A Viking's Rage

Chapter 21

The Arrival of Danger

The ship lurched as Jaril shouted orders, and the previously jovial atmosphere shifted to one of grim preparation. The crew, still chuckling moments ago, now moved with the precision of seasoned warriors. Weapons were drawn, shields were handed out, and the air grew thick with tension.

Aiya and Esma exchanged a glance, their disguises and inexperience starkly contrasting with the hardened sailors around them. Yet, there was no time for second-guessing.

"Who could it be?" Aiya asked, her voice low but steady.

"Could be raiders," Jaril replied, scanning the horizon with a scowl. "Or worse—someone looking for you."

The ship grew closer, its sleek hull cutting through the waves like a predator stalking its prey. The crimson sails bore a wolf emblem, fierce and unmistakable.

"The Wolf Clan," Jaril muttered, spitting overboard. "Bloodthirsty bastards."

Aiya tightened her grip on her sword, her heart pounding. She had heard tales of the Wolf Clan’s brutality.

Esma leaned close to her. "What do we do if they board us?"

Aiya glanced at her friend. "We fight. We survive."

Jaril barked another order. "Archers, ready! No one fires until I say."

The archers lined the sides of the ship, their bows drawn, arrows trained on the approaching vessel. A tense silence fell over the crew as they watched the enemy ship grow larger, the faces of its crew becoming clearer.

---

The Clash

The Wolf Clan's ship drew alongside Jaril’s, and a gruff voice bellowed across the water.

"Lower your weapons and surrender! Give us your ship, and we might spare your lives!"

Jaril laughed bitterly. "Spare us? You lot don’t know the meaning of mercy!"

The first arrow flew, piercing the air with a sharp whistle before embedding itself in the Wolf Clan leader’s shield. That was all it took to ignite the chaos.

A volley of arrows followed, some finding their mark, others clattering harmlessly against wood and shields. The enemy ship rammed into Jaril’s, and the two vessels locked together with grappling hooks. The clang of steel meeting steel echoed as the Wolf Clan leaped onto the deck, their war cries chilling.

Aiya swung her sword instinctively as a bearded man lunged at her. Their blades clashed, the force of it sending a jolt through her arms. She ducked under his next swing, slashing at his side. The man crumpled with a groan, but there was no time to celebrate. Another attacker was already upon her.

Esma fought nearby, her smaller frame darting and weaving between blows. She wielded her axe with surprising ferocity, felling a foe with a well-placed strike.

"Behind you!" Aiya shouted, and Esma turned just in time to block an incoming attack. The two fought back-to-back, their movements synchronized as they battled their way through the chaos.

Jaril and his crew held their ground, their roars of defiance rising above the din. Blood slicked the deck, making every step treacherous, but the men of the Bitter Dragon fought with unmatched ferocity.

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The Turning Point

The tide of battle began to shift as Jaril roared, cleaving through two enemies with a single swing of his massive axe. Aiya and Esma, though bruised and weary, held their own, driving the remaining attackers toward the edge of the ship.

One by one, the Wolf Clan fell or retreated back to their vessel. Seeing their numbers dwindle, their leader shouted an order to disengage.

"Fall back!" he barked. "This fight isn’t worth the ship!"

The enemy crew scrambled to cut their grappling lines, their ship pulling away amidst a chorus of curses and jeers from Jaril’s men.

As the Wolf Clan retreated, a ragged cheer rose from the crew of the Bitter Dragon. Bloodied but victorious, they began tending to the wounded and securing the ship.

---

Aftermath

Aiya slumped against the mast, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. Her sword, slick with blood, felt heavy in her hands. Esma dropped beside her, wiping her axe clean with a piece of cloth.

"Well," Esma said, her voice hoarse, "that was... exhilarating."

Aiya managed a weak laugh. "And terrifying."

Jaril approached, his face smeared with dirt and blood. "Not bad for a couple of boys," he said with a grin, though his sharp eyes betrayed his suspicion.

"We’ve seen our share of fights," Aiya replied, deepening her voice.

Jaril’s grin widened. "Have you now? Either way, you’ve earned your keep—for now."

As the crew set about repairing the ship and tending to the fallen, Aiya stared out at the horizon. Northumbria awaited, and with it, the next chapter of her story.