Chasing the Sun
Does the black wolf catch the sun?
Child, the black wolf searches. He is never satisfied by what he consumes. The mountain is within sight; grasped tightly within his fangs. He does not want to let it go. The black wolf does not want the mountain to crumble beneath his paws. He is scared. He is frightened. The unknown that haunts him, does not let him sleep peacefully.
Why does the black wolf want the sun?
Child, the black wolf wants to keep the darkness out. The sun, it keeps away the monsters and humans that hunt him. The black wolf wants the sun to forever shine on the mountain, but the white wolf wants the sun to be shared. To consume the sun, brings the world to darkness.
What of the white wolf? Does he want to consume the sun?
The white wolf has no need to chase the sun, like his brother. The white wolf believes he does not need to seek the sun, for the white wolf chases the monsters. The mountain which they fight, has two faces. The brown wolf urges her pack to follow the path. The blood between the black and white wolf grows strong, the sun hides. The world is cold and desolate, the monsters come from the darkness to walk the land.
What happens if the black wolf kills the white wolf?
Why would one brother betray the other?
There was a mountain, tall and filled with snow. The clouds rolled from the rocks, as if the mountain was touching the sky. Since she was a child, Kaya's dream was a recurring event. It started as fragments of a black wolf running to the top of the mountain. Battle scarred, blood coming his paws, and his fur matted. The raven guided him through the snowstorm. The ice hitting his fur; those eyes determined to reach the top. Kaya was not sure why the black wolf was running to the top. There was blood along the trail that was not his. The black wolf was determined to reach the top when he sniffed the blood.
To Kaya, the dream was real.
Kaya had sought guidance from her elders in trying to interpret the dream. There seemed so few answers. She spoke of the black wolf many times with the raven as his guide. The elders interpret her dream as a metaphor for what was to come. Kaya could only listen, wondering why her dream consisted of wolves when the creatures were not native to her country.
When she turned sixteen, Kaya saw the white wolf. This had surprised her because she had always thought the black wolf was a solitary creature. He would brood, with some sorrow within his howl. To see the beautiful white wolf- his coat shining against the moonlight- Kaya had to find answers. Both wolves circled each other on top of a mountain, where the snow blew harsh. The black wolf and the white wolf shed some tears fighting each other.
What was strange about her dream, was that the two wolves would disappear and turn into men fighting one another. Kaya never saw their faces, only their blurred blue hue outline.
The black wolf forever chases the sun. Kaya blinked when she saw a large raven circling overhead. Something strange, something familiar, bubbled inside of her. Watching the raven land upon one of the poles. Kaya swallowed some spit in her mouth, unsure of this feeling. The air, the snow, the mountains; only reminded her of her dreams. Kaya was fascinated, yet she was a bit scared. All that was needed to complete the dream was the wolves themselves.
"Kaya." She heard Hytham call her name.
Kaya looked away from the raven towards the young man. Both he and Basim watched her with curious eyes. They both knew the dreams were growing worse with each passing day. Kaya barely slept. She would wake up with a jolt and fear in her eyes. The dreams she was having were also becoming a distraction for the young woman. Her mentor had tried to use remedies to ease the dreams. Some days, she would be fine without incident. Others…There were times where she was unfocused and almost gotten herself killed. If it were not for Hytham, Kaya would have had a sword plunged into her stomach.
"Kaya?" Hytham asked again.
Kaya did not want to continue to put worry in them. She would have to find a way to make these dreams stop. It all had to mean something, instead, it was nothing but riddles. Were these wolves meant to represent people or were they just legends? Kaya was going to go mad just trying to figure it out. Eventually, she would have her answer. For now, she would only just suffer its hidden meanings. As annoying as it could be.
"You are not listening again." Hytham placed her bag in her hand. Kaya took it quickly and placed it over her shoulder. The bag was light as it was filled with some extra clothing, maps, and other things that Kaya would need.
"Should I be of an empty head instead?" Kaya retorted.
Basim got in the middle of the two, looking at Kaya with a stern face. Kaya felt her shoulders lower at her own irritation. She placed her bag down beside her feet, looking at the Norsemen coming to and fro from the ship with crates in their hands. For a moment, she wanted to help, but decided against it due to the rise of suspicion that she would put herself under if she were to help. The people would either fond it strange that the guest of the prince is doing task that she should not be doing or they would keep their eyes closely on the gods in case she was to find herself with sticky fingers.
Kaya was stuck in her place to figure out her thoughts. As annoyed as she was, Kaya had to not show it or make it obvious. So far, Basim and Hytham could see through her mask. They knew her troubles, they knew what she was thinking. Her dreams were no secret, but at times, Kaya wished they were. Why couldn't someone else feel the same as she? What did the Hidden Ones see in her dreams that made it urgent for her to travel in a foreign land with Basim and Hytham, when this journey was their's?
