Fandom Imagines and Preferences VI

Bjorn Ragnarsson- Footsteps (a)

Vikings One Shot

"Such big shoes to fill Bjorn Ironside. Are you sure you are ready?" Bjorn scoffed as he ran the sharpening stone across the blade of his bloodied axe. It had been only days since returning home after a crippling defeat on the rivers of Paris, and Ragnar had abandoned his people after a stark discovery regarding the first Northmen settlement of Wessex.

"And if I am not ready? What am I supposed to do then? Do I merely hand over Kattegat to the next to the next Earl that crosses my path? How about we just hand ourselves over to the Christians? Give them the whole damn kingdom. Oh... wait... I understand." He admired the crisp edge of his weapon and tossed the whetstone to the mud beside him. "Everybody is expecting me to take after my father, aren't they?"

"I don't think the people know what to expect Bjorn. It is not everyday our king simply packs up his belongings and walks off in the dead of the night. I am sure we will have a secure future. At the moment though I just hope your father is safe, king or not." Bjorn gazed up at the dark clouds that hung ominously overhead.

"I am sure he will be fine. He has always been in Odin's eye." He scooped up the bowl of chunky soup that had been left to momentarily cool as he readied his blade. Before it became too calmed by the gentle winds, he began making the most of what the tough soil could produce. "He will return one day, I cannot imagine he would leave all this for long."

"And if he does? What if Ragnar does not return... or it takes an incredible time for him to do so? We do not know where he has gone. For all we know he has undertaken a pilgrimage to Asgard itself to have his dispute with Odin, Thor and Freyja. If he comes back in a week, if he comes back in a century we still need a king to rule, to give our people guidance. Whether you want it or not Bjorn that falls upon you."

"Do not fret. I am more than willing to step into my father's position." He checked around to make sure nobody had snooping eyes or ears. "I have big plans for our people y/n. I think I will walk in my fathers footsteps more than any could imagine."

~*~

Written by Aaron.