Thank you, wonderful readers, for your wonderful reviews! I love getting feedback from you guys, so please, don't be shy!
Just a little side note before you read the chapter - as far as Viking surnames go, I did some research and have a general idea of how things went, but it might not be completely correct. So the surname Bjorn uses when introducing Signe to people in this chapter is basically the best I could come up with. If it's wrong...well, A for effort, right?
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I own nothing related to Vikings.
Chapter Six
"Signe, catch," Garik commanded.
Signe looked over in time to see her brother tossing her the end of a long string of rope. She caught it easily, then leaned down to tie the end tightly around a stake that Garik had already hammered into the ground, securing it with a firm knot. Satisfied the rope would not be going anywhere, she then moved on to tie the next one that would be holding up their tent.
They'd barely been there an hour, but already business was well under way. Bjorn and his mother had followed Earl Ragnar into the farmhouse a long while ago to begin discussing the best course of action to take against Jarl Borg, while Signe and the rest of the army from Hedeby had been hard at work setting up the camp they'd be staying in for the foreseeable future. The encampment was absolutely abuzz with chatter and activity, with many of the warriors around her anxious to know what would be happening now that they had arrived at the farmhouse – and equally anxious to finally meet the Earl they had come to help. As her comrades passed by lugging tools and supplies and, in some cases, caskets of ale, she heard Ragnar Lothbrok's name on nearly everyone's excited lips.
"When do you suppose they vill be done strategizing?" Gunnar asked as he stowed all of their belongings away underneath the cover of their tent. Apparently her comrades were not the only ones eager to meet the famous Earl Ragnar. Gunnar had been keeping a close watch on the farmhouse ever since Earl Ragnar had disappeared inside, waiting with barely concealed impatience for the meeting to end and for the man to come out and formally meet his new warriors. Every time he thought he heard the door to the farmhouse opening, his eyes would fly hopefully in that direction, only to be left feeling disappointed whenever it was just a farmhand or villager from Kattegat.
"Hopefully soon," Garik answered, also glancing toward the house. Signe was starting to think that they'd chosen a spot close to the house purely so they could keep an eye out for Earl Ragnar. "I am anxious to know vhat the plan is."
"And to meet the Earl," Signe added with a smirk as she finishing securing the last rope supporting their tent.
"Who here is not anxious to meet the great Ragnar Lothbrok?" Garik shot at her with raised brows. "That is the reason we all really came to fight, is it not?" Signe could only nod, knowing he made a good point. It wasn't the opportunity to fight Jarl Borg that had had the Hedeby warriors leaving their homes and their families behind to come fight in battle. No, it was the prospect of being able to fight side by side with a man as respected and renowned as Ragnar Lothbrok that had drawn them all to Kattegat.
At that precise moment, Hallsteinn reappeared with a mound of firewood tucked under his long, muscular arm. "This should last us through the night," he said as he dropped the wood onto the ground in front of the tent, eyes straying momentarily to the farmhouse. "Any word yet?" He asked, glancing toward Signe.
"None," she said with a shake of her head, starting to feel that same sense of impatience that she'd felt on the road. They'd set out to find Earl Ragnar and his people, and now they had. But they couldn't stay at the farmhouse and strategize forever. What was next? What was the plan to defeat Jarl Borg and reclaim Kattegat?
Quite suddenly, the door to the farmhouse opened and people began filing outside. All those set up closest to the house – Signe and her brothers included – stopped what they were doing to watch as Bjorn, Lagertha, Earl Ragnar, and several men that Signe did not know the names of stepped outside. It seemed that they had finally come to a decision as to how to proceed with the attack, if the near identical expressions of fierce determination etched onto their faces was anything to judge by.
The rest of the army quieted and ceased what they were doing as the group, led by Lagertha and Ragnar, came to stand at the front of the encampment. Signe looked at the Earl for a long few moments, then trailed her eyes over the men she could only assume were the remaining warriors of Kattegat, noting a fierce looking man with long, dark hair and dark beard, as well as a broad-shouldered, golden-haired warrior who stood taller than all of the rest. Her eyes found Bjorn last when he came to stand at his father's side, and, just as quickly, his gaze picked her out from the crowd. Bjorn flashed her a quick smile that she couldn't help but return.
"Warriors of Hedeby," Earl Ragnar stated loudly, as though making sure he had everyone's attention. And he most certainly did – there wasn't an eye in camp not trained on him with eagerness and expectation. "You have travelled long and far, and I know many of you are tired and wish to rest, so I will make this quick." He paused, then spoke again. "As you well know, Jarl Borg of Götaland has invaded my lands, killed my people, and threatened my own family. He sits in my hall at this very moment, feasting and drinking and celebrating his supposed triumph over me," Ragnar said, his voice a bit heated and his finger pointing in the general direction Kattegat was in. "But after tomorrow," he continued, a dangerous looking smirk pulling at his lips, "he will do so no more."
