They're bloodberries. If you eat one you'll die."

"Really?"

"Yes, none of the animals eat it. It's always there. No one eats them. I'll show you which ones are safe to eat"

Erik returned to his father's boat at nightfall. His face was smeared with berries and fruit tart. Sookie walked with him to his boat. The docks were dark and dimly lit. There were torches lit but it was hard to see. Sookie instinctively reached for Erik's hand and he looked over at the small blond girl next to him. Her hair was a bird's nest, her wild curls had leaves in them. Her face was covered in berries as well. They looked like twins.

"Erik!" his father yelled from the boat

"Father," Erik looked down as his father came down from the ship

His father spoke to him in old Norse. He was scolding Erik for running off and not returning until now. He saw his berry stained face and told him to clean himself up. He also noticed the girl next to him. He sighed. Even at such a young age, his son was a ladies man. His father motioned for him to get onto the boat and retire for the night. Erik nodded and turned to Sookie.

"Thank you" Erik said as he extended his arm out to her

"Will you be here tomorrow?" Sookie asked

"Yes, will you come back?"

"Yes, tomorrow morning, I'll bring you more berries"

"Till tomorrow then"

"Tomorrow"

Erik's father rolled his eyes, and pushed Erik slightly. Erik fell forward and ended up hugging Sookie. Sookie hugged Erik back. He smiled and climbed into the ship. Sookie watched for a moment before a loud voice was yelling at her from the darkness.

"Susanna! Where have you been?" her father roared

Sookie stood there frozen as her father approached.

"What has happened to you?" her father kneeled down and attempted to wipe her face

"Sorry father"

"Not as sorry as you're going to be when your mother finds out"

Her father took her head and took her home.

The next morning, Sookie ran out from her house and towards the docks. She came running down the wooden boards toward's the viking ship. She had a small pouch with her that held the bilberries. She saw Erik standing by the boat waiting for her. A smile crept across her face.

"Erik!" Sookie yelled

"Susanna!" Erik ran up to her

The two spent the day stealing fruit tarts from the baker, and then talking and running through the hills chasing sheep. At one point Erik tried to ride the poor sheep. They ran through the hills, ate berries and looked up at the clouds in the sky.

"What's your necklace of? A bird?" Sookie asked

"It's Odin's raven" Erik replied

"Who's Odin?"

Erik explained to her about who Odin was, why he had a raven and the other Norse gods. Sookie seemed fascinated by the different Norse gods, and their adventures and tales of Valkyries and monsters and heroes.

"And when we die in battle as all Norsemen do, if we are worthy we will go to Valhalla. It's a giant hall, made of gold, with a feast awaiting, with ale and mead and other great Vikings. I think my grandfather is there"

"It sounds like a party"

"It is"

"Are there any girls there?"

"Um, why would you want girls there?"

"Why not? Don't you like girls?"

"Valkyries are girls. They bring the fallen warriors from the battlefield to Valhalla"

"So they're just a delivery service"

"They are strong, and powerful and should be respected. I hope to see one one day"

"Tell them I said hi"

The next day Erik took Sookie onto the boat. She showed her around. She looked at the tall mast, the large sails, the different colored shields and what they kept below. She was amazed as she looked around.

They spent the rest of the day by the lake where Erik tried to catch fish. He could see the fish swimming around with yellow dots on their belly. Strange as he had never seen fish with dots on it. Sookie watched and laughed.

"We have nets for that!" Sookie yelled

"We don't need nets!" Erik yelled

"Then you'll be hungry"

"Girls" Erik said as he rolled his eyes

"Hey I heard that!"

"Good!"

Sookie looked the the trees as she heard something.

"Hush! I heard something!" Sookie said

Erik stopped what he was doing and looked over at her. She stood up and walked closer to him. Erik quietly got out of the water. A strange animal walked out from the trees.

"What is that?" Erik asked

"It's a pony" Sookie said

"Really? Is that why it's so small?"

"I said it was a pony!"

"Can we ride it?"

"Why do boys always want to ride it?"

