Chapter Seven - The Sword of the Jötun


Gudrun's heart felt like it had stopped. Her steps in the creaking dead leaves seemed automatic as she was lost in an emptiness of thoughts. Aegir... It had to be a Jötun... She couldn't grasp the meaning of all he had said, but she was certain of one thing. There was a traitor, and she had to kill him. End of story. After the proof he had given her of his divinity, she couldn't doubt anymore that the myths were only stories. The Gods were real, and hell bent on her killing that man. Or woman. For she had absolutely no clue who he was. She wanted to cry, but her chest was too constricted to let her even breathe correctly. She didn't even notice when she came to Floki's house, almost bumping into a pile of logs. She swore she would never return to that creek. Ever.

Now, she really had to find Rollo again. She didn't know how to ask him yet, but his offering for sword-fighting lessons seemed to be much more attractive now. She could barely handle a sword... Even less kill a man. Her hands pushed the heavy door with effort, only to have it slam at her back when she got in because of a violent gust of wind. A chill ran down her spine and as she shivered from the previous cold, she made her way to Ragnar's room. She hesitated in front of his door, thinking he could be asleep, but she couldn't stand there waiting. As she didn't hear a sound coming from it, she pushed the much lighter door and silently came in.

The scene she found there was beautiful and tender, but also awkward for her. Ragnar was sitting on the edge of his bed, his arms encircling a sleeping Gyda. She was curled in a ball in his lap and was snoring peacefully. One would not risk waking her for it was the most beautiful sleeping child Gudrun had ever scene. Leaning on the opposite wall was Rollo, looking at her rather strangely. Ragnar's eyes were always the most impressive though, piercing through hers like blue daggers. He mimicked a "shush" sound with his lips and twitched them into a smile. Gudrun smiled back, yet she felt uneasy. Mostly due to Rollo's presence though. She didn't know how to ask him and was too stuck up to do it now. She hated herself for that. What would the Gods reserve her if she didn't accomplish her mission, or more importantly, what were the fires of Muspelheim going to do? A shiver ran down her spine again at that thought. She would ask Floki later about that detail.

"Were you... Were you two talking?" she murmured, not to wake Gyda.

Ragnar cocked his head on both sides, like he was saying "yes" and "no". He faked an innocent look.

Rollo shifted. "I was going out." he spoke in a low voice. Gudrun noticed it was hard for him to speak silently because of that low masculine voice of his, and wanted to smirk at it.

"I wanted to ask you if... Maybe..." she began rather shyly.

"Not here," simply answered Rollo. He pushed her out rather gently, and Gudrun felt his hands against the curve of her back. She reluctantly closed the door behind them.

"What do you want to ask me." Rollo said, more like an affirmation than a question.

"Well... It's hard to explain..." she felt uneasy with her demand. She looked down at her feet at she felt a light blush covering her cheeks.

"You want help with sword-fighting?" Rollo asked lowly, smirking.

She reddened even more, embarrassment dawning on her like snow had earlier. She nodded, and felt stupid. She shouldn't be happy about that. That meant she had to kill a man. Pour his blood. See him exhale his last breath before her own eyes. Yet, a warm feeling in her chest stirred when she had seen Rollo's smirk.

"So... It's a yes?" she asked softly.

"Yes." he simply answered. His eyes seemed to lingers on hers, which were shining brightly. She felt bad because of that, it looked like she was about to cry where she wasn't. It was the humidity from outside and maybe the joy at his answer, yes.

"We'll talk later, now I have to go." he said. In a fraction of a second, his hand rose to her cheek and gently stroked her, before turning away to leave. Gudrun felt frozen as she watched him go out by the large door, in this white hell. Her cheek was burning from his touch, and she felt like she had been struck by electricity when she realised he was going to do that. Her own hand softly caressed her skin there, pitifully trying to recreate the previous feeling of warmth. She swore inwardly, wishing somehow she didn't feel that way.

In the past days, she had mostly been recovering and melting in that new family of hers that she had hardly reflected upon her feelings and emotions. She got along with everyone, which was a first. Back in England, when she was little, she picked fights with other kids and had very few friends. They called her the "daughter of the one-eyed bitch", and after that she was always the first to strike. Yet here, it was different. Well, not so different, since many people wanted her dead, as they did with her friends, but it didn't feel stained of that pain of England. There was something else. Something pleasant about the pain from here.

