The Viking Slave

Chapter 38: The End of an Enemy

Astrid woke with a startling jerk, sitting beside the fire in the throne room. She glanced around and pushed herself up from the ground. Calmly, she walked toward the window, looking out at the armies that were coming together into a battalion. Igor was working quickly to group his soldiers together in a line, while Erika studied each of the king's warriors carefully to see where she would place them.

Quickly, Astrid made her way outside. Standing at the end of the bridge, which connected the castle to the village, peering down the long, she peered down the long, depressing path. Igor working quickly grouping his soldiers together in a line, while Erika studied each of the king's warriors carefully. A nervous pit welled in her stomach, causing a sickening feeling to overcome her.

"If only Deman were here to see you." Camilla spoke from behind, approaching her with another servant woman. "He would be proud to know that you are fighting for his kingdom."

Astrid faked a smile in attempts to hide the true expressions of terror. "I still cannot believe he is dead." She shook her head, squinting her eyes at the castle behind her. "I just cannot fathom it, he was improving daily. I know because I was with him at every moment. I do not see how he died."

Camilla shrugged, pressing a hand on on Astrid's back. "He is alive if you believe." She encouraged, taking her by the hands. "Do be careful, my lady."

Astrid smiled as Camilla kissed each of her hands before disappearing down the path toward the castle. She looked up at the bright sun as it was beginning to rise. Her nightmares were unfolding and she could do nothing to control it, except fight with all she had.

Lightly, she ran her hands down the thick leather vest she wore and rested her hands upon her unsettled stomach. She closed her eyes, taking in a deep, refreshing breath of air into her lungs and released. Abruptly, she began to vomit uncontrollably and dropped to the ground. A brisk air blew, reassuring her it would be alright. Instantly, Astrid rose to her feet and joined into the armies.

The sounds of metal weapons and armor clinked as each person grouped together. Astrid smiled at a small group of women who wet sharpening their swords, but continued walking. Erika stood with her shoulders arched back at the end of the path.

"I thought you were not going to show up." Erika sarcastically remarked, glancing over at a silent servant girl who carried a bowl filled with a thick red liquid. Calmly, she dipped two fingers into the mystery liquid and streaked it across her face.

Astrid watched Erika as the Crimson color dripped down her cheek. "I would not miss this wonderful occasion for nothing."

"That is what I want to hear." Erika replied with a smile, approaching Astrid with the same bowl. She repeated the same actions on Astrid and pulled her into an embrace. "The gods will now look over us."

Astrid touched the warm liquid, nodding in confusion. "What is this?"

"It is the blood of a cow that we sacrificed to the gods." Remarked Erika, who patted Astrid's shoulder. "It will not be long now."

¤§¤

Igor's large band of men and women stood before the Northmen, clinching their shields tighty in front of themselves to create a barrier between the enemy. Their nervous breaths sounded heavily as they waited anxiously for each second to tick by. Igor's dead stare focused solely on Erick, who stood dismayed at the unexpected sight.

"Warriors!" Erick yelled brashly, sweeping his cape from his shoulders. "Line up! Prepare yourselves for battle!" His voice carried, causing the opposing army to become antsy. Erick's army gathered into a large battalion and began to beat their weapons against the shields that they held. The drumming created an intensity on the frontline.