Sigrid the Haughty

Saga's Sacrifice

"He wants to see you..." Ubbe speaks looking down to you as he and Hvitserk descend the staircase of the watchtower. Gesturing for you to go up and speak with his younger brother.

"The Saxons have breached the battlements." Hvitserk changes the subject before you get a chance to. He was as frustrated with Ivar as you were. He wanted you just as badly as his brother and knew he would treat you better. If only you would notice...

"The East Wall?" you question. Grateful for the opportunity to avoid answering Ubbe.

"Yes, from what we could see, it seems as though they have divided their forces and are headed for the cathedral" Hvitserk speaks to you and your maidens.

"The fires have been lit, everyone is in position?" Ubbe questions.

You nod to the brothers.

Having ordered your warriors to light the various fires spread around the streets to ensure visibility would be low, as the Saxons attempted to move further into the city. This was to work in accordance with the traps Ivar had ordered to be set. Iron spikes had been dug into the paths of narrow streets, boiling oil prepared to be thrown on Saxon soldiers from high windows and then be set alight.

All gruesome, but necessary. You would have normally discussed tactics for the siege with Ivar, as your great minds worked well together. But after the events of days passed you could not bring yourself to face him yet. Out of fear of what you might do. What if seeing him weakened you into submission. Or if in forgiving him so easily a smug look should spread across his gorgeous face.

"You and Saga go with Hvitserk and lead your warriors to the cathedral following the main street. Frigg, Siv and I will take the back streets and pick them off one by one from behind. Let's go" Ubbe motions for Frigg and Siv to follow him.

"See you at the cathedral...fight well" you speak encouragingly to Frigg and Siv, pulling their necks closer to you, foreheads touching as you smile to each other.

"Of course" Siv laughs, opening her arms into a sarcastic jokey bow. You knew that they would be safe, they were after all, your best warriors.

"Sister..." Saga laughs in response, pulling her little sister into a hug. "Sheild up!" she says pushing at Siv's shield for it to meet her chest. They were both hiding their emotions well, but you and Frigg knew that they did not like to fight apart.

"Let's go" Hvitserk gestures for you and Saga to follow him into the foggy street ahead. You jog close behind, leading about fifty or so warriors behind you. Moving silently into the smoke that works quickly to hide you from the view of the others.

***

"LIFT THE BARRIER!" you scream to the warriors posted near the tunnel.

Watching as the wooden gate is lifted and fixed in place. Restricting the movements of the Saxon soldiers, now trapped under the brick overpass.

"NOW!' Hvitserk, who is stood by your side, shouts to the men positioned in the buildings above. Who in hearing this command, push open the small wooden windows, and begin to hurl boiling oil down onto them. The soldiers screams ripple through the barrier to meet your eager ears. Causing a light chuckle to leave your lips. 'The plan is working'. The screams begin to grow loud and vicious as wooden torches are thrown down to meet the oil, burning the soldiers where they stand. Heavy black smoke begins to pour out from the gaps in the wooden structure in front of you all. Allowing a smirk to grow wide across your face.

In hearing the roar of some of your warriors and the clatter of swords and axes a street or so away. You are pulled from basking in the triumph of this small victory.