Spoiler ahead! Some scenes are from Assassins Creed Valhalla.

Leaving Valhalla (part 1)

She did not miss the threatening glare of the man- Gorm, was his name- with one eye and scars along his face, walking with his tail between his legs. A man banished from a place that he called home. Due to his fathers ruthlessness and arrogance, the son was stripped of everything. No title. No land. No home. Kaya felt nothing but distaste within her emotions. A fathers sin rubs off to the son like a flea to a dog. Those who serve the order were nothing more then walking targets.

The very same who placed the rope around her parents necks.

Kaya turned away in frustration. Leaving nothing but a cold glare to rub off on the pitiful man. Let him walk free, Basim will say. Let him lead us to where the others hide. Kaya knew it was best to wait for the opportunity to strike. Something Eivor could learn as the time comes. Kaya was now his mentor; a teacher that lurks in the shadows.

Showing such emotions could render the mentor useless. Be the teacher. Your apprentice shall succeed in your teachings. For that moment, Kaya could almost hear mentor Ishmael's gruff voice from behind her. If only she could be by his side instead of this place filled with uncertainty. Her mind becoming more her enemy each passing day.

The black wolf stares at her with his icy blue eyes.

"King Harald, may I speak." A familiar deep voice spoke from the sides. Sigurd and Eivor looked to Styrbjorn, who stood before the king. A man who was once held high with power and arrogance of that of a king, had resulted into a tired and older man that had once been glorious in battle. Kaya raised a brow as she felt a cold chill run through her spine. Her thoughts cleaning itself from the heavy fog that blinded her.

Another spectacle before the king. Would he show loyalty and bow before the word of peace or would a tired king continue to thrive before his land is taken? One by one, they fall. One by one, they bow to their knees.

Sigurd was feeling distress deep within his bones the moment his father spoke. Something heavy was weighing in on his shoulders that once it was spoken, could not be erased. Eivor looked to his brother with concern, but there was nothing he could do. There was always animosity between he and Styrbjorn. It was as if the king found Eivor a raging storm of darkness. He, himself, lost in his own thoughts.

The black wolf stares at Eivor with the same eyes. Standing beside Kaya in a protective manner and one of loyalty.

"The floor is yours, King Styrbjorn." King Harald said. The more loyal subjects, the easier talks of peace become. A certain few will resist. Which one will Styrbjorn be?

There was a heavy cloud that lingered in the longhouse. People were tired of the wars between each other. The killing of brothers and sisters for a purpose possibly long gone. An unrest that has lingered in the bones of many young and old. Kaya has seen the look within the gaze of war torn eyes. She herself had seen it within herself and the long nights of burying comrades and friends. She could see the dirt and blood on her hands when she dug the graves for her mother and father.

Then, the look of prosperity within King Harald was like that of a fool who believed that he could change the future. Men like him become something worse and lead his people astray. Peace is something that is not made within a day.

He brings hopes and dreams, but would they still follow?

"My people have held our land since Odin himself walked among us. My kingdom is humble, but we have paid for it in blood. Our victory over Kjotve is Our victory over Kjotve is proof that we will not lay down without a fight. All here have buried friends, brothers and sisters… sons and daughters. And I for one have had my fill of death." He spoke in a noble manner. Sending emotions of sorrow into everyone's hearts. The bloodshed of war and fighting amongst the clans have forever scarred the lands of Norway into blood. Brother against brother. Fathers burying their daughters. Mother's fighting for their children. It all seemed so vital to strike where the emotions where the strongest.

Kaya looked to the side and could see the discomfort within Sigurd. He not knowing what his father was leading at, but there was a clue. Something within his speech hinted at it. The disappointment was already within his gaze that Kaya did not want to be around when the fall out happened.

Still, Styrbjorn continued on his speech, "Let those who seek war look beyond our shores. If king Harald brings peace, than I am happy to bend my knee to him."

Kaya's eyes went wide for a moment. She expected an outcome to happen, but not one such as this. Sigurd let out a loud 'what' that seemed to have echoed throughout the long house. Eivor himself was uttered speechless at this scene. No one knew what was going through the older man's mind.

Kaya took a step, but stopped herself. This was not her fight. This was not hers. She should not get between the affairs of a fallen kingdom. She had her mission. She had her task. She was sent to eliminate the invisible threat that none could see. Something ancient. Something more dangerous.

