Vikings: Harsh Lesson
Chapter 5 of my Vikings story, enjoy.
Reviews
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks :)
Veridissima: Thanks; glad you enjoyed it; well, actually it isn't destroyed, merely damaged slightly. After all, they intend to occupy Kattegat.
Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: Vikings belongs to the History Channel.
Chapter 5
Bjorn growled as he tugged at the chains which held his arms above his head. He could believe how rapidly things had fallen out of control; all thanks to a traitors actions. Now he was held captive in his own home, trapped in the dungeons, worse, he knew Porunn was left to mercy of Hreinn. He could see easily what that man intended and he was powerless to stop him.
'The only consolation is that the traitor got what he deserved.' He thought to himself bitterly. 'Yet for Jarl Alfgeir to do that; this man truly is as dangerous as they say.'
A strange chill ran down Bjorn's spine; something that unsettled him. It was fear; he hadn't felt fear since he had been a child. But Jarl Alfgeir was unlike anyone he had faced before. He was pulled out of his ruminating by the door opening and Jarl Alfgeir himself stepping in. The man was observing Bjorn with a strange, clinical expression; he walked completely in a circle around Bjorn, observing everything, every muscle.
Finally he stopped, directly in front of Bjorn, looking him directly in the face.
"You certainly have strength; I hope it will be enough for my plans." He remarked. "This will make a remarkable learning experience."
Bjorn glared. "What are you talking about; how can torture allow you to learn anything?"
Alfgeir shook his head; making it clear Bjorn got it wrong.
Alfgeir stepped back slightly and smiled.
"Ah dear boy, torture is just the beginning. You see, I have a remarkable fascination, young man, with pain. I want to understand pain; can it be…measured, does differing ages, races, gender…builds, affect an individual's reaction to pain." Alfgeir stated, his eyes shining with glee. "But torture, is but the first step; I have already tortured a good number of people, I have learned plenty. I now want to learn something new."
With that Jarl Alfgeir signalled to men outside who approached and Bjorn was taken down from the chains. However chains were used to then manacle his wrists and ankles; he was then led out of the dungeon, behind Alfgeir.
"I have a test for you; Bjorn Ironside." Alfgeir stated as they walked. "Depending on how you do, you may even earn a few rewards…such as food."
Bjorn glared, understanding all too well what Alfgeir meant by that.
'So I am to be starved, unless I do what he wishes…What could it be; why is he plotting?' He wondered to himself.
Alfgeir was smiling lightly; already fascinated, as he was prepared to finally acquire new information for his fascination. It did not take them long to arrive at their destination; the great hall of Kattegat. Bjorn was shocked by this; before he found himself being thrown to the ground.
He pushed himself back to his feet, with some difficulty as he was still chained up. He found he was standing in the middle of a circle of Alfgeir's men; Hreinn was sitting on Ragnar's throne, Alfgeir didn't seem to mind. In fact he sat at a lower level, with a table in front of him.
It was them, with a jolt; that Bjorn realized that, surprisingly, Alfgeir could read and write; a quill and sheets of parchment were positioned before him along with other writing implements. He was sitting, quill poised, ready to start writing as he watched Bjorn.
Bjorn felt rather unsettled by the man's gaze; but he turned to face Hreinn as the man smirked.
"I see you are ready; well, it's time for my father's little test. He's no doubt told you, if you do well, you'll get to eat." Hreinn remarked. "So be it; we shall start; as much as I'll enjoy this, I think I'll enjoy what's waiting for me in my bed more."
Bjorn glared. "You will not hurt Porunn."
Hreinn laughed. "Oh, is that her name, thank you. Now, let's begin."
It was then things became clear to Bjorn as a large, muscular man emerged from the crowd surrounding him. He wasn't chained and was therefore uninhibited; worse still; he looked like he enjoyed inflicting pain. Bjorn could hardly get his arms up to defend himself as the man attacked.
The punch caught his jaw and sent him reeling back. He was caught by those behind him and pushed back into the arena. He was being forced to fight, without weapons or any protection, while chained up. He grit his teeth and prepared to fight.
He gave it his best effort, but being handicapped as he was, made it harder than he ever thought. He was badly beaten by the massive thug; although he had managed to get several good blows in. He took yet another blow and staggered slightly; he shook his head and spat a mouthful of blood.
He could see Alfgeir, sitting at his table, writing feverishly; his eyes practically gleaming as he observed all of Bjorn's pain. But Bjorn had had enough; glaring he waited until the thug tried to attack again. He then caught the man's arms and swept his legs out from under him. The man fell to the ground and Bjorn used his knee to pin him by the throat as he used his chained fists to beat the man's face again and again until finally he was dead.
Fighting to catch his breath, Bjorn stood again, glaring at Hreinn and Alfgeir. Alfgeir however smiled.
"Excellent." He remarked, breathlessly. "This is excellent; well Hreinn, as we agreed with him?"
Hreinn nodded and smirked; throwing something at Bjorn. "Here, you earned it."
Bjorn caught the food he was thrown, a lump of hard bread.
"You want more; you'll have to do more." Hreinn taunted.
Bjorn growled but said nothing, he might have guessed. He bit back any complaints however; ignoring the pain as best as possible as he was dragged back to the dungeons. Satisfied with this, Alfgeir, Hreinn and their warriors removed the body and began to retire for the night.
Hreinn smirked as he made his way to the Earl's chambers; already savouring what was to come. He had enjoyed the show that Bjorn had put on for them and of course there was more to come. Finally he entered the Earl's chambers and grinned; his men had followed their orders well.
The girl he had chosen, now he knew her name was Porunn. They had managed to relieve her over her clothing, just as he wished, and had successfully chained her to the bed. She was now helpless; but that didn't stop her struggling and glaring at him. He laughed and approached her.
"Stay away!" She snarled.
He simply laughed and began to undress. "Now dear Porunn; that won't do at all; you are mine now and you will address me properly."
She was shocked that he knew her name. "What, you…Never, I…"
She was cut off by him climbing on top of her, forcibly claiming her mouth with his own. She struggled but he was stronger than she thought.
He pulled back and grinned. "You are certainly the kind of women men dream of; I can hardly wait to satisfy myself."
Porunn froze; fear gripping her; she knew what he meant. "No…"
He simply laughed and prepared to claim her; despite her protests.
End of chapter, things are getting more intense now, read and review please.