Fractured Loyalties
Kaya hammered the final nail into the wooden signpost, the sharp sound echoing in the early morning air. The wood felt solid under her hands, but the sign itself still wobbled, tilting slightly to one side. She frowned, stepping back to assess the work. Hytham, beside her, adjusted the rope holding the sign, his brow furrowed in concentration. His injury still made certain movements stiff, but he pushed through it, as always.
"You need to push it deeper into the ground," Kaya said, wiping sweat from her forehead. The morning sun had barely risen, but the day's heat was already making its presence known. "It won't stand a chance in the wind if we leave it like this."
Hytham nodded, his grip tightening on the rope. "Hold it steady," he muttered, more to himself than to her. Kaya braced the post with her shoulder as Hytham drove the stake deeper into the earth. She felt the vibrations run through the wood and into her bones, a dull reminder of the battles they had fought and the ones yet to come.
As they worked, her mind drifted back to the night that had changed everything. The night when she had finally allowed herself to be vulnerable, to let Hytham see the parts of her she kept hidden from the world. The bond between them had shifted in those quiet hours, deepening in a way she hadn't anticipated. Now, even as they worked in silence, she felt the weight of that change. It was comforting, but it also brought with it a new set of worries.
"Kaya," Hytham's voice broke through her thoughts. "A little more to the left."
She adjusted her stance, pushing the post into place. "There. That should do it."
Kaya and Hytham stood together, surveying their handiwork on the newly erected signpost. The wooden structure, carved with symbols and directions, stood tall against the backdrop of the village. Kaya's fingers tightened around Hytham's hand as she leaned her head on his shoulder, feeling a rare moment of peace amid the chaos of their lives.
Hytham's face reddened slightly at the gesture, a twinge of embarrassment flaring in his cheeks. He forced a smile, struggling to hide his discomfort as he glanced around, hoping no one would notice. Since that night, their emotions had become a delicate thread, intertwining in ways they hadn't anticipated. The proximity they shared was both comforting and fraught with unspoken tension.
Kaya's head rested gently on his shoulder, her breath warm against his neck. For her, this closeness was a sanctuary from the turmoil and uncertainty of their world. She felt safe here, in the quiet companionship they had forged. The village was bustling with activity, the reconstruction efforts visibly progressing. Yet, in this moment, it felt as though time had slowed down just for them.
Hytham's thoughts churned uneasily. Despite the comfort he found in Kaya's closeness, he was acutely aware of the looming shadow of his impending duty—the arranged marriage he had kept hidden from her. His heart wavered at the thought of disclosing the truth. The fear of losing her, or worse, shattering the fragile trust they had built, weighed heavily on him.
Footsteps echoed through the clearing, Hytham instinctively pulled away, releasing Kaya's hand and forcing a casual stance. Kaya, catching his shift, straightened herself, her expression quickly morphing into one of practiced neutrality.
Eivor emerged from behind them, coming from the trails around the village, his imposing figure and broad grin a stark contrast to the otherwise serene setting. He caught sight of the signpost and then the two figures beside it. A smirk danced on his lips, a knowing look that suggested he had seen more than he let on.
"Good to see you both hard at work," Eivor said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement
"Hytham and Kaya," Eivor stated, still a playful side to him."Now that you two and Basim have settled, what will you do?"
Kaya exchanged a glance with Hytham. His expression was unreadable, but she knew what he was thinking. They had discussed their next steps countless times, weighing the risks and the potential gains. But now, with Eivor standing before them, the plan felt heavier, more real.
"We have work to do," Hytham answered, his tone steady but firm. "Starting in the cities of England."
Eivor's eyes narrowed, studying them both. "And what kind of work would that be?"
Kaya's grip tightened around the hammer still in her hand. "The kind that involves cleaning up the filth that's taken root here," she said, her voice cold. "There are forces at play in these lands, Eivor. Dangerous ones. We aim to deal with them."
