Chapter Four - A Favor
Sidsel hummed to herself as she polished some dried blood off her whip. Things had really turned in her favor in such a short period of time. Her first Wretch died, another Wretch was breaking in nicely, and she had seemingly made peace with none other than Ivarr the Boneless. After their rough introduction she was seriously concerned he would try to fight her. Though she could not feel pain her fighting capabilities were limited to helpless subjects. Ivarr was anything but that. It had made her lighter in spirit knowing she had far fewer things to worry about.
Additionally, Sunngifu had given a routine apology to Sidsel for saying she did the devils work. But Sidsel knew her pious niece well enough to know this was only to appease the Christian God. They both knew it was a matter of time before Sidsel performed the ritual again, and Sidsel had no qualms with doing so. If she was lucky enough to see her niece reach adulthood, Sunngifu was almost certain to have her God inform her decisions. That meant damning Sidsel to hell.
Oh well.
The twins on the other hand seemed to be taking a liking to the Norse Gods, much to Hallvards pleasure. Though Sidsel was also pleased, she knew the aethlings were far too young to commit to anything, let alone a religion. Still, it was refreshing to see Leofgifu and Sunngifu's brows furrow as the little ones took joy in learning the tales of Odin and the other notable Gods. Once they were 13 winters along they'd be allowed to have a front seat to Sidsel's ritual, though she suspected they were peeking through the cracks in the mighty stone walls.
"Sister!" Sidsel glanced up and saw her brother Hallvard approaching. His lips were pursed together into a thin smile, like he was desperately trying not to shit himself.
"Brother." Sidsel acknowledged him while continuing to polish her whip.
"You did well with your new Wretch!" He said, shuffling his feet. "What do you want, Hallvard?" She asked, tersely. She had made it perfectly clear long ago they would only speak when it was absolutely necessary. It would be dreadfully out of character if he broke that pattern. And she was in no such mood for that change, especially since she was in such a good mood.
"Have you thought about what you want for our name day?" Hallvard asked.
Sidsel shrugged. "I will seldom say no to Saxon prisoners. Should be easy picking with the stragglers left behind from the battle." She said hurriedly.
"Tread with care. Those are my wife's people. Part of my children's heritage." Hallvard warned her. "Will you settle for picts? I've received words on a few small bandit camps south of here." Hallvard suggested.
"As you wish, and you'll have your animal skulls the day of your name day feast." She said, dismissively.
"Our name day." Hallvard corrected her. When she averted his gaze he propped her chin up with his finger but she promptly smacked it away.
"For God's sake, Sidsel, it's been 11 winters! Can we not move on from…" He said exasperated, his speech trailing off at the last part.
"What's done is done! You cannot change what happened, nor will you change the tenants of our agreement!" Sidsel said, proudly.
"If I am to enter Valhalla I want my matters sought to, including ending this war between us!" Hallvard said insitingly.
"If you're so keen to earn a seat in Odin's hall, you should focus on sharpening your axe and hunting your in-laws." Sidsel said, heartlessly. Finally realizing his defeat, Hallvard walked away dejectedly.
Finally! Some peace and quiet!
"Well, that was a 'warm' sibling interaction!'" Sidsel looked up and saw Ivarr walking towards her.
Or not.
"Just a squabble between siblings." Sidsel muttered, wrapping her whip back in the holster on her hip.
"Ubba and I squabble. Eivor and Sigurd occasionally squabble. What you and Hallvard just did, that was just venomous." Ivarr argued.
She cocked an eyebrow at him "Venomous? Are you alluding to a serpent's weapon of choice?" She asked.
"It was fitting!" Ivarr said, smirking down at her.
Sidsel sighed and stood up. "Walk with me? " She said.
Ivarr shrugged. "Why not? I've got nothing better to do." He said.
They passed through the courtyard side-by-side. "Hallvard and I ...we don't get on." She said.
"You mean to tell me you don't get on with your own twin?" Ivarr asked.
"Just because we share the same face does not make either of us obligated to be civil beyond what's absolutely necessary." She said, curtly.
"That was a mouthful." Ivarr said.
"It's true though! We...had a falling out 11 winters ago. I've kept him at a distance since then." She explained.
"Must've been rather explosive to drive you apart so much." Ivarr said.
"Aye…" She said, her voice trailing off.
"But you get on with their children, no?" Ivarr asked.
"Children are blameless from the misdeeds of their parents. Sunngifu and I do not see eye to eye with her constantly spewing the Christian wordAs far as the twins go, all I can fault them for is annoying the hell out of me. And that pales in comparison to - " Sidsel rambled but stopped herself short.
Ivarr eyed her carefully. "Compared to what?" He pried.
"I...cannot betray his confidence." She said.
"That's hypocritical!" Ivarr protested.
"Perhaps, but my lips won't loosen to satisfy your curiosity." She said.
"I grow tired of these word games!" Ivarr said, exasperated. He turned to walk away. Sidsel bit her lip and pondered for a minute when suddenly a devious idea popped in her head. And she wanted no one but him to help her.
