For Honor: an unlikely attraction

Ch. 8

William's POV

The ride to the town was relatively quiet. Neither one of us spoke a word and it was starting to bug me slightly. It was just so awkward.

"Hold on, if you were worried that people would come to your house and see a knight there, why did you let me wear my KNIGHT armor to this village?" I asked to not only break the silence but genuinely curious.

"Because I didn't have any male clothes for you to wear. Plus I didn't feel like knitting you some. Just stick with me and everything will be fine. No one wants to mess with a shaman's property." Ingrid explained.

"I'm no one's property" I said with a slight growl in my voice.

"Well in this instance you are. If you don't want your ass whooped by a whole lot of Vikings or even  killed, you are my property. Understand?" she said.

Understanding her explanation, I nod and we continue on with our journey.

It only took a few more minutes until we were able to see to town. It was a good size. Not to big as to not attract to much attention but not too small to be considered insignificant. This probably was the settlement me and the other knights were suppose to hit before we were ambushed. If we took this place, our presence in Valkenheim would increase but it would be small in comparison to when we take a fort or something of that altitude.

The moment we entered, we were instantly stared at. Not only because it was a knight with a Viking warrior, it was a knight with a shaman, a highly respected figure in Viking culture. I heard people mutter stuff as we passed but they were in Norse and sadly my knowledge of the language isn't so high.

We walked a good amount in the village, passing many shops, houses and people. Everything here was so...normal. It's just like in Ashfeld, people going about their lives the best they can with a war still in full force.

The war. This is actually the first time actually reflecting on the war. What was it even about? Resources? No, it can't be. Each side has enough resources to build buildings, feed to the needs of their people, weapons, armor, food, and etc for centuries and for even more centuries to come.. Basically, resources aren't a problem. Does it all boil down to hate? fear? Lack of understanding? Maybe, maybe.

I was so lost in thought I did not notice Ingrid stopping and I bumped into her considering I was behind her. I then saw some Vikings start to draw their swords but Ingrid raised her hand and it calmed the people. Damn, bumping into a Viking shaman equals death? They must really respect them.

I look at where we stopped and saw we were in front of a blacksmith's shop. I look at my sword and see that it's slightly getting dull. Maybe I can get it sharpen here while I'm at it.

Ingrid's POV

People are really on edge now that William's here. I really can't let him leave my sight. Only the gods know what will happen if he's by himself here, without me.

I walk up to the blacksmith's shop and see that there is a man, about in his early thirties, sleeping by the forge.

"Eric!" I yelled.

The man suddenly jolts up and looks around before landing his eyes on me.

"Sis!? Don't yell like that! Can't you see I was tired?" He yelled back at me, rubbing his eyes.

"You have a brother?" William asked.

"My older brother yeah. A brother that a slacker and sleeps on the job" I replied.

"First off, this is MY shop. I can sleep if I want to. Second, why do you have a KNIGHT with you?" Eric said, walking up to me and William.

"He's my pet. Isn't that that right William?" I said, pinching William's cheek in a playful manner.

"Yeah, yeah, I guess" He said in a monotone voice.

"What you have is none of my concern. What I am interested in is what business you're looking for" Eric said putting on his famous smile on.

"Sharpen my dagger and hatchet. His sword too" I said simply.

"Sharpening the sword will cost you extra just so you know" my brother said.

"Don't care. Just do it" I said.

"Okay, okay" Eric said.

William and I both hand in our weapons to Eric. He then proceeds to go to work on them at his shop while I preoccupy myself with the store next to it, the bakery.

As I browse the various cakes and bread, I feel a suddenly feeling of...Loneliness. I look around me and see that William is gone. 

I rush outside to look for him, to hope to see him near Eric's shop but I was wrong.

William, I don't know where you are but you are a stupid, stupid man.