Each Horizon

"We are born to serve. Those who are dead, we protect their secrets." Young Kaya felt the pressure of her fathers hand upon her head. Ruffling her hair as she stared at the tombs of the once forgotten. Hidden deep inside of a cave, the sarcophagus's hood many secrets.

"You know why we must keep them protected?" Kaya looked up. Only to see a blur of her fathers figure next to her. Everything was hidden behind a blur from her memories. Fragments of her life held together and forgotten over time.

"To never forget their story."

…

The slow days turned long and prosperous. The rebuilding of the village that they settled into was coming along beautifully. There seemed to be a lightness in the air and the sun shined down upon them in a new blessing. The villagers had hope for what is to come as their blessings seemed to be getting stronger by the day. Though they were foreigners, there were no further attacks from the Saxons. All kept their distance for observation to this new threat.

Though, deep inside, peace was never one to last.

Kaya crouched low to her stomach as she watched a deer drink water from a small puddle of water. The rains here were large droplets of water, making the air humid and moist. A far contrast to the heavy snowfall and deep cold. She placed the arrow upon the notch, pulling back the string with the bow bending at an angle. Kaya was keen on her prey like that of a hawk. Eyes steady and focused; never straying from her sight. Taking steady breathes as she quietly went to one knee, without making noise. The foliage beneath her would be disturbed , but Kaya was a hunter. The deer kept drinking water and the next second, a force hit the side of the animal. It might have punctured a lung.

The cry the deer made was that of hurt and pain. It was scared because it did not understand. Kaya placed the bow down and ran towards the crying deer. Taking out a small knife, she plunged it into its wound to quickly kill it. Living things should not suffer, Kaya was reminded of what she was told. Her first true kill was a rabbit she caught when she was young. Training to not see the suffering, children are taught to quickly end life.

They must not show emotion when they plunge the blade into flesh. A human life was worth less then an animal. A human life who has done wrong deserves their fate. To bring order and balance to an unjust world. Kaya seen it's corruption and ended a man who sought power; his hands red because of his ideals.

To see the life end for the deer, its eyes bulging out as it stared at nothing. It's tongue sticking out of its mouth as white foam surrounded its lips. It looked confused. It looked sad. Kaya felt it take its last breath and she took out the knife. The deer's blood slid down the knife unto her hand. She felt the warmth of the blood upon her skin. It felt warm and sticky.

Patting the deer for thanks and honor, she stood up with her eyes downcast to the animal. Feeling the English wind against her hands; she smelled the fresh forest. Eyes closing to simmer in the moment, though she could feel eyes upon her. She was not alone here.

Those icy blue eyes that kept a distance with curiosity. That large black shadow of the wolf trying to hide behind small trees, but it's body noticeable. There was no hiding from the hawk while the wolf tried to blend in the green.

Kaya had a sense that she was followed into the thicket of the trees earlier in the morning. The shadow was large and bulky, and their movements were subtle. Wolf paws could not be silent in such close space. She could hear a twig snapping, though they tried to be on light feet. He had much to learn if he wanted to be a perfect predator.

"How long have you been standing there?" She looked over her shoulder lazily as Eivor's large shadow walked out the tree line. It was of no surprise that her apprentice followed from behind. He truly was a large wolf that forgot his footing when it came to silence. It has been many weeks since the two have seen one another or talked since the rebuilding of the village. Kaya has not looked for her apprentice since her recovery from her fever.

Basim had told her that she needed to focus on her strength and learn to take care of her body, but she knew that Basim was hiding something. She caught Basim taking glimpses of her neck. The scars almost blending into her skin. Hytham even looked to her neck, with a frown, but said nothing.

"Your observation skills have noticed me before you left into the tree line. Not many could have noticed." He spoke, confidence in his voice and pride. Kaya scuffed at the man as she reached for some rope that was tied around her waist. The deer would make a good meal for the village- as an offering to their hospitality. Kaya was not much of a deer eater, but it was a better option then the fish that ate the waste of the village. It seemed that deer was only big game around.

"Something so large cannot hide its body behind a tree. The foliage may camouflage the predator, but observation is skill." She spoke, bending to one knee and grabbing the legs of the deer. Tying them together for easy transport. Eivor walked towards her, offering his hand to help her. Kaya was taken back for a moment before she lightly smiled and placed the rope in Eivor's hand. Might as well make us of him while she had the chance.