Earl Ragnar continued speaking, but Signe did not hear the words. Tomorrow. Tomorrow. Earl Ragnar planned to take his reinforcements and drive Jarl Borg out of his home tomorrow.
She had expected that they wouldn't wait too long before charging into Kattegat once they arrived, but she hadn't thought it would happen quite this soon. Signe gulped, feeling her throat go dry and her heart thump hard against her ribs as reality sunk in. This was now the eve of battle – true battle. Tomorrow all of the waiting and wondering would finally come to an end, and she would know exactly what it meant to be a shieldmaiden as she and comrades met Jarl Borg and his men on the battlefield. Glancing around, she wondered how many of the men around her would still be living once it was all said in done with. Then, thinking about the enemy that was not quite so far away anymore, she had to wonder how many men and woman she will have killed come this time tomorrow.
An elbow digging into her side snapped her back to the present. "Pay attention," Hallsteinn hissed with a disapproving glance, having noticed that his sister had become distracted during the Earl's speech. Signe flushed a bit, a little embarrassed at being caught lost in her own thoughts, then nodded and focused in on what Bjorn's father was saying.
" – no hope of attacking Jarl Borg in Kattegat, not while he is so comfortable there. So we must take away his resources, draw him out," Ragnar was explaining, making her ears perk with interest. "Tonight, when the hour is late and the village sleeps, I myself will take a small party and sneak into Kattegat. There we will burn the winter food supply." There was a quick murmur of understanding through the camp. "After we leave Kattegat, we will convene with the rest of you and await the arrival of Jarl Borg and his forces, for have no doubt that he will come after us," Ragnar stated matter-of-factly, before a smirk tugged at his lips. "I imagine he will be in for quite the shock once he realizes an entire army awaits him."
Slightly maniacal laughter floated through the camp, as well as through some of Ragnar's men. Ragnar himself looked rather giddy with the idea of surprising Jarl Borg with his reinforcements, but within moments, had wiped the threatening glee from his face in favor of a far more serious expression.
"You have all sacrificed much in coming to my aid," he continued, letting his gaze slide over the crowd of warriors. "None of you are obliged to fight in this battle and these lands are not yours to protect, yet all of you have selflessly left your homes and families behind and come to help ensure that my family and my people are safe." He paused, letting everyone see the gratitude in his bright, blue eyes. "I thank you, and I will forever be indebted to each and every one of you." Ragnar paused one more time, then said in conclusion, "Take today to rest and prepare. Tomorrow, my comrades…we go to war."
A cheer erupted from the warriors around her, accompanied by claps, stomps, and whistles as Ragnar finished his speech. Her brothers joined in, calling out excitedly and slapping each other – and herself – on the back, but Signe was still too stunned by the suddenness of it all to reciprocate.
When the commotion died down, everyone resumed what they had doing before Earl Ragnar had addressed them. While Lagertha disappeared into the crowd in search of the tent her guard had set up for her, several of the Kattegat warriors stepped forward to greet the men and women that had come from Hedeby and make them feel welcome – the allies shook hands and patted at each other on the backs as though they were merely old friends reuniting after a long time apart, not like the strangers that they actually were.
Signe finally recovered from her momentary shock when Bjorn suddenly appeared in front of her, smiling widely and looking happier than Signe could ever remember seeing him look before. No doubt the reunion with his father, as well as the fast-approaching battle, were the reasons for his high spirits. "Do you have a moment to spare?" He asked eagerly. "There is someone I vould very much like you to meet." And before she had the chance to even think about responding, Bjorn was grabbing her by the hand and pulling her forward, leaving her with no choice but to go with him.
It was good that Signe, like everyone else in her family, was fairly tall. Her long legs enabled her to keep up with Bjorn's long, determined strides as he swiftly led her back out of the camp. Signe could have asked where he was taking her, but there was honestly no need – it was quite obvious by the excitement radiating off of him that he was taking her to meet his father. She suddenly felt self-conscious of her appearance, mindful of the fact that her hair was a tangled mess and her skin covered with dirt and grime after days of travelling and sleeping on the ground. This was certainly not how she had envisioned herself looking whenever she imagined meeting Ragnar Lothbrok for the first time.
Her heart felt as though it had launched up into her throat as they finally came to halt near Bjorn's father, who was speaking with the golden-haired man she'd spotted earlier and another, lankier man with short, thinning, brown hair on top of his head and dark makeup smeared down his relatively clean-shaven cheeks. The three fell silent at the arrival of Signe and Bjorn and turned curious looks in their direction. Ragnar Lothbrok's blue, calculating eyes immediately swept her from head to toe and back up again, lingering on her and Bjorn's joined hands. She was suddenly overcome with the urge to pull her hand from Bjorn's grasp, unsure if Bjorn even realized he was still holding her hand in the first place and uncertain what to make of the expression she saw on his father's face because of it.
"Father, if you have a moment," Bjorn said politely, raising his brows. Signe glanced at the other two men, who were both looking her over with obvious curiosity, before focusing on Ragnar Lothbrok again.