"Why not?"

Erik walked up to the animal who just looked at him. He reached out to pet it. Sookie followed behind him and the brown pony walks up to her. It begins to sniff around her and move her around.

"Stop that" Sookie said

The pony finally starts nipping at the pouch of bilberries she has tired to her waist.

"You're hungry" Sookie untied the pouch and poured the berries out into her hand. The pony greedily ate it up. Erik then climbed up and onto the pony. Sookie looked up at him.

"Give me your hand" Erik said

Sookie let the pony finish eating and then gave her other hand to Erik. He pulled her onto the pony. The pony started walking.

"Where we going?" Sookie asked

"I don't know, it's going wherever it wants"

The pony started walking where it felt like. The two looked around and wondered where the pony was taking them.

"We sail with the morning tide tomorrow" Erik said

"Will you come back?" Sookie asked

"I hope so, I do not know. We are traveling far, I do not know when we will return"

"You always have a friend here in this port" Sookie said as she held onto his hand

"If you ever come to the north, look for me"

"You may be king by then"

"Perhaps, but I can show you how the land is different from yours and I can show you how beautiful my country is"

"I hope so"

Sookie ran towards the docks as the sun was rising. She had stolen a fruit tart, and a round of bread. She had pouch filled with bilberries tied to her waist. She ran down the docks towards the Viking ship. The men had loaded their supplies into the ship and were ready to cast off.
Erik stood on the docks looking out. He saw Sookie running towards him, her long blond hair flying free in the wind. She ran up to him, gasping for air.

"You came" Erik smiled

"Yes I came to see you off. Here" she handed him the fruit tart and bread

"Thank you Susanna"

"Baked fresh this morning, it's not stale yet"

"I will miss you and the adventures we had here"

"I'll miss you too, here" she handed him the pouch of bilberries, "So you'll always remember"
Erik smiled and he hugged her while still holding everything in his hands. She hugged him back and hoped he'd return one day. Erik pulled away and reached up to his Viking torc and took it off and handed it to her.

"Here, to remember me by" Erik said

"You're giving me your pretty necklace?"

"Stop calling it pretty"

"But it is pretty," Sookie picked it up and put it on her neck, "Thank you Erik"

"To remember the Vikings to the North"

Sookie smiled and kissed Erik on the cheek. The Vikings on the ship noticed and chuckled a bit. Sookie then quickly kissed Erik on the mouth and pulled away.

"To remember me by" Sookie said

Erik's cheeks had flushed red, a bright red. Erik's father watched the two and shook his head. His son would be trouble with the ladies just as he was. He yelled at him that it was time to go. Erik nodded and looked back at Sookie.

"Good bye Susanna. I hope we meet again" Erik said

"It's Sookie, my friends call me Sookie. I hope to see you again someday. Safe Journey." Sookie said

"Good bye Sookie." Erik said as he climbed back into the ship.

He stood there as the cast off and they raised their sails. They raised their anchor and set off to explore new lands. Erik walked to the back of the ship as they sailed off watching her wave to him from the docks.

Sookie stood there and waved goodbye to him, watched as his ship became smaller and smaller until it was gone along the horizon. Her fingers touched the Viking torc around her neck. It was indeed a pretty necklace.

Erik stood there watching until there was nothing but water around them. His fingers touched his lips where she kissed him. An odd sensation.

"Not bad my son, your first kiss already. You will much trouble with the ladies" his father said


4 years later

Sookie was helping her mother with her daily chores. Now that she was too old to be playing outside with the younger children she had been assigned tasks and chores around the house. She watched with envy as her older brother, Jason, was allowed to train and learn the art of combat. She didn't understand why she wasn't allowed to as well.

Her father explained that the men were the ones that fought, and the women were the ones that took care of the home and children. It sounded quite sexist to her, but her father explained that the men had to fight and protect their lands from invaders and enemies. The women would have to make sure the families survived, that their children survived, even if it meant cooking and cleaning.