Enough! Your thoughts and feelings should not cloud your judgment.
"We will discuss this matter further later, Hytham. Mentor Basim, there is something urgent that I do need to discuss." She whispered. Basim kept a cautious eye on those around them. Though the Norsemen did not understand their hidden words, it was best to keep them cryptic. The enemy could hide among them. It would not surprise him if the enemy already knows of their presence in Fornburg.
The port was filled with boats upon their homecoming and crowds of people gathered to watch their own kin moving crates of good and riches that have been collected for the past two years. Hytham, Basim, and Kaya stood near the edge of the docks, keeping out of the way of moving crates and other bodies that passed them. They were truly strangers, in a strange and cold land. Beautiful, but the weather seemed calm for a moment before it became harsh.
"Your mind continues to race, Kaya. The days will only grow longer trying to chase them. Let the answer reveal itself. Be patient." Basim said.
Kaya nodded her head with some disappointment, but she understood. As much as she wanted to speak about what was bothering her, Kaya could only feel anticipation. The moment the three had time to be by themselves to speak freely, there troubles and worries could only be open to them. Kaya was not the only one feeling troubled, she knew just by looking at Mentor Basim and Hytham. The two men could hide their emotions, but even a mask could crack. The days will become longer, their mission just a stone throws away.
"Right, Mentor Basim. You are right. My mind has been nothing but bothering me as of late." Kaya sighed heavily as she scratched at the bridge of her nose. Hytham had come to know that Kaya scratches the bridge of her nose when she was stressed. The young woman would continue to scratch at an invisible itch until there was no skin left on her nose. Even her eyes would close to keep her mind from focusing on the act.
Hytham reached out to stop her from continuing to scratch. He held her hand in a tight grasp, squeezing slightly for reassurance. "Kaya, you are not alone. Remember why we are here. Your mentor would scold you and have you write the scriptures a hundred times."
"Why must I be reminded of my failures, Hytham? One time. I have stepped on a stick by mistake and he grabs me from behind to throw me into the river. Did I mention I caught a cold and he still made me write?" Kaya thought of the bitter memory, making her feel at ease with her troubles. Hytham may not have grinned, but Kaya was certain she could see it.
"Hey, hey! Careful with that one." Sigurd stated as he placed a crate down, catching Kaya's attention away from her thoughts. The raven took to the sky; quiet like that of a ghost. Kaya turned to find the raven, only to be disappointed when the black bird disappeared into the sky.
"Eivor!" Sigurd said, as he placed the crate within his hand on the dock. Moving quickly, pass one of the other Norsemen, Sigurd was filled with happiness. His arms wide as he hugged the man tightly in his embrace.
Kaya could see from her angle that the man had lighter hair and was rather broad in the shoulders. The man was not shorter than Sigurd; compared to Kaya, he was taller than her. She would probably reach his shoulders if she was standing back-to-back. Like many of the Norsemen, he had tattoos on his head where his hair was shaven. Kaya herself had tattoos, but they were hidden underneath her robes and armor. Her markings never to be seen by anyone other than her tribe. She placed her hands behind her back, watching the reunion between the two men. Her face void of emotion, though she was happy to see that Sigurd was filled with joy of returning home.
She could hope when she returns to her country, that she is filled with such an emotion. It may be years before she returned; a true master to the creed. Learning from Mentor Basim. Perfecting her own skills with Hytham. There were many unknowns. The creed and those who follow it could only hide within sight. Their enemy was strong. Their influence stronger.
They grasp at the land with an iron grip.
Just like the black wolf chasing the sun.
"Sigurd!" The man had said. Kaya blinked after a moment to bring her back to the present. Hytham noticed her focus, but he and Basim waited out what was to come.
The man who was hugging Sigurd back mirrored that of Sigurd's excited emotions. To Kaya, it was safe to assume that the man was none other than Eivor. She did not know what to expect from the stories Sigurd had told. Maybe Kaya expected a boy instead of a man. He did not look too young, but Kaya had found it hard to know one's age when they are covered in blood and heavy beards.
"Oh, look at you, blood soaked drengr. Have you been warring without me?" The many eyes that were upon the two men, could see the closeness they had. Brothers that shared a bond that could never break. Kaya could not help but feel something stabbing at her chest. She looked away from the two men and the pain had vanished. She could breathe normally, though it was strange that the unexplained pain was happening.
She would have to speak about it when she is given the chance after being scolded by Basim.