"Of course," he said, before mumbling something to his companions under his breath that sent them on their way. Both, Signe noticed, sent one last look her way over their shoulders before walking off in the direction of the Hedeby camp. "And who might this be, my son?" Ragnar asked with interest once the three of them were alone, eyes sweeping over Signe once more.
"This," Bjorn said, releasing her hand so he could instead place a hand on her back, "is who I was speaking to you about earlier." Hearing that Bjorn had already managed to tell his father about her in the short amount of time since their reunion made her heart flutter a little. "Father, this is Signe Olegdóttir," he introduced with a proud smile. "Signe, this is my father, Earl Ragnar Lothbrok."
Instantly remembering that she had manners and that now would be the prime opportunity to use them, Signe gave a small, polite curtsey. It didn't quite have the same effect, seeing as she was wearing trousers instead of a dress, but it got the point across nonetheless. "It is an honor to finally make your acquaintance, Earl Ragnar," she said, feeling her cheeks flush with sudden bashfulness. "Bjorn has told me much about you over the years. I have looked forward to the day that I might finally meet you for myself."
"He has told you good things, I hope," Ragnar said, allowing a tiny, almost mischievous looking smirk to appear on the corner of his mouth. It was around that time that it dawned on Signe just how handsome Bjorn's father was. With Ragnar and Lady Lagertha – whose beauty, Signe thought, was almost equal to that of her mother's – for parents, it was no wonder Bjorn had grown to be as attractive as he was.
"Of course," she quickly confirmed, even though Bjorn had also told her plenty of bad things as well. Though it wasn't much of a secret anymore, he'd long ago confided in her about Ragnar's infidelity, as well as the fact that he'd impregnated another woman while still married to Bjorn's mother. Signe thought it wiser not to mention that, though, and continued on as though she knew nothing of it. "I have heard all about your adventures, both here on our shores as well as abroad. Bjorn speaks very highly of you."
Ragnar turned a smile on his eldest son, looking pleased. "I am glad to hear it," he said, obviously relieved to know that, in spite of everything that had happened in the past, Bjorn had not stopped caring for him, nor lost his sense of loyalty.
"Signe and her family have been very kind to me since mother and I came to live in Hedeby," Bjorn spoke up, offering Signe a fond smile. "She, her father, and her brothers welcomed me into their lives, and their homes, with open arms. They have been there for me in difficult times and have never treated me as anything less than their own flesh and blood. Without them, I vould have been lost." Bjorn stared down at her for another moment before looking to his father. "They are very dear and important to me, father. Signe most of all."
Ragnar's expression turned a little more serious as he gazed at his son for a long moment, letting those words process. Ragnar then shifted his bright blue eyes back over to Signe. Gone were any traces of mischievousness or humor – in its place was nothing but pure gratitude. "Well then, Signe Olegdóttir, it would seem that it is I who should be honored to make your acquaintance," he stated matter-of-factly. "I am grateful to you and your family for accepting Bjorn into your lives, and for taking care of him when I myself could not be there to do it. It could not have been easy for him, adjusting to his new life in Hedeby," he continued, shooting a quick glance toward Bjorn. "I am glad to know he did not have to face the hardship alone."
"It was no trouble, I assure you," Signe said, fighting down the blush threatening to rise in her cheeks. She had not expected Bjorn to speak so flatteringly of her and her family, nor for his father to be so receptive or so grateful. "Your son is a good, noble man." Signe flashed Bjorn a smile. "I am proud to call him my friend."
At that Ragnar blinked before looking back and forth between them for a few silent seconds, one eyebrow lifting just the slightest. If Signe wasn't mistaking his reaction, hearing her refer to Bjorn as merely her friend seemed to have thrown him off, as though he had assumed there was much more to their relationship than that. She could certainly understand how he might have come to that conclusion, what with all the hand-holding and the adamant way in which Bjorn kept singing her praises.
Signe, having grown a little uncomfortable with the whole thing, decided to change the subject. "I wish to express my sympathies for what Jarl Borg has put you and your people through," she said, using her most courteous, formal voice. "Knowing how dear both you and Kattegat are to Bjorn, I was very troubled to hear what had happened. I am relieved your family has remained unharmed through everything, however, and I hope very much we can return their home to them."
"Thank you for your kind words," Ragnar said, glancing between her and Bjorn one last time, the look in his eyes quite indecipherable. "Speaking of Jarl Borg," he continued, changing the subject. Ragnar crossed his arms over his broad chest and raised his eyebrows at Bjorn. "Have you made your decisions?"
Signe immediately frowned with uncertainty and looked up at Bjorn, a little confused as to what Ragnar meant by that question. Bjorn pressed his lips together, shot a look down at her from the corner of his eye, then nodded to his father. "Yes. I have chosen my friend Urich, and – " Bjorn hesitated for a split second, " – and Signe's brother, Hallsteinn."