"Then why have you not scolded me or tried to kill me?" Eivor said, grabbing the rope that Kaya passed to him. This was the first time since their meeting, that Kaya was grateful for any help at all. Even if she did not speak it, her actions were noticeable for a fleeting moment. Eivor had truly missed her company and wondered why she had avoided being around him, Sigurd, and even Randvi. Basim had said it was for her to recover. Eivor could sense that it was something more.

"One must learn to be as silent as falling leaves. Not every conflict remains among the stones. Do you not see the movements of the shadows? Our neighbors watch in silence. Waiting to strike us." Kaya stated. Her eyes looked along the tree lines to see that they were not alone within the land. Eivor has known that they have been watched since their arrival. It was only a matter of time before they engage in another battle.

"Why have you followed me?" Kaya asked, not wanting to focus on the shadows. She wanted to avoid having to think about the events that day. What she seen. What she felt. Her dreams were becoming more vivid. Some nights, the wounds would burn, and she would dream of this angry being. The wolves kept their distance, for they felt something within.

Hytham would try to bring comfort to her. When she shake in the night, he would hold her closely to keep her calm. When the morning came, he would recount everything. There was a bit of sorrow within him. Watching Kaya fight throughout the night.

Eivor picked the deer up in one swoop. Throwing it over his shoulders for easier transport. The blood would attract the wolves that roamed the woods. He would not want to be around if he encountered the beasts. They were pests, but they kept they distance away from the village.

"Should I find reason? The days become slow, so I must find enjoyment in bicker argument with you". Eivor smirked as he looked to Kaya. He had noticed her faint wound on her neck. They reminded him of his own. Attacked by a large wolf on the night of his parents' demise. Eivor thought he was going to die that night. Though, thinking about that night there was something strange about the wolf and how the raven saved him.

"You truly were born to get underneath my skin. Just for the statement alone, your training under my eyes will be long. I want to see what will break you and make you bend to one knee." Kaya showed a toothy grin. The days were slow without much progress in the wake of their arrival. Things had to be taken slow. According to Basim, the longer the wait, the danger shall arrive. Those who hide within the stone walls will show themselves. Kaya has been itching to train her body back after her fever. The enemy will be strong and relentless.

"I have been curious of what training under the guise of the Hidden Ones will bring. I have but seen a glimpse of it. You strike fast, with power within your stance." Kaya and Eivor began to walk, with their steps in sync. Kaya was like Eivor's shadow. Taking his steps with stride as he spoke of Kaya with praise. A warrior who could move swiftly to strike down their enemy; to also have the power to bring a man – bigger in build- down by simply using one's wit, Eivor could not help but be the curious rabbit.

"You are not within the Hidden Ones. I have been trained by Mentor Ishmael since I was young. What I shall teach you is nothing more then that of a novice who must learn how to listen, be patient, and find an opening. Though, looking at how you fight, you would rather act brazenly." Kaya shook her head, thinking that their was no helping Eivor become one silent in the shadows. Basim wants her to teach Eivor to become like them. He might as well tell her to watch a river go in reverse.

"Strike first before they think." Eivor countered. Kaya gave a little snort at such arrogance. In time, she could find reason to give Eivor hard lessons. If his gods favored him for his sight, she would see all his worth. Basim would not interfere with her teachings any longer. Kaya was secretly grateful for not having to have more eyes upon her. In this way, as a mentor, she could prove to herself that even a wolf could be a loyal dog.

…

When both Eivor and Kaya walked towards the village, they noticed Sigurd waiting on them with crossed arms. There was a light look to his face and his eyes lightened up when he noticed the two. With a spring to his step, his teeth showed in a smile. Kaya raised a brow in curiosity but did not think much to it. She kept her distance from Eivor, as she was too close to the man. Walking side by side made her feel small in comparison to his large size. She found it humorous of the thought of a small woman being a mentor to a brute. The dynamic would make many scratch their heads and grin to see a woman tame a ferocious beast.

