Mist & Moonlight

Chapter 34 | Voyage by Sea

The wind carried the scent of pine and salt over the fjord as Leif stood at the bow of the longship, his hands resting firmly on the wooden wolf's head carved at the prow. The vessel cut silently through the still waters, the oarsmen rowing in steady rhythm, their movements synchronized and deliberate. Behind him sat Erik, Vidar, Eydis, Astrid, and Sigbrand, their expressions hard with resolve. The eastern sky was tinged with the first hints of dusk, cloaking their approach in shadow.

The crew remained quiet, knowing what lay ahead. Kattegat was not just a prize to be reclaimed—it was their home. It had fallen to the Eastern Jarls and now, it was up to them to take it back. Victory was the only option.

Erik leaned over, his voice low but laced with excitement. "It feels good to be back on the water, doesn't it?"

Leif's lips curved into a small smile. "It does. I just wish the journey were under better circumstances."

Eydis glanced toward the shoreline in the distance. "Better or not, the only way is forward."

The moon was rising, casting a pale silver glow across the fjord as they neared the familiar cliffs of Kattegat. The soft sound of water lapping against the hull filled the air. Erik leaned closer to Leif, whispering, "What's the plan once we land?"

Leif's eyes remained fixed on the darkened city ahead. "We slip in through the drainage tunnels at the docks. From there, we hit them fast and hard."

Vidar grunted approvingly. "Quick and quiet, just the way I like it."

Astrid folded her arms, her gaze sharp. "If they even suspect we're coming, the whole city will be on us."

"They won't," Leif assured her. "We'll take them by surprise."

***

The longship glided silently into the shallow waters of the harbor, the creak of wood barely audible over the gentle waves. Leif gave a signal, and the oarsmen raised their paddles, letting the boat drift naturally toward the shore. With smooth, practiced movements, the group jumped over the side into the cold, ankle-deep water, pulling the longship into the shelter of the rocks.

Leif crouched low, scanning the dimly lit docks for any signs of movement. The Eastern warriors were confident, perhaps too confident, in their hold over the city—there were no guards in sight.

He motioned for Erik to join him. "We head for the drainage tunnels. From there, we move quietly."

The group crept along the docks, their boots making soft splashes in the shallow pools left by the tide. At the edge of the quay, they found the old rusted grate—just as Leif remembered. He knelt down, prying it loose with his dagger, the metal groaning softly in protest.

Erik smirked. "Same old tunnels. Barely wide enough to fit through."

Leif shot him a wry look. "You'll manage."

One by one, they crawled through the narrow passage, the scent of damp stone and salt thick in the air. The darkness pressed in around them, but Leif pushed forward, knowing that victory—and home—lay on the other side.

***

They emerged from the tunnel into the shadows, hidden by the dark corners of the docks. Kattegat lay eerily quiet, the Eastern Jarls' men unaware of the storm about to descend upon them.

Leif turned to Astrid and Sigbrand. "Take the left flank. Erik, you're with me. We move toward the keep."

Astrid gave a sharp nod, already melting into the shadows with Sigbrand close behind her. Leif glanced at Erik, a determined grin spreading across his face.

"Let's finish this," Erik whispered, drawing his blade.

Together, they slipped through the streets, dispatching guards with silent precision. The men fell without a sound, their bodies crumpling onto the cold stone. Leif and Erik had battled with each other numerous times- it was muscle memory.

They reached the main gate of the keep just as Astrid and Sigbrand reappeared from the other side. Erik gave Leif a quick glance. "Ready?"

Leif nodded. "Let's make this quick."

***

The group entered the keep like shadows, moving silently through the halls until they reached the main chamber. There, by the fire, sat the leading Jarl, nursing a cup of mead, his guard down. The arrogance on his face showed that he thought his victory over Kattegat was already secured.

Leif crept closer, his dagger glinting in the firelight. With one swift movement, he pressed the blade to the Jarl's throat.

"Not a sound," Leif whispered, his voice cold and steady. "Tell your men to stand down, or you'll be dead before they even know we're here."

The Jarl froze, his breath catching in his throat. He gave a sharp nod, and Leif motioned to Erik, who slipped toward the heavy iron gate, opening it with a loud creak.

From outside came the sound of Eydis and Vidar's war cries, their forces storming through the streets. The Eastern warriors, caught between the two-pronged assault, fell into disarray.

***

The battle was over before the sun rose. The Eastern Jarls' forces crumbled under the weight of the surprise attack, and soon, Kattegat was theirs once more. Leif stood atop the walls of the keep, looking out over the city as the first light of dawn touched the fjord.

Erik joined him, wiping sweat from his brow. "We did it."

Leif gave a rare smile, the weight of the moment settling over him. "We did."

Below them, Freydis, Astrid, Vidar, and Sigbrand gathered with the remaining warriors, checking on the wounded and securing the keep. The city was alive again—home once more.

Leif exhaled slowly, feeling the familiar ache of responsibility settle back into place. But this time, it felt lighter. He wasn't carrying it alone.

Erik clapped a hand on his shoulder. "It's good to be home."

Leif nodded, a quiet sense of peace settling over him. "And this time, we'll make sure no one takes it from us."

They stood together, the city below them, a new dawn rising over Kattegat.