She would always go onto the hill overlooking the docks to see if there was a Viking ship. She often wondered what happened to Erik. What his adventures were like. If he still remembered her. Her fingers reached up and touched the Viking torc she still wore.


Erik looked out at the sea. They have traveled for 4 years on the sea, they discovered new lands, new peoples and new animals. They were heading home finally. They were headed back to Eire, but the winds had blown them off course and they ended up in Gaul instead.

They were heading to port, when they were greeted by Roman ships. Erik's father looked at the larger ships surrounded them. Erik stood by his father as the other Vikings stood up.

It was summer and they had made the mistake of taking off their armor. The Romans attacked without warning. A sea of arrows filled the sky. Erik's father covered Erik with his body, protecting him.

"Father!" Erik cried

"Remember my son, be strong. I will see you in the halls of Valhalla."

"Father? Father!" Erik shook his father, but it was too late. He had died. He looked around and saw that they had all been killed. Erik was the only one left. He attempted to lift his father's broadsword, but the weight of it dragged on the wooden floor boards. He heard the sound of an approaching boat.

Roman soldiers quickly boarded the ship. They looked over at the bodies of the dead vikings and then at Erik. They laughed at Erik's empty threats of throwing them off the boat, and quickly disarmed him. They dragged him off the ship and threw him onto the Roman boat. Erik fought, kicking and screaming. He was then thrown onto his knees and still fought with the soldier holding him down.

Before him sat a pompous Roman general. Appius. He sat there on a gilded chair, wearing his Roman armour. He had dark hair and eyes which narrowed when he gazed upon Erik.

"Silence boy!" Appius yelled, "So you savages can understand"

Erik looked up at him defiantly.

"Why did you attack us?" Erik asked

"And he speaks. My aren't you special"

"I no savage. I am Viking"

"You are a boy. And you will listen to me. You are quite an attractive boy. I could imagine what price you would fetch at auction. Hair made of spun gold. Eyes like the Aegean. You are quite a sight."

Appius scanned the boy, studying his features. He stood up and walked closer to Erik.

"You are quite beautiful. What is your name?"

"I am Erik, son of Esbjorn. My father is king, and he will have his vengeance"

Appius merely laughed.

"This is wonderful! Not only have I found a beauty, but a Viking prince no less. Your father and men are dead, and you are mine. Rome has no interest in the lands to the north. Far too frozen and icy, nothing of worth up there. But if they only knew there were more of you there"

Erik showed no fear, he didn't flinch as Appius walked around him.

"Erik, is it? You are mine now"

Erik pushed him away and ran to the side of the boat. He saw the edge and tried to jump to his freedom into the water. A roman soldier grabbed him before he could make it over.

"Let me go!" Erik screamed out

Appius walked up to Erik as he struggled with the soldier.

"I will have great fun breaking you in" Appius said

"Why did you attack us!"

"Because I wanted to" Appius said with a smile


Sookie was on the hills overlooking the port. She watched as fewer boats came into the port. She still kept an eye out for her Viking ship. She wondered what had become of Erik. She had grown up, and there was talk of her being married off to another tribe. She had hoped to see Erik before she was to be married.

She saw a ship heading towards the port. It looked as if it had been attacked. The sails were burned, there were arrows on the side of the ship. Once it reached port, the people jumped off quickly and started running. Sookie went down to see what had happened.

She walked towards the docks and saw there was fear in the eyes of the people who were running off the ship. She saw her brother Jason talking to the crew on the boat.

"Jason! Jason!" Sookie yelled

Jason looked over and waved. He finished speaking with the crew and climbed off the ship.

"The Romans have taken Britannia" Jason said

"What do you mean they've taken it?"

"They've taken it, the tribes banded against the Romans and lost. These are those who fled with their lives."

"You can't be serious"

"I am. There is talk that they are looking to invade us as well. They call us Hibernia"

"That is a stupid name"

"It is, but we have other things to worry about now. I must go speak with father"

Jason walked off and Sookie went to follow until a woman grabbed her arm. The woman was in her late 30's. Her long brown hair was matted down by soot and ash. Her green eyes pleading with her. Sookie could tell she was a mother who had very little, judging by her torn clothes, and the battered worn dark green cloak she wore.