"What in Hel's name are you doing, father?" Sigurd took an aggressive step towards his father who stood straight and tall. Eivor followed closely behind, while Kaya kept her firm hold to the side. Watching in disdain at the matter between father and son.

"Securing a lasting peace, Sigurd. Our days of fighting are finished." Styrbjorn sounded like a tired old king who has already giving up. He was pleading with his eyes to his son that he should do the same and bow to a new king. Put away pride and bow before a mighty man who promises peace. Promises something unreachable.

"You said nothing of this to me, not a word! And I will not yield a title that should be mine by right." Sigurd had every right to be angered. To feel humiliated that his title and land would be given away so easily without his consent.

"The war will continue. Men will die, villages will burn, you foolish boy! This is our only way towards true peace!" Styrbjorn was pleading so with Sigurd. Son, please put away your pride! A hood king knows when to step down and lead his people.

"You will die a thrall, you drink-addled cow! Alone and toothless in a bed of straw!" Sigurd wasn't going to yield as his status was being torn from him. His whole life, he was told that by blood that the throne was his. Every painstaking burden was put upon him since young, only to have it taken.

Kaya did not bare the burden of watching anymore. What should have been an occasion of drink and merriment had become something of disdain and sorrow. She turned her back to the crowd and did not follow Sigurd to put aid into his thoughts. A prince without a title was nothing more then a man without land. His anger would settle once the morning dawn had come upon the land, but for now, Kaya sought it best to wait for her newly appointed apprentice to appear beside her.

The following morning, there was heaviness in the air. Kaya felt the need to walk to the longhouse and figure something out. She was not sure of what it was, but there was this strange feeling that she needed to go. Putting her boots on, she stood from the chair that was facing Hytham's bed. The young man looked to his friend with question, but he kept his words to himself. After finding out that she was to be Eivor's mentor, there was confusion. Hytham wanted to know many things as Basim had not said anything to him about the matter, but once Kaya walked in his room in the night, she told him of the affairs that had happened.

Hytham was drowsy from the medicinal herbs given to him, but to hear of what Kaya was meant to do; Hytham could only speak of encouragement. There had to be a reason for Kaya to be chosen as a mentor; someone's teacher and guide in a hidden world that is all but mysterious. They are shadows that slip through enemy sight.

"You have been restless. More so as you have been since the reoccurring dreams." Hytham spoke, more to himself, but Kaya heard him. He sounded worried for a moment before his voice went hoarse from being woken up by Kaya's movements.

Adjusting her robe and her hidden blade beneath her sleeve, Kaya looked to her friend then to his bandages. "You can feel the unrest as much as I can. They whisper to each other, afraid to voice their opinions. This man- this king. He preaches peace to them as if they are a flock. We have seen this many times before, Hytham. I cannot help but feel their unease."

Kaya tugged at her sleeve and scratched at her nose. Her brows scrunched together in deep thought. There was something that was troubling, but Kaya could not place it. Sigurd's reaction to his lost title would become something worrisome in the future. A man who loses his land will fight for it.

"This land has been in a blood war, even before we stepped foot here, Kaya. When I was learning about my target, his terror did not go unnoticed. Even a king becomes a tyrant before he is struck down by us. This is not our mission, Kaya. We are here for something much more." Hytham moved his feet off the bed. Clenching his teeth, he stood from the bed.

"We have seen. We have taken. We go where we are needed for the prospects of man. My father once said to me, as a child before…" She looked down at her hand with the missing ring finger. Kaya felt detached with any lingering feelings about her past. Hytham walked towards her, placing his hand upon her shoulder. Giving a light squeeze to break her thoughts.

"Never compromise. Get more rest before I have to make you drink stronger herbs." Kaya lightly shook off his hand and began to head out. Leaving Hytham with a frown and many questions- one of her constant thoughts and the other about her parents.

…

Kaya reached the longhouse without trouble. The whole while as she walked, her mind was racing with thoughts. Her feet were moving guiding her to where she needed to be. Walking inside, she realized that there were people talking in low hushed whispers. Small groups of men and women were huddled in secrecy, talking among themselves. They eyed Kaya with suspicion. Her presence was something mysterious to them, as they did not understand the intentions of the hooded ones.

