VIKINGS || GYDA

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟑𝟐

As we waited upon our horses outside the gates of the kingdom of Wessex, I realised how unprepared I felt for what awaited me. Eira must notice this as she reaches across from her horse and grasps my hands that grips the reigns.

As I look to her she only offers a small smile, "Do not be afraid. You will not be by yourself here, I will be with you the whole way."

My brows raise to her as I attempt to decipher what she's implying. She smirks as she takes in my confused look.

"We are sisters. We made vows to protect each other always, in battle and in life."

"Eira, I will not hold your vows against you. My place will be here but yours cannot be. The kings guard will need you—Valda will need you."

She shakes her head at me in a soft way. Like nothing could change her mind.

"Gyda, we have been fighting by each others side since we were girls. How could I leave you now?"

We're interrupted by the creak of the gates opening. Our party remained still as we came into the view of the gathering of the townspeople that stood by to witness our arrival. Between them all stood a blue tent containing wooden thrones that held the royals.

I recognised most. Ecbert sat in the centre alongside his son Althelwulf and his wife Judith, who nursed their son. Upon the kings other side sat Queen Kwenthrith of Mercia. Those that I didn't know hung around close to the king—his ealdormen I suppose.

We dismount our horses, which were then lead away by soldiers towards the stables. The king stands with his arms wide as he walks to greet us.

"Velkominn!" Welcome. Athelstan must have taught the king some of our language.

The kings welcome is gladly met. With the absent of Horik, there was no uneasiness or tension. Hopefully these meeting can turn out the better because of it.

Father is the first that Ecbert faces, "Earl Ragnar." The king greets.

"He is king now. King Ragnar Lothbrok." Althelstan corrects as he stands beside father. The kings eyes widen in astonishment as he searches father's eyes for confirmation.

As I stood beside father, I observed his demeanour to the words of Althelstan. His head did not rise in pride when he was mentioned as king. He instead could only look on with apathy, like it did not matter to him—I knew that it didn't.

"What happened to King Horik?" The king asks. Father smirks deviously as he response.

"He met with a...unfortunate accident."

The king eyes him in a playful manner, "Then we are now truly equals." Ecbert smiles as he pats the shoulders of father in a friendly manner, that father smiles to as well.

The kings attention turns to me as his face lights up. He takes my hand, placing a swift kiss upon it.

"I am truly happy that you have returned to us Gyda—or should I say Princess." He smiles widely.

I offer a humble smile back as I slightly bowed my head to him.

"Come my friends, you are most welcomed here. Join us for a feast."

The party didn't need more encouragement. Voyaging is a rough time—for all, in their own way.
I lose the appetite to eat and when I need to, my body won't keep it down. I doubt I will ever be blessed with a seaworthy belly.

Others like my father are too concentrated on other matters to even consider eating or sleeping. Anxious of the moods of Thor, that could set Hel upon the sea in any given moment.