And she realised every time she saw the tall Viking, she felt pain. Her eyes moistened again at that thought. She felt pain every time her eyes landed on him, every time she heard his low voice utter something. It felt very weird. She wanted to slap herself for this. In England, she had known people for years, yet she had never felt that much pain before. Something in her chest was burning, and it was slowly killing her. Except she hadn't realised how bad, since now.

Many times, she had caught herself thinking about a man's body, his hands, his arms, the outline of his jaw... And it made her body shiver with need. But somehow, it always ended into thinking about Rollo. After that disturbing dream a bit more than one week ago, she had looked at him differently. But that skin contact with him had left her breathless. The worse was to think that it meant nothing to him, and so much to her. That was where the actual pain was coming from. He was everything and she was nothing.


Rollo didn't feel like fighting today. Not fighting in terms of sword and shield, for that he would always be ready. But he didn't have any kind of want to fight against the snow, and the road was long to Kattegat. He was still on his mission, invented by him and his brother. Well, mostly his brother, he had to admit. But he wasn't going to admit it in front of anyone. And it was not a fun thing to do, it was not a question of strength or brutality. Wit and cunning were involved, not that he lacked of it, but it was not a way of fighting he approved. To him, it didn't prove his worth. His task was not that unpleasant, but it felt wrong. So wrong. He wanted to punch Ragnar for having prepared that idea, and himself for having first mentioned it.

He came in sight of the first houses. Whenever he came, he always noticed the remains of the burned house of the Earl with pride. This was his doing, and he regretted nothing. Still, he was angry that they had erased his rune. The more people had seen it, the better. In the winds of white and grey, he noticed a cloaked and hooded figure waiting for him in the corner of a stable. He smirked. Of course she would be waiting.

When he came at her level, the hood fell, revealing the face of Siggy, the Earl's wife. She hungrily caught his mouth with hers, pulling him to her. Not that he disliked it, she felt wrong. He knew he didn't love her, and doubted she loved him too. But the purpose of this masquerade was the damn plan. The goddamn plan.

Siggy hands found their way under his warm furs and tangled themselves in his hair. He seized her by the waist and while she devoured his lips, he stroked her back harshly.

"Not here, my love." she whimpered.

She pulled him in the stables. Not the best place to have such an encounter, but none of them had found better. They always met when the Earth was at a council, probably to assault them in some way, Rollo smirked. He would know that later anyway, he had to wait for Siggy to be pleased. As he pushed her in a corner, a horse neighed and he chuckled.

"Any news, my love?" Siggy moaned as he was kissing her neck less than tenderly.

"Many." he smiled against her skin. "On your side?"

"Many too." she answered, grinning. "My husband has found a new ally, it seems."

"Too bad my brother has not recovered yet... He is still in bed."

Siggy smiled. "Good."

Rollo's mind wanted to slap himself, but sadly that was impossible. Of course, he felt bitter that Ragnar was always on control. But they were brothers, and if they were not equal, he would still never betray him. Especially not for that Earl, whose wife he was going to fuck...

"Take me." whispered Siggy passionately.

An answer was not needed, they both knew what was going to happen anyway. As it always did. Siggy wriggled her shoulders out of her dress, revealing soft tanned skin for a Viking and a slim body. One thing Rollo appreciated about her was that tattoo she had in the back, it was attractive. She also seemed to like his, but didn't care about the meaning. He couldn't count how often she had kissed his skin there, marveled at it, but had sadly never asked why he had it made. Though he wouldn't be able to give an answer, it would at least give him proof of her fidelity. Which he obviously didn't have.

She pushed herself against him, her breasts touching his bare chest which he had just freed from his shirt and his coat. She grinned at the pleasure it gave her, and put her arms around his neck. She was not begging yet, it was to come soon.


Gudrun had gotten out of her uncomfortable trance and had come in Ragnar's room again. She suddenly felt very lonely, even if she had just found her family. Or the remains of it. She barely knew Floki, and he was busy. Today, for example, he was drawing schemes of a new boat of his, with coal on a stone, and had no time for her. Imitating Rollo's earlier position, she leaned on the opposite wall where Ragnar was sitting with the sleeping Gyda.

"Where has Rollo gone?" she asked rather shyly.

Obviously, Ragnar didn't answer. He simply stared at her, swallowing her in his gaze. Gudrun looked away. Ragnar had a sad little smile, as if he was sorry. Gudrun didn't understand. She didn't know anything. If plans were made, she was not included. And it killed her. But after all, she was hiding plans from them too. She hesitated if she could reveal her strange encounter with Aegir to Ragnar. But the weight of it was too heavy, she had no choice. And strangely,she felt like she could trust him.

"I met a Jötun." she said. Ragnar chuckled.

