The Abduction of the Northmen

Chapter 24

"It is very lovely here." Tóra breathed as her eyes wandered the skies.

"Yes it is." Jordanes said, staring at her porcelain face.

"Do you miss your home?"

"A little. I miss my friends."

"Who were your friends?"

"Another shield maiden, Fasta. We have been friend our whole lives. And an ancient healer, Byrnhilda. A sagacious woman she is."

The sound of silence was the only sound that escaped their lips.

"Do you have a father?" Jordanes tensed.

"No. He is dead to me."

"Why?"

"He was of the Arochi. He loved my mother, but chose the Arochi over her. He was slaughtered after his tribe heard of his relationship with my mother."

"I am sorry."

"So am I. He was different from the Arochi, but a weakling. My mother soon married a man from the Manimi. He was a true father to me. But his life was taken within an instant. One day he was my teacher who would teach me the ways of the sword, then the next, his spirit was taken from his body." Jordanes's voice cracked.

Tóra embraced Jordaes. He felt warm to her touch. She felt trembling, only to realize it was her who trembled.

"Tóra, do you remember when I told you that I did not fancy one?" Jordanes asked.

"Yes."

"I did fancy one once. She was not the maid you saw. She a Füchsin, a vixen. A siren aware of the damage she causes."

Tóra furrowed her brow.

"Who is she?"

"Her name is Diomira. We were lovers, but she loved me much less. I would have done anything for her. But she would have let me rot. I no longer love her."

"I am sorry."

"Is there one you fancy?" he asked.

"Ég elska pig." she replied.

"I do not understand. What did you say?"

"I shall see you at dawn." She whispered as she drifted away.

Jordanes watched as she disappeared into the night.

" Sie kann nicht fühlen sich die gleiche wie ich, Aber ich liebe dich, Tóra."