Viking Girl

Chapter 2

841AD

The journal of Brynhild the Bold

About a month ago we departed. I have been too busy with my jobs to write faithfully like I should have. After working for many hours we were able to depart the dock with all the provisions we would need. We almost came to grief between the cliffs that guard the entrance to our bay, but luckily the captain was able to swing us around the last cliff and out to sea.

So far I have been made to do the most tiring jobs, as the conditions of the younger warriors coming on board was that they would have to do the job of thralls, as we would be taking too many warriors that we wouldn't have enough room for them. It is a deep offence to be made to do jobs such as these, but it is worth it if it means that I can finally go on a raid. I am the youngest and least experienced so I have been made to do jobs such as scrubbing the deck and cleaning the privies. I must also help in the kitchen and do all the washing up. Most of my jobs I hate, but since I am a woman, I a used to doing lots of cleaning. Out of all my jobs, I like looking out the most. At about noon yesterday we passed the last coast of our homeland and ahead of us, all we could see was the ocean. I never knew it could be so big.

Our captain told us 2 days ago that it will take maybe 3 more days in good weather. That means with any luck we should be able to go raiding tomorrow. The country that we will be raiding is Ireland, which has been recently conquered and settled by our men. We simply have to raid and destroy a few little cities that won't submit. I can hardly wait! In the mean time I have to keep working with my jobs. My hands that my mother always used take such care of are getting much harder, and are beginning to blister. Dispite all that I'm sure it will be worth it. Already it is so exciting! I was almost found out last night. I was in the middle of re-tying my scarf around my bosom when one of our best fighters stuck his head into my cabin. I managed to make it look like I was in the middle of changing. Now I only do that in the privy where no-one can disturb me.

So far we have had good weather and I hope it will continue. I have yet to experience the real wrath of the sea gods, but the older warriors and traders have told me how you cannot even stand, let alone walk. I truly hope that I never have to experience a storm like that. Now I have to go. I must find a place to hide this journal.

Until next time.

Brynhild the Bold