A Viking's Rage

Chapter 1

York, 883 A.D.

The air was thick with the briny tang of the sea, mingled with the pungent decay of kelp strewn across the shore. To most, the scent would be repulsive, but to the girl perched on the cliffs, it was oddly comforting.

Aiya sat in her usual spot, her legs dangling precariously over the edge as she gazed out at the endless ocean. The waves crested with white foam before crashing onto the distant sands. The rhythmic slap of water against the rocks below was a melody she had grown to cherish. It was her sanctuary-this rugged perch where her thoughts could roam untethered. Here, she could dream of a life beyond servitude, imagining the adventures that lay across the horizon.

"Up here again, Aiya?"

She didn't need to turn. The voice belonged to Noah, her dearest friend.

"You know I come up here to be alone," she replied without looking away from the sea.

He crouched beside her, the golden light of the setting sun casting shadows on his features. His expression was troubled as he stared at the horizon. "The village of Greeta was raided by Vikings last night," he said quietly.

Aiya's head whipped toward him, her brow furrowed in disbelief. "Vikings? That can't be. They haven't raided these shores since before we were born. Do you think they'll come here?"

Noah picked at the dirt with his calloused fingers, avoiding her gaze. "I don't know," he admitted.

His uncertainty hung heavily between them. Noah had been Aiya's steadfast companion through the years-a brother, a confidant, and her protector. But their lives were worlds apart. He was the son of a poor farmer, free to make his choices, while she was bound to a cruel lord, her freedom stolen before she even understood its value. The scars on her back bore witness to her years of defiance, though the pain had dulled over time.

The sun dipped lower, staining the horizon a deep crimson. Aiya sighed, knowing it was time to return. If she lingered too long, Lord Hemming would find an excuse to punish her.

Noah stood and stretched. "I'll walk you back," he offered, his voice tinged with reluctance.

She shook her head. "No, your mother will worry. Go home, Noah. Give her my love."

He hesitated before nodding. "Take care, Aiya." He turned and descended the steep hill, his silhouette shrinking against the darkening sky.

Aiya lingered for a moment, watching him go. Then, with one last glance at the sea, she began the familiar trek back to the castle. The worn path beneath her feet was as familiar as her own heartbeat, the grass long since trampled away by years of her nightly journeys.

The servants' quarters were dimly lit when she arrived, but a shrill voice shattered the quiet.

"Aiya, Lord Hemming has demanded your arrest!"

Aiya froze. "What? Why? I've done nothing!"

Annie, another servant, stepped forward, her face pale and her tone urgent. "Lady Hemming says you stole her ruby necklace."

"That's ridiculous!" Aiya exclaimed. "I've never stolen anything!"

Before Annie could respond, the door burst open. Four guards stormed in, their boots clattering against the stone floor.

"You!" one of them barked, grabbing her arm. His grip was rough, his hands filthy. "You're coming with us."

"Let go of me!" Aiya demanded, struggling against him.

The man grinned wickedly. "What do you think, lads? Should we have a little fun with her before we take her to the Lord?"

The other guards laughed as they closed in, their hands reaching for her. Panic surged through Aiya, and she lashed out, biting down hard on the hand that covered her mouth. The guard yelped, but his retaliation came swift and brutal-a slap across her face that left her vision swimming.

"Enough," one of them growled, hauling her to her feet.

They dragged her through the castle halls, her heart pounding with fear. She expected to be thrown into the dungeons, but instead, they led her to Lord Hemming's chambers. The room was lavish, a stark contrast to the suffering endured by those outside its walls.

Hemming sat at a grand desk, his corpulent form barely fitting into the chair. He looked up, a sneer spreading across his greasy face.

"So, the little thief," he drawled, rising to his feet. "My wife's necklace is missing, and you were the only servant in her chambers. What do you have to say for yourself?"

Aiya clenched her fists, her voice steady despite the fear curling in her stomach. "I took nothing, my lord. Perhaps Lady Aethel-"

The slap came without warning, hard enough to make her ears ring.

"How dare you accuse my daughter?" Hemming roared. His face was flushed, his yellowed teeth bared in rage. "Perhaps a night in the stocks will teach you respect."

The guards seized her again, dragging her out to the castle square. The heavy wooden stocks loomed ahead, a symbol of humiliation and pain. Aiya didn't resist as they locked her in place, though tears pricked at her eyes.

The night was cold, and the position strained her back and shoulders. As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, she heard familiar footsteps.

"Aiya!"

"Noah!" she cried, relief flooding her voice.

"I'm getting you out of here," he said, fumbling with the lock.

"Noah, don't! If they catch you-"

"I won't leave you here."

Moments later, the lock clicked open, and Aiya collapsed into his arms.

"Come on," he urged, pulling her to her feet. "We have to go."

They slipped through the castle gates, heading for the river. But as they reached the bank, a chilling sight stopped them in their tracks. A dragon-headed ship loomed in the mist, its silent approach foreboding. Behind it, three more followed, their black sails billowing like specters.

"Pagans," Noah whispered.

Before they could run, rough hands seized them, dragging them back to the castle. Aiya's heart sank as she was thrown to her knees before Lord Hemming once more.

"My lord," a guard reported, "the Pagans are here."

Hemming's eyes gleamed with cruel delight. "Good," he said, his gaze flicking to Aiya. "Perhaps they'll provide the excitement I've been craving."