raven ↠ vikings

SEVENTEEN

The battle was fierce from the beginning. 

Jarl Borg's men were ruthless as he hid behind them trying to escape Ragnar's wrath. The two shield walls raged against each other like giant waves pounding against the rocks at shore during a storm. Cries of death and hate echoed in the morning air. Blood spilled onto the soft grass. No one was letting up. There was too much at stake. Whoever won this battle would march into Kattegat victorious. 

I felt one of Jarl Borg's men trying to break through my red shield. I pushed back with all my strength, reaching over my shield and stabbing him in the neck. He fell over dead, his blood splattering my face which had already been cut by the blade of another. Bjorn fought not too far away from me. He was strong and good with his weapon. No one had even touched him with a blade yet. 

The battle turned nastier when Jarl Borg ordered a unit of his men to attack our shield wall from the side. Ragnar ordered us to stand strong and not to fall, but the force of the new attack broke through several warriors' shields. 

I broke away, shoving my sword into the chest of a man that charged at me. I fought with no mercy as I cut down four more men with my blade. Jarl Borg's defense was growing weak. He seemed to notice as several of his best warriors fell. 

The sound of him calling for a retreat encouraged Ragnar's force. Those left alive ran for their horses, and Jarl Borg locked eyes with Ragnar. I watched as he started to run, but Ragnar threw his axe. Unfortunately, Jarl Borg moved out of the way just in time and got away with about fifteen other warriors.

I watched with Bjorn and Rollo as they faded into the distance. I could sense Ragnar's uneasiness as he joined us. I knew he wanted to kill Jarl Borg, and he wouldn't be satisfied until his revenge was complete.

I knew the feeling.

Rollo patted Bjorn on the back, "You fought well today, Bjorn."

"Thank you uncle," Bjorn glanced at his father, awaiting his opinion.

Ragnar didn't even look at his son, "He has much to learn."

Rollo and Ragnar walked away, and I saw Bjorn's obvious disappointment that he tried to shake off. I touched his arm lightly, "Don't worry. Ragnar is just upset because Jarl Borg got away."

He didn't answer. Bjorn left my side, and a small sigh escaped my lips as I looked over the dead bodies that scattered the ground. After such long days and nights, it was finally time for us to return home to Kattegat, and I knew that we would be welcomed with open arms after all the hell Jarl Borg caused.

My gaze fell to the mountains in the distance. No matter how far he ran; no matter how well he thought he could hide, Ragnar would find Jarl Borg, and he would end him.

• • • 

Shouts of excitement and joy filled the air as I walked beside Ragnar into Kattegat. A crowd gathered as people pointed at us with happy faces. Families were reunited, and Lagertha was welcomed back eagerly. I knew so many people missed her and preferred her over Asluag. Who could blame them? Aslaug didn't try very hard to connect with the townspeople. She viewed them as below her; only people who should be serving her and making sure she had every comfort she needed.