Signe's spine stiffened and the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. Something about this whole exchange felt very ominous, and the added mention of her brother only intensified the feeling. "You have chosen Hallsteinn for what?" Signe asked warily, looking from Bjorn to Earl Ragnar, then back again. "Bjorn?," she persisted when he took too long to answer.
Bjorn, looking a mite bit guilty, opened his mouth to answer, but Ragnar beat him to the punch. "Bjorn will be going to Kattegat with me, to help burn the food supply," he explained. His gaze remained locked on Bjorn, watching him closely to gauge for any reactions. "I left it to him to decide who else would be accompanying us."
Signe jaw dropped as she swung wide eyes up at Bjorn, not sure she knew how to feel about this turn of events. On the one hand, it terrified her to know that Bjorn and Hallsteinn – because her brother would go with them, that she did not doubt for a second – would be going on a dangerous mission that could very well wind up with them dead. On the other, she was actually a little bit insulted that Bjorn hadn't asked her to go. Hallsteinn she could understand, but Urich? Urich was just some friend of Bjorn's from town who trained and hunted with him from time-to-time – why would Bjorn pick Urich over Signe?
"Signe – " Bjorn started to say, seeing the look on her face.
"The mission is very dangerous, Bjorn," Signe interrupted with a frown, momentarily forgetting that Ragnar Lothbrok was standing right there and could hear everything she was saying. "Have you even thought this through?," she asked demandingly. "What if you or Hallsteinn get hurt? What if you get killed?"
"We vill not be there for long," Bjorn hastily explained. "We are going to burn the food and then be gone, simple as that." Signe shot him a look in response – when it came to war, she doubted things were ever as 'simple as that'. "My father and Hallsteinn are fine warriors, and Urich and I know how to defend ourselves," Bjorn continued, still trying to convince her. "It will be fine."
Signe started to argue back, but the voice of Ragnar Lothbrok made the words catch in her throat. "Bjorn and I know Kattegat better than all of Jarl Borg's men combined," he said patiently, making her eyes turn to him. "Getting in and out should be no problem." Ragnar then smirked a bit, cocking one eyebrow in Signe's direction. "Do you not trust me to bring my own son back alive, Signe Olegdóttir?" He asked, his tone teetering between mocking and amused.
It was hard to tell if Bjorn's father was just giving her a hard time or if he was actually a little offended that she thought he'd let anything happen to his firstborn child. Either way, Signe instantly blushed, feeling embarrassed by her own outburst. "I – of course I do, Earl Ragnar – " she started to correct herself hastily.
"Good," Ragnar interjected before she could say anymore. Signe took that as her cue and pressed her lips together tightly, thinking it best if she just kept her mouth shut. "Now if you would excuse me, there is business to be seen to," he said, before directing his attention to Bjorn. "Tell your men the plan, then make whatever preparations necessary," he instructed. "We will depart for Kattegat at sundown."
Bjorn nodded in understanding. "Yes, father," he complied.
Ragnar's gaze turned to Signe. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Signe," he said, his tone nothing but cordial and polite now, "and I wish you luck on the battlefield tomorrow."
Signe pushed her embarrassment away long enough to offer another curtsey and bow of her head. "Thank you, Earl Ragnar. And may the Gods protect you and your men when you travel to Kattegat tonight."
Ragnar eyed her a moment longer, nodded his head respectfully, then, with one last glance at Bjorn, turned and strode off.
As soon as he was out of hearing range, Signe released a giant breath. Hearing her heave, Bjorn smirked and looked down at her as he crossed his arms over his chest. "I think he likes you," he said optimistically.
Signe immediately shot Bjorn a dark look in return, which had the smirk falling from his lips in a heartbeat. Then, without saying a word, she turned on her heel and strode back toward camp, now feeling irritated and annoyed on top of her lingering embarrassment. She heard Bjorn sigh behind her before he jogged to catch up, wrapping a large hand around her arm and pulling her to a halt. "Signe…"
Signe turned on Bjorn, pulling her arm from his grasp so she could plant her hands on her hips. "You could have warned me you were planning to join your father tonight," she snapped, keeping her voice low so that she would not make a scene. "And you most certainly could have told me you planned to drag my brother along as well."
Bjorn held his hands up in surrender. "I am sorry, Signe," he said, pleading her with his eyes not to be angry. "You are right – you should not have found out about it in that way. Forgive me."
Signe glared at him a little longer, then sighed heavily to herself and dug the heel of her palm into her forehead. "I should not have said those things in front of your father," she said with a morose shake of her head, letting her hand fall back to her side in defeat. "He must think me a blathering fool."
Bjorn smiled and shook his head. "I am certain he does not," he reassured her. Upon seeing the disbelieving look she sent up at him, he reached a hand out to place it on her shoulder. "I may not have been with him these past four years, but I know my father, Signe," he reminded her, hunching down a bit so they were more eye-level with each other. "Trust me when I say that the impression you have left on him is a good one."