"I could use your help with something!" She said.
"Find someone else!" Ivarr said, dismissively.
"I'll make it worth your while!" She insisted.
"I sincerely doubt that!" He retorted.
"You help me, and I'll let you take a whack at my current subjects." She said, crossing her arms. Ivarr stopped dead in his tracks. Slowly he pivoted on his feet to turn and face her.
"Really? I thought you didn't share?" He asked.
"Well, I can make an exception." She teased.
"What would that entail?" He asked.
"If you're referring to my samples it means a variety of things. I have an array of tools in my nest ranging from cranks, daggers, needles, swords, some poisons I've been meaning to try out - " She listed using her fingers when she realized Ivarr was standing right in front of her. Apparently her little temptation trick worked. His eyes were dilated like a hound facing a master dangling at chick chicken leg before it.
Is he actually drooling?
"Name your price." He growled.
Got you!
She pointed behind him. Following her finger he saw what she was focused on: a tall peak in the distance. It's sharp, pointed edges scraped the sky as several ravens flew overhead.
"So... you going to fill me in?" Ivarr asked.
"I want to climb it!" Sidsel explained.
"Climb it? What's stopping yooooou….oh...right." Ivarr's voice trailed off as he stared at Sidsel's feet.
She scoffed at him. Well played.
"Just help me reach the peak and my test subjects are yours to play with." She said, offering her arm out to bind their agreement. He reluctantly took it, undoubtedly wary of touching her malformed arm before motioning for her to follow.
"We'll have to ride most of the way." He said. "I...can't ride. We'll have to share." She said, scratching the back of her head sheepishly.
Ivarr shrugged. "Then we'll share." He said indifferently.
Upon reaching the stable Ivarr quickly chose a horse. It's bulky frame suggested it could bear extra weight. Sidsel always guessed she'd weigh less than the average person given how much flesh she's lost over the years. But she'd have to trust his judgement. Ivarr grabbed a nearby bucket and dumped its contents, ignoring the protests of the grump stable boy. Turning it over next to the horse he offered his hand.
"Up you go!" He said. Taking his hand Sidsel awkwardly mounted the great beast. She glared at Ivarr when she heard him groan, clearly embarrassed.
Finally Ivarr mounted in front of her and snapped the reins, prompting the horse to start trotting. She almost fell over at the sudden jolt but quickly grabbed Ivarr's waist to secure herself. She caught a deep whiff of his scent.
He smells better than I thought he would.
"What's so special about this peak anyway?" Ivarr asked.
"Shortly after Hallvard and Leofgifu were wed I saw that peak on a clear day. Much like today in fact. There's nothing particularly special about it other than that." Sidsel said, shrugging.
"Then why do you have such a strong urge to climb it? Surely someone here could've helped." Ivarr said.
"I've got a shitload of regulations on me thanks to the curse." She explained. Ivarr glanced nervously over his shoulder at her.
"Worry not, my curse won't rub off on you. I wouldn't bring you here otherwise." She said, reassuredly.
"I'll hold you to that This shouldn't take long anyway. Even Ceolbert could climb that peak with little trouble." Ivarr noted.
"Ah." Sidsel said.
"What was that?" Ivarr asked.
"I...well...alright. I have to ask. What do you see in that little boy? It's obvious you're devoted to him." She asked, finally.
"What, Ceolbert? Sure he's a little twig but he's got potential! If you could see him in battle you'd see how big his balls have grown since I've taken him under my wing!" Ivarr said, clearly proud of himself.
"I'll take your word for it." Sidsel muttered.
"What are you getting at?" Ivarr asked, suspiciously.
"I'll just defer to your judgement on this one." She said, tiredly.
"You know you might take a liking to mentorship! Surely you could teach Sunngifu a thing or two with your 'special skills?'" Ivarr said.
"Can you honestly see Sunngifu voluntarily working with me?" She asked, rolling her eyes.
"Maybeeeeee note. But what about the twins?" Ivarr said, chuckling.
"Maybeeeeee." She snickered back. "As I've said, repeatedly, I usually keep my test samples to myself." She said.
"Yet you make an exception for me because I help you with a simple man's errand?" Ivarr asked, though his tone sounded more like a statement than an actual question.
"I'll admit, I'm curious to see how you do with my subjects. I've heard tales of how you treat Saxon prisoners." She said.
"I'll try not to disappoint." He said.
"A Ragnarsson? Disappoint? Never!" She jeered. Ivarr chuckled but said nothing. He nudged the horse with his foot, prompting it to speed up. She held on tightly to his waist as the horse charged up the mountain trail. The wind made her amber hair frenzy across her forehead and in her eyes. Coupled with the speed she felt like she was flying. Ivarr must've seen countless scenes like this, but to Sidsel this was truly a special treat. A taste of freedom, although temporary, was one she would certainly savor.
This is not how I expected my day to pan out.