"Ah, and you, salt -cured vikingr. I smell the stink of a dozen kingdoms in your beard." Eivor said. Both men had their hands upon each other shoulders. Two long winters may not seem like a lifetime, but to brothers, it was the continuation of their bond. The missed travels, the drunken nights, and the raiding of goods could be enjoyed together.
"It's just the start." Sigurd placed his hands at the side of Eivor's head. Emphasizing his excitement to share his glory and tales of his travels. The many things Sigurd had seen. The people he had met. The riches he brings home to share to his kin. With the knowledge and stories inside of Sigurd's head, he would share with Eivor. This chance to make a true name for themselves to be something together. Their names remembered in stories and songs, when sung on a drunken night. Sigurd would cherish those memories as the beginning of a new dawn was over the horizon.
There was just something in their way. A man who took Eivor's mother and father, and left him without honor.
"Randvi, my dear wife. Your husband returns, bringing gifts and riches to share." A woman, beautiful and elegant; hair red as fire. Sigurd had a glint in his eye as he kissed both of his wife's cheeks lovingly. A man who could would an axe and take command, was gentle and kind to the woman he loved. His heart was now filled at seeing his brother and wife at the same time. The gods have blessed him with this. A sign of good omens to come perhaps. The sun itself was coming out from behind the clouds. Shining down upon the docks, the warmth against the cold.
Randvi smiled lightly at seeing her husband. The man she has been married to for three years, but Sigurd was still a stranger to her in a sense. Away for two years could leave a woman lonely and sad, but she knew he had to be gone. Such was a way of life for a wife of a prince and future king.
"And new friends I see." She caught a glimpse of the three hooded figures standing by ideally. Their posture straight and tall; not a slouch in their spine, but she had noticed a slimmer figure behind the other two. Hidden under loose robes and armor, one could miss the slump of a curve on the chest. A young woman that was looking out to the sea in much thought, it seems. The hood covered most of her face, only the tip of her nose showing and a part of her cheek. Randvi noted to make the woman feel comfort.
"Yes! Basim… Hytham and Kaya. We met in Miklagard, and they showed me her buried secrets." Sigurd took a step away from Randvi. The smile on his face never faltering as he had introduced the three to his most cherished people. Kaya turned her attention to Sigurd as Basim and Hytham walked towards the man. Randvi and Eivor placing their attention on Basim, curiosity flooding their minds.
"We are grateful to Sigurd for his invitation, and eager to pay tribute to your king." Basim was more the political and easy to get along with. His words could convince tyrants to give up the crown and sentence them to their deaths. Kaya walked on light footsteps besides Hytham, standing quietly with her eyes studying Randvi and Eivor. Their belongings within sight, but there was no need to fear it going missing. Kaya felt unease. She wanted so desperately to scratch at her nose till her flesh was raw red.
The black wolf watches the sun rise. Kaya closed her eyes for a moment to rid herself of a headache. The pain vanished and appeared as a stabbing pain in her head. Randvi noticed the strange behavior coming from the woman, but before she could question, Eivor spoke.
"My brother is always very careful with the company he keeps. If you are standing safely beside him, he must like you." The pain was gone from her head. Giving Kaya some peace to breathe again. She was not aware of the sweat accumulating on her forehead. She thought she was not noticed, but when she looked at the woman, Randvi, there was curiosity in the woman's gaze. Kaya shifted her body and eyes from the look Randvi was giving her.
Kaya knew that she was giving off some strange impression, while Basim and Hytham were like statues.
"Eivor, save the introductions until our bellies are full. I will see my father, tell him of my time away." They watched Sigurd places his hands on Randvi and Eivor's shoulders. Guiding them happily away from the docks, leaving Basim, Hytham, and Kaya alone.
"I need to rest. This has been a strange day." Kaya said, rubbing her temple.
"You may have to wait, Kaya. I must speak with you first before the nights festivities." Basim said, making Kaya groan internally. She went to scratch at her nose before Hytham slapped her hand down, earning him a glare from the woman.
Author's Note:
Thank you to the guest's who reviewed my story. I have plans for where I want this story to go. I do not want Kaya to overshadow the important plot lines and characters. If she gets annoying or you just dont like her as a character, please let me know so I can fix it.
Reviews help me make decisions.
To the one guest who wanted a MaleEivor romance, I have yet to decide on it. I do not want to go the obvious route because I do not like to break up cannon couples. I go for characters that do not have romance or have someone to be paired with.
This story will try to follow the good route as best as possible. There has to be twist and turns. I love Sigurd's character in the game. His loyalty to Eivor and his clan, it's such a shame that along the way both brothers just fight.
My updating schedule will be Saturday or Sunday. Depending on my week, please be on the look out.
Thank you. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Wear your mask. The world right now is crazy.