Randvi was one of a few who did not pass a suspicious eye to Kaya. She was curious and not afraid of the hooded figures that made themselves scarce like the shadows of far night. Like a child discovering the world of myth and wonder, Randvi started to approach Kaya with friendly obligations. It was best to settle alliances with the mysterious clan. Randvi had some speculation that the three hooded figures were powerful and not diplomats to sign treaties while expecting special treatment.

Randvi found that they were quiet and kept to themselves often. Kaya was more the out spoken to the three and bared her fangs like a wolf, but she was loyal to the two men with her.

"You seem uncertain about something that your eyes keep hidden. Is it a custom within your clan?" Randvi asked, as she stood beside Kaya.

"Seems there are many who wish to understand my thoughts. Pardon my rudeness, but there are some secrets that I wish to not reveal." Kaya lightly smiled at the other woman.

"I do not wish to hear them all. Since your arrival, I have been curious. Sigurd speaks of your clan and speaks so little. I only wish to know more so we can see ourselves as not strangers and as allies." Randvi wasn't a soft spoken woman. She was young, though her maturity might have been because of her marriage and as a wife of a Prince who would inherent the kingdom, she needed to be assertive. Strong queens were the backbone of a nation.

"Mentor Basim is more of peace talker then myself. I have scars to prove that I am not one to talk as if I were a diplomat of my country. My mentor was the one to save me and he had me stand for many hours reciting one of our sacred books." Kaya grinned at the memory. Randvi lightly smiled at the woman. She was not one to speak so casually as she had noticed her interactions with Eivor. The young man had spoken to Randvi about Kaya and mentioned she had this dislike for him.

It was humorous to Randvi. Eivor was someone not many could tolerate because of his attitude and swagger.

"You must have many fascinating stories about your clan. I only wish to understand more, though I know I cannot learn it all. Sigurd sees you three as friends to the Raven Clan." Kaya nodded her head in acknowledgment to Randvi's words. She was the future queen after all. Her conversations were precise without any hint of malice. If she wanted to gain favor, she resorted to seeing her future allies as friends. Resources would come later, but making alliances were vital to the survival of their clan.

They spoke of their future. They spoke of uncertainty. Some feared for their family. She did not want to take a knee to a king that wanted to unite as one. Peace talk sounded like honey, but even something sweet becomes bitter. Kaya and Randvi spoke as if they were friends that have not seen one another in many winters. The tension and suspicion that was placed upon Kaya was now at ease in the eyes of those inside the long house.

There seemed to be hope. There seemed to be a new page in their lives that was about to be written. The people inside were not afraid anymore.

Soon, Sigurd and Basim entered.

One by one, the longhouse was becoming a place for secrecy. If they were discovered and speaking of such things that went against a king, one would wish for a quick death. Kaya heard the sound of loud knocking and once Evior made himself present, Sigurd became the center of attention.

Let the show begin.

"Two days ago, we rid this land of Kjtove and his dogs. Yet today, we do not celebrate. Today, we cower. Today, we cower under a cloud of fear." Sigurds voice spoke truth that struck the hearts of those inside the longhouse. Eivor, the loyal brother, stood not far away. Basim, alone near a pillar kept his eyes on the main who took center stage.

Kaya and Randvi also listened without objection.

"But it need not be like this. We are not the heel-trodden subjects of a boy-king! We are the Raven Clan. Our destiny is our own!"

"Did you know about your father's oath to Harald?"

"I did not. And for that, my anger burns hotter than any man's here. But I will not let that drive me into drive me into despair. We cannot stay in Norway, not under Harald's boot, not without fueling more war. So we push forward. To newer lands." Kaya saw the quick exchange of an approval nod from Basim. It was brief, but sharp eyes were to notice it. Sigurd was confident in his words. Such meaning could bring hope into the hearts of his people. His clan that he is so proud of.

"To England! And there make a new home. A kingdom of our own." Randvi looked to Kaya's confused expression before stepping forwards towards Sigurd. There was a soft loving expression of a husband who loves his wife dearly.

Kaya looked to Basim for answers, but the older man always kept secrets. This must have been decided last night without her knowledge. England itself was unstable and having more invaders within their land could cause bloodshed. But, in order for Sigurd to contain his title and keep his people at ease, this was for the best. Kaya, however, was feeling doubt.

The Hidden Ones have not set foot in England for centuries. Kaya's ancestors had only ever stayed in the deserts of Egypt.

