Mist & Moonlight

Chapter 48 | Treason

The gates of Kattegat groaned open as Erik returned, his cloak heavy with dust from the journey. The sun was setting over the fjord, casting an amber glow over the fortress as Erik entered the courtyard, Jarl Sigvard slumped over the saddle of his horse, his wrists bound tightly.

The townsfolk whispered as they gathered to watch, their curiosity piqued. They knew Erik had left on a dangerous mission to bring justice to the man who had betrayed their king—and now that man was here, bloodied and defeated, dragged through the gates like a fallen beast.

Erik dismounted, pulling Sigvard roughly from the horse and shoving him toward the guards who awaited him. The jarl stumbled but managed to stay on his feet, his dark eyes burning with hatred despite his capture.

"Take him to the great hall," Erik ordered the guards. "He'll answer for his crimes before the king."

The guards nodded, dragging Sigvard forward as Erik followed, his heart pounding in his chest. This was it—justice for Freydis, for the attempt on her life, and for the broken oath Sigvard had sworn to Leif.

The great hall of Kattegat was filled with silence as Erik entered, Leif seated at the head of the long table, wearing the crown of his father, Rorik. Freydis stood nearby, her arms folded protectively across her chest, her gaze fixed on the man who had sought to end her life.

Leif's blue eyes darkened as Sigvard was brought before him. The traitorous jarl stood tall despite his bonds, sneering as if the weight of his crimes meant nothing to him.

"Jarl Sigvard," Leif began, his voice carrying the weight of command. "You stand accused of treason, of attempting to murder my sister Freydis, and of breaking the oath of loyalty you swore to me. Have you anything to say before I pass judgment?"

Sigvard lifted his chin, his lips curling into a defiant grin. "Say what you will, boy. But killing me won't stop what's coming."

Leif's brow furrowed, but his voice remained steady. "What is coming?"

Sigvard leaned forward, his dark eyes gleaming with malicious glee. "There are others—jarls who never accepted your rule. They'll rise up once they hear of my death. You think you've won by taking me, but you've only delayed the storm."

Erik's hand rested instinctively on the hilt of his sword, his anger simmering just below the surface. This man still believed he held power—that even in chains, he could bring chaos to Kattegat.

Leif's gaze didn't waver. "You'll find no sympathy here, Sigvard. You broke your oath. You sent a man to kill Freydis on her wedding day. That alone condemns you."

Sigvard sneered. "You'll see. Killing me will only make them stronger."

Leif's voice grew colder. "Then let them try."

The hall was silent, the air heavy with anticipation as Leif stood from his seat, towering over the bound jarl. The weight of justice lay on his shoulders, but there was no hesitation in his voice.

"Jarl Sigvard," Leif said, his voice steady and unyielding. "For your treason, your betrayal, and your attempt on my sister's life, I sentence you to death. Your execution will serve as a warning to any who think they can rise against Kattegat."

The crowd murmured in agreement, the tension in the room easing slightly at Leif's decisive words.

Sigvard laughed bitterly, his grin twisting into something dark. "This isn't over, King Leif. My death won't end it."

Leif stared him down, his gaze unwavering. "It will for you."

Freydis stepped forward, her presence commanding, her blue eyes fierce as she stared down the man who had tried to destroy her. "You thought you could take everything from me," she whispered, her voice low but filled with steel. "But you failed."

Sigvard met her gaze with a sneer. "For now."

Freydis's lips curled into a cold smile. "You'll never hurt anyone again."

Leif turned to the guards. "Take him to the dungeons. He will be executed at dawn."

The guards stepped forward and seized Sigvard by the arms, dragging him toward the exit. As they pulled him away, the jarl twisted to shout over his shoulder, his voice echoing through the hall.

"They will come for you, Leif! They will come for you all!"

But the king stood resolute, watching as the traitor was hauled away, his voice fading into the distance.

As the doors closed behind Sigvard, Erik turned to Freydis, his heart lightening now that the man who had sought her life was in chains. He stepped toward her, cupping her face in his hands.

"It's over," he whispered. "You're safe."

Freydis leaned into his touch, her breath shaky but filled with relief. "Thank you, Erik."

Leif approached, placing a hand on Erik's shoulder. "Well done, brother," he said quietly. "You've brought us justice."

Erik nodded, though a part of him remained uneasy. Sigvard's words lingered in his mind—the threat of others rising in rebellion. But for now, they had won. And Erik would make sure no harm came to his family ever again.

The fires in the great hall crackled softly as Erik, Freydis, and Leif stood together. The path ahead would not be easy—Sigvard's warning hinted at challenges yet to come. But they were ready.

Together, they had faced betrayal and emerged stronger.

As the first light of dawn touched the horizon, Erik slipped his arm around Freydis, guiding her toward the door. Tomorrow, they would wake to a new day—a day where Sigvard's shadow would no longer loom over them.

The cold wind from the fjord swept through the halls, carrying the echoes of justice through the stone walls. Sigvard's fate was sealed—and with it, a message to any who sought to defy the new reign: Kattegat stood united.

And it always would.