Book One- Eira Ragnarsdottír: The Twin of Björn Ironside

Chapter 3

The chickens croaked happily as I spread the feed across the ground. Bjorn sat over by the shore looking out at the water and Gyda fed the goats. Father went into Kattegat early this morning to have a meeting with some men to travel west with him and Rollo.

He wouldn't be back until later on in the day. Before he would return though, we would all have chores to do.

The day was filled with laughter and games as well as work and chores. Mother all had us practicing our fighting skills. She critiqued us and showed us each what to do better.

She told us all stories about the gods and when we were younger. She told us about her battles and all the people she had fought alongside with.

When father returned, we were washing clothes. I ran up to him and jumped into his arms and told him all about the training we did while he was away, "It seems as if you all had a wonderful day." He said with a smile.

I nodded vigorously at him, "Yes, father. But how was your meeting? How many men will follow you?"

Cautiously, he looked up at our mother before dismissing us to our room. My head hung low as I entered our room.

"How many men do you think he has?" Gyda asked.

"By the look on his face it doesn't look very good," Bjorn said and I nodded in agreement.

I sprawled myself on mine and Gyda's bed, "Oh I hope that father gets to travel west. Imagine the look on all of the people who doubted him when he returns with riches unimaginable."

Soon there was yelling from the other room. We all looked at each other skeptically before mother yelled for us to come and eat.

When we entered the feasting area, they didn't look at each other once. Mother was fuming as father sat down staring at her while drinking. She threw food in front of us and we looked at her to see if it was okay to eat. She made no remark as she sat down at her chair and stared at father with anger-filled eyes.

The three of us glanced at each other before beginning to eat. We each bit into the chicken and ate as fast as we could to avoid the tension.

The second I finished my food I stood, "Goodnight." I told them while receiving glares from Gyda and Bjorn.

But before I could make it into my room father spoke, "Come here." I slowly turned around and made my way over to him, "Why are you going to bed before your sister and brother?"

I shrugged, "I'm just tired."

He nodded and pulled me into a hug while placing a kiss on my forehead, "Goodnight, Eira."

Mother did the same before going back to her dinner. I walked into my room and changed then climbed into my side of the bed. Soon Gyda and Bjorn filed into the room and followed suit.

We all stayed as quiet as possible until we heard yelling and shouting from our parents' room. It wasn't until we heard the crashing of wood did we all sit up and jump from our beds. We each ran to the curtain, Bjorn going first while Gyda followed him.

"How could I forget? You keep reminding me." Mother grunted while striking father across the face with her fist. She screamed slightly, "I'm so angry with you!"

Bjorn rushed into the room and pulled them apart as Gyda and I peeked in from the doorway, "Stop!" He yelled, "You could've killed each other. Is that what you want?"

"We were just having an argument," Father explained looking at us all.

Mother nodded and stepped away, "Well, never argue like that again."