"The sons of Ragnar Lothbrok have been in England eight winters already. Is there any land for a clan of our size?" Randvi questioned, though she might have already known the answer. She only asked the question many were thinking.

Ragnar Lothbrok? Kaya thought, finding the name familiar.

"More then enough, wife. Of the four kingdoms of England, only one is truly pacified." Sigurd spoke with much vigor. He was confident that the Raven Clan will survive in England. Kaya held back her thoughts when she remembered hearing Ragnar Lothbrok's name. It was a story spoken when they were sailing to Norway.

Could it be that they are going to seek out his son's? From her memory, the two sons of Rangnar resides in England and made a name for themselves. The English were not very fond of the brothers from her memory.

"I have no desire to wear Harald's leash. I like this idea." A large rounded man spoke with thoughts of not being held down by a king he did not agree with.

"A saga for ages. I agree!" Another man, one with the voice of a poet and slimmer then the other men spoke. His eyes filled with a scholar's hope.

"It would take time and resources to build ourselves a new home. But the riches taken from Kjotve's raid will suffice." Another, more burly and larger man said. His hands looked as if they were made for making axes and armor.

"No. That belongs to my father, as a fair compensation. In England, we start anew." Sigurd spoke. It was clear that even though he held resentment for his father's decision, he was going to leave with a peace offering.

"You would start us with nothing, in a land we do not know, among people who hate us?" The one with the voice of a poet and scholar eyes spoke. Worry was within his soft spoken voice.

Eivor decided that it was his turn to talk. He walked towards Sigurd, trying to ease some worries of having nothing in a land that was hostile towards their people. Kaya stood silent to see what her apprentice had to say before she would speak herself. ""Kjotve's riches would go some way to easing our passage, Sigurd. I bested him. It is within my rights to claim his goods."

"Our leaving must not be an assault on my father. It is a time of renewal for us." Sigurd had already made this decision himself. It was clear that whatever Sigurd decided on, Eivor would follow. Kaya knew that her words would not make much difference. She was a stranger trying not to get herself involved in a power struggle between clans.

"If you object, I understand. Let your father keep Kjotve's riches. England will have riches and cargo for us." Eivor was truly a loyal brother.

"Good. I do not want this cloud hanging over is. It is a wise leader who considers the needs of others."

"To England then, before the day is out. Pack what you need , but no more then that."

"And tighten your lips. The last thing we need is the attention of Harald's troops."

The meeting had ceased within the longhouse. The doors opened to the cold wind as people were walking out. Kaya walked towards Basim, but noticed that a woman was leaning against a pillar. She looked towards Kaya with mysterious eyes. Both women were sizing one another, though the woman dressed as a shaman in Kaya's eyes, turned her attention to Eivor. Soon, both women would met once more.

Kaya looked to Basim with a raised brow.

"England? Has this always been the plan from the beginning?" Kaya went straight to the point. She knew that the Hidden Ones have been trying to reach the shores of the country, but those who tried had failed countless times to the point the elders sought it to be suicidal.

"Many things would be made clear in time, Kaya. For the time being, you must guide Eivor in his journey. A mentor must look out for their apprentice. I will pack our things and escort Hytham." Basim said, keeping all the answers to himself.

Damn.

Authors Note: So, the first good choice has been made. They will not take the supplies! Work has been kicking my ass. With the holidays coming around, I should be posting more often. Hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. Sorry for not having Eivor and Kaya interacting as much, but I found that they do not have to always interact in the same chapter. They know each other is within their presence, but in future chapters they will be going on missions together and friendship will ensure.

I just wanted Kaya and Randvi to interact because I think they would work well together.

Mysterious: They did not take the supplies. Glad you Glad you love this story and the fact that I am using male Eivor. As for your fanfic idea, I have yet to see game of thrones. I have too many shows that I need to catch up on. My schedule is very limited and work leaves me exhausted. But, I would definitely try to dip my toes into the show. I have heard the last season left people in disappointment.

Guest: Kaya's parents were killed by the Order of the Ancients. In later chapters, we will find out what happened and how Kaya was pretty much adopted by her mentor. Was thinking about having Ishmael show up in future chapters because I want you readers to know more about her past. Eivors and Kaya's friendship will grow overtime. There will be much sass between them though.

IcyAltheon: Glad you like this story and following. Thank you!