"Please, my baby, I cannot find my baby" the woman cried

"I will help you find it, tell me what you wrapped it in. Is it a boy or girl?" Sookie asked

"I had her, I held onto her. The Romans came and took everything. We ran, I ran and carried her"

"Did you leave her on the boat?"

"The Romans came, I ran, I ran as fast as I could. But they wouldn't stop. They burnt everything. They destroyed everything."

"Did you take her on the boat with you?"

"I ran, I ran so fast, but they caught up with me. They took her. They took my baby away from me!"

Sookie didn't know what to say, so instead she held the crying mother in her arms.

"The Romans only know how to destroy. They take what they want and leave nothing left. They've taken my baby and my home. There is nothing left for me"

"You're safe now"

"Am I? How long before they are charging down your shores? Burning everything in sight? Beware of Romans."

Sookie pushed the woman back and looked at her.

"They have taken my daughter, but they will take your sons"

"Who are you?"

"Beware Susanna"

Sookie backed away slowly. Whoever this woman was she was not a refugee from Britannia. She kept her eyes on her as she slowly backed away.

"Sookie!" her father yelled

Sookie looked over and saw her father waving at her. She looked back and the woman was gone. She looked around to see where she went, but there was no sign of her. She quickly ran to her father.

"Father"

"Your wedding has been postponed."

"Why? Not that I'm complaining"

"All the tribe members are meeting. After the events in Britannia we have much to discuss"

"Can I come?"

"No, this is no place for a woman"

"You know I can help."

"Alright, but you're not to say anything, just stay in the back and be quiet"

Sookie had a talent. A special talent that few knew of, only her family. Sookie had the ability to hear inside the minds of men, women and children. She could hear their thoughts and feelings, and in that sense she could sense when someone was lying. Her ability was a great asset when the tribes were negotiating peace amongst themselves.


Erik had been locked in a cage while he was held captive on the Roman ship. Appius would occasionally visit him to gaze upon his youth and beauty. He made sure he was given food and water. He wanted Erik to survive the trip back to Rome. Erik had tried to escape, but he was only 10 and was not strong enough to escape. He was trapped. He had hoped to escape, to see the sea, to join it. It didn't matter if they weren't near any land, as long as he escaped that's all that mattered.

He thought of Susanna, or Sookie. He wondered what happened to her. He wondered if she was happy. He sighed and prayed for an escape.

The trip to Rome was long, and when they reached the port, they unloaded Erik still in the cage and placed him in a cart. He looked up in amazement at the sheer size of the city. White marble, buildings at all as the sky, statues, and so many people. Erik had never seen so many people in one place before.

The cart stopped and he was unloaded. They carried him inside a massive house and placed near a small square pool with blue tiles inside. Above was an opening letting the sun in. He looked around and saw so many things.

Appius entered and ordered the cage to be opened and Erik finally crawled out. He tried to stand up but his legs being cramped in the cage were unable to stand straight. He fell forward.

"Have him bathed and oiled. And put him in something presentable" Appius ordered

Erik was taken to be bathed by servants. He saw the giant pool and the colorful tiles. Water was being dumped on him as they bathed him. They combed his hair and washed away the dirt and grime from the ship. They dressed him in the clothes of a young Roman boy. He was presented to Appius who sat on the balcony overlooking the city. Erik looked up in amazement.

"Sit Erik" Appius commanded

Erik sat down on the bench across from him, still looking around.

"I had thought about branding you, making it known that you are forever mine. But then I would have to mar that beautiful skin of yours. So young and supple. Such a pity to ruin it. But there are other ways"

"I am not a slave. I am Viking"

"You are not a slave. You are no longer a Viking. You are now mine"

Erik looked at him strangely. It was odd the way he was staring at him. Almost predatory.

"I will not ask much of you. Something I would not ask of myself," Appius got up and walked over to Erik, lifting his chin up, "You are quite beautiful"

"I'm not a girl!"