"Lunden, Jorvik, Wincestre… all three are infested by the same Order to which Kjotve belonged," Hytham stated, his voice firm, the weight of his words settling heavily.
Eivor's eyes narrowed at the mention of Kjotve, the name dredging up old hatred and the taste of blood in his mouth. He said nothing, though, letting the tension coil within him as he waited for Hytham to continue.
"Their reach extends much further than this," Hytham added, his gaze flickering to the map that stretched across the table. "Of all the lands on Earth, I believe England is the most overrun."
Kaya's agreement was silent but unmistakable, a sharp nod that mirrored the grim reality they all faced. The weight of this Order pressed on them from every corner of England, its influence like a shadow stretching far beyond the horizon.
Eivor's curiosity burned, fanned by the anger simmering beneath his calm facade. "Do they cause here the same turmoil Kjotve caused in Norway?" His voice carried the edge of a blade, a challenge to the unseen enemy that now threatened the new land he sought to conquer.
Not just turmoil. They spread a plague of delusion, teaching men and women to abase and abuse themselves in exchange for power," Hytham said, his voice carrying the weight of conviction. Kaya knew well the truth behind his words. She had seen how easily people were led astray by the promises of the Order, how they twisted minds and hearts, offering false hope in exchange for unquestioning loyalty.
Greed and power were insatiable beasts, devouring everything in their path. They had claimed her people, leaving nothing but ashes and memories in their wake. Kaya's grip tightened around the hammer, her knuckles blanching. If only she had been stronger, older, when the shadows of the Order had descended upon her village. Maybe then she could have stood between them and her people. Maybe then she wouldn't carry the weight of so many ghosts.
"You both have strong feelings about this," Eivor observed, his eyes narrowing as he caught the darkness that clouded Kaya's face. Her silence spoke volumes, the tension radiating from her like a storm on the horizon.
"This is not a matter of mere feelings," Hytham cut in, his tone sharp. "It's a war, Eivor. A war that has taken too much from too many. Those who follow the Order believe they are righteous, that their actions are justified. But all they bring is destruction."
Eivor's gaze flickered between them, sensing the undercurrent of something deeper. He was no stranger to the scars that lingered beneath the surface, nor to the anger that fueled both Kaya and Hytham.
Kaya forced herself to unclench her fist, lowering the hammer, though the fire in her eyes did not dim. "The Order is a disease, Eivor. And it has infected too many. I've seen it turn good people into monsters. It takes everything—your family, your home, your soul—and leaves you with nothing but ashes."
Her voice trembled with the effort of keeping her emotions in check, but the bitterness seeped through. The memories were never far from the surface, always threatening to pull her under. But she couldn't afford to drown in them, not now. There were battles yet to be fought, enemies yet to be crushed.
Of course. This is the sole purpose of the Hidden Ones—to liberate the body and soul of man from any unnatural shackles." Hytham's voice carried a conviction that was as steady as his gaze. He glanced at Kaya, offering her a brief but firm nod, a wordless reassurance amidst the storm that brewed in both their hearts.
"But we have not operated in England for over four centuries," he continued, his tone sharpening with the weight of history. "Since the fall of the Roman Empire, the Hidden Ones have been absent from these lands. What remains is fractured—a shadow of what once was."
Kaya's eyes traced the lines on the maps spread before them, the divided sections of England resembling the fractured remnants of the order she had sworn to uphold. "And yet, we are here," she replied, her voice laced with a mix of defiance and weariness. "In the ruins of an empire, in a land that barely remembers us.
This absence has given the Order ample room to grow and thrive. Our task will not be an easy one," Hytham sighed, the weight of their mission evident in his tone.
Eivor, absorbing the gravity of their situation, glanced between Hytham and Kaya. The understanding between them ran deeper than mere comradeship, a bond that was becoming increasingly clear with every interaction. The way Kaya had always treated him, with a certain guarded warmth, now made more sense. She and Hytham were something more, something he hadn't fully grasped until now.
