Chapter 24

Hey guys thanks so much for all the reviews! I'm so happy to hear that so many people like this story! Sorry about the delay, I've had some serious writer's block with this chapter. I believe someone asked why Frida doesn't like Freyja.

A: Well, first off we have to remember that the characters are living in a society where the highest value is maintaining one's family honor, which also meant you would choose a spouse which would bring your family the most honor. Freyja comes from a lower social class than Frida, plus her blood family origins are unknown, which makes her suspicious in Frida's eyes. She is not suspicious in Agnarr's eyes however because her warden was a close friend and a known reputable and honorable man for many years. Hope this helps. :)

Please review and let me know what you think! Enjoy :)

Freyja's POV:

I swiped the sweat of my brow as I continued to yank weeds from the garden. The muggy August air was stifling and I stopped to sip from the water on a large ladle that Helga offered me.

"Freyja, why don't you take a break? You look tired."

"You know not having anything to work on drives me crazy Helga."

"Well, you can at least do something involving a little less exertion."

She handed me a small, light-weight, wicker basket.

"Mind going to the market and getting some apples for me?"

"Not at all. In truth, I could use a little break from all this weeding."

I stood up from my crouched position and stretched, cracking my neck.

Then taking the basket I headed towards the market, which was busy with late summer customers hurrying to get everything they needed before the cold of autumn and eventually winter set in. I hurried to the fruit stand and picked out the best looking apples that I could, searching for the signs that any of them had worms and finding none.

After I had paid for the fruit I was just about to head back when I heard a clang of metal and a grunt. I gazed up the street to see Agnarr with a sword and shield whacking his opponent and finishing him off, while several men stood around the pair, egging them on.

After the other man fell, Agnarr helped him up and they slapped each other on the shoulder with the most boyish grins you'd ever see on two grown men. What was it with males that they were willing to batter each other around one moment and be friends the next?

"Right! Who's next?" Agnarr called.

No one stepped up as the challenger, they'd probably all been beaten already.

"I'll give ten silver pieces to anyone who can defeat the chieftain here!" Arn, who was standing as one of the spectators, called.

Still no response.

It was then that Arn spotted me and jogged over.

"Freyja come!"

"What for?"

"You'll see."

Curiosity got the better of me as I allowed Arn to take my hand and lead me towards the group.

"Alright men, the stakes are raised. Anyone who can defeat the Jarl here, will not only get ten silver pieces but,a kiss from the Jarl's bride."

Murmurs erupted throughout the group, and several were nodding their heads and grinning.

I gazed over at Agnarr, who's jaw was set in a hard line and his eyes were fiery. I had a feeling that when it came to me, he wasn't going to be a very sharing man.

"What do you say Freyja?" Arn continued.

I gave a mischevous grin towards Agnarr before turning to them and saying "Yes."

A young man who looked to be about twenty with green eyes and red hair shuffled forward.

"Good luck" I wished him, before going and sitting on a crate to watch the battle.

"Let battle commence" Arn called, stepping out of the center of the circle and back into the crowd.

The two of them began circling each other like two hungry wolves, each narrowing their eyes at the other and trying to calculate where and when the other would strike.

The other man then suddenly leapt forward, striking first to the right. Agnarr easily blocked him and sent him stumbling back a few steps, where he only managed to catch his balance at the last second.

They continued like this for a few minutes, strike pull away, strike pull away, until the other man made a last ditch effort to strike Agnarr from the left.
They're swords clashed and Agnarr was able to pull him close, grab his wrist, and fling him to the ground, disarming him in an instant.

The other man threw his hands up in surrender, and Agnarr helped him up from the ground.

"Better luck next time" Agnarr slapped his shoulder. He then made his way over to me, a triumphant smirk on his face as he stuck the point of his sword in the ground and stood before me.

"Your champion has come to collect his reward my lady."

I stood up slowly, glancing at him for several seconds, before a grin broke out on my face and I started heading down the street.

"Where are you going?!"

"Home. Which is where you're gonna have to come to get that kiss of yours" I called over my shoulder. I heard the sound of footsteps hurrying after me down the dirt covered street.

When I began to make my way around Helga's house, back to the garden, Agnarr appeared, blocking my path.

Drops of sweat trickled down his forehead, and his breathing was slightly labored, probably from all the fighting he'd done this morning. A few large strands of hair had come loose from his braid during the fight, framing his face.

"You did that on purpose!" he exclaimed, pointing an accusing finger at me.

"Oh come on Agnarr, I wanted to see your jealous side. It's cute by the way."

"Never mind that. You owe me a kiss sweetheart. Pay up."

That's when my smile slightly faded and I glanced down, blushing.

"Actually, I've never kissed anyone before. I don't know what it's like."

Agnarr padded over to me and gently lifted my face with his hand.

"May I kiss you then?"

I nodded, and he lent closer, planting a warm and chaste kiss on my lips.

After he pulled back, all I could do was stare at him.

"I've been wanting to do that ever since I laid eyes on you."

No response, just more staring.

"Freyja?"

"Goodness your a good kisser" I breathed, before pulling him down into another one.