You make way for Kattegat to fight alongside the Sons of Ragnar as they plan to avenge their late father's death.
You are known amongst your people as a fierce warrior and great beauty. Having fought for your earldom since your father's death, you...
"I will do it..." you say looking to the brothers.
They are sat in a triangle discussing the execution of Saxon boys found fishing in the woods near your camp. You had told Ivar of a town called York after Floki had set sail a day ago. Your Father had spoken to you of the city before his death. After accompanying Ragnar Lodbrok to England raiding many years ago, your Father had tortured an English monk. Who in exchange for his life had promised to tell your Father of many English cities in which your people could raid. Your Father made the monk write down all of these cities on a piece of parchment and then slit his throat. His blood still on the corners of the page as you studied it before leaving for England.
Ivar had questioned the two boys earlier in the day and discovered that one of their Christian Holidays will take place in three days, that is when you shall attack. After hearing your response come from behind him, Ubbe looks up to you in shock. Which surprises you, his expression was almost one of disappointment. But a sacrifice must be made to the Gods if the Great Army is to take York successfully. Your doubtful mind is put to rest by Ivar and Hvitserk, who are sat smiling at your proposal.
"Good...then it is decided." Ivar claps his hands as he laughs to his brothers.
"Are you sure?" Ubbe questions.
"Yes, I have performed many sacrifices before?" you look down to him. Almost frustrated by his tone. Did he think you unsuitable? You had noticed Ubbe's reluctance to participate in certain ceremonial acts since the death of his brother and Björn leaving for the Mediterranean. In fact, he seemed withdrawn from almost all of your traditions of late.
"Of course she is sure!" Hvitserk smiles. Now standing and brushing the earth and leaves from his legs.
"Tell the men to prepare the altar." Ivar shouts to one of the men posted not far from where they are sat.
***
Frigg, Saga and Siv helped you dress for the ceremony. You wore a long garment made of white fox hide, your hair braided up, white paint drawn into it from your forehead, and Frigg began to paint your face with woad. Giving off a blue glow under the candlelight of the tent.
"Are you ready?" Frigg spoke to you as she flicked her thumb across your chin. Finishing the paintwork.
"Yes."
Saga and Siv are stood at either side of the tent's door and held the fabric up as you exited. You emerge from the tent, your maidens trailing behind. A path has been formed by either side of you by the men and women fighting in the army. They stand cheering methodically, some holding their weapons in the air. They call the Gods to accept this sacrifice as you walk towards the two young boys tied to a wooden frame.
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Dragging a long wooden staff at your feet in one hand as the other grips a long dagger with an ornate gold handle. You see Ivar, Ubbe, and Hvitserk at the front of the crowd, looking to you as you draw closer. You can feel their eyes on you. You see Ubbe begins to move away between the crowds. You turn. 'Where is he going? What is wrong with him? The Gods are watching!' you think to yourself. Something was wrong with him, and you intended to find out what. But for now, you had a ceremony to complete...
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