Threaded Through Time|Vikings.

eight: ragnar's revenge.

Aela could feel the thunderous roar of thousands of Viking feet upon the battlefield. Their arrival in England was expected, they all knew that. But what Aelle didn't know was the massive size of their Heathen Army and she knew he would be arrogant and come with a small force. She reminded Bjorn of that and told his brothers. Aelle's arrogance would be his downfall and their revenge for Ragnar. Her heart beat wildly in her chest as she stood upon Ivar's chariot with him, she could see the horror and the shock upon Aelle's face and his bishops. Ivar brought his chariot to a stop and she stepped down from it, holding her two swords within her hands. The shieldmaiden stepped to Bjorn's side when he, Ubbe, Sigurd, and Hvitserk made it to the frontline. "His arrogance defeats him, Bjorn. Time to use that failure." She whispered to Bjorn who smirked at her and nodded, they both knew Aelle and they both knew he'd do this. War cries left the mouths of the Viking warriors who pounded their shields or spears upon the ground. Bjorn and Aela were silent as the shouts were surrounding them from the other warriors. "It's time." Aela bowed her head to Bjorn who looked at her, the two turning their heads to face Aelle in the distance.

"Ragnar!" Bjorn let out a shout of battle before the entire army charged at Aelle crying the name of Ragnar. It felt like time passed in an instant as Aela sliced through Saxon soldiers like butter and with the swiftness and talent of a water dancer. It took no time for the Heathen Army to overpower the Saxon army of King Aelle and that was when they had their prize. Aela was the one who found the whimpering king upon the battlefield, the shieldmaiden of the future covered head to toe with blood.

"Aelle...so good to see you." Aela glared at him from where she stood upon him, the man staring at her in recognition, horror, and shock. He knew and recognized the red-haired woman as the little girl who'd come here to build a community with her mother all those years ago. King Ecbert taking the child under his wing and admiring her so-called future knowledge. "Your arrogance brought your downfall, you killed Ragnar, you killed the only man I had left to call my father." She kneeled down next to him, leaning forward and hissing. "Fuck you and may Odin pluck your eyes from you." She clenched her fist, putting away her swords and looking back. "Bjorn! Floki! I found him!" Aela called out, grabbing the attention of Ragnar's sons and Floki. They rushed over, Ivar with some help and stared down upon the man.

"Good find, dear Aela." Bjorn smiled pleased and proud. "Attach him to Ivar's chariot, we'll drag him." He ordered his brothers who did as he asked, Floki holding a hand out and helping Aela up as he smiled at her.

"Finally, today, we get revenge and peace for Ragnar." Floki smiled widely, Aela squeezing his hand, spotting the brothers tieing Aelle's feet to a rope.

"Today...we give him peace and justice. He was the only father I had left Floki. He needs this." Aela tells him softly, Floki wearing a sad smile and nodding while caressing her cheek. "Tell me, how are Helga and Tanaruz? I regret it has been some time I have not spoken to them." She admits to the man who chuckles softly.

"Tanaruz called Helga mother in her tongue the other day, she hasn't called me father which I will not object to. She has called me her friend." Floki informs her, Aela smiling at that and nodding. She knew there was the chance the girl would still want to go home, but it gave her joy to know at least while Tanaruz was here...she felt loved, safe, and comforted with Floki and Helga. "But she still gets to choose whether she goes home or not, but she has...warmed to us and cares for us. We understand her and she understands us." He reminds her, Aela chuckling and shaking her head. She hadn't forgotten that.

"Her religion... it's a very devoted one, just like ours Floki. Connect to her through that." Aela replies, Floki humming and nodding.

"Floki! Aela! It's time to go!" Ubbe calls to them, the two turn and follow the others. By the time they make it to where Aelle claimed Ragnar had died rain had come and drenched them head to toe. Aela stepped off Ivar's chariot, Ivar reaching out a hand and grasping her bicep while Hvitserk took her hand to help her down. She didn't sustain injuries minus a bruised as hell leg that hurt to walk on too much and step down on.