The Valkyrie Rises

Chapter Four

Chapter Four

The doors swung open and the candles blew out and the tapstries fell to the ground knocking over several decorations. A cold chill flooded the room. I gripped Baldr tightly to me. A natural rise of protection my son(s) overpowered me, I pulled Hvitserk closer to me as well. My direction turned to the door to see a shadow figure emerging from the doorway. He was certainly large and gruff. He held an ax in one hand and had his other hand closed in a tight fist. He had long blonde, scruffy hair and a long blonde beard to match. He stopped in front of us and looked down. His men and even women followed behind him. 

Hvitserk leaned into me and muttered a saying in Icelandic, a phrase even, only true Vikings know of. It is the short verison of the story of Fenir, son of Loki, and his forthcoming upon the Earth. Hence, Ragnarok. We have our experience of Ragnarok plenty of times, but known as apparent as the man in front of us. 

He came face to face with me, Baldr shuddered in my arms, causing me to grip him tighter.

“Land, Queen Sigrun is not the only thing a Viking wants.” His voice was snake-like, Ivar’s was snake-like too, but it had a whimsical charm to it, his voice was harsh and unwelcoming. 

“Who are you?” I frghtfully asked.

“My name is Kollungr-” he paused. “I’m King of the Volsung tribe…” 

“Skogarmaor!” Hvitserk hissed. Hvitserk quickly grabbed Baldr from my arms and pulled me back slightly. My feet tumbled over themselves indicating my uneasiness. I pushed Hvitserk’s hand back and stood my ground.

“I’m very sorry, I do not know you, are you acquaintance with my husband, Ivar, or even my father-in-law, Ragnar Lothbrok?” 

A sudden burst of laughter from Kollungr and his men. I did not understand it, but it is considered a honor, a privilege, and a blessing to even know Ivar and Ragnar. This is an insult. 

“Allas, I’ve never had the pleasure of knowing your family!” The laughter calmed down.

“Then what do I owe the pleasure?” 

“I feel as though you owe me the pleasure of an explanation.”

I scoffed, “I don’t think I owe you anything!” 

“Tell me-” “Why does the Great Viking Queen need the protection of a weak Christian King?” He asked.

Hvitserk grunted slightly withdrawing his sword, but Kollungr’s men are quicker as they beat Hvitserk. 

The room became inflamed with anger and rage, the Christian people became frightened, and King Alfred and his men stood perfectly still and did not move. I put my hands in front of Kollungr,

“No!” I shouted, “Arms down!” Kollungr nodded as I quickly turned to Hvitserk and muttered,

“Take Baldr and go back there! Take Baldr and go back there!” I did not give a moment to argue, for my word is solid now. Kollungr is not here in peace, he is here in hostility. 

“I don’t seek protection, but an alliance, so our great nations can grow strong together!” 

“Ah! So it is true! You are selling your soul to the Christians!” He excalimed. 

“I’m selling nothing!” 

“You are a traitor!” 

A war chant among my men began softly and then loudly. It surprised me honestly, because a lot of them were against this alliance. Yet, they have undying loyalty to me and to my son. They would stand with me to the end. Suddenly Kollungr’s men drew their swords and held them to my men, some even close to their chins, but they still kept chanting.