VIKINGS || GYDA

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟑 *

The kingdom of Wessex was a sight to behold, so grand and foreign to me. Kattegat had no buildings that looked like this.

Our small group awaited at the front gates on horseback as the first order of business was being conducted, an exchange of hostages. King Alle of Mercia, begrudgingly leaves the gates on his own steed to be taken into the care of our warriors that awaited behind. He made no hesitation in staring all of us down, especially my father.

With the king in the hands of our warriors, and the gates opened wider, we click our tongues instructing the horses to move forward into the great walls of Wessex.

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We are met in the throne room by a handful of servants, a group of people who held the aura of nobility and a grand throne that contained an older man, decorated in fine wears and metals, the most eye-catching being the bronze crown atop his blonde locks of hair. King Ecbert.

"Welcome!"

He speaks in our language. He stands with arms wide and steps down from his throne as he speaks on in the English language—Athlestan stepping forth to translate.

Athelstan told us the kings request, and so we joined him and his family at a grand table with many seats that were placed behind the throne.

As we all are seated, servants appeared to place food and drink. It is graciously accepted, it had been a good while since anyone had enjoyed a hardy meal.

The kings family watch on curiously, focusing on every move and word. Ecbert begins speaking again.

"I thank you for agreeing to meet with me. I can understand that this would be the last place you expected to be." He smiles warmly.

Between the feasting, the king continues on about his proposal while Athelstan translated.

"King Ecbert feels that a treaty is the only solution to benefit both sides. If the conditions are met and agreed upon, peace and prosperity are a promise on the kings part. The king is willing to pay money and treasures to prevent any further depredations on his territories. More importantly he is prepared to offer five thousand acres of good land for farming in peace."

All listen to Athelstans words intently, with mostly pleased faces. The king was offering most beneficial terms.

"Lastly, may I present to you, Princess Qwentrith of Mercia." She sits to Ecberts left, a gold crown adorning her head, a pleased look in her gaze as she beholds our group.

"King Ecbert and the princess are willing to pay any of your warriors a fat fee for fighting for her."

Before anyone could ask on about his offer, father interrupts, "What about my brother?" Athlestan exchanges a glance towards the king before he speak again.

"The king agrees to release Rollo, upon your acceptance of his offer and upon the safe return of king Aelle."

Without hesitation father accepts the offer who is soon followed by my mothers acceptance. They both look towards King Horik in waiting of his answer. He only sits there brooding in his chair. He is silent because he knows he can only say what Ecbert wants to hear. In order to acquire the treasures and meet his people's wishes of peace, no matter how against it he is, he must accept.

We all take his silence as his acceptance, Athelstan continue on, "The king also ask of one last condition to this treaty." His eyes wander the room reluctantly,
"To make this treaty binding...a union of marriage must be made. King Ecbert shall put fourth a suitor of high rank, and in return, someone from this group must promise their hand."