"Oh no, you are very much a boy, a beautiful boy" Appius said as he stroked his blond hair.

Erik pulled away and ran to the other side of the balcony. He looked over the edge of the balcony. It was a long far drop before he would reach the bottom. He thought about it, if he killed himself would he be allowed into Valhalla to see his father? He felt a hand on his shoulder, spinning him around. Erik's breathing became hitched. He felt another hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat.

"My, your heart is racing" Appius said


Sookie watched as her brother sparred with her soon to be husband Conner. She studied their moves and how they fought. She wondered if her marriage to Conner would mean anything aside an alliance between the two tribes. Sometimes she felt as if she was a pawn in this. She was the only daughter and it had to be her. She sighed and ran her fingers along the viking torc she still wore. She sometimes wondered if she imagined the boy she met when she was a girl. She shook the thoughts from her head.

Erik lay in his bed wide awake. He could hear his foot steps coming towards his room. Erik closed his eyes. He knew what was coming. He felt Appius's hands on him. He kept his eyes closed. Erik thought of his family, of his father, of his life in the north, of Sookie, anything to get through it. Sometimes Erik felt as if he left his body and floated above watching Appius violate him. He would fly through the sky looking over Rome, watching the lights flicker while his body was still in the room with Appius.

Erik had fought Appius at first. Kicking and screaming. But he realized his screams fell on deaf ears. Everyone in the house worked for Appius and would never say anything against him. He was still a child and easily over powered. Appius would strike him, beat him, but never whip him. His skin, his beautiful skin would never be disfigured. Bruises would eventually fade, but scars or cuts would be forever damaging on his skin. Appius wanted to keep him beautiful.

Appius also knew that the little Viking within would try to escape and take his own life. Nothing close to resembling a weapon was allowed near him. He wanted to keep his Viking trophy in pristine condition.

Appius would enter Erik's room every night. He would engage in acts no child should ever endure. And when it was over, Erik would cry silently. In the beginning Erik would bleed from the nightly visits. Appius didn't care. As long as his outward appearance was beautiful, Appius didn't care if Erik bled out from his visits.

Eric prayed to anyone and everyone for his death. Death would be the only way to escape Appius. His prayers remained unanswered.


Sookie looked at the rope wrapped around her and Conner's arm. She was married. Their tribes were now joined. There was a feast and a celebration joining the two tribes. Sookie danced with the children at her wedding. Her husband, Conner came up and took her hand to dance with her. She complied.

"Why do you wear that necklace? It is not of your people" Conner asked

"It was a gift from a friend when I was a child" Sookie answered

"And where is this friend?"

"Are you jealous?"

"No, just curious"

"I suppose he is exploring the world on his ship, having adventures and fighting monsters, while I dance with my husband"

"I do like the sound of that, husband."

Sookie watched the faces of the tribe members at the meeting. They were discussing the imminent Roman invasion. Britannia had fallen, the Romans were building a stronghold there and were formalizing their plan of attack. The tribes had decided that they must unite in order to keep the Romans out. Sookie could hear the fear and doubt in their minds. But then she heard a strange voice. It was in a strange language. She motioned for her brother who came to her side.

"Someone else is here" she whispered into his ear

"Where?"

"The bushes 30 paces to the right"

Jason quietly walked over to the bushes. He saw a Roman spy watching them. He quickly jumped on him and knocked him out. He dragged him back to the meeting.

"It appears we have an uninvited guest" Jason said

"It appears so" Conner added


Erik experienced a growth spurt at the age of 14. He grew taller and taller. He was even taller than Appius. His lanky frame, his long blonde hair made him undesirable to Appius. Appius no longer visited Erik at night. Erik was relieved that he no longer had to endure it anymore. Apparently outgrowing his clothes and towering over Appius had some benefits. Appius decided that Erik should be educated and trained like a proper Roman child. Even though his viking trophy was growing up, he would not let him go.


