VIKINGS || GYDA

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟑𝟖

TOBIAS

With one slap on the fine silver that was my armour, she announces the completion of her task.
I turn then, facing her—A smile evident on my face, something I hadn't been able to shake since I learnt of the news she had shared with me last night.

It even remained on my face as we and the rest of camp awoke before the sun rise, packed up all we had and sailed to the other side of the river to set up our base. I figured we'd have the element of surprise. The other army must have retreated into the hills further in after they witness our victory yesterday.

My gaze fails to break from her. The more time we spent together the more magnetic she became. From the moment I laid eyes on her I was mesmerised. Granted, I didn't exactly like her or the situation we found ourselves in, but I couldn't hide the attraction, she was unlike any woman that ever crossed my path.

I fail to agree with the Northman's barbaric behaviour but I had to confess I envied their certain customs. Their women were not powerless, they could fight, hunt, rule even. She didn't back down to me, nor anyone, she knew who she was. I was proud to call her my wife, I want to be with her, protect her, grow with her. Better yet, raise our child together.

Breaking from my intense stare she looks down to my chest and begin to tighten the armours plates.

"Today will be a more difficult battle than the other. This army has the numbers. Yesterday we lost quite a few. It's anyone's victory."

My lips slightly turn as I watch her hands fiddle about.

"Have you no faith in us?" I tease.

Clicking her tongue, she places her palms flat across my chest as she looks up, almost like she were seeking permission to.

"I'm only being realistic. I'm not going to fill your head with lies in order for you to feel better. I just want you to be smart. I want everyone to be smart in this battle."

The dept of her distress peaks through her face. Immediately I take a gentle hold of her heated cheeks.

"Hey." I whisper.

She closes her eyes, releasing a tense breath.

"What's going on."

I caress her softly, wanting her to open up. To trust me.

"I'm worried. You, my father, and Bjorn are fighting and I won't be there. You're going to need every fighter you can get and I'm here."

I stop her.

"You have to be. Gyda, what you're doing is much braver than fighting. You're carrying a life, only you can do this. This child will be the future of our people, a child born to unite two worlds. That is the more important thing at hand here."

Her eyes widen at my words. Like she had seen a ghost. I go to question her, as I see the sadness in her.

"Gyda—"

Our heads whip to the entry of the tent, where the deafening sound of horns erupted. It was time.

I feel her follow close behind as I exit the tent and into the outside, where everyone was marching past towards the fighting grounds.

I take the belt that contained my sword that sat beside me and tie it to my waist. My shield was the heaviest of all but I pick it up and tuck it neatly onto my back. I was ready.

I turn to bid her farewell, but stop as she stands there with her ankle blade in her hands. And strangely enough, tears in her eyes.

"Take it." She orders.