Ease The Dawn

Part 2, Chapter 16

"Clear the hall!" Ivar yelled, crossing the room between the tables. "Now!" he shouted, limping in the direction of the thrones as the thralls rushed for the ways out.

Searching for the source of commotion, Brigit appeared in the threshold, and at the sight of Ivar kicked out the wedge at the base of the kitchen door, pulling it closed after the last slave scurried through.

Out!" he pointed at the guards standing inside the hall doors. "Lock it. Let no one in," he ordered, keeping his eyes on them as they filed outside, pushing the large panels shut.

Leaning heavily on his crutch, he climbed the steps, his movements were heavy and forced as if any pause or inhale of breath would snap his threadbare resolve. Grunting, he drove himself on, wanting so desperately to return to her and to their life, crawl back in beside his beautiful Aethelswith but the time had come. There would be no more words of love or regret, no more kisses goodbye, and he knew even forever together would not feel enough.

His hands and the skin on his face tingled, his heart pounded, and his mouth felt dry. Reaching the top, he grabbed the thin cushion from the seat, dropped down to sit and slammed it into his face to scream. He screamed and shrieked, cried for the future that they would never have. He cursed the Gods, he cursed his fate, he cursed his father for not having the strength to end his life. He cried that despite his sacrifice and blood that they would still spend eternity apart in their separate heavens with opposing Gods. He would never again be able to keep her safe and for his beloved, only the sting of his blade would bring her a bittersweet second chance. He had to end her suffering. Now.

Yelling outside the hall broke him from his spell. The door yanked open and Hvitserk pushed through, the large panels slamming closed behind. Rushing toward the steps, his eyes darted, scanning the empty room.

"Ivar?" Sprinting up, he stopped just below the top. "Is it Aethelswith?"

Unable to respond, Ivar shook his head.

"What then? What has happened?"

Glancing up to the rafters, Ivar closed his eyes, his face wet with tears.

"Brother, what can I do?"

"Nothing!" he roared, looking back to Hvitserk. "No one can do a thing. The Gods have spoken."

"What are you talking about?"

"You need to listen to me. To every word." Ivar pointed his finger, "Do exactly what I ask."

"What is this about?"

"Do you understand?" he shouted, pounding his fist down on the armrest.

"Yes, of course, brother."

"You must protect Kattegat. You must protect Aethelswith." Looking away, his eyes drifted to the entrance of the corridor.

"Ivar?"

"You will keep Brana and Loni in the hall, Gussr and Nana too if that is what she wants." He looked back to Hvitserk, his face threatening to crack. "Ask her what she wants and listen to her, but, no matter what, you form a guard around these walls. When order has been restored, take her to her brother Alfred. I trust that he will keep her safe but do not leave her side and return home until Burgred is dead. You must be the one to do it. You alone. I trust no one else with this task."

"Ivar, do not do anything you cannot undo. Go to the Seer."

"I have! It is my blood that will free her from this torment."

"Brother," tears began to fill Hvitserk's eyes. "My heart breaks for your pain, but please..."

"Will you do that for me?" Ivar's blue eyes pleaded, his chin starting to tremble.

"Yes...I will do whatever you ask, I will keep her safe, I swear," he nodded. "I will take her to her family and I will drive my sword through Burgred. I promise you, Ivar."

Jerking his head, Ivar slumped back into his chair, lowering his gaze to the floor. "I need you to go, now, and bring me mother's dagger. There is one last thing I will ask of you." Tears tipped over the edge of his lower lid, spilling down his cheeks. Not bothering to wipe them, he looked back up to Hvitserk. "You must be the one to offer my blood to Odin."

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"Loni!" Brana screamed flying out of Aethelswith's room. "Loni!" she cried with her hands up, racing down the passageway. Rounding the door from their room, Loni ran out into the corridor.

"What is wrong? Is it Aethelswith?" Grabbing her by the shoulders, he leaned in, searching her face.

"No, no, no. You must listen. I met Freydis carrying Aethelswith's tray in the hall. The flowers Loni! Those white flowers she always brings were on the tray, resting in the pitcher of milk; the vase was empty beside. I assumed, at first, that stupid girl was simply careless and not paying attention but when I took the tray and sent her away, it hit me. My mother!" Her eyes widened in horror. "She described that flower to me years ago when I was just a girl. I took the bunch out of the pitcher and smelled the stems," she shook her head, "and sure enough!"

"What?" Loni's eyes widened.

"Apricots! Apricots!" she gawked. "The first time I ever tasted an apricot, my mother laughed and told me that if my future husband ever brought me white flowers with the scent of an apricot, I needed to leave in the night."

"Why?"

"Poison! They are pure poison! That wretched, evil girl has been poisoning Aethelswith's milk! For months!" her mouth gaped. "Just when she gets well enough to drink or try a little food, we feed her more. I, myself, have fed her that poison!" Reaching up, she gripped onto Loni's forearms. "Get Ruud to guard Aethelswith and then find that girl," her eyes burned into Loni's. "I will tell Ivar."

"Ivar's locked himself into the hall, no one can enter."

"Then I will break down the doors."