She wasn't entirely sure that she believed him yet, but Signe supposed that time would only tell whether he was right or not. Deciding to just let the matter go for now, her thoughts quickly turned back to the mission Bjorn would be going on in only a few short hours, leaving her to frown unhappily. "You could have asked me to go tonight," Signe told him quietly, letting him so how dejected she felt because he hadn't. "Why take Urich over me, Bjorn? Have we not alvays said we would fight together?"
Bjorn dropped his hand from her shoulder with a sigh, looking guilty again. "We have," he conceded, shuffling on his feet a bit. "And I did consider asking you," he added quickly. When Signe raised her eyebrows at him expectantly, silently inquiring as to what had made him decide against it, Bjorn sighed again. "I just…" He paused, then tried again. "I did not want to put you in danger if I did not have to," he finally explained.
Signe quirked a brow, though the accusing look she directed at him wasn't quite as potent as it normally would have been. "You said it would not be dangerous," she reminded him, recalling the words he'd said barely five minutes ago.
"I did not want to chance it," Bjorn countered without missing a beat. He took a step closer, eyes serious as they bored into hers. "If it is dangerous, if something does go wrong…" Bjorn trailed off and shook his head, looking determined now. "I did not want to needlessly put your life at risk. You are far too important to me, Signe."
Signe could have reminded him that they were going to battle in a day and that she'd be putting her life at risk anyway. She also could have said something about the fact that she wasn't overly thrilled that he had chosen to put her brother's life at risk instead. But the look in his eyes and his fierce protectiveness made the words die in her throat and the defiance slip out of her bones. It was hard to argue with him on the matter when he was only trying to protect her.
With a shake of her head, she finally admitted defeat. "Alright," Signe said, though not without some reluctance. "But you will be careful tonight," she added sternly, crossing her arms over her chest. "And you will make sure that you and Hallsteinn both come back unharmed, or I shall kill you myself," Signe threatened.
Bjorn's face relaxed into a relieved expression, his lips tugging into a smile. "I will," he promised, before reaching out to give her shoulder a quick squeeze. "Thank you for understanding." Signe nodded once in response. "I should talk to Hallsteinn and Urich now," Bjorn said, releasing her shoulder to motion in the direction of camp.
Signe nodded again. "Go on, then," she dismissed, making no move to follow him. "I will be along in a moment." Bjorn nodded, hesitated for a lingering second, then turned and started in the direction of camp.
With a heavy, almost weary sigh to herself, Signe stared at Bjorn's retreating back before running a hand over her face. She did not like the fact that Bjorn had been chosen to go to Kattegat with Earl Ragnar, nor did she like that Hallsteinn would be going as well – they could try to convince her all the wanted, but four men sneaking into an enemy-filled village was mad, if not borderline suicidal. Yet as much as it worried her – and it did, a lot – she knew it was not her place to tell Bjorn and Hallsteinn what they could or could not do, especially if they were acting under orders from Earl Ragnar. As much as she didn't want to, she would just have to let them go and trust that they would protect each other while they away.
Signe was finally pulled from her thoughts when the feeling of being watched crept up on her. Frowning to herself, she let her eyes slide over those around her until her gaze suddenly met someone else's. It was the tall blonde that had been conversing with Earl Ragnar when Bjorn had taken her to meet him. He was still with his lanky companion and the two were standing around with a few of the Hedeby warriors about thirty yards away, but he seemed to be paying more attention to her than he was to whatever conversation was taking place around him.
She expected he might turn his eyes away once he realized he'd been caught, but he didn't. Instead, he steadily met her stare, his bearded face set in an impassive expression as their gazes held. Finally, when she started to feel a little unnerved, Signe forced her eyes away from his and turned to follow after Bjorn. When she chanced one last look at the blonde over her shoulder, he had returned his attention to his companions and rejoined their conversation.
The rest of the day was a blur of activity. Between helping Bjorn and her brother get ready for their trip to Kattegat, making sure all of her brothers were decently fed, and helping out with various chores around camp, Signe remained so busy that by the time she was able to finally settle down and breathe, the sun was going down. It was then that Earl Ragnar, Bjorn, Hallsteinn, and Bjorn's friend Urich departed for Kattegat by horseback, though not without Signe making Bjorn and Hallsteinn both promise to come back uninjured and then hugging them for several minutes each.
The plan for the rest of the warriors was to mobilize a few hours after nightfall and proceed to a densely-wooded forest about halfway between Kattegat and the farmhouse to await the group's return. So with the short time left until departure, Signe found herself a large rock to sit on some ways away from camp, seeking quiet and solitude after not having any for nearly a week. While men shouted and laughed in the camp, eager for the battle they would soon be fighting, she sat in silence and methodically ran a wet rock along the edge of her axe's blade. From her perch she was able to see the road the small party had disappeared down some time ago, and with a heavy sigh she lifted her gaze from her axe to peer down said road, even though she knew she would not see anybody there. She was worried, just as she knew she would be. And no matter how hard she tried not to, she couldn't seem to stop her mind from flooding with images of all the horrible things that might happen to them should they be caught. They'd all be tortured and mutilated if Jarl Borg's men got them, then they'd surely all be killed.