"Ah! Eivor and Kaya, come with me. I have something to show you both now that I have you two within reach." Sigurd's voice was loud and boisterous. There was a cheer in his step and his voice was loud enough to catch attention from the villagers. Some have stopped in their step to watch the spectacle, but then returned to their duties.

Eivor smiled and took the deer from his shoulders, shoving the dead animal to Sigurd. The prince took the offering with surprise, looking to Kaya who had a smirk on her face. She had a bow strapped to her back with arrows sticking at her side.

The black wolf stares at the sun. Howling, for he had not reached it.

"A deer?" Sigurd questioned. The look upon his face was that of amusement and admiration. His smile was big as his beard felt itchy at the thought of someone making an offering. He saw this as a good omen from the gods.

"Yes. A deer for your hospitality, Prince." Kaya gave a slight nod, feeling somewhat at ease. It was rare for the young woman to give gifts. Kaya was indeed a capable hunter and a deadly warrior. Sigurd was proud to have such a warrior fighting on his side. Though Kaya may not truly trust them all, she was coming around to their presence.

"There was no need to do such a thing. There is plenty of food for us all." Sigurd stated. It also proved to him that Kaya was a hunter who could survive the trees. Her actions the other day made her the talk amongst the village. Her grey blur running against the Saxons that earned her the name: phantom.

Kaya looked at the deer in Sigurd's hands. There was a small smile upon her face. Looking at Eivor and Sigurd, she took a step to be in front of them.

"Now, what is it that you wish to show us?" Sigurd took a moment to recover his thoughts, and that smile returned to his face. Placing the deer over his shoulder, he moved quickly in the direction of the long house.

Both Eivor and Kaya followed closely behind to match Sigurd's step. The deer seemed to not have any weight when placed upon the shoulders of these men. It did not take them long to reach the longhouse that was built upon a small hill.

Many of the villagers cast a glance on the three. Kaya kept her focus before her path. Mind wandering about, while Sigurd and Evior spoke of nothingness. They kept to themselves, seeing Kaya looking around the large village. It was until they reached the newly renovated longhouse that Sigurd took initiative to lead them inside with hurried steps.

The deer was giving to one of the villagers and forgotten until dinner.

"Fine work. A long house to rival any I have seen." Sigurd spoke, pride being spoken within his tone. Kaya looked around the longhouse. Noticing that there were places that have been rebuilt. It looked homely; filled with a warmth that might not have been there since the original habitants abandoned it.

"Now come. Randvi has found something I would like you to see." Sigurd was filled with much enthusiasm. As if there was something to be found. Eivor and Kaya looked to each other with amusement in their eyes. There was fine furniture inside and the smell of roasting meat filled the air. Kaya's stomach rumbled at the mouth watering smell, making Eivor chuckle at her side. The young woman was eyeing the food upon the tables. She had not had food all morning. Hytham offered to make her something, but Kaya was in no mood. She wanted to hunt and see her surroundings.

They followed Sigurd to the back of the long house; Kaya going to have to go hungry for now.. Randvi was standing in front of a large table. Overlooking a map that was England in its territory. Divided it was, like many places. The power struggle here was no different then a king trying to gain land for power and greed. Under the guise of unity.

"Eivor. Sigurd. Kaya. I give you England… and it's four kingdoms." Randvi said, motioning to the map.

"Mercia, East Anglia, Northumbria, and Wessex." She continued. Kaya looked at the parchment for observation. A simple map that had only the names of the divided land. There were no important markers upon them. It felt almost like a blank canvas that she was seeing. Such a large area.

"From the few plans and maps I discovered here, I believe the Sons of Ragnar have pushed further in Mercia, here…" Randvi pointed to an area in the map. Hearing such information gave Kaya a sense of gloom. Where they trying to find these men in order to form an alliance? It would make sense, since they could be considered kin from the same country. Though, Kaya has heard of stories about the Sons of Ragnar.

Even one whom she would not rather meet due to his… dangerous nature and perverse speaking.

"My scouts will soon tell me if I am correct." Randvi looked over her shoulder for a moment to look at the three of them. Each lost in the own thoughts about the information given to them. Though, the look on Kaya's face was like that of not wanting to hear more. She had her doubts of course.

"And where are we?" Eivor stated. This would give them a better understanding on their mark here. Their own land belonged to them because of their kin making land. The Sons of Ragnar have been in England for sometime. Even the Saxons know their names. Speaking as if they were ghost of bad omens.