Ivarr the Boneless had seen many strange sights in his life, but today was odd in its own way. And troubling. He wasn't sure how he felt about the overtly toxic dynamic between Sidsel and Hallvard. Mainly because it resembled how he and Ubba were increasingly failing to see eye to eye. He prayed to the Gods he didn't turn out like them, for it might push Ubba closer to him growing old and fat on a farm like he wanted. The idea of being an uncle to little Ubba's was even more terrifying to Ivarr.
What's more, Sidsel had a valid point regarding Ceolbert. Even after removing the heads of several enemies in battle, the aethling always "asked for penance" from his wimpy God rather than celebrate. Ivarr tried to shrug off his troubles and focused on the task at hand. He was anxious to get this rather odd errand over with to have fun later.
Upon reaching a small cliff fit to leave the horse while they climbed the peak Sidsel giggled. "Finally!" She said, excitedly jumping off the horse. She faltered upon reaching the ground but quickly regained her balance.
"Easy there! I figure you'd want to get back in one piece, especially since you can barely tell when that's the case!" Ivarr complained.
"Oh relax, I'll be fine!" She said hurriedly.
"Let me get ahead at least!" He said insistently.
She bounced in place impatiently. "Alright. Here's how this is going to work. I get ahead and I pull you up." Ivarr said.
"Can't I try a few steps myself?" She asked.
"You sound like a child." Ivarr said, annoyed.
"Oh come now, give me some credit! I've made it this far in life, somehow I think I can manage a few steps up a peak!" She whined.
"You've managed to lose fingers, feet, and other parts during your life. We do this my way or I leave your ass out here!" Ivarr shot back.
Sidsel rolled her eyes but seemed to agree to his terms, albeit begrudgingly. They repeated his plan of Ivarr taking the lead and pulling her up each bit of the peak. Upon reaching the top though, Ivarr prepared to prop himself on a ledge when she grabbed his shoulder pulling him behind her.
"What?!" He said, annoyed.
"I deserve to try the last stretch." She said, firmly.
"What did I say?!" He retorted.
"Please!" She said, urgently.
"Fine! Just make it quick!" Ivarr groaned.
Though her posture was shaky an aura of determination emulated off her. This climb meant more to her than just reaching some stupid peak. But it was to do the thing she seldom got the chance to do. Succeed. Conquer. Dominate. She gave off a similar energy that Ivarr saw during her torture of Wretch. But something was different.
Ivarr rubbed his temple. The day just kept getting more odd by the minute. In just a few hours Sidsel had completely changed - as if she left behind her serpentine self back at the fortress. Ivarr was never a master wordsmith, usually favoring fuck, ass, balls, all simple and effective.
But "fucking great" wasn't the only phrase he'd use to describe the Norse woman before him. She had transformed. Before this she was very much like a serpent - reclusive, striking at those who came too close. Now she was playful. Full of energy, moving more without a care in the world. Ivarr glanced up just in time for Sidsel to mount the peak. She held her hands up in victory, letting out a cry worthy to start a battle. He had to admit it was a bit refreshing.
She looked down at him, panting from fatigue. He put his hands on his hips. "Alright, you've had your fun. We better get back." He said, offering his hand. But she didn't take it.
"I have an idea." She said, mischievously.
Ivarr could've sworn she saw an electric flow of energy course through her body as a grin splayed across her face. She looked at Ivarr who was visibly concerned by her intentions.
"Sidsel? What are you doing?" He asked, cautiously.
Sidsel said nothing as she knelt down, much like a fox preparing to leap. Because that is exactly what she intended to do. Ivarr held his hands up in front of his chest in what he knew would be a feeble attempt at defense.
"You can't be fucking serious!" He yelled.
"What, the great Ivarr the Boneless can't catch a simple flying target?" She teased.
"Of course I can! I just don't - no no no no no no! He protested.
Too late!
With all her strength Sidsel lept from the top towards Ivarr, letting out a cry of pure elation. Ivarr scrambled to aim his arms and barely managed to catch the manic woman. She giggled profusely but Ivarr was anything but happy. Were it not for the risk of breaking a bone he would've dropped her out of spite.
"Sorry! Ha ha! I couldn't resist!" She said, laughing hysterically.
Ivarr quickly let her down and rubbed the sweat from his brow. "Never. Do it. Again." He growled.
"Oh come now! That must've been a little fun!" She teased him.
"Shut up." He muttered. They managed to reach their idle horse without Ivarr strangling Sidsel who couldn't stop giggling.
What is WRONG with this woman?!
He turned his head to warn her if she didn't stop laughing he'd stick her head in the horses ass, but when he caught a glimpse of her face he stopped short. Her hair shone in the sun and flattered her facial features. A ginger grin showed her relatively even teeth, and her sky blue eyes were lit with joy.
Ivarr felt his cheeks warm up, but not from anger or annoyance like she usually conjured from him. Though it was only a split second it was more than enough for him to feel….feel...something? He tried to focus on steering the horse and navigating the road but he couldn't shake that image out of his mind.
Focus man….focus!