Viking Girl

Chapter 1

841AD

The journal of Brynhild the Bold

Today I am going on a raid. I must pray that no one finds out my real identity. This is the biggest risk I have taken so far but I want to go on a raid so badly . It hurt my pride when all the men laughed at me when I asked if I could go on a raid with them. I hate the customs that won't allow women to go and fight for our country. They believe we are the weaker sex, and all we are good for I'd housekeeping, and having children that will keep our population going. These same customs force us to wear long tunics or dresses, while the men are allowed to wear trousers. It's just not fair! Cutting my hair and dressing like a boy is my only chance. I hope that no one will question my age but my brother was younger than me when he went on his first raid.

I can finally put all those secret sword practices to use. I was almost caught several times but I luckily managed to make it look like I was just walking through the woods, collecting fuel for a fire, not practicing my sword fighting and accuracy with the bow.

I suppose in some ways it is good that mother has passed away. When she was alive she was constantly watching me, for fear that I would do something exactly like I'm doing now. But after we got attacked and she was killed it only strengthened my resolve to go raiding and avenge her.

I am currently at the docks, waiting for all the men to get here so we can begin loading the ship with provisions to last us while we're at sea. We must load up with food that will last a long time, as the trip by itself will probably take a little more than a month to arrive at the country we are raiding. We will pack things like smoked fish and meat,and dry crops to expand when we put them in water. I am rather afraid that we will run out of food, as we are relying on finding plenty when we are there. But I suppose, with so many experienced warriors on board we will be able to find plenty. I can only pray that I am right.

I feel like my parents must have gotten a vision from the gods, as my name means armored warrior women. I got the title of bold when I returned from the woods with a bear ear and an enraged bear chasing after me when I was 7. The men had to come and help kill it and we all feasted on bear that night. I got a solid beating from my mother for doing something so foolish but that night, after receiving my title far before most other men and women my age, my father gave me an extra serving of bear and my own little hunting knife. I have brought that with me on my trip. My father was always encouraging me to be whoever I wanted. I can only hope that he will be proud of me.

I don't even know why I am writing all of this down. If anybody found it I would get in the most trouble I ever have. I can hear someone coming. I must go. I pray to the gods for a safe journey and for me to not be found out. Now I must load the ship before setting out on my first raid! I hope for a swift wind in our sails.

In secret faith,

Brynhild the Bold

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Hey everyone! I hope you have been enjoying this so far. It is just a funny little thing I put up. Yay me. I will update regularly if anyone wants to keep reading. Please vote as it makes me feel so much better and that I'm not just writing this and being a weird loner!!

-A