"What kind of Jötun?" he smiled. Gudrun saw he thought she was joking. Her eyes began to water.

"A Jötun that reigns on the sea... His name is Aegir... He was sent to me by the Gods to give me a task."

Ragnar's brows furrowed.

"Aegir? I know he is on their side, but he is mostly passive... What kind of task has he given to you?"

"I... I must kill a man..." Gudrun's lip quivered and she bit the inside of her mouth.

Ragnar chuckled again. "We all have a man to kill."

"You don't think I'm serious! I knew it!" as tears came to her eyes, she went out in a blow of wind, but didn't slam the door. The last thing she wanted was to wake the tiny Gyda from her peaceful sleep.

Ragnar gently laid his daughter on the bed and quickly got after Gudrun. She had gotten out again, not knowing what to do if she stayed inside. Shame was eating her alive, and she ran a few meters in the snow then stopped, the cold biting her harshly through her thin clothes.

Suddenly, Ragnar's hand laid on her shoulder. It was gentle, and warm. It softly inviting her back in.

"Come. Come inside." he said.

She followed him, defeated. When the door slammed the door shut, Ragnar winced and looked in the direction of the room where Gyda was sleeping. Gudrun had fallen on the floor, and he sat facing her, linking his hands. This was going to be a long discussion. Gudrun felt his curious gaze on her, and she tried to look away, swallowing her pain in her whole being. She couldn't do this.

"I believe you." Ragnar softly stated. "Calm down."

Gudrun couldn't believe how patient he was. Still, she had her eyes wide shut. She bit her tongue to forbid herself to cry, she would not be weak this time. Not again.

"I..." she uttered. "I saw him... I saw Aegir."

"Where?" Ragnar didn't blink.

"At the creek... At the edge of the forest..." Gudrun was beginning to calm a bit.

"I promise you. I really saw him. He had dark hair, and a beard, and grey eyes..."

"Who is the man you must kill?" Ragnar asked.

Gudrun looked at him straight in the eye.

"The one who will open Muspelheim."

Ragnar looked paralysed.

"Are you sure he said Muspelheim? Are you really sure? Didn't he say Jötunheim? Or Vanaheim?"

"No. He said Muspelheim... Isn't it where the fire Jötuns live?"

"Yes. It is the kingdom of Surt, the guardian of Muspelheim. It means he's trying to open it. It is a part of..." Ragnar swallowed. "... of Ragnarok. The end of the world. Ragnarok will see Surt invade Midgard with his sword of fire, destroying the land and killing the men. He will lead not only the fire Jötuns, but all of them to us, and kill us, and end the Aesir..." he breathed evenly.

"Then Fenrir, the great wolf, will swallow the sun. And all will die."

Gudrun wanted to throw up. Ragnar's face was so serious, she didn't know yet if he was believing her or only acting like it. Maybe he thought she was mad. Maybe he was pursuing the joke. But she felt bad. Very bad. The end of the world?! Why had Aegir and the Aesir chosen HER to decide the fate of Midgard? How could they have given it to a useless, stupid girl like her, who didn't even grasp all the concepts of this new and hostile world?! She held her hands on her stomach, feeling unwell.

Ragnar's eyes were not on her, but looking at something behind her. She didn't really want to turn around, but he was stiffened in alert as she had rarely seen him before. Her heart froze in her chest. She had had enough unbelievable for a lifetime, and it had only happened in one day. She spun around, and almost had a heart attack. Right behind her was floating a ghost-like figure, white, draped in transparent cloth and with unnaturally long hair that seemed to reach the floor where her feet didn't. It had the shape of a woman, but such a thin and pale woman that it seemed unreal. Yet, Gudrun crawled away in fear, but the spirit followed her. Something was glowing in the specter's hands. She painfully slowly handed to Gudrun, who reached out for it with ice in her lungs. The ghost then blew out in a high-pitched dead-like voice:

"Good luck, Gudrun Aegirsdottir."

She then dislocated herself against the wall and disappeared in tongues of white mist. Gudrun looked at what was in her hands, too dumbstruck before by the ghost to even acknowledge it. It was a shiny, glittering light grey blade, made as a sword by an ivory handle with a grey stone at the knob. The sword was light and thin, even thinner than Rollo's sword. She seized it by the handle and absently weighed it. It was the perfect weight. It didn't pain her arm to hold it, and she even felt an urge to swing it now. The more she looked at it, the more the blade reminded her of Aegir.

Aegir.

