DIVINE [HVITSERK RAGNARSSON]

29: HALSARBY

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE — 'HALSARBY'

Halsarby was beautiful. It sat beneath the mountains and their snow-capped masses towered over it, protecting it. Smoke billowed from Halsarby's heart, making it seem inviting and warm. It wasn't as big as Kattegat but it was close and probably almost as powerful.

"It's beautiful." Asta breathed out as her horse took a slow walk down the winding green paths. They weren't far now, but Halsarby still loomed in the distance.
"I know." Sten smiled at his daughter from his own horse. "Is this not better than living under Ivar's reign?"
Asta frowned; he was right but she didn't like how pessimistic he was about the civil war.
"I know you're angry, but I want you to know that I am protecting you. All of you." He turned around to look at his wife and son behind them. Arvid had stayed behind in Kattegat since he had been working closely with Ubbe, working on tactics and locations and plans.
And here was Asta, feeling like she was running away.

When they finally reached Halsarby, it's strong gates opened slowly as guards lined up in front of it. A man stepped forward, not dressed like one of the guards, and bowed towards Sten and his family.
"Jarl Thorfinn welcomes you to Halsarby." He bowed his head lowly as if they were royalty. Asta wanted to laugh; she'd never been treated like this before and it was strange to her.
"Thank you." Sten nodded his head back towards the man.
"Please, follow me to the Jarl's longhouse."

A feast was in full swing as they were escorted to the longhouse. The moon was slowly rising as men played music, women giggled and danced and warriors fought each other with wooden swords.
"Welcome, welcome!" A deep voiced boomed and Asta finally looked up. He had long, dark hair that was half pulled back into a bun. His beard was thick and a drinking horn sat in his hand, splashing ale over the floor as he raised it with a smile. Jarl Thorfinn. He was handsome, but intimidating. He stood from his throne and walked down the few steps from the platform, instantly pulling Sten in for a hug.
"Great to see you again, Jarl." Sten chuckled as they embraced.
"My, what a beautiful daughter you have Sten." Thorfinn moved his attention to Asta, taking her in with a sharp breath. He took her hand and kissed it and she curtsied slightly.
"Hello, Jarl Thorfinn." She said meekly, nervousness setting in.
"My future wife!" Thorfinn roared and men throughout the longhouse cheered. He was drunk already.