Vikings: Harsh Lesson

Chapter 6 of my Vikings story, enjoy.

Reviews

Wolfgirl2013: Thanks :)
Veridissima: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it; glad you liked those moments too. Yeah, it's pretty bad for her.

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Vikings belongs to History Channel

Chapter 6

Aslaug bit her lip; fretful as she cradled Sigurd. Thankfully he was still asleep; she gently moved a hand to her swollen belly, before looking around. She had taken the hidden exit and was now in the woods outside Kattegat, standing beneath a tree. From here she could see Kattegat itself and she noticed, with dismay that it was completely under control of the attackers.

'There is no doubt now; such efficiency in the attack…' She noted worriedly. 'It was Jarl Alfgeir without a doubt.'

She knew that anyone still in Kattegat was now at Alfgeir's mercy, as well as those he had with him. She pondered what she about the man, during the time she lived in Gotaland. She had met Alfgeir and his eldest son Hreinn once, that was enough for her. She could tell right away both were cold, dark, ruthless and cunning. Hreinn however had a streak of arrogance, tempered with impatience which could serve as a weakness if taken advantage of.

She hadn't met Steini, Alfgeir's younger son; but knew him to be as cold, ruthless and cunning as his father and brother; perhaps even more so, without his brother's impatience or arrogance. She shuddered as she thought about those men, in control of Kattegat; knowing all too well what they were capable of. Even Jarl Borg's enforced rule of Kattegat would seem tame compared to these men.

She continued to fear, in her current condition, there was nothing she could do to help Kattegat. She was pulled from her thoughts however when she heard voices calling out. For a moment she was afraid she had been found; but then the voices became distinct and she realized they were the voices of children. Children calling out for their mother, not only that, she recognized the voices. She almost cried in relief as she hurried as fast as she could towards the voices.

"Ubbe, Hvitserk!" She cried out as she finally saw the boys.

They turned, Hvitserk clutching his older brother's hand. They then smiled when they saw her and ran to her.

"Mother." Ubbe gasped as they reached her.

They both immediately embraced her; she did the same, as best she could, still holding Sigurd.

She smiled relieved. "Thank the Gods you are safe."

They nodded, Ubbe looked grave however. "Bjorn, he stayed behind; he…"

Aslaug nodded, understanding now what had happened. Bjorn had sacrificed himself to get her boys to safety. He was now no doubt held prisoner, at the mercy of Alfgeir; if he was still alive that was.

"What's happened, why were we attacked?" Hvitserk asked; looking back at Kattegat sadly.

Aslaug shook her head. "I'm sorry boys, this isn't the time. We need to move, we're still not safe here."

The boys nodded; both clearly upset and worried. Ubbe held out his arms.

"I'll hold Sigurd, mother." He said.

She smiled and gently passed Sigurd to his brother, then, taking Hvitserk's hand, she left the area, the boys staying with her, as they sought to find safety.

Aslaug wasn't sure how long they had been walking, but suddenly she heard the sound of more footsteps. She urged the boys to follow her quietly and they went to hide. Aslaug watched carefully, noticing the footsteps were getting closer. Suddenly the footsteps stopped; Aslaug tensed, had the figure seen them, despite their hiding. It soon turned out that was the case, but luckily, they weren't in danger from this person.

"Aslaug?"

The boys gasped and Aslaug turned sharply; but they then relaxed when they saw it was Rollo.

"Uncle Rollo!" Hvitserk cried, running to him and embracing him.

Rollo smiled lightly, but then looked confused at them. "What is going on, what are you doing here?"

Aslaug sighed sadly. "Kattegat's been attacked, by Jarl Alfgeir, just like we were warned. He's taken the town over and for all we know Bjorn has been taken prisoner…That is if he lives."

Rollo growled as he heard this. "Curse them; they must be made to pay for this."

He made to draw his weapon and start to walk away; but Aslaug caught his arm.

"No Rollo, don't…" She began.

He turned to her. "What, you have me leave this?"

"You cannot do anything alone; we need help." She explained. "We need to find help; if Ragnar returns; he'll fall into a trap himself."

Rollo growled but admitted she was right and so, making sure they were safe, he led them away.

Bjorn grunted in pain as he took another blow. He was once more in the 'arena' being forced to fight, while handicapped. The pain grew, he was given hardly any rest, only given a little food, most of it hard or not exactly fresh. Yet still despite everything he had survived, he had beaten all those put against him. He narrowly blocked another blow before delivering one of his own.

The blow struck forcefully, knocking the man to the ground, he did not get back up again. The 'arena' was covered in blood, as was Bjorn and those he had beaten. Finally, after the usual ritual of being given some meagre food, witnessing Alfgeir writing his notes and Hreinn watching him with a smirk; he was taken back to the dungeons. He was soon chained to the wall and left there.

He was left alone in the semi darkness; he had enough movement in his arms to eat the food. He did so, glaring darkly at the door. Not too long afterwards however the door opened again, Hreinn entered, grinning unsettlingly at him.

"Well, well, having a good time boy." He remarked. "I know I am, that girl, Porunn. Such a delight in bed."

Bjorn let out a roar of anger and tried to attack Hreinn; but the chains stopped him.

'He didn't, he can't have…oh Porunn, I'm sorry.' He thought frantically before he growled at his tormentor. "You'll pay for what you've done."

"How defensive, boy, she's a slave, she's fulfilling her purpose." Hreinn replied casually; with a cruel smirk on his face.

Bjorn continued to struggle but stopped, as did Hreinn stop his taunting, as Alfgeir entered the cell.

Despite his age the old man was clearly still a force to be reckoned with.

He glared at his son. "That will do Hreinn. I expect you to take your duties here seriously.

Hreinn bowed respectfully. "Yes father, I will keep control of Kattegat. Ragnar Lothbrok will not return, I promise that."

"Good; also, make sure you search for and find his wife and children…It will be necessary to deal with them." Alfgeir added. "I also expect Bjorn Ironside's…lesson to continue, take more notes."

Hreinn bowed again respectfully and they both left the cell, leaving Bjorn in the semi-darkness again. Following this and ensuring Hreinn understood his orders, Alfgeir took his own personal guard and left Kattegat, returning home.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.