Chapter 14

Dean the Berserk, Sami, Castiel, and Ulvhat, together with the hundred Vikings, stood on the beach, looking at the slowly approaching ship.

The Vikings in the ship rowed synchronously and slowly, but steadily approached the Norwegian Jarl. They thanked their deities for the safe trip.

"He is a very handsome and strong man," Gunda said, looking at Dean. She was standing beside her brother.

"I don't care about his good looks, his aid is more important," Gunter chuckled.

Gunda stared at Castiel. "Who is this man? He does not look like a Viking."

"If I am not mistaken, his name is Castiel. Dean's Saxon friend," Gunter answered carelessly.

"Castiel?" her voice lowered.

"Yes. Why are you asking, did he catch your attention?" Gunter glanced at her insinuatingly.

"Oh no," Gunda laughed softly and waved him off. "He just looks interesting and different from Vikings."

The ship stopped and the Vikings set the boarding plank. Gunter walked on it first and helped his sister get off of the ship.

Dean stepped forward to meet his guests. "Welcome to my lands, my dear guests." The Berserk smiled. Dean and Gunter greeted each other by putting their right hands on each others' shoulders.

"My people and I want to thank you for your kindness, Dean the Berserk," Gunter said gently. "This is my sister, Gunda, lady of Fire Island and Dragon Castle."

"I am glad to meet you, Dean the Berserk, I have heard a lot about you. Your name is very famous," Gunda's voice murmured.

"Lady Gunda, I am pleased to welcome you at my house." Dean took her hand and kissed it. Sure, he was a Viking, but he knew about customs and traditions of other people and respected them.

"Let me introduce you to my friends, Sami and Castiel."

Both men nodded politely to Gunter and kissed Gunda's hand.

"You must be tired from this long trip, please rest for a few hours before we meet at dinner, where we can discuss the aim of your visit." Dean gestured towards his town, inviting them in.

"I have made the necessary arrangements so you can rest comfortably," Dean said as his Danish guests started to walk towards the entrance of the town.

Dean had separate houses built for special occasions when he had visitors coming. When the guests were accommodated and Dean left to tell his servants about dinner, Sami and Castiel stopped in front one of the stables.

"They do not look like siblings. Their hair and eyes are too different." Sami's brows furrowed.

"Yes, I have noticed it as well. Gunter seems to be kindhearted and sincere while his sister… she's… she's…." Castiel was lost for words.

"Eerie?" helped Sami.

Castiel nodded. "I believe that is the word to describe her. There is something in her eyes that frightens me."

Sami huffed and brushed the snowflakes off of his long hair. "I do not like this visit. My stomach is twisting from suspicions," he added.

"We can find out soon what they want. Damn snow." Castiel cleaned his cloak and puffed into his frozen hands.

"My lady, you are so beautiful in green!" Gunda's servant handed her a mirror so she could admire herself.

She was wearing a long, dark green gown with wide sleeves. A golden belt defined her slim waist and a low cut of her dress showed her full, round breasts.

Gunda laughed with satisfaction. She knew she was very attractive.

"What do you think Dalla, which necklace and earrings should I wear?" she asked her servant.

Dalla opened a small silver box for jewelry. "These will look beautiful, my lady." She took out a necklace and earrings with rubies.

"Mmm, I like your choice. Help me with them."

The servant gave her mistress an adoring look. "You will make even Freyja jealous."

"What did you say?" Gunda hissed suddenly. Her eyes turned into sharp ice instantly.

"I am sorry my lady. I beg for your forgiveness." Dalla shrank and almost curled into a ball.

"Out of my sight, stupid wench!" Gunda exclaimed. Dalla bowed and hurriedly left the room.

Gunda angrily dropped the mirror on the bed. "Silly bitch, she always ruins my mood," she growled and straightened her belt.

The table was set for fifty people. Dean, Sami, and Castiel were waiting for their guests. Gunter and his men entered the chamber. The host greeted them politely.

"Where is lady Gunda? Will not she attend the dinner?" Dean asked.

Before Gunter could reply, the doors opened and Gunda entered the chamber. The public gasped. She walked in with slow, but victorious steps towards the waiting host and her brother.

"You look very beautiful, lady Gunda." Dean nodded to her.

"Thank you, my lord," she smiled and shyly lowered her gaze.

"Please, my guests, have a seat." Dean motioned them to the table.

Gunter and Gunda took seats beside Dean. Sami sat beside Castiel. The Berserk gave a sign and the servants walked in with platters of food.

"Everything looks so delicious," Gunda murmured while looking at the various assortments.

"My cooks are very skillful," Dean laughed.

"I can see that there are a lot of dishes not known to us," Gunter cut in.

"Yes, I liked some of the foreign dishes while I traveled and brought the recipes so my cooks could make them too. Why don't you try the chicken in blueberry sauce?" Dean offered the mentioned food to Gunda.

"Thank you, you are so kind." Gunda put some chicken on her plate.

"To our guests!" Dean made a toast and raised his goblet.

Sami and Castiel raised their goblets and drank the wine.

Dean turned to his guest. "So what brings you to my land, Gunter?"

Gunter cleared his throat awkwardly and put his goblet down. "You know how hard the times are. My enemies are weaving a dangerous web to catch and get rid of me. From reliable sources, I have found out that they are hiding in Norway. And I need a good, strong ally here. You are the strongest among the Jarls," Gunter explained.

Dean rubbed his forehead. He knew that the political situation in the kingdom of the Danes was difficult. The Jarls were fighting for power and sudden murder was a commonplace thing.

"Let's say I agree to it. What will it give me?" Dean asked after a lingering silence.

Gunter cleared his throat once again. "We are offering you Fire Island with its famous Dragon Castle. And you can marry my sister Gunda."

Castiel nearly choked on his drink. He blushed and apologized.

The Berserk opened his mouth, but was not able to utter a word. Gunda looked around and laughed gently to improve the situation. "I am sure our host is pleasantly surprised with the offerings and is overwhelmed with emotions. No need to hurry, we have lot of time."

Dean was glad that he did not have to answer right away, so he nodded with a confused smile.

The rest of the dinner went on in an awkward silence.

Castiel was very nervous. He could not sleep. He looked at Dean, who was sleeping and snoring softly beside him. Dean's words that he would refuse his guests did not give him much comfort. The Saxon did not like Gunda and the way she kept looking at Dean, like she was trying to devour him. He could not forget the chilling cold coming from her when he took her hand for a kiss at their first meeting.

"Dean, I am worried," he whispered while he caressed his lover's hair.

He shifted in the bed and snuggled closer to Dean. The Viking hummed gently when Castiel's lips touched his neck.

"I hope we stay together," he murmured and wrapped his hand around Dean's waist.

The morning after the Danish guests arrived, Ulvhat fell ill.