A Viking's Rage

Chapter 13

Aiya rode hard, the black horse carrying her through the dense forest as if it sensed her urgency. The trees closed in around her, their bare branches clawing at the encroaching twilight. She didn’t care where she was going; she only knew she couldn’t stop.

As darkness settled in, the forest became an impenetrable maze, forcing her to slow. Somewhere in the distance, she heard the unmistakable crash of waves against cliffs. The sound beckoned her, pulling her through the shadows until the trees parted, revealing a clearing.

She halted the horse near the edge of a jagged cliff. Below, the wide expanse of water stretched endlessly, its surface black and glistening in the dying light. The horizon burned with the remnants of sunset—fiery reds and oranges streaking the sky like an artist’s masterpiece. Aiya sat motionless, captivated by the sight.

She remembered being a child, dreaming of adventures across vast seas, imagining herself and Noah exploring strange lands and meeting fascinating people. But her reality had turned into something far darker. Now, a new possibility loomed before her—a prophecy whispered by gods and mortals alike.

Could it be true? Could she really be of such importance in this world? Part of her wanted to believe it, to embrace the destiny Roel had laid before her. But her heart weighed heavily with the memory of Noah. She had vowed to honor him, to carry out her promise.

“What is my path?” she whispered into the void, her voice trembling.

Her horse began to shift uneasily beneath her, its ears flicking toward the forest. A sudden flurry of movement caught her attention, and she turned to see a massive raven emerge from the trees. The bird’s dark wings spread wide as it landed on a gnarled branch, its black eyes fixed on her.

“It’s only a raven,” she murmured, though her heart pounded.

The creature didn’t move. It seemed to study her, its gaze unblinking and filled with an almost unsettling intelligence. Aiya couldn’t shake the feeling that it had something to tell her.

Then, from somewhere deep in the shadows, a voice echoed—a voice she didn’t understand, yet knew instinctively.

“Odin,” she breathed.

The words were foreign, but their meaning resonated in her soul. The All-Father’s message was clear: her path was not hidden. She knew what had to be done and was assured she would not face it alone.

Aiya closed her eyes and took a deep, steadying breath. When she opened them, the raven was gone.

“What must I do?” she asked aloud, her voice carrying on the wind.

---

Hafrafell, Lowzow’s Chambers

Aiya stormed into the Jarl’s chambers, her steps purposeful and her eyes alight with determination. She needed answers, guidance—something to make sense of the chaos in her mind.

Roel stood by the fire, his expression shifting to one of surprise and satisfaction as he bowed slightly. “You believe me, then?”

Before Aiya could reply, another figure swept into the room. Lady Ingrid appeared from a side door, adjusting an earring but freezing when she saw the girl. Her sharp eyes turned to ice, her lips curling into a sneer.

“Ingrid, bow to Aiya Einardóttir,” Roel commanded, his voice firm.

“Einardóttir?” Ingrid laughed coldly. “Surely you’ve lost your senses.”

Roel’s expression darkened. “Bue, du ufo ska met hore!” he bellowed, startling both women. Ingrid’s face twisted in fury.

“This girl cannot be the heir of Einar Jorgensen, the Red King of the Danes,” she hissed. “He is long dead. You have become obsessed, like my sons. She has infected you all!”

Aiya remained silent, observing the scene. A part of her wanted to believe Ingrid’s words—it would be simpler to remain who she had always been. But Odin’s voice still echoed in her mind, a steady reminder of her destiny.

“I didn’t want to believe it either,” Aiya finally said, her voice steady. “But the gods have spoken. They told me what I must do. I need training. An army. You will help me.” She turned her fierce gaze to Roel. “Gather your forces. Time moves swiftly.”

Roel nodded. “What is your plan?”

“I don’t know yet,” she admitted. “That’s why I seek your counsel. And you must teach me about the gods.”

Roel’s face softened with approval. “I will teach you of the gods—the old gods. The true gods.”

“And what will you tell Dagr upon his return?” Ingrid interjected, her voice dripping with venom. “If you think he will bow to her so easily, you are a fool.”

Aiya stiffened. The thought of Dagr’s reaction had haunted her since Roel’s revelation. Would he fight her? Would he defy the gods themselves?

“We will deal with Dagr when the time comes,” Roel said firmly. “For now, we have time. We must focus on your preparation.” He looked at Aiya, a glint of pride in his eyes. “You’ll need better quarters and a wardrobe befitting your station. This chamber is yours now,” he said, gesturing to Ingrid’s belongings.

“Hvordan våger du!” Ingrid shrieked. “You give her my things?” She stormed from the room in a flurry of skirts, Zita trailing behind her like a shadow.

Aiya watched them leave, a small smile tugging at her lips. She turned back to Roel. “One more thing,” she said. “I need a teacher. I must learn your language.”

“You shall have the finest teacher,” Roel promised, clearly enjoying Ingrid’s outrage.

Aiya nodded, her mind already racing ahead. She had so much to prepare, so much to learn. She glanced around the lavish room, her new quarters. Sitting on the bed, she felt the weight of her growing responsibility.

For now, she was grateful for the days of peace she would have before Ragda and Dagr returned. She needed every moment to plan for what was to come.