"But with a bureau established, Master Basim, Kaya, and I can begin our work in earnest," Hytham continued, determination threading through his words despite the fatigue that clung to him.
Kaya handed him the hammer she'd been holding, her movements decisive. "Rest now, Hytham. You've done enough for today," she said, her tone leaving little room for argument. Hytham, though reluctant, nodded and stepped away, knowing better than to strain his injuries further.
As Hytham departed, leaving Eivor and Kaya by the sign, the air between them shifted. Eivor leaned casually against the post, his gaze flickering between Kaya and the path Hytham had taken. A smirk tugged at his lips, clearly amused.
"So, you and Hytham seemed quite… engrossed," Eivor remarked, his tone light but laced with a hint of a tease.
Kaya, already feeling the weight of their earlier conversation, shot him a wary glance. "We were simply discussing matters at hand. Nothing more."
Eivor's smirk widened. "Discussing matters or plotting your future together? You two looked as if you were sharing more than just words."
Kaya's eyes narrowed. "Careful, Eivor. Your words are laced with more than just jest. If you have something to say, say it plainly."
Eivor chuckled, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Just an observation. It's not every day one sees such… connection between comrades. You're not the only one who values close bonds."
The two fell into a comfortable silence as they began their ascent up the hill. The village spread out below them, its inhabitants going about their day, unaware of the weight carried by those tasked with protecting them. Kaya found herself lost in thought, her mind drifting back to the strange dreams that haunted her, the scar on her neck, the looming uncertainty of what lay ahead.
As they approached Rowan's stable, they both noticed Basim in the distance, already mounted on a horse and riding away. Kaya and Eivor exchanged a look of confusion.
"He didn't mention anything about leaving," Kaya muttered, her brow furrowing. "Did he?"
Eivor shook his head. "No, not a word."
They reached the stable to find Sigurd standing beside Dag, both of them eyeing Basim's retreating figure with unreadable expressions.
"What was that about?" Eivor demanded, his voice losing its earlier lightness. "Is Basim leaving us already?"
Dag answered first, his tone gruff and filled with suspicion. "Sigurd means to leave as well."
Kaya's eyes snapped to Sigurd, her heart tightening in her chest. "Is that true, Sigurd?"
"We know the Sons of Ragnar have camped in the North. It will do us well to pay them a visit, to straighten our ties to the land," Sigurd stated, his voice carrying a weight of unspoken concerns. He glanced away, a flicker of guilt crossing his face. Eivor would have to be told eventually, but the timing never seemed right.
"Is that where Basim has gone?" Eivor asked, his tone betraying a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
Kaya's frustration simmered beneath the surface. Basim's sudden departure had left her feeling uneasy, his decision to leave without a word adding to her uncertainty. Hytham's recovery was still incomplete, and the weight of leadership felt heavier without Basim's guidance. The timing couldn't have been worse.
"Basim's motives are his own," Sigurd said curtly, dismissing the topic with a wave of his hand. "Leave it at that. We have more pressing plans."
Sigurd's attention shifted to the stable boy approaching with a horse. He mounted with practiced ease, his eyes scanning the horizon as if already seeing the path ahead.
"I am riding to Ledecestrescire, to a town called Repton. Eivor, I expect you to join me when you have finished here." Sigurd's words were calm but commanding, leaving no room for debate. He spared a glance at Kaya, though his expression remained guarded, his true thoughts masked by the unyielding facade he often wore.
Eivor's impatience was evident as he stood before Sigurd, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "I can come now. I only need a horse."
Sigurd shook his head firmly, his gaze unwavering. "Not yet. First, you must speak with Randvi. She has more than one task for you here."
Eivor's frustration flared, but he held his tongue. Dag, who had been silent until now, shifted his weight, his eyes darting between the two men. His own unease was evident, but he chose to remain mute.
Sigurd continued, his tone brooking no argument. "Apart from growing this settlement, you must seek out alliances as well. We cannot pacify England with so few friends." His hand rested reassuringly on Eivor's shoulder, a gesture meant to convey both camaraderie and authority.
