The Viking Slave

Chapter 16: Lies

One Week Later

Astrid patted her foot excitedly as she rowed the oar back and forth, nearing the shores of Oliefsborg. She felt a new feeling; a feeling of happiness and hope that she had not felt in years.

"We are almost home." Knute said with a cheeky smile as he sat down beside of Astrid.

Astrid could not help but smile in return.

"I cannot believe that I am going to be free!" She cheered. "When I set my feet on land as a free woman I am climbing that mountain. When I am at the top, I shall spread my wings and fly into a new world." Astrid pointed to the tall mountain off into the distance as the memory of Iona returned to her. It was the mountain that Iona mentioned just before her death. "I will be free, just as Iona said."

"Are you going to stay in Oliefsborg?" Knute's face held sadness as well as happiness.

"I do not know." She shrugged. "Heinrich, my old friend, was still alive. I need to know how many more from my home are still alive. He could be one of many."

"You cannot return to your home. There is nothing left and some things should remain the way they are." Knute stated, arising from the bench when Oliefsborg came in sight. "You cannot make a home of something that has a past like it does."

"That was years ago." Astrid replied sharply stepping up beside Knute. "That is not my home. It has never been my home." She turned back away from Knute. "Sure my family is dead but why can I not start me a new one. And before you even ask, I will not have a Norseman. Not after all I have been through."

Knute let out a disgruntled sigh. "I understand Astrid that you have been through a lot but you must put the past behind you and start a new." He paused and glanced back at her with pity in his eyes. "I am just as good as the next man, if not better. I will treat you good with a life full of love. Why can you not see that?"

"Because I am not what you need." Astrid replied bluntly, placing her hands on his rough, bearded face. "Save your love for someone who needs it do not waste it on a woman like myself. You deserve better."

Astrid left Knute alone and walked towards Erick who watched from the end of the boat with a pleased smile on his face.

"I get to see my beloved Jezebel once again." Erick spoke. "It seems like it has been forever since I felt her touch upon my skin."

"It has been several weeks. I am sure she is coming along well with her child." Astrid replied as she began watching the water splash under the boats wide bottom. "Knute wants to marry me. What do you think I should do?"

Erick raised his eyebrows. "Marry him. Knute is a good man. He will treat you well and try to please you in any way possible."

Erick gave Astrid a wink. Astrid shook her head.

"I do not think I am what he needs." Astrid stated simply.

"Well you asked me what I thought and I think you should marry him." Erick said looking back at the nearing village. "You do as you feel the need. I cannot live your life for you; I have one of my own."

"Ease into the docks, men!" Erick ordered the crew. "Just remember you are still a slave until told otherwise. Before you go and make plans with your life, see if Bard still has his offer on the table." He whispered to Astrid before leaving.

Soon the boats were docked on the shores of Oliefsborg. Swarms of villagers were lined up awaiting the return of their loved ones. Happy reunions of families were taking place all around Astrid, but there was no one to greet and reunite with her. Erick took Jezebel into a strong hug at the end of the wooden dock. Astrid forced herself through the crowds aggressively, giving no one around the time of day as she made her way towards Erick's long house, which was blocked by villagers also. After several minutes of pushing thought people she finally entered into the house. A wave of heat hit her from the many open cooking fires scattered all around the house where Wald, Ingrid, and other slaves cooking a feast