Signe frowned at her own depressing train of thought, then valiantly pushed it away. The mission was dangerous, yes, but the men that had gone were good fighters. They would carry out their task and burn the food supply, then reconvene with the rest of the soldiers and wait for Jarl Borg to come charging after them, just as they had planned. They would be fine – Hallsteinn and Bjorn would be fine.
"You present an easy target sitting out in the open like this," a male voice suddenly spoke up behind her.
Signe jumped in surprise at the unexpected arrival and turned her head to see who had just spoken to her. Though it was hard to see with only the light of the moon to see by, she he recognized the tall man with his shoulder length golden hair and the thick beard covering the lower half of his face. It was the man from earlier, the one who had been speaking with Ragnar and whom she'd caught watching her after her talk with Bjorn. Signe watched him approach in slightly wary silence, allowing her eyes to trail over his form in a quick once over. Up close he was much taller and broader than she had originally gathered, his height and size rivalling that of her brothers. He wore an expensive looking cloak made of red cloth and what looked like a wolf pelt around his broad shoulders and armor underneath it, but she could still tell that he was fit man. No doubt from years of fighting and training in battle.
He came to a halt a little ways away from her, eyeing her with curiosity. When she said nothing, he tilted his head a bit. "Is there a reason you are out here alone?"
Signe sat up a bit straighter and cocked a brow at him. "Perhaps…" she answered vaguely, a bit on her guard. He wasn't give off a threatening or unfriendly vibe, but that didn't change the fact that they were rather far away from camp, it was dark, and she was very much alone with a man she didn't know – it was better to be safe than sorry. "Is there a reason you are out here alone?," Signe then countered knowingly, pinning him with a pointed stare.
If he was surprised or taken aback by her directness, he didn't show it. He merely smirked and shrugged an aloof shoulder. "Perhaps," he said, echoing her previous answer.
A silence passed between them, where he continued to smirk at her and where Signe watched him with slightly suspicious eyes. The moment was only broken when a large, resounding CRASH sounded in the nearby encampment, followed by a loud chorus of laughter. Signe and the golden-haired man both turned to see that one of the drunken Hedeby warriors had crashed into his comrade's tent and was now trying to thrash his way free of the tarp concealing him from sight. Signe heaved and shook her head, turning her eyes away from the commotion to look back into the amused eyes of the Kattegat warrior.
"If you truly want to know, that is that reason I am out here alone," she told him, shooting a pointed glance toward camp. "I wanted to get away from all that racket."
The golden-haired man followed her gaze, turning his head to look at the camp just as the drunken man finally freed himself from the tent. He was received by a round of jeers and laugher before passed another horn full of ale. "Not fond of loud, drunken men?" The golden-haired warrior asked, turning his attention back to her.
She had to laugh a bit at that, instantly recalling nights where Bjorn and her brothers had gotten themselves absolutely stinking drunk and it had been up to Signe alone to care for them. "Oh no, I can handle loud, drunken men just fine," she told him matter-of-factly, earning herself an interested quirk of his eyebrow in return. "But on the eve of battle, I would much prefer peace and quiet so I can sort my own thoughts." Signe frowned and glanced toward camp again. "By the looks of it, most people seem to have forgotten what we have come here for in the first place," she added, eyeing a group of men chugging down ale with a hint of distaste.
"Trust me, they remember," the man said with a quick raise of his brows. "Everyone just has their own way of preparing themselves for battle, I suppose. Some like to drink and make noise…," he said, trailing off at the end.
"And others like the quiet so the Gods may actually hear them when they speak," Signe finished. "Hence me being here and not there."
The man bobbed his eyebrows, giving a small nod. "Yes, I imagine it would be difficult for the Gods to hear you over – as you said – that racket," he agreed.
Signe smiled smile a bit in response. "And which do you prefer?," she found herself asking. "The noise or the quiet?"
The man thought about it, then shrugged, making the pelt on his shoulders shift a bit. "I do not mind either," he admitted. "Though I generally prefer to drink and make noise after the fight has been won," he added with a smirk.
It was then that Signe realized she had begun to relax at some point in the past few minutes, that she wasn't feeling nearly as cautious of the man as she had earlier. She had always prided herself on her ability to read people and their intentions, good or bad, and right now she was not feeling threatened by the golden-haired warrior in any way. He was not acting oddly, nor giving off any unfriendly vibes; he hadn't even come within five feet of her, as though he was actively trying to avoid invading her personal space. So far, it seemed like he wanted nothing from her but conversation.
Signe decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. One wrong move, however, and she vowed she'd make him regret it. The freshly-sharpened axe currently resting in her lap would come in very handy, if that ended up being the case. "My name is Signe," she introduced.
The man inclined his head respectfully. "I am Torstein," he reciprocated.
