The Viking Slave

Chapter 5: Bard's Arrival

The morning wind blew lightly through the loose strands of Astrid's hair as washed clothes at the edge of the stream. The sky was a clear blue with not a cloud in the sky. The smooth, running stream water was calming. The world around her was at peace within itself. The birds flew in pairs, returning chirps back and forth as one called out. Astrid longed to be like one of the birds- free with someone to care alongside her. Fish jumped out of the water, returning in as quickly as possible, causing small ripples in the calm, still water. Oleifsborg hadn't changed any since the first time she had arrived. The steep hill was the same rich green, blocking the village away from the waterway. The intimidating longboats were docked along the shoreline, waiting for the next raid.

Just a piece down the river bank was a group of middle-aged women scrubbing their belongs, caught up in talking. Astrid watched the chipper women laugh and chat about the interesting things happening in their lives. As she dunked another dirty tunic into the clear water, her eyes wandered back to the loud women. Taking in each thing they said and done killed her, knowing she would never have the chance to be like them.

Reaching for another article of clothing, Astrid noticed a small, blonde-haired girl, whom Astrid assumed was one of the women's, toddled towards her, clinching a tiny white flower in her hand. The child looked up at Astrid with round, hazel eyes, smiling a genuinely happy smile.

"Hello little girl." Astrid mumbled, smiling back at the child. "I am Astrid."

A confused look came over the girl, who glanced back at the other women then back at Astrid. "I am Eira. My mother is over there." She handed the flower to Astrid. "Why do you work alone?"

Astrid looked down at the fragile white flower that she held in her rough, dirty hand. "Because I am a slave. I am not welcome with the others, Eira." Astrid smiled once again at the child. "Thank you for the flower. It is beautiful."

"No, pretty like you." Eira grinned widely. "You are welcome with me, if you like. I do no not have anyone either. I am six and they are all old."

Astrid laughed at her comment due to the fact that the ladies were not much older than her. She noticed that the women had seen Eira talking with. As a slave Astrid was the lowest on the hierarchy system, meaning that talking to a free person's child or an adult could be punishable however they felt about the slave.

"You should return to your mother, Eira." Astrid said, handing the white flower back to her. "You cannot talk to slaves, it is not socially accepted."

Astrid hastily began putting her freshly washed clothes back into the heavy, woven basket. Eira looked confused and hurt.

"But I like you. You are nice and pretty." Eira shared, shrugging her shoulders. "I do not mind that you are a slave. Sometimes the best people are not the richest."

Astrid felt a tear come to her eye as the child spoke sincere, meaning everything that came from her mouth. "You are a wise child for your age."

Eira walked toward Astrid with open arms, expecting a hug in return. Instead a tall, slender, sandy-brown haired lady jerked Eira up by the neck of the dress she wore. Astrid jumped up from where she sat, taking her hamper into her arms. The lady pulled Astrid by the arm, causing the basket to fall and dump, closer to her. Astrid could see the anger in her electric blue eyes.

"What is your means talking to my child, Slave!?" Her harsh voice shouted, pushing Astrid back onto the ground.

Astrid shook her head as she tried to regain herself to stand back up. "Forgive my lady. I meant nothing by it. I am -" Astrid was cut off by a kick to the stomach, knocking the breath out of her.