The Viking Slave

Chapter 35: War!

Astrid felt her heart thudding within her chest, while wild nerves consumed her mind. To her it seemed like it had been forever since she had held a sword, let alone use one to take the life of another. She felt her arm begin to tremble, causing her shield to jolt around. She rested her trembling hand over the opposite, clinching her sword and shield tightly. Her eyes found their way back to Deman, who outstretched his arm to extend his sword. With the reflection from the glistening steel, Astrid and the others knew it was time for war.

"Fight!" Deman passionately yelled, running out into the field, followed by his men. Astrid's world moved in slow motion as she charged into battle with the rest of the army.

She quickly found herself in the midst of a bloodbath of Viking men. Hastily, she engaged herself in battle with a smaller, yet wild opponent. He gouged at Astrid with his spear until he dropped it to the ground. Out of no where he pulled an sword from a sheath on his back, swinging it at Astrid. Violently, he struck Astrid's leg, creating a gash upon her thigh. A shriek of pain slipped out of her gritted teeth. It was then anger overcame her and she overthrew her enemy, driving her sword through his heart.

Shortly after, two women approached her from behind, one holding her arms backward. Astrid struggled momentarily, kicking her feet at the other woman, who had now drawn a knife.

"Inge, hold her tightly as I carve into her-" the woman spurted blood upon Astrid's face after being struck by an axe. Erika stood behind her with a smile upon her face, retrieving her blood-covered weapon.

Astrid fought herself free after minutes of struggling. In the struggle, she had killed the other Viking warrior woman. Erika patted Astrid on the back and smeared the blood that covered Astrid's cheek across her face.

"Remember," Erika blurted, turning her head from side to side. "The gods are with you no matter what." She smiled and returned to fighting.

Astrid continued with fighting, too. One by one her enemies fell around her, but her eyes focused solely on one person--Bard.

Astrid paused within the ruckus as she noticed Bard slowly approaching Deman from behind as he fought a large, red haired man.

"Deman!" Astrid shrieked out in desperate hopes that he would hear her.

She watched in fear as Bard knocked Deman in the with an axe. Hastily, he jerked it out and grazed the side of Deman's head with the same weapon. Anger and fear boiled within her as she watched Deman fall to the ground, landing in a pool of his own blood. Bard slyly moved onto the next man, killing him in the same manner. The horrid sight replayed in her mind while she vigilantly fought her way through the mass of fighting men and women.

Once Astrid arrived at Deman's side, she dropped to the ground beside him and took his motionless body into her arms, holding him closely to her. Tears welled in her eyes as she began rocking him back and forth. Suddenly, a painful groan escaped from his lips.

His blue eyes, filled with death, peered up at Astrid with a sincere expression. Weakly, he lifted his arm and touched her blood-covered face with his bloody fingers. "I told you to stay at the castle." He grumbled as a pain-filled smile crept on his face.

"Did you really think I would listen?" Astrid sarcastically asked, propping his head up. "If I had who would have found you?"

"I am glad you are here." He mumbled, while his breathing slowed. "You are the only person I want to be with as I die."