Aegirsdottir. That's what the specter had called her. Aegirsdottir. She repeated that name slowly in her head, not believing in any letter of it. Aegir the Jötun. Was he her father?! What had the ghost insinuated? Gudrun felt numb. She turned to Ragnar, not a sound escaping her lips.

Ragnar had a great difficulty to hide his excitement. He tried to repress the smile that was forming on his lips but it was of no use. For a moment, Gudrun thought he looked just like his son, Björn.

"Is he... Are you..." he began.

Gudrun didn't have enough mental strength to answer. That terrible day had just drained her. She felt her legs tremble.

"I just... I just need to sit down..." she began.

"Oh, of course!" said Ragnar who had lost track of things. "Let me just call Floki, there are important things we all need to discuss when Rollo comes ba-"

With a loud thud, Gudrun had collapsed on the floor and passed out. Ragnar went by her side and picked her up, wincing, carrying her awkwardly to his own room to lay her on the bed. It was Gyda who opened the door.

"Who was this woman?" she asked innocently. Ragnar felt like he had to explain things to his daughter the sooner possible if he didn't want her to collapse like the unconscious girl.


The snow storm outside had seemed to stop. Siggy was laying in a stack of hay, her hair a real mess and her limbs tangled on Rollo. He was sweaty and began to feel the chill outside. He quickly dressed himself, preparing to leave. He glanced at the satisfied woman laying beneath him and smirked knowingly.

"Tomorrow?" he asked.

"Oh... I'm sorry, my love. Tomorrow I can't." said Siggy. "My husband needs me..."

Rollo noted happily how she had pronounced the word "husband". As a filthy word. An ugly word. Yet, it was too pronounced to be true. She was probably forcing it to make him believe that she loved him more... But it didn't matter. He had had what he wanted. Information. And additionally, pleasure was not refused in the task. Without a look to the Earl's wife, he muttered a "goodbye". He left in the pale light, surrounded by tiny flakes of snow. The storm was gone, but he didn't doubt the sky was going to throw a tantrum again. He walked quickly, not wanting to walk at night again. He was careful to be seen.

The news were not good though. A new ally?! Who the Earl could have asked for alliance? Was it through his daughter's hand, with promises of warrior help, riches? Who the hell was that ally, by Donnar? Ragnar had to know this so they could prepare and be the first to strike. He had told Siggy that his brother was still weak, which was half true. Ragnar could move perfectly now, but he sometimes saw him wince at the pain in his leg. He hoped he would recover soon. If they wanted to win this fight, they needed to win it by cunning. Not strength. Which angered him.

Rollo had suspected something about the Earl's reasons for killing Gudrun. It was no secret why he wanted to kill Ragnar, but why would he get so mad for only a slave made free by her own right... Rollo remembered the way Haraldsson had reacted when he had told Gudrun's story. Or instead, her mother's story. The Earl had gotten in terrible rage at the mention of her name. Was it possible that... Oh, by the Gods...

It struck Rollo so hard that he stopped walking. It was so obvious. It was so right and yet so wrong. He absolutely had to discuss this with his brother before revealing it to Gudrun. She seemed to have enough problems for the moment. Slowly drifting into a foggy haze, he increased his pace as he entered the woods.


[A/N: I am again so sorry for the wait, I hope you didn't all leave. I had the worse week of my school year (which has only begun hahaHAHAH) with EIGHT tests in the week! Tomorrow I have three, and I haven't revised a lot. I preferred writing this, you know, procrastination has it hard on me. I hate being like that.

I hope you liked that chapter, it was rather difficult to write. I had to organise the different plotlines and all the shite. Soon answers to questions in the first chapters will be delivered! And I think you have all figured out what Rollo has realised, tell me in the reviews what you think of it ;) I think It's pretty obvious though.

If you have any questions with Norse mythology, feel free to ask me, this is a subject I adore and cherish and I would gladly answer any questions of yours. I know internet exists but duh, this is my favourite things. I have even started learning runes recently, what am I ;-;

I am also looking for a name for Gudrun's sword (because heh, every good warrior names his sword!), so if you have any cool name (please no "pepperoni-chip" or "ass-wiper") put it in a review and if I like it it may happen! :D

I'd like to thank those of you who have followed (I noticed one more follower and I was too lazy to look up who it was but dear new reader, I love you!), and those who have favourited the story. Thanks again for the review from the lovely guest and wabi-sabi1090 (I remember the numbers at the end of your pseudo now, I'm proud of myself), you're my favourite reviewer for now! ^_^

Keep on following this thing of mine, I love you all! *sends kisses and manly kittens*]