"Here. In this unnamed copse of trees." Randvi pointed. Such a small area, but enough to make an impact.

"Unnamed. We cannot let that stand. What will we call this place?" Sigurd said. The name of their settlement was important. It gave them an identity. It would give the villagers a purpose and a sense of freedom to belong in a land that does not welcome them. They risked their own lives to leave behind everything they knew, to find their sense of worth.

Kaya scratched her nose without saying a word. She observed her surroundings before she could speak. From the looks of it, it would seem that they wanted to find allies. Who would welcome such brutal folk?

"I might have an idea." Eivor spoke. Leaning against the desk. Something was running through his mind.

"Ravensthorpe. The village of ravens." Sounds rather fitting for them. Ravens were considered guides to some people.

"Much deadlier then an hawk." Kaya spoke, a grin upon her lips. There might be hope for her apprentice yet. She could work with such a name behind her. They have come like shadows haunting the land.

"Hm. I like it. The poet in you sings once again. One day, this name will be known throughout all of England." Sigurd said. His eyes pleased with the name of their village. It was the dream of men to never be forgotten in time. The very name will send chills through their enemy.

"A name is only a beginning. If we want renown, we must build. Expand." Randvi was always the voice of reason. She made a good point about such things. A name was just a name.

"To expand is to grow in respect and recognition. Is it in the will your people to spread far and wide?" Kaya said, looking at each individual.

"But it will also bring about eyes from armies and enemies. They do not welcome us and I do not feel their threat yet. Greater cities have fallen for less." Kaya spoke with caution. They may be great warriors and fighters, but the unknown was still out there. For Eivor, the Order will eventually know his name. He will be hunted.

"Agreed. We should begin with a forge. Can you help Gunnar get working again?" Knowing the risks and dangers of their permanent stay, Sigurd still had a plan. His opportunity to his blood right was taken, what man would not want to make his own legacy?

"We'll need cargo, supplies." Eivor said. Kaya nodded her head in agreement, but she knew that with these request would hold something deeper. It would not be easy to get such things when they were unwanted.

"And how do you suppose you will get the items?" Kaya knew the answer. She could see within their nature that it will come at a price. She did not want to know the answer, but hearing it out loud would either give her reason to go astray or remember her vows. The blade hidden beneath her sleeve felt hot.

"For that, our neighbors will provide, whether they wish to or not." Sigurd was not going to offer such an easy solution. Kaya was against such a thing internally. Innocents would be in the way of plunder. It would go against their code.

"Scarcely arrived and now we must raid?" Randvi also knew of the answer. It made sense to her. They needed supplies in order to build. In order to grow crops. In order to raise stock. It would give them reason to trade. To feed the villagers. Raiding was something that would bring them easy pickings. This was not an barbaric act to them.

"Is there an more reliable option?" Kaya said. She could try to voice out her opinion, but it was evident that in order to get the items in a quick manner was to show their presence. To stay idle was giving away their weaknesses instead of strength. Kaya has agreed to help them on this journey. She has her apprentice at her side. There were many ghosts out there that needed to be found. The danger would never leave no matter how hard she tries to stay by her words. Innocent lives would always be the casualty..

"We cannot master this land merely by asking." Sigurd reasoned. He could see the hesitation within Randvi and Kaya. They had their own choices, but it was what needed to be done.

"But it could put the risk of war to your village." Kaya spoke. She knew what could happen if they become to overbearing. War. Blood. These are how people die and their thinking was to die in battle.

"I know the concern within you, Kaya. Given you have come from a clan much different then our own. Lend us your blade for the purpose for us to grow." Sigurd stated.

Hesitant on the matter. Kaya was now stuck between her way of life and straying far from her code. She tensed her jaw, but chose not to speak further. She would have to think about these coming events that will change her view of what she has been taught. This was different from the world she knew. Her enemies were the same, but the power struggle here…

Author's note:

Wow! Tense indeed. The next few chapters are going to be great. Our first raid chapter. Kaya's breaking point. Eivor's leap of faith. Tension is building up and we get to be introduced to the Sons of Ragnar. How will Kaya handle the changing tides? Well, find out in the next chapter.