Sookie was walking up the hills over looking the docks. Perhaps today she would see a Viking ship. She saw smoke and ran up. She was horrified at what she saw. The docks were up in flames. She saw 2 Roman ships. She saw Roman soldiers attacking. She ran towards the docks.

She wasn't sure what she was doing, just that she couldn't stand there and watch. She ran towards the flames and saw the children running away. She saw Conner's body lying nearby.

"No!" She ran to him and held onto his body, "Conner! Conner!"

Conner had died already. He was covered in blood. Her husband was now dead, and she was a widow. She held him close and kissed him on the lips.

"May the roads rise up to greet you" Sookie said

"Well aren't you a pretty one" a roman soldier said as he stood over her

Sookie looked up and saw him with a lecherous look in his eyes. Before she could say anything a sword was driven through his chest. The soldier fell forward onto the ground.

"Jason!" Sookie cried out

"What are you doing here? Run!"

"But Conner!"

"We will come back later for him. You must run, NOW!"

Sookie let go of Conner's body and ran. She ran through the chaos and fire. She ran as fast as her legs could carry her. She ran to her father's house and saw her father there getting on a horse.

"Father!" Sookie yelled

"Sookie, come!" he extended his hand out to her

She grabbed it and he pulled her onto the horse. The two took off immediately. Sookie didn't know where her father was taking her.

There was a meeting of the tribes later that night. They had decided to attack the Romans and drive them out of the port. The port was a strategic point, as long as the tribes held the port, the Romans would not have a stronghold on the isle.

"How are you holding up?" Jason asked

"My husband is dead. Our port has been taken. I'm just fine"

"We will take back the port"

"Jason, teach me how to fight"

"What? No"

"If you weren't there today, that Roman would have killed me. Teach me how to defend myself"

"I know you're upset, and you're not thinking clearly"

"I'm a widow. But I will not be a victim anymore. Teach me"

"Do not tell father"


Erik was studying with his tutor. Appius was busy with politics in the senate which left Erik alone most of the time. Erik had thought of running away, but he realized people knew he belonged to Appius and if he did try to leave he wouldn't get far. He realized that he would never be free of him. Instead he studied. He learned everything there was to learn, everything there was a book for. His tutor took him to the library where he caught the eye of all the ladies there. Erik didn't understand why the girls were all staring at him as he walked in with his tutor. He looked at all the books inside the library and felt something he hadn't felt in a while. Joy.

Appius returned home to find Erik reading. He had become aware of Erik's visit to the library and the gossip surrounding him. Apparently the ladies were all smitten with Erik. Appius seeked to use that to his advantage.

"It appears the ladies of Rome are wondering where you came from. It seems I have hidden you away from them long enough" Appius said
Erik looked up at Appius who had the same predatory look in his eyes.

"It is time I showed you off to Roman society. Perhaps you'll find a wife with a sizable dowry and a politician for a father. You will do great things for me"


Sookie carried her basket and walked along the beach. She skipped along the sand and saw the stares of the Roman soldiers that came ashore in their smaller boats. She smiled as she walked by. She saw there were 6 smaller boats on the beach. She counted and heard their thoughts. She heard that most of them were on the shore, the rest on the boat were commanding officers. She glanced over to the higher rocks where Jason was. She motioned with her hand the number 4 and then the number 2. There were 42 Roman soldiers on the beach, unaware of what she was doing. She reached out to Jason's mind. She heard him say the number 42. She nodded and dropped her basket. That was her sign.
Jason blew the horn, the call for the tribes to begin the attack. Sookie picked up her basket. The Romans looked around and saw Jason leading the charge with men behind him. The Romans stood firm and charged them. But then men leap from the sands beneath them and attacked them. The Romans did not expect such an attack. Sookie stood there and watched the fight. The Romans had underestimated them. And they would pay for it with their lives. A Roman soldier, bleeding, staggered towards her. Sookie pulled the dagger out of her basket and quickly sliced him across his throat. She watched him fall into the sand and bleed out.

