Mist & Moonlight

Chapter 46 | Justice

The flickering fire in the great hall cast long shadows over the stone walls as Erik stood before Leif, the weight of his request heavy on his heart. The attempt on Freydis's life had been more than a betrayal—it was a direct challenge to everything they had fought to build. And Erik knew that Jarl Sigvard needed to pay the price for his treachery.

Leif sat at the long table, his fingers drumming against the wood, his expression thoughtful. The crown on his head gleamed in the firelight—a symbol of the heavy burden he now carried. Erik respected Leif as both his king and his closest friend, which made what he was about to ask even more difficult.

Erik shifted on his feet, his gaze steady. "I want to go after him, Leif. Alone."

Leif's eyes narrowed as he studied Erik's face. "You know what you're asking?"

"I do," Erik replied, his voice low but resolute. "Sigvard sent that assassin. He broke his oath and threatened Freydis. I can't let that stand."

Leif leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. "You could take a raiding party—men loyal to you. You don't need to do this alone."

Erik shook his head. "If I take others, Sigvard will see us coming. He'll have time to hide or rally support. I need to strike fast and quiet." His gaze hardened. "This is personal, Leif. I owe it to Freydis."

Leif exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. Erik was like a brother to him—he had fought at Leif's side, shared victories and losses alike. And now, he stood before him asking for permission to risk his life for justice.

"You're sure this is the only way?" Leif asked.

Erik nodded firmly. "It's the only way to ensure Sigvard answers for what he's done."

Leif tapped his fingers against the table, weighing his options. Then, after a long moment, he gave a slow, reluctant nod. "You have my permission," he said quietly. "Bring Sigvard to justice—for his betrayal and for what he tried to do to my sister."

Erik inclined his head, grateful for Leif's trust. "Thank you."

Leif's voice dropped to a softer tone. "Just... come back, Erik."

With his permission granted, Erik made his way through the corridors to where Freydis waited with their daughter, Halla. His heart felt heavy at the thought of leaving them behind, but he knew this was something he had to do—for Freydis, for their family, and for Kattegat.

Freydis was sitting near the fire, cradling Halla in her arms, the soft glow of the flames dancing across her face. When Erik entered, she looked up, and her eyes immediately filled with concern.

"You're leaving, aren't you?" she whispered, holding Halla closer to her chest.

Erik knelt beside her, brushing a strand of fiery red hair from her face. "Yes. I have to do this, Freydis. For you. For us."

Freydis's lips trembled, but she nodded. "I knew you would."

Erik placed a gentle kiss on Halla's head, the baby's soft breath warming his cheek. "I'll be back before you know it," he whispered. "I promise."

Freydis blinked back tears, leaning into his touch. "Just... come back to us, Erik."

He cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing away a tear that slipped down her face. "Always."

As Erik stood to leave, Leif entered the room, his expression somber. He approached Freydis, pulling her into a tight embrace.

"I'll look after things here," Leif whispered, his voice filled with the love only a brother could have. "Erik will come back to you. He always does."

Freydis clung to him for a moment before pulling away, her eyes bright with unshed tears. "Thank you, Leif."

Leif then bent down to kiss Halla on the forehead, his large hand resting gently on her tiny chest. The baby stirred but remained peacefully asleep, her small face serene.

Leif's voice softened as he whispered to the sleeping child, "Your father is doing what's right, little one."

He straightened, giving Erik a long, meaningful look. "Bring him back, Erik."

Erik gave a short nod, his jaw set with determination. "I will."

With one last glance at Freydis and Halla, Erik turned and made his way toward the door, his heart heavy but his resolve unshaken. This mission would be dangerous, but it was a risk he had to take. Sigvard had threatened his family, and Erik would do whatever it took to ensure that never happened again.

As Erik stepped out into the cold morning air, the weight of the mission settled fully upon him. The wind whispered through the fjord, carrying with it the unspoken promise that justice would be done—and that Erik would return to the people who mattered most.

And when he did, Sigvard would be no more.