Book Four- Eira Ragnarsdottír: The Twin of Björn Ironside

Chapter 9

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

A month had passed since they left camp. By now Lagertha's belly would've been barely able to fit in her armor and yet she went to fight with my father regardless. I spent most of my time helping the people with injuries or sickness. I made the boys help as well.

And though it had only been three months since we arrived here, my stomach too had grown. My last son was not like this, my size was still small and not bulging. Of course, my size was still relatively small, it was something I still noticed.

I walked around the sick and injured hut and passed out water. I helped the ones who were unable to lift their arms to hold it.

As I walked out of the hut, I noticed the boys training with little swords and shields. I smiled at the sight of them.

They slashed their swords at each other. Hvitserk began to trip over his feet as Ubbe continued to fight with a strong stance. The smaller boy stepped into a log and dropped his shield just as Ubbe swung his sword. Hvitserk quickly put out his arm to protect himself causing a large gash on the side of Hvitserk's arm.

The small one fell to the ground clutching his arm. I rushed over to him as Ubbe dropped his sword in disbelief at what he had done. I shushed my smallest brother and held up his arm to examine it.

"W-will he be fine?" Ubbe stuttered.

I pinched the wound slightly and saw how the blood began to pool. Hvitserk hissed under my touch. I smiled up at Ubbe, "He will be fine, yes." I helped Hvitserk up and led him to the healer hut.

I took a piece of clean cloth and wrapped it around his forearm and tied it tightly. I patted his arm gently and smiled at the boy.

"Now boys," I stood up looking between them, "if you wish to someday fight, you must know the most important rule. . ." I picked up my sword and swung it Ubbe who frantically wooshed out of the way, ". . . you must be smart."

Ubbe reached for his sword and shield. He blocked my hits, "You must never hesitate." I grunted out as I swung my sword at him again, "And never —" I swung and stopped seconds before slashing his neck, "never give in."

My sword went in my sheath as Ubbe looked at me with wild eyes, "You are better than any man here. . ." he breathed.

I only smiled at the boy's words, "Yes, it is true I have learned many things when it comes to battle."

"They say you are like a Valkyrie." Hvitserk spat out. I quickly turned to see Ubbe nudging his little brother.

"Is that what they say?" I questioned with my forehead creased in curiosity.

They both looked at each other and nodded solemnly, "They say you have been born here to fight amongst us and someday fall greatly in battle." Ubbe stepped forward, "They say you were never meant for this world."

My breath hitched and memories flooded my head of a visit I had once with the Seer. 'You are unlike any other woman. You were not meant to be born and yet you were.' His voice filled my ears.

My head nodded slowly, "Yes well, I suppose people would like to think of such things." I knelt down before them and looked into their eyes, "I am just a shieldmaiden, just a woman. Nothing more and nothing less."

The boys nodded wearily at each other before I shoved them off. I went back into the hut and helped more with the people.

Some of the people groaned in pain while others just lay coughing or sleeping. There was a man who was very still as he looked around the hut. I made my way over to him to see why he was here.

"Excuse me," I said, getting his attention, "is there something I can help you with?"

The man just smiled, "You are Eira the Merciful, daughter of Ragnar Lothbrok." He grinned as I nodded my head curiously, "They speak boldly of you."

I chuckled at the man, "I've heard that. . . many times."

He nodded and snickered, "I'm sure you do. The poets tell many stories about you and your family."

"I'm sure they have many things to say." I smiled down at him while grabbing a cup of water.

When I went to hand it to him, both of his arms came out from under the blanket. But one of his arms was gone. It was cut just above his elbow. There was a bandage wrapped around the nub and it was stained red. He grabbed the cup from my hand and took a sip of water.

He saw my gaze and handed me back the cup, "I was shot by an arrow when we were first attacked. There was an infection and I chose this."

I nodded solemnly and placed the cup on a small table, "My second husband had, surprisingly, the same story." My eyes wandered over him, "You remind me of him."

"I'm sorry, I've heard of those stories as well," he stated, "they say you've lost much."

"Perhaps it is true," I shrugged and placed a hand on my belly, "but without pain, I don't think we would ever be able to tell apart the living from the dead."

The man smirked, "I wish you luck to you and your husband with your new child."

I nodded down at him, "Thank you, and if there is anything I can ever do, never hesitate."