Vikings: Harsh Lesson
Chapter 2 of my Vikings story, enjoy.
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Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: Vikings belongs to The History Channel.
Chapter 2
Ragnar smiled as he made preparations; it was finally time for he and his men to go raiding again. They would sail out and meet up with King Horik's ships; then from there, on to England for ripe plunder. Floki had successfully crafted a whole fleet of new ships and the excitement was palpable. There was just one issue; which Ragnar was currently trying to work through.
"You are sure of this, Bjorn?" He asked his eldest; confused. "You wish to remain behind?"
Bjorn nodded. "Yes father; I have had a taste of glory and know what awaits to the west; I am eager for more. But Kattegat must be kept safe; especially after the warning we've received."
Ragnar sighed; he knew what Bjorn meant; he was talking of Jarl Alfgeir.
He decided to verify. "So, you opt to forgo this raid, to stay and defend Kattegat from Jarl Alfgeir."
Bjorn nodded. "I will have another chance at glory father; this is important too. What good is it, claiming plunder and glory in foreign lands, if you have no home to return to?"
"True enough; very well Bjorn." Ragnar said at last; agreeing with his son's reasoning. "I will leave you in charge of Kattegat's defences."
Bjorn nodded and agreed to accompany his father to the boats; along with Aslaug, in order to see them off.
The harbour was the site of many farewells as many of the men prepared to leave for the raid. Some were veterans who had been with Ragnar from his first raid west; others were young, fresh, going on their first raid, eager to claim glory.
Their families had gathered and were exchanging farewells, wishing them honour and glory. Ragnar smiled as he approached Aslaug and the boys. He gently kissed the tops of Ubbe and Hvitserk's heads and kissed Aslaug, gently kissed Sigurd too.
"Well, we leave soon." He said softly to Aslaug; gently placing a hand on her swollen belly. "Odin willing, I will be back in time, to see our new son born."
Aslaug nodded; although she added. "Odin willing, Kattegat will still stand when you return."
Ragnar then explained. "You need not fear; Bjorn has chosen to stay here, he will help protect Kattegat from Jarl Alfgeir."
Aslaug looked over at Bjorn and smiled, nodding.
"Very well then; I wish you well, husband."
Ragnar smiled widely, before his smile vanished. He looked around, noticing somebody missing.
"Where's Rollo?" He asked, inquired after his absent brother.
Aslaug shook her head. "I haven't seen him."
Floki; who had overheard then spoke up. "He is late; if he is any later, we will have to leave without him…or not at all."
"I am aware of that." Ragnar remarked quietly; clearly not liking the idea.
They continued to make preparations to leave; all the while keeping an eye out for Rollo. Finally however, they could wait no longer, they had to leave. Ragnar approached Bjorn.
"Bjorn, I am sorry to leave this on you. But we must leave now…I need you to find some way to placate your uncle." He explained.
Bjorn just nodded. "I understand father; I will handle it, don't worry."
Nodding Ragnar returned to the ships and soon they were sailing away as those assembled watched them go.
Bjorn looked amongst the assembled crowd; recalling a time years ago when he had stood and watched his father leave, in a similar fashion to this. He also recalled the time he himself had boarded on of Floki's ships to go raiding for the first time, the feeling had been indescribable; elating, a sense of great achievement.
He looked around at those assembled again and spotted Porunn; standing watching the ships go, a wistful expression on her face. Curious and eager to speak with her again, he moved through the crowd, towards her. She saw his approach and smiled warmly; a smile he gladly returned.
"Porunn, is something troubling you?" He asked her carefully. "I saw the way you were looking just now."
She sighed and shook her head. "I was just concerned; Earl Ragnar has decided to free me when he returns."
Bjorn smiled widely. "That is wonderful; why would you be concerned?"
"What if he doesn't return, what if something happens to him, what if he dies?" She gave by way of an answer.
Bjorn now understood what she meant and gently put his hand on her shoulder.
He reassured her. "It will be fine; nothing will happen. If it does however and father dies, I will succeed him remember. So you can be certain of your freedom."
She smiled at that; remembering and nodded, relieved. Once free she intended to follow in the footsteps of her hero, Bjorn's mother Lagertha, and become a Shieldmaiden. She had already started practicing for combat, aided by Bjorn.
It was then however, as the crowd began dispersing, that Bjorn spotted his uncle Rollo. He was standing, looking irate, as he observing the departing boats. Moving quickly Bjorn hurried over to him.
"Uncle Rollo; there you are?"
Rollo turned to him, glaring. "They left…"
Bjorn nodded. "They couldn't wait any longer."
Rollo sighed and groaned, muttering. "Of course."
His reactions, the way he moved, suddenly made it clear why he had been delayed. He had simply drank too much last night and was only just recovering.
"Uncle Rollo; even though you've missed the boat, there is still things you can do." Bjorn explained. "You could help here, we…"
Rollo shook his head. "No, I have missed my chance; I fail to see what help I can provide."
Before Bjorn could explain about Jarl Alfgeir and the threat he posed, Rollo stalked away, still clearly irate. People watched him go but wisely stayed out of his way. Bjorn met Aslaug's gaze and sadly shook his head.
She sighed and, knowing nothing else could be done, ushering the children inside. Bjorn meanwhile, turned his attention towards ensuring Kattegat's defences.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.