Vikings: Harsh Lesson

Chapter 10 of my Vikings story, enjoy.

Reviews

Veridissima: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it; yeah, it's pretty bad, even Lagertha's been caught now.
Wolgfirl2013: Thanks :)

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Vikings belongs to History channel.

Chapter 10

Aslaug remained huddled as close to the wall as possible. Rollo had taken her and the boys to what had once been the farm Ragnar had lived at, before becoming Earl. Despite the damage that had been done to it, damage which was never repaired or rebuilt, many buildings still, mostly, stood. She sat with Sigurd in her arms, Ubbe and Hvitserk sitting at her feet. They were waiting for Rollo to return with more food.

"I don't like it here Mother." Ubbe said suddenly. "It makes me nervous."

Aslaug smiled gently, smoothing his hair. Hvitserk looked around at their surroundings, his brow furrowed.

"Everything's all falling apart, what is this place?" He asked.

Aslaug explained. "This is where your father used to live, before he became Earl. Back then, it wasn't like this. It was attacked by the previous Earl and reduced to this. Since your father killed the previous Earl and took his place not long after that…It was never repaired or rebuilt."

The boys looked around in wonder now, realizing the history of the half-collapsed building they were sheltering in. Finally, Hvitserk broke the silence.

"I'm hungry."

Aslaug nodded gently. "Uncle Rollo will be back with more food soon; I'm sure of it."

Even as she said the words she heard the footsteps, so did the boys. But they all noticed that it wasn't Rollo's familiar heavy tread, but someone else entirely.

Aslaug stood with difficulty, holding Sigurd close and trying to shield Ubbe and Hvitserk. The footsteps were drawing closer and closer then suddenly they stopped; there was a short help and then sounds of a scuffle. Anxiously, Aslaug hurried to see what was happening, the boys right behind her.

They saw Rollo, he had seen the person approaching too and had ambushed him. They were struggling on the ground; finally Rollo had the man pinned, a sword at his neck. It was then everyone froze; for they recognized the man lying on the ground.

"Rollo, please, it's me." He gasped.

Rollo growled and shook his head, letting the man go and standing up. "Are you crazy, I could have killed you, priest."

Athelstan brushed himself off, sighing. "I am aware of that; I had to take the risk however."

"What are you doing here?" Aslaug asked at last. "I thought you were in Kattegat, when it fell to Jarl Alfgeir?"

Athelstan nodded. "I was; but it is now in his son's hands. His son isn't as careful as he is; I was able to get away…just. I came because I was looking for you all."

Rollo shared a look with Aslaug who nodded and finally they all headed inside, out of sight; Rollo retrieving the food he had gathered for them. Aslaug sincerely hoped that Athelstan's sudden appearance here would help them.

Once out of sight and seated with the others Athelstan explained.

"Our only hope to expel the invaders from Kattegat is for Ragnar to return." He paused and revealed. "I'm afraid Lagertha tried and failed, she is being held captive too."

That shocked both of them; yet there was worse news to come.

Athelstan continued. "I'm afraid however, if Ragnar tries to return, and goes to the harbour, he will fall into the trap that has been set. No boat nor man will survive it."

Rollo growled. "We have to find some other way then, we can't let Ragnar walk into this trap."

"I've thought of that; we need some means to head off Ragnar's ships, intercept them before they come to the harbour." Athelstan explained. "We need to find some way of getting a boat, once we have a boat, we'll have a chance to do so."

Aslaug shook her head. "That's a lot to hinge things on, where are we going to get a boat?"

It was then she saw Rollo smile; as if he knew just where to go. He beckoned them to follow him and they did, he led them away from Ragnar's farm; for some distance. Aslaug was worried about the boys tiring, but they didn't complain; in fact they seemed intent, hopeful even.

They soon got their answer when they arrived at Floki's house; for there, sure enough, was a boat. It was small enough that it would only require Athelstan and Rollo to make it move, yet large enough for it to hold them all. They immediately hurried forwards, seeing this as their one chance, their last hope.

Lagertha silently cursed. She had heard what had happened at Kattegat and sought to liberate it; only for this to happen. Now she was trapped in the dungeon of what had once been her home; forced to listen as her son was taken away for some kind of torture.

She knew it was Bjorn; her captor had all but rubbed her face in that fact. She also had heard about Porunn, the girl Bjorn loved, she was held captive too. The 'new Earl' had gloated several times to Bjorn about how he had bedded her; infuriating her son to no end.

'This man is a monster, without remorse, without mercy.' She thought to herself. 'He deserves nothing but death; but how…he's prepared for everything. He defeated me, repelled my armies; he has control here. He's even ensured that should Ragnar return, he'll be killed.'

She was jolted from her thoughts by the sounds of Bjorn being dragged back to his cell. She waited tensely until finally all was quite again. Despite the strain it put on the chains, particularly the one around her neck, she moved close to the wall that separated her from her son.

"Bjorn…" She said softly.

There was a pause before she heard his laboured reply. "Mother…you…"

She quickly spoke. "I'm alright, I'm more worried about you."

"I'll…survive. But mother, he, Porunn, I can't just…" Bjorn replied; fighting for breath.

"Bjorn, you have to stay calm." She told him; almost trying to reassure herself just as much. "We will get through this, all of us. I'm sure of it. We just need to stay strong."

Bjorn did not reply, but Lagertha did not doubt he had heard her and took her words to heart.

There was much talking, celebrating, cheering from those in the boats. They had acquired a good haul from their raids into the two villages they had found. Amongst the treasures was a unique golden drinking horn, with a carved dragon astride it. This was now in King Horik's hands.

Yet despite all the joy and happiness around him, Ragnar did not smile. He stood at the prow of his ship; looking into the distance. He couldn't shake the feeling that something very wrong was happening. He had a strange premonition that all was not well.

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