It was a bright and sunny day in England. A small coastal village by the name of Gease was buzzing with life.
That was before it happened.
~*~
At midday the sky changed, it became dark and full of clouds. It was a warning to the people that everything was about to change for the worst.
"The Vikings are coming!" Someone shouted.
"To trade or are they raiding?!"
"I can't see any swords or shields or anything!"
"Then maybe they're trading!"
How wrong they were, that day the town was burned and its people were killed.
When the boat docked, both men and women came charging out carrying weapons.
"Elizabeth, I have something I need to tell you urgently."
"Yes father?" I asked quietly.
"I have to go and protect this town and the people that live in it. It's my job, and so I must do it."
My father was the one in charge of the town, he was given this job by the king of England.
My father he is dead now.
He was killed protecting our village from the raiders.
He was a good man.
After all this time, I still miss him.
"You must take James and run. Promise me that the both of you will escape."
"I promise."
When I said those words, somewhere deep in my heart I knew I would not be able to keep them.
And I was correct.
We were both captured as we tried to flee the village, they took us with them as slaves.
~*~
It has been 5 long years since we were taken as slaves. I am 17, whilst James is now 14.
I have learnt how their system works. When the husband's, sons and rarely women go to raid or trade, the women of the household that have stayed behind, take charge of everything.
It seems that the people here treat women with more respect then in other settlements.
They also seem to have 3 different kinds of classes. First, there are the Jarls, they are the highest and wealthiest. Next, are the Karls, they are the working class. Lastly, the one of which I would technically be considered, is the Thralls, the slaves, the ones who serve the Jarls.
I had now devised a plan, I wouldn't be able to escape, but at least my little brother would have a chance.
When the men are out raiding, and a merchant comes, I will make a loud diversion that will distract everyone for a while. James will sneak aboard the merchants ship, and he will be free.
And so that is what happened, my little brother was able to escape.
Before he left I told him, "You must survive, you have to live a long and happy life. For both me and father. I love you little brother."
The Vikings didn't like what I had done. Because of me, they had lost a slave and had been made fools of in front of their guest.
They decided to behead me, what they would do to the slaves which had misbehaved.
As my final moment drew closer, I knew that my sacrifice hadn't been for nothing. My little brother was going to be safe, finally. I felt the dull blade pierce though my neck and into my bone, the pain was excruciating.
Tears began to stream down my face as I let a final smile grace my lips.
"I'm going to miss you Eli... Big sister? I love you."
I heard those words repeating over and over inside of my head as the darkness consumed me for the final time.