It surprised her immensely when the name actually rang a bell. Instantly she thought back to all of Bjorn's stories about life in Kattegat, of hunting and fishing and training in weapons with his father and his father's friends. She could remember him mentioning a man named Torstein on one or two occasions – if memory served her correct, he was one of Ragnar Lothbrok's most loyal subjects, as well as one of his very closest friends.
"I have heard your name before," Signe said with a nod, a lot less wary and a little more interested in the Kattegat warrior. "Bjorn has told me about you."
Torstein's eyebrows jumped up in surprise. "Oh, he has?," he asked interestedly, before moving to sit on a nearby tree-stump and settle in for the conversation. "What has he said then?," Torstein then pried with a smirk, looking curious and amused at the same time as he rested his elbows on his knees.
Signe took a moment to try to remember what Bjorn had said about Torstein in the past. From what she could recollect, Bjorn had never painted Torstein in a bad light, nor said anything ill of him. Most of the times he had mentioned the man had been when telling of something that he had done with Ragnar around Kattegat, or about his involvement with the raids to the west. "Nothing bad, from what I can remember," she said, which seemed to please him. "He did not speak badly of any of his father's friends, actually. In fact, he spoke with great fondness."
"I am glad to hear it," Torstein said, smiling approvingly. "I always liked Bjorn. He has a good heart and a fighter's spirit," he went on to say, giving a firm, admiring nod. "It was a sad day for everyone when he and Lagertha left. It makes me glad that they have returned."
Signe gave a small nod. "I know Bjorn is happy to be home," she said. "He rarely ever said it aloud, but I know he missed this place – and his father."
Torstein didn't respond for a moment, instead choosing to eye her a few silent, thoughtful seconds. "You and Bjorn seem close," he observed, her tone and expression perfectly neutral. "I hardly saw you two apart today."
Part of her was curious to know why he'd been keeping an eye out for them in the first place, but she didn't voice it aloud. Instead, Signe nodded her head and said, "We met soon after he came to Hedeby and instantly became friends. Now he is my closest friend in the world, practically family." Of course, the truth was that her feelings for Bjorn ran much deeper than that. But there was no way she was going to reveal that to a man she'd met only minutes ago. "I vould do anything for Bjorn," Signe said matter-of-factly, "even leave my home behind and travel countless miles to fight side-by-side with him in a battle to reclaim his home," she added, motioning to their surroundings for emphasis.
Though the look on his face was a bit hard to read, she thought he seemed pleased enough with her response. "It seems Bjorn is lucky to have you as a friend, then," Torstein said, inclining his head to her respectfully.
Talking about Bjorn made her quickly remember what she'd been fretting about before Torstein had come alone. Their easy conversation had distracted her from her concern for a short while, but now, as she remembered just where Bjorn was, what he was doing, and who was with him, apprehension and fear started to seize her again. Since they had gone on horseback, it was likely that Earl Ragnar's party had reached Kattegat by now – or, at the very least, were close. That meant that the four of them would soon be facing off against a town full of soldiers, if they weren't already. Signe frowned back out at the road again, the very thought of Bjorn and Hallsteinn out there putting their lives a risk while she sat helplessly by making her heart feel as though it had turned to lead.
"He will be fine," Torstein suddenly said, catching her by surprise with how easily he'd been able to read her. When she looked back to him, he was giving her a reassuring, albeit slightly knowing, look. "Ragnar is the finest warrior I have ever had the privilege of fighting with – he will not allow anything to happen to Bjorn, I promise you that."
Signe held his gaze for a moment, then sighed. "It is not only Bjorn that I worry for," she admitted. "My brother, Hallsteinn, went with them, too."
"Oh," Torstein said, blinking with surprise, "I did not know." He paused as though remembering something. "I spoke with him earlier, before they left for Kattegat," he revealed. "He seemed a decent fellow. A bit…" Torstein struggled with the right word for a second, "…eager to prove himself," he finally said, "but decent enough."
Signe sighed again and shook her head, knowing that Torstein was putting it pretty mildly. Being chosen to go on a mission with Ragnar Lothbrok was practically a dream come true for Hallsteinn. He'd spent most of the afternoon chomping at the bit to get to Kattegat and start swinging his axe at anything that moved, eager to prove himself in front of his idol. "And that eagerness is exactly what worries me," she admitted. "Do not misunderstand me – my brother is a very good fighter," Signe made sure to point out. "But I fear that he will be so intent on trying to impress Earl Ragnar that he will forget himself and get hurt…or worse."
Torstein seemed to understand Signe's worry. "If your brother is as good a fighter as you say he is, then there should be nothing to fear," he said reassuringly.
"That is what I hope," Signe sighed, glancing to the road again and sending out yet another silent prayer to the Gods to protect the small band of warriors.
