The Valkyrie Rises

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Fifteen

I’m not sure anymore what Gods are with us and who is against us. Every day it seems that I have the upper hand, but by the end, it seems the Christian army has grown in numbers and bringing larger weapons than of a sword or spear. I’m losing large parts of my army and it is frustrating to me and Igor- for we will not have an army left. Igor concluded: If we take out their leader, the army will not stand a chance. The leader knows my willingness, they have made sure all areas I would touch upon were covered. If I didn’t know better I would say it was Ivar. 

During a chaotic raid, Igor had found a way for me to get into the castle. It was a small path way with mostly our men blocking the front entrance. It would be a great idea at first, but my men could easily mistaken us and we could be gutted and we already have Ubbe out for the count. I shook my head-disagreeing with Igor. Dirt flew in the air, blocking a lot of my vision, the cries and wails of men made it hard for me to concentrate and think. The only way in is through the main gate. 

“What should you have us do, my Queen?” 

“Shield-wall!” I cried out. Without hesitation, my men made a path for me to run across easily, using their shields to block the Christians. I ran as fast as I could into the House of Alfred. Everything was as it should be in the House except for the absent of the royal family and the mysterious ruler of the new Kattegat.

I found my way to the throne room to find it eerie vancicated. The air around me was thick and it did not make breathing easy. My senses were heighted- every creek, smell, and sight- caught me. A sudden clapping of the hands caught me, a figure appeared behind the throne. He was slender and well groomed. It was odd for said Viking. 

“Well done, My Queen!” I couldn’t believe what I saw, it took every fiber in my body to not drive my sword into his body.

“I did tell you that joining Alfred in a peace treaty would be a bad idea!” 

“Harald? You are the one behind kidnapping my son?” 

“If you would’ve just married me he would’ve been mine as well and we wouldn’t need all this fuss.” 

My most trusted advisor is the one who betrayed me. He is the one who burned Kattegat to the ground- his own home. He kidnapped my son and he is the one who controlled Kollungr. His crimes is highly punished but I feel no matter what punishment awaits him will be too good for him. 

“I trusted you!” 

“Yes you did! I didn’t want to do this, Sigrun, but you left me with no choice,” his voice held a bit of sympathy. 

“You see, My Sigrun, our race is slowly dying, and every time a Viking made a truce with Alfred many of us was slaughtered. Don’t you remember? No, you were too busy with your forinfications with the sons of Ragnar. This truce could not happen. You knew it as well” 

“You’re a coward!” I gripped my sword as I felt my blood boiling. If Ubbe and Hvitserk was here, they would have him instantly. They are strong and Harald was always weak. 

“Your King Alfred was very much for this treaty as well, it’s too bad his head had to be severed.” 

A deep growl came from behind, I turned slightly to see Hvitserk coming from behind me. Fire burned in his eyes. Hvitserk has heard everything and he wants blood.

Hvitserk charged from behind me, quickly I got in front of him and stopped him. Harald is dangerous right now- he is on the throne- we need to weaken his army first before even touching him. Hvitserk continued to moved pass me, he was hungry for revenge. Many Vikings thrieve on the want for revenge, but only so few had the hunger.