The Romans were quickly killed and they had defended the beach. Sookie watched with great joy as her brother cheered. They never suspected her, she was a petite blond girl walking along in a dress. What threat could she possible pose? And she used it against them.


Erik was returning from training within the ranks of the Roman army. Naturally he was a warrior and became a skillful fighter. He understood the mental planning behind launching an attack. He became calculating and cunning under the watchful eye of the Roman army. He traveled to new lands with them and conquered them in the name of Rome. He became a Centurion. Not only was he Appius's viking trophy, he was pride of Rome. He had become a Roman, and forgotten he was a viking.
Erik walked into the large house, greeted by the servants. Appius walked out and smiled at Erik's return.

"Erik, I see you've finally decided to return to us" Appius said standing on the other side of the giant pool with the skylight.

"Yes, father. I was out conquering the savages to the East. It took a while"

"Well no matter. I have arranged several ladies for you to meet"

"Must we do this?"

"Yes, we must. You are almost past the marrying age. You need a wife, with a large dowry of course"

"Could she not look like a horse this time?"

"I do regret that. Her father is a senator, I thought with her wealth it would be overlooked, but apparently not"

"When do I have to meet them?"

"Tonight. I have arranged a small gathering tonight in honor of your return"

"Tonight? Father, I have just returned"

"Yes, and you should be bathed and oiled before. And don't take too long"

Eric was getting dressed when he received a letter. He opened it and read it. He raised an eyebrow and tossed it aside. He went out into hallway and he saw that the small gathering was a large party. He sighed as he walked towards the people.

"Erik, come" Appius commanded

"Father" Erik responded

"Erik this is Lysenna, daughter of VALERIANUS." Appius said

Erik tried not to look bored, but she appeared to be another one of the polite ladies of roman society. Bred and trained to appear delicate and beautiful. He knew Appius chose this girl because of her wealth and dowry. Her father must have been someone of importance. He was not really paying attention to what the girl was saying.

"You are the adopted son of Appius Ocella?"

"Yes"

"How fortunate for you"

"Please excuse me. I need a word with my father" Erik said

"Of course" Lysenna turned and walked off

"Would you like a blond instead?" Appius asked

"No father, I am being sent off to Hibernia"

"I know, I'm going too"

"You are?"

"Yes, I received word of the problem in Hibernia. We are to set sail tomorrow morning"

"And yet you still have time to plan a party"

"It's my last night in Rome. A party was needed. Have you seen my newest acquisition?"

"What?"

Appius motioned his hand and a boy was brought forth. He looked to be about 10. His light brown hair was long and shaggy. His hazel eyes looked up at him, scared. Erik's body stiffened as he realized what Appius's latest acquisition was. It was his replacement. This boy would endure all that he did as a child. As he looked at the boy he realized there was something different.

"Where did you find him?" Erik asked

"I found him in the dead bodies of his murdered family"

Erik looked at Appius.

"Oh it wasn't my doing. His family ruled their lands foolishly. The poor revolted and killed them. He hid beneath his sister's dead body. It was quite a sight. He hasn't spoken since I got him"

Erik looked at the boy who's eyes changed to a calming green with specs of yellow in them.

"Can he speak?" Erik asked

"I'm not sure, the people in the area said he was quite a brat and yelled when he wasn't given his way. I suppose the trauma of watching your family being killed and hiding under your sister's body would cause a child not to speak"

"So observant"

"Nonetheless, he is quite lovely. I shall be taking him with me"

"You cannot bring a child into a battlefield"

"I am your commanding general, and you will obey me"

Erik knew he wouldn't win against him and lowered his head. He walked off back to his room. As he entered he saw a woman laying his bed naked.

"Tullia, I did not expect to see you this evening" Erik said

"I heard you had returned from you latest conquest"

"I am to leave again tomorrow"

"So soon?"

"Yes, my father commands it"

"Pity, we don't have more time"


AN: If you're wondering it was a shetland pony they were riding as kids. Don't get on me on where they located in Ireland. Now that they're both grown up, let's see how their first meeting goes.