𝑨𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒉 | ✔️

17 | Raid

A/N: Warning this chapter contains depictions of violence, blood, some assault and mature themes. Read at your own risk.

-Jenny-Tj

Summer, 30th June 864AD – Midnight

Just like Einar warned me, the Vikings arrived.
It happened in the dead of night. The horn was blown from the watchtower; distressed screams rang through the village; flames blaze over buildings, engulfing timber.

I dashed out of my home, sword clutched in my hand. Clothed in my chainmail over my red tunic, I was no ordinary seamstress apprentice or 'the Merchant's daughter' anymore.
Tonight, I am a Thegn, a warrior. Or at least a warrior-in-training. This is my first time going for battle instead of sheltering in the Meade Hall out of caution.
All my days of sparring, wielding weapons and learning battle strategies have led me to this moment. Yet, part of me thinks I am not prepared.

Tonight, I may need to face a Dane and kill them if I have to.
Yet, the thought of twisting my blade into their heart made me squeamish. As much as I despised the Danes, they were still human. They had friends and family, and by taking away their life, what would their loved ones think? Would they grieve? Would they swear vengeance on me?

I shrugged off my doubts. I am not an experienced warrior, so I cannot help having these feelings. Maybe with time I will get used to being on the battlefield.

I screwed the helm on my head. My belts and armour jangling as I sprinted further into my burning village.
As I passed the torched buildings, civilians were escorted by the Valiants to the hall, urging them to take their children, their wives and essentials and run.
Many lives were at stake tonight. Recalling back to the town meeting weeks ago, I made a promise to my people I'd serve our home. I pledged to prevent these Danes from claiming more lives and our valuables. I promised the other Valiants I would not let them down.

As I sprinted passed a band of Valiants on patrol, I question if I am prepared for any of this. This...this new path I am taking. Being a warrior came with many costs, yet our hard work will earn our people victories.
Still, I cannot help but wonder of the consequences if I failed. What if I see a person close to death, yet I am too late to save them?

"Ardith!" I whirled.

Emerging from the fray, Cwenhild jogged towards me, out of breath.

"Dreng needs you to evacuate the villagers to the Meade Hall."

My heart faltered. For my first battle, I expected I would put my fighting skills to good use. However, it seems Dreng does not believe I am ready. After all, I had not performed my very fast in the last few training sessions.
Cwenhild, on the other hand, outperformed most of us. She really had the grit and flair to march into battle prepared for anything. I'm sure she does not doubt her capabilities like me.

A flash of envy struck me. I averted my gaze, hiding the dejected look on my face.

"I see. He does not think I am capable to handle bloodshed," I muttered under my breath.

Just as I turned on my heel, Cwenhild grasped my wrist. Her serious gaze met my own.

"Ardith, you will have your chance," Cwenhild sighed. "Do not be dishearten-''

"Why should I be?" I shrugged off her hand. I half laughed. "At least I will be diverting the villages from the chaos. The rest of you will be running to your deaths head on. But I know the motive behind this; you, Dreng and my brother wants to keep me from danger. Like I'm some incompetent child who cannot wield a weapon."