At that moment, a voice rose above the rest of the noise taking place in camp, catching both Signe's and Torstein's attention. When Signe looked in the direction of camp, she saw that one of Lady Lagertha's personal guards had made himself taller by standing on a barrel and was currently shouting instructions to those around him with a serious look on his face. Because of the distance separating her from camp, Signe could not quite hear what was being said, but she heard enough to be able to figure out the rest – it would soon be time to leave and they needed to start preparing for it.
"It is almost time," Torstein commented, voicing Signe's thoughts aloud. When they looked back to each other, he raised his eyebrows and nodded in the direction of camp, where everyone had now ceased drinking and had begun preparing for their departure. "You should go prepare. There will not be much more time to do so."
Signe tensed and gulped a bit, her heart lurching at the thought. Torstein's suggestion was yet another reminder that the battle would soon be upon them – she could practically see it looming out in the distance now, like some deadly monster waiting to devour them all. Though the confident warrior in her thrilled at the idea of going headfirst into battle, the inexperienced, untested young woman within felt a shiver of fear - fear of the unknown and fear of the endless possible outcomes of tomorrow's war. But that was normal, wasn't it? Hadn't it been Lady Lagertha who said everyone felt nervous and afraid the first time they raided or went to battle, that she herself had been scared? If a shieldmaiden such as her had been frightened, then certainly it was alright for Signe to feel a little frightened as well.
"I know that fear in your eyes," Torstein suddenly said, making her gaze fly back to his. His eyebrows had furrowed together as he studiously eyes her. "You have never fought in battle before, have you?," he asked, surprising her once again by his ability to correctly decipher the emotions on her face and in her eyes.
Signe hesitated, then slowly shook her head. "No, I have not." Signe held Torstein's gaze, trying and failing to hide the apprehension and uncertainty she was feeling. "Do you think my fear makes me a fool?"
"No," he answered, and she could tell by the way he said it that it was the truth. "On the contrary, I would think you a fool if you were not afraid."
Signe didn't know why, but hearing him say that made her feel better. After flashing him a small, grateful smile, she sucked in a deep breath, stood from the large rock she'd been perched on, and began collecting her things, intending to do as Torstein had suggested and make any last minute preparations before it was time to leave. She paused before leaving, however, and turned a curious look on Torstein. "You never did reveal your reason for coming out here tonight," she reminded him, lifting a brow. "I told you mine – tis only fair if you do the same."
Torstein's stare was surprisingly serious considering how light and friendly their conversation had been and left her with a bit of an ominous feeling, leaving her to wonder if she should have thought twice about asking. "I came out here to talk to you," Torstein answered bluntly, making her blink in surprise. "My loyalty has, and always will, lie with Ragnar Lothbrok," he proceeded to explain. "Not only because he is my Earl, but because he is also one of my very closest friends. When I swore my allegiance to him, I made a promise that I vould do everything in my power to see that he and his family remain protected, Bjorn included. Now that he has returned, it is my intention to see the promise I made is kept." Torstein paused for a moment. "I will protect my Earl's son, no matter what or who it is that he needs protecting from," he stated with authority, eyes boring into hers meaningfully.
Torstein didn't have to say it out loud for Signe to understand exactly what he was silently trying to convey to her. "You vanted to determine for yourself whether I am trustworthy or not," she said knowingly, to which Torstein nodded once in confirmation. Part of her wondered if he was being just the slightest bit excessive, but, at the same time, she had to give Torstein credit for his loyalty – if nothing else, at least this explained why he'd been keeping an eye on she and Bjorn. "And?," Signe asked, raising her brows. "Have you come to a decision?"
Torstein smirked now, which she took as a good sign. "You seem harmless enough…," he said with a shrug of his shoulder. "…as of yet, anyway," he added, one eyebrow lifting unthreateningly. "There is plenty of time for you to prove me wrong."
Since she could tell he was only being half serious, the corner of Signe's mouth lifted into an amused smirk. "Let us hope I do not prove you wrong then," she said, which made his smirk widen. He might have made a bit of an odd first impression, but, after talking with him, he actually didn't seem like a bad fellow – given time, she just might come to like Torstein. If he truly was as loyal and as skilled a fighter as Bjorn had made him out to be, he might not be a bad ally to have on her side. "I wish you luck on the battlefield tomorrow, Torstein. And may the Gods protect you," she told him courteously, bowing her head a bit.
"And you as well, Signe," he said in return, returning her respectful nod. "Perhaps we might find ourselves fighting beside one another during battle," he added as an afterthought.
Signe flashed a smile. "Perhaps we will," she agreed. And with that being said, Signe turned and started back up the trodden path leading to the camp so that she could rejoin her the twins and get ready to move out. She felt Torstein's eyes on her back as she went, but did not turn around to look at him again. Something told her this would not be the last time she saw the man named Torstein, nor the last time that they spoke to one another.
Finally! Torstein and Signe meet! It might not be much yet, but there will be a lot more interaction between them in the next few chapters. What do we think so far, though? And what do we think of her first meeting with Ragnar?
Get ready for the next chapter! It'll be the big fight with Jarl Borg!