𝑨𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒉 | ✔️

18 | Faced with the Enemy

Summer, 30th June 864AD – Midnight

A mighty war cry ripped me out of my thoughts.
Alarmed, my eyes shot wide open as the armoured man lunged forward raising his double-headed axe. His other hand clutched onto his round shield. It was beautifully crafted, adorned with an intricate pattern and splotches of crimson.

Panic rose in my throat. I exhaled sharply, squaring my shoulders. I was alone without Edwyn or Dreng to help me. As a Valiant warrior, I know being here faced with the enemy is a test. Either I fail or pass. Only, it is a matter of life or death.

My nails pressed against the leather of my hilt. Slowly, I circled the Viking, my eyes sharp. I waited for him to make his move.

"You are a petty little thing." I could hear his thick Danish accent beneath his helm. "You think you can conquer me?" He released a rumbling laugh. "They do not call me Wulf the Merciless for nothing. Are you familiar with me down here?"

I glared at him. "No. Leave our land and spare my people." I pressed my hands firmly around my sword. My teeth grinded. "Are you not exhausted from years of bloodshed?"

Wulf grinned darkly. "No. We will not rest until your king is dead and you surrender your land."

Something clicked inside me. The fire burning in my stomach rose, scorching my trembling body.
Releasing a mighty cry, I swung my sword with every strength I could muster. Wulf pushed his shield forward, colliding into me.
I missed, stumbling backwards. I caught my balance.

"East Anglia will never be yours!" I struck my blade against his axe head. "You cannot take what does not belong to you. Leave us alone!"

I lifted my leg, my boot throwing a hard kick to his shin. However, that did nothing. Wulf smirked watching as I struggle.

"Foolish little girl!" He bellowed, throwing his head back.

I winced inwardly by his remark. Yet, I stood my ground.

"Who said this land belongs to you?" Wulf scoffed. He grunted, swinging his axe. I quickly blocked his blow.
"Saxon, do you not know you were once like us?" He pressed his axe deeper against my blade. I grind my teeth as I tried to push his axe away.

"Saxon, you were one of us once!" Wulf hissed, striking his axe. "Do you not know you conquered the inhabitants of this land? You are also barbarian!

My mind took me back to the secluded beach a couple days ago. When Dawn mentioned about our dark history. We were Barbarians like the Danes, yet we knew better now that we came to accept the truth and chose to change our pagan ways.

I have my doubts the Danes have any remorse for their actions. Their bloodshed has driven both our nations into insanity.

"For twenty years I have lived in others' shadows, too coward to fight for my people." I pressed my blade harder against his axe. "But that is not who I am anymore. No, I won't let you Northmen keep plundering our home again"

Wulf's eyes met mine; cold and unfriendly. His lips curled up, revealing his foul blackened teeth.

"For a girl, I am impressed. It is unusual for me to encounter young women as brave as you." His gaze lingered over me like a vulture ready to snatch a worthy grub. "Most would flee seeing how terrified I am." He laughed darkly. "But I don't let them escape so easily. As long I get a supply for slaves for my chief, then I reap the rewards."

I glared at him coldly. "You son of a bitch..."

Wulf laughed, his chainmail jangling. "Not quite right. But you understand, do you?" His hands traced around my shoulders while his eyes focused on my chest. I shuffled uncomfortably. "Yes, you will just do. The Chief would be very pleased to have you. Tell me, are you still pure??"