A Viking Story

Chapter 2

The voyage started out with a clear blue sky and dry warm weather, the vikings had settled after their raid, eating stockfish and sloshing mead out of their horns, joyously relaying their tales from the battle. "And then the bitch started begging for it!!!!!" the men's boisterous laughter roared throughout the ship as one of them humped the mast and continued the entertainment with his story of raping. Erik shook his head as he walked towards the captive women, arms laden with food and drink. "Good evening, I thought you might be at least thirsty if not hungry, I'll untie you for the rest of the journey but give me any reason and you will find yourself once again bound."

Thyra silently nodded and watched as he untied Astrid before moving onto her, she couldn't help the smile that crept across her face as Erik realized she had escaped her bindings some time ago. "You think you're so slick? Nothing you have done or will do is gonna surprise me, meaning it won't surprise Skarde either. Nothing you think, do, or want matters anymore. You are the captive wife of Jarl Skarde, that is your life now, the sooner you accept that, the sooner you and everyone around you will be happier." Erik stressed, his eyes looked deep into her soul and Thyra threw a wicked grin back at him.

"Fucking women." was all he said before giving them their food and walking away. They ate in silence, the day had taken a toll on them both. The drunken warrior had finished his stories and began walking towards the captives, "Well well well, what do we have here?" His nasty grin made Thyra wanna punch him in the face, he reached out to touch Astrid's face. "You're an awful pretty one aren't you." She spat at him, "Leave me alone you ugly goat." She retorted.

The man's face scrunched up in anger, "I'll fuck that dirty little mouth of your's till you got something nicer to say." He threatened. Thyra dropped her plate, grabbing his attention before pulling him into her by the back of his neck and kneeing him in the groin. "You'll have to get your dick working again first." She laughed before kicking him in the gut. Erik was quick to his feet, he drew his sword, pointing it at her chest, "Another move like that and I'll bring Astrid to the Jarl instead of you and he may not feel the mercy to spare her."

Thyra stiffened, "Keep your men in line and you will see no more altercations from me." she replied. Erik grumbled to himself before walking away. "Thank you." Astrid said after a moment of silence was shared as they watched the waves. "I will do my best to protect you but I do not know what the fates have in store for us in our near future." Thyra put her arm around her friend's shoulder, giving her a comforting hug.

She was terrified yet knew she was strong enough to withstand anything thrown at her, but she wasn't sure how Astrid would be. With luck she might be able to convince her husband to be, to make Astrid a slave in the longhouse, that way she could keep an eye on her. So much was unknown but she had to stay strong for the both of them. 

The next few days went by quietly and uneventful, adding to the suspense of their future, Astrid had slept through the days of the journey, trying to escape her fear. Thyra couldn't sleep, her mind raced from the battle, to the future, and all the emotions that came with every thought. She was ready to explode, she wanted to kill something but in order to survive she had to keep herself collected and clear headed.

The waves against the boat carried to her thoughts as they crashed and swelled against each other, it was gonna be another sleepless night. She walked to the edge, watching the water ripple, for a split second she considered throwing herself over, to leave all of this behind and control her own fate. Just as she stuck a leg over a man yelled, "Land! We're home brothers!" A loud cheer erupted from the group.

Thyra hurried back over to Astrid, hoping no one had seen her lose her strength. "Get up, prepare yourself, everything is about to change." She shook her friend awake but couldn't help staring down her new hell that got closer and closer and the rowers hurried their pace. All were anxious to get home, but that feeling had different roots for everyone. 

 "Welcome Home!" A tall muscular man bellowed as they docked the ship. Erik embraced him, "The spoils are plenty and I have brought you a personal gift." He gestured towards their bounty, Skarde's eyes wandered over the crates and barrels before his eyes landed on Thyra. "She is beautiful and spirited no doubt." He clapped his hand on his friend's shoulder before jumping onto the ship and walking towards the women.

Thyra could tell by the way he held himself and his eager approach that this had to be Jarl Skarde. She stood unwavering, determined to hold her ground. "Hello gorgeous, I am Skarde, the Jarl of these lands. I do believe you are the prize my man has promised me for three journeys now." His smile made her sick, "I am Thyra, this is my right hand Astrid. If you wish for me to remain alive I suggest you ensure her safety and well being."

A deep laugh erupted from him, "Feisty little pet aren't you, I am willing to grant you this one favor, but don't forget your place, you are mine and I may do as I wish with you." He grabbed her, throwing her over his shoulder. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" She yelled while attempting to wiggle free. "Whatever the fuck I want!" He yelled back.

Astrid watched as her friend was taken from her side, Erik walked up to her, "Help us unload our supply and I will show you to your new home." He simply stated before shouting orders to his men. She was terrified but had to hope the Jarl would stick to his word. She began helping as her mind wandered to her friend's safety, "May the gods be with you." She whispered.