Ease The Dawn

Part 2, Chapter 18 (Final)

The door was yanked open with such force, it blew Hvitserk's hair out of place.

"What!" Ivar barked, standing on the threshold of his chamber, his ceremonial white tunic making him look especially commanding.

"Ivar."

"My bride is waiting for me, Hvitserk," he rasped, impatiently.

"I am aware, I apologize, but ships have entered the harbour."

Straightening, his expression went slack. "How many?"

"Sixty-eight....so far."

"Fuck." Turning, he peered over his shoulder at Aethelswith who sat on the edge of the bed. Still in her ivory high-waisted gown, her hair hung loose in smooth curls out from under her pearl headpiece.

Tipping her head to one side, she scrunched her nose, her expression asking if all was well. Looking back to Hvitserk, Ivar pulled the door tight to his side, shielding her from view.

"Alfred does not have sixty-eight ships," Hvitserk continued. "Ten or twelve at the most."

Staring down at the floor, Ivar's shook his head. "It is my wedding day and there is only one man brazen enough to see it spoiled. Those ships belong to Finehair."

"Harald? But sixty-eight? He does not have his entire fleet in one place this early in the season...unless..."

"Bjorn!" they said in unison, locking eyes with each another.

"He wants Bjorn on the throne," Ivar added. "He is a simpleton and easy for Harald to control. What ever offer was dangled, Bjorn would not have been able to resist Kattegat."

"All the bloodshed just to replace one brother with another? There must be something else. What does Harald want? The port?"

Lifting his brows, Ivar stared at Hvitserk, pushing the door wide open, bringing Aethelswith into Hvitserk's line of sight.

"No," Hvitserk's mouth gaped, looking back to Ivar.

Ivar nodded.

"We will not let that happen," Hvitserk said, dropping the volume of his voice.

"How long until they reach the beach?"

"Just over two hours. Maybe longer."

"We will lose the light in four. Get Loni and Brana. Bring them here and then sound the horns."

"What is the order, Ivar?

"Prepare the army."

---

Holding his sword steady, Hvitserk sprinted up the mucky path toward the gates on the North wall. When all were usually in their homes preparing for the last meal, the city, instead, was buzzing, preparing for battle. Villagers raced in all directions carrying baskets and weapons, and a young woman dashed out of a small thatched home, snatching up a toddler from the path.

"Ivar?" Hvitserk shouted as he reached the top of the slope. "Ivar?" he called again, spotting his brother standing, waiting, with Aethelswith sitting up on the chariot behind.

Stopping face to face with him, Hvitserk noticed that a bench, wide enough for two, had been built across Ivar's seat. Looking into Ivar's bright blue eyes, realization struck.

"What are you doing?" Hvitserk asked.

Nana and Gussr approached on the far side of the chariot, pulling Aethelswith's attention away. Raising his arm, Ivar flicked his hand, indicating for Hvitserk to follow him.