𝑨𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒉 | ✔️

8 | The Aftermath

Summer, 6th June 864AD – Early Morning

"That was some night." Edwyn silently chewed his stale bread during breakfast. "Most of our things have been stolen, but at least fewer deaths than last time. Yet, I cannot help but pity our neighbour, Clarice – she is now a widow. Have you seen her home? It is in the poorest state."
He tore another piece, sinking it into his pumpkin soup. "At least the old woman has companions she can reside with. For the time being."

I barely touched my food.

After the chaotic night, food and sleep had not crossed my mind. I could not fall to blissful sleep since I volunteered to help the villagers clean the remains of our demolished village.
The Vikings fled from East Anglia an hour before dawn. Of course, that does not mean this will be the final time we will see them.
Knowing how persistent they were, I'm certain they will return stronger than ever. We just have to remain vigilant.

As I fiddled with my stale bread, the raid from the night before continuously replayed in my mind. Haunting me with vivid, grotesque images of blood spilling, women and children screaming, and flames engulfing our buildings.

One memory in particular was when that cloaked figure suddenly came out of the blue to fend off the invaders.
I did not think he would be one of us. Yet, I refused to believe he was a Dane, but truth be told, he was. And I realised he had broken a law; that no Dane was allowed to side with us Saxons since we were foes.

While I am grateful for his bravery, I was more concerned about his life. If his people found he helped a Saxon, then I am certain he has consequences he will suffer from.

"We're fortunate to still have our home in one piece," father stated with a solemn look. He sighed at the timber ceiling. Debris gently rained down on the floorboards.
"Though, I may need to fix our roof some time. The timber is starting to wear thin. I can come around during lunch time." He rose out of his chair, the sound of wood screeching echoed in the dark, quiet house.

"I just remembered I need to fix somebody's wall. Just because I am a merchant, that does not mean I am no handy man. I will see you around lunch. Oh, Ardith, please do not wander off again. Einilda complained to me about your tardiness, and believe me; she cannot stand to have that happen again."

I swallowed and hung my head shamefully. Edwyn threw me a sly smirk.

I watched father approached the door, his leather satchel full of tools swung over his shoulder. Apart from his merchant business, he was indeed very skilled with home repairs. With the raid's horrific aftermath, more villagers were desperate for their homes fixed.

Aye, today would be a long, tiring day for him.

Once father left for the day, it was Edwyn and me with our silent home.

"Our tapestry is missing." I pointed to an empty space on the wall where mother's detailed embroidery used to hang. My gaze fell on the missing plates and cutlery that was usually placed in the wooden display cabinet. Finally my gaze fell on a wall just above the foyer in the living area.
"It looks like father needs to fix that hole too. And have you noticed they took our less valuable items? Well, apart from mother's tapestry."

Edwyn tore another piece of bread.

"They took my collection of daggers." He sighed, lowering his head. "It took me ages to collect them. You know how I am fond of daggers."

"Oh, and how fond you are of women too," I stated, which earned a flushed looking Edwyn. "So how did it go with that dairy maid yesterday? You were telling us how irresistible you are. So tell me," I pushed my plate aside, leaning forward looking interested, "where did you make love to her?"