Dag cleared his throat, stepping forward with a hint of pride in his voice. "Then I must join you, Sigurd. I am a fitter companion for the long roads."
Kaya's eyes narrowed at Dag's self-assured declaration; her irritation barely contained. His boastful air grated on her nerves, especially at a time when every decision carried weight.
"No, Dag, you belong here with the raiders. And you will act as Eivor commands." Sigurd's voice cut through the tension, the words as firm as the grip he had on his reins. Kaya observed the exchange with a growing sense of unease. Sigurd's decisions felt increasingly heavy, a burden she was unsure how to carry alongside him.
Dag's face fell, the weight of Sigurd's command visibly pressing down on him. He had expected to ride alongside Sigurd, to share in the glory and the spoils of victory. Instead, he was relegated to the sidelines, a disappointment etched into his features.
Sigurd's gaze shifted to Kaya. "Eivor is under your wing now. Basim has entrusted you with significant responsibilities."
Kaya offered no reply, her silence a stark contrast to the charged atmosphere. She watched as Sigurd mounted his horse, the motion smooth and practiced.
"Ride in safety, brother. I will follow as soon as I can," Eivor called out, his tone carrying a mixture of respect and resolve.
"Yes! And I will keep our raiders sharp!" Dag's voice rang out, forced cheerfulness attempting to mask his disappointment.
Sigurd gave a curt nod, satisfaction flickering in his eyes. He clicked his tongue, urging his horse forward. The animal responded with a sharp trot, and Sigurd rode off, his silhouette disappearing into the distance.
Dag's face darkened with frustration as he glared at Eivor. "Do as Eivor commands? Is he testing me?" His voice dripped with scorn, barely concealing his anger.
Eivor's expression remained impassive. "He may be. Sigurd is a wise man."
Dag's lips curled into a sneer. "I would sooner take orders from a louse."
Kaya's hand tightened, wanting to release the blade from its hiding place. Her patience was thinning. "Dag, you would do well to temper your tongue," she said, her voice low and dangerous. The tension between them was palpable, a history of conflict simmering just beneath the surface.
Dag's eyes flicked toward Kaya, and he scoffed. "And what will you do about it, Kaya? Challenge me?"
Eivor raised a hand, signaling Kaya to stay her blade. "Enough, both of you. Kaya, hold your temper."
Dag, watching from the periphery, let out a derisive snort. "Somebody needs to teach that woman a lesson," he muttered, his voice dripping with contempt. He turned on his heel, striding away from the confrontation with a dismissive wave of his hand.
She clenched her jaw, fighting the urge to draw her blade. It wasn't worth it—not with Dag, not with the tension thickening around them. His anger had flared up in a way that made it clear his bitterness was more personal than professional.
Eivor looked at Kaya, his face a mask of stoicism. "You're better off not indulging his rage. He's got a way of turning everything into a battlefield."
Kaya nodded, her gaze following Dag's retreating figure. "Dag's arrogance nearly made me lose my temper," Kaya said, her voice low and edged with irritation. "He wasn't worth the trouble. If he keeps acting like this, he'll push everyone away."
Eivor nodded, his expression reflecting the same frustration. "He's not the only problem we have right now. With Sigurd and Basim gone without a word, it feels like we're left to pick up the pieces."
Kaya glanced towards the horizon, where the last traces of the day's light were fading. "Mentor Basim's secrets are nothing new. But Prince Sigurd?"
Sigurd's sudden departure mirrored Basim's elusive nature, which Kaya had come to accept, but it still left a bitter taste. Basim's secrets were expected, but Sigurd's silence felt like a betrayal, despite his loyalty to his people.
Eivor said nothing about the departures. He moved with purpose, his mind already shifting to the tasks ahead. Kaya followed in stride, her own thoughts churning with frustration and the weight of unspoken worries. As they approached the longhouse, the sound of laughter and clinking mugs from within was a stark contrast to their grim mood.