The sea was choppy, and the gray dawn broke over the horizon as Aiya stood on the prow of the ship, her eyes fixed on the approaching shores of England. The coastline was jagged, unwelcoming, and veiled in a dense mist, but she felt an unshakable determination. Behind her, the fleet was alive with the murmurs of men readying themselves for whatever awaited them on these foreign shores.
Ragda came up beside her, his presence grounding her. "We will reach the shores of York by nightfall," he said, his voice steady.
Aiya nodded, gripping the hilt of her mother's sword. "This is where it begins. The first step toward reclaiming what is mine."
"York is no small feat, Aiya," Ragda reminded her, though his tone held no doubt. "Lord Hemming will have defenses in place. Even with James and Jaril's help, we'll need more than strength—we'll need strategy."
A sly smile played on Aiya's lips. "You think I came all this way without a plan?"
Ragda raised an eyebrow. "Do tell, Conqueror Queen."
Aiya turned to face him fully. "James's ship will approach York under the guise of a trade vessel. I will be aboard, along with Esma and a small group of your warriors posing as merchants. We will enter the city first, locate Hemming, and weaken his inner circle from within. Once we have the signal in place, your fleet will attack from the river and the gates."
Ragda crossed his arms, a look of admiration and concern mingling on his face. "It's bold. If it works, Hemming won't know what hit him. But if they discover you before the signal..."
"Then we will fight," Aiya said firmly. "I've waited too long for this moment. Noah waited too long for this moment. I will not fail."
Ragda studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. You have my sword, my fleet, and my men. We'll follow your lead."
---
Arrival in York
The bustling city of York was alive with activity as James's ship docked in the harbor. The smell of smoke and fish mingled with the chatter of merchants and the clang of metal from the blacksmiths. Aiya, disguised as a common merchant's assistant, stepped off the gangplank with Esma by her side, both wearing simple cloaks to blend in.
"Remember," Aiya whispered, "we're merchants from the north, bringing exotic goods for the lord's table."
James, dressed as a wealthy trader, led the group with a charisma that seemed to charm everyone they passed. Ragda's warriors, now wearing rough tunics to hide their armor, carried crates and barrels behind them, their faces grim but silent.
The group made their way through the crowded streets, passing soldiers and townsfolk who paid them little mind. Aiya's eyes roamed the familiar alleys and buildings, memories flooding back of her time as a servant in Hemming's household. She clenched her fists, willing herself to focus on the task at hand.
They were escorted by Hemming's guards to the great hall, where the lord sat surrounded by his advisors. Hemming, now older but still radiating arrogance, lounged on his high seat, a goblet of wine in hand. Aiya kept her head low, her hood casting a shadow over her face, but she could feel his presence like a dark cloud.
James stepped forward with a deep bow. "Lord Hemming, we bring goods from the northern isles—rare spices, furs, and crafted weapons to grace your table and arm your men."
Hemming waved a hand lazily. "Let's see these wares. If they please me, I may consider trading."
James motioned to the crates, and Ragda's men began to open them, revealing the carefully packed goods. Aiya took the opportunity to step back, blending into the shadows as Esma followed suit.
"How long do we have?" Esma whispered.
"Until nightfall," Aiya replied. "That's when Ragda will strike. We just need to ensure the gates are unlocked and the guard numbers are weakened before then."
Esma nodded, her expression resolute. "Let's get to work."
---
The Plan Unfolds
As night fell, Aiya and Esma slipped away from the great hall, moving quietly through the city. They found the barracks where the guards were stationed and set small fires in the storage areas, sending smoke billowing into the night. The chaos distracted the soldiers, pulling many of them away from their posts.
Meanwhile, James and Ragda's warriors prepared the gates, killing the guards in silence and ensuring they would open easily when the time came.
When the signal—a bright burst of flame from a torch atop the main tower—was lit, Ragda's fleet moved swiftly up the river, their dragon-headed ships cutting through the dark waters like predators. The sound of war horns echoed across the city, sending a chill through Hemming's men.
Aiya, now armed and ready, stood at the heart of the chaos. She led a group of Ragda's warriors through the streets, cutting down Hemming's soldiers with precision. Her mother's sword sang as it struck, and her movements were as fluid and deadly as a shadow.
Esma fought at her side, her smaller blade flashing in the firelight. Together, they carved a path toward the great hall, where Hemming was attempting to rally his forces.
---
The Final Confrontation
When Aiya burst into the great hall, Hemming turned to face her, his face twisting in recognition.
"You," he spat. "The slave girl who escaped the noose. How dare you return here!"
Aiya strode forward, her blade pointed at him. "You murdered Noah. You betrayed this city and its people with your greed. Tonight, your reign ends."
Hemming drew his sword, laughing bitterly. "Do you think you can kill me, girl? You're nothing but a shadow of a king's daughter."
Aiya didn't respond. She charged, her blade meeting his in a clash of steel. The hall filled with the sounds of their battle, the echoes of their strikes reverberating like thunder.
Hemming was strong, but Aiya was faster. She ducked and weaved, her strikes precise and relentless. She could feel the presence of Noah in her heart, guiding her hand.
With a final, decisive blow, Aiya disarmed Hemming, her sword at his throat.
"Any last words?" she asked, her voice cold.
"You'll never win," he hissed. "Even if you kill me, others will rise."
Aiya didn't hesitate. She drove her blade forward, silencing him forever.
---
As dawn broke over York, the city was hers. Ragda's forces secured the gates, and James's crew celebrated their unexpected victory. Aiya stood on the steps of the great hall, the people of York gathered before her.
"You are free," she declared, her voice carrying across the square. "No longer will you live under tyranny. Together, we will build a future worthy of our ancestors."
The crowd erupted in cheers, their cries of victory echoing into the morning light. Aiya turned to Ragda, who stood at her side.
"You've done it," he said, pride in his eyes.
"No," Aiya replied. "We've done it."
And as the sun rose over her reclaimed city, Aiya Einardaughter, the Conqueror Queen, took her first step toward a legacy that would rival even the greatest heroes of old.
The End of Book I
Book II: Conqueror Queen
YOU ARE READING
A Viking's Rage
Historical Fiction[2018 Watty's Shortlist] In a brutal world ruled by cruelty and power, Aiya is nothing more than a slave-her life defined by servitude and pain. But when her ruthless Lord betrays her and Northumbria falls under siege by Norse invaders, Aiya's life...
