The Story of Brae Lothbrok

Chapter Sixteen

The drums could be heard in the distance as I anxiously wait to step on the grounds of Kattegat. The air was cooler than in London. Clouds covered the sky threatening rain and crowds cheering for our welcome. I was the first to get off the boat. I suddenly felt an overwhelming feeling. It was familiar as I took in the air and its the scent of the ocean. I knew I was home again. 

Across the barge stood the Queen of Kattegat, Ingrid. She has come a long way from the little slave girl and turned into a fierce and powerful Queen. I helped Sif down from the boat as we glided across the dock. We approached Ingrid and we bowed slightly. 

"King Brae, Kattegat is happy to see you again as well as I..." Ingrid said. She smiled, brightening up this dark day.

"Peace and prosperity to you old friend..." I said. She turned to Sif.

"This is my wife, Queen Olga of Frankia..." 

They bowed to one another, "We've heard stories about your father, you must be very proud!" Ingrid said.

"Very."

"Come, you must be tired and hungry!" Ingrid said, leading us to the Great Hall.

It hasn't changed at all. Ingrid kept the same colors and hung flags across the poles. Each flag represents each Lothbrok from Ragnar to Ivar and me. The fireplace was still in the middle and memories flooded my mind like water coming onto a boat. I felt uneasy, and I tried not to show it to anyone as we entered the hall. 

It was crowded filled with people who awaited us. Some faces were familiar and others seemed new as they looked upon me with smiles. I couldn't wait to eat. Kattegat was known for its fish and I was craving herring stew. It was a recipe my mother came up with when I was in her belly. Although, Sif had no appetite and she usually has a healthy one. Instead, she requested broth and sat by the fire and talk with a few shield-maidens. Some whom I shared a bed with and I pray they don't spill their guts.

Ingrid approached me with a smile on her face. Her long blonde hair was tied behind her crown and braided on the sides. 

"How is your mother?" She asked.

"Beautiful and feisty as ever she had another child!" I said, drinking my ale.

"Ah, boy or girl?"

"Boy, his name is Ivar the Miracle..." 

Ingrid nodded, "We mourn your father, a lot of boys in this room are named for him." 

Ingrid stared at me as she noticed my mind went back to the horrible day. She saw how a tear came down my face and into my cup.

"It's ok to remember your father, I know you must relive that day over and over."

"Olga thought by me coming here I could come to peace with it," I said. "I was relucent." 

"She is right, you should come to peace." 

"Strange for you to say that since you turned Ubbe away when he came here..." I said.

"You need to come to peace, we don't have too," Ingrid said. Ingrid scoffed, leaning back into her chair with a sour look. She is not ashamed of what she did.

"You are beautiful, Ingrid," I said, drinking my ale.

--

Ingrid went to sit on her throne, and once she sat down, the entire room fell silent. Everyone turned to her and waited for her to speak. This has never happened even with Ivar as great as he was.

"We've had an amazing year!" Ingrid said, "We've established more colonies in Sweden and across North of England, London has made a treaty with Norway and Frankia!" People began to cheer.