Fallen Chariot

Prologue

The sound of metal banging against metal was deafening all around us. Whether it was shields or swords, this is what was causing the stench of iron to disturb the air. If I were to glance down at my feet, I would no longer be able to make out the dark soil that we were marching on a few short hours ago. My sword felt like iron in my hand, and the lack of heaviness made me realize I lost my shield towards the beginning of the battle. Pieces of my braided hair had fallen into my blood-stained face, causing it to stick uncomfortably onto my cheeks. My ears made out the sound of heavy footsteps approaching from behind me, followed by the sound of chainmail. My legs turned, and with the thrust of my sword, I pushed it into the oncoming soldier.

My eyes quickly traveled back and forth, searching for the large chariot with its crippled rider, and only catching a glimpse of Bjorn and Ubbe taking down the enemies in their vicinity. My left eye was burning from blood pouring from a gash above my eyebrow. My busted lip wasnt as bad, but still stung every time I licked my chapped lips. As I glanced around, I noticed this is the worst Viking loss in any of the battles weve faced. The thought causes me to start frantically searching for the chariot. Thats when my eyes focused in on something straight ahead. A whole new battalion of soldiers was making their way towards us. Björn's worried expression didnt help settle the anxiousness in my belly. They were vastly approaching, and saw him and Ubbe talking frantically. Björn's large frame turned toward us, and with a stern look, shouted.

"Fall back!" The remaining Northmen around me immediately began to flee back to the ships and I caught Ubbe's bicep as he ran past me.

"Where is Ivar?"My voice came out as a frantic croak, and his close-set eyes widened. Turning, I follow his line of sight and the image made my heart sink. There, in the middle of a pile of dead Northmen and Soldiers alike, was a fallen chariot.