Book One- Eira Ragnarsdottír: The Twin of Björn Ironside

Chapter 1

12 years later

The sun set itself over my eyes and I fluttered my lashes to open. Dust flew around the room and I moved slightly over to see Gyda still sleeping next to me. I sat up slowly not to wake her as I saw Bjorn dressing.

Today was the day he and father would travel to Kattegat, our village, to perform a ceremony to be recognized as a man. I had begged for weeks since our birthday to be able to travel with them. Mother was skeptical about the whole trip. She was sad that her only son was growing but she was also upset that her youngest children were so ready to see the world.

However Bjorn was excited to go and travel and raid, I was excited to see the culture and how so many other people lived. I loved my home more than anything, but there was a possibility of a whole other world across the ocean and I wanted to explore all of it. Father told us stories and shared his ideas of what was to the west. His eyes always widened every time he talked about it.

Bjorn glanced at me when he finished getting ready, "Do you think father will let you follow?" He questioned me and I answered with a nod, "What about mother?" He smiled.

"I will fight anything to go," I whispered to him.

Carefully climbing over Gyda, I reached my twin and got dressed as well in a blue dress mother had made me to celebrate mine and Bjorn's twelfth year. It had long sleeves and was above the ankles. Together, Bjorn and I walked out of the room together to reach our father.

He was outside spreading seed to the animals. When he saw us, he grinned proudly and hugged Bjorn with all his strength. When they pulled apart I smirked mischievously at him as he took me in his embrace and spun me around in his arms, "Are you two excited for today's adventure?"

Bjorn and I nodded furiously, "Did mother approve of my presence?" I asked him.

Father frowned slightly, "That's a good question," he pointed at me with his free hand. He leaned down and whispered to the both of us, "I don't even think she's aware that I am going." He showed his teeth nervously while we both giggled at him.

He set me down and took my hand before leading back into the house and into the feasting area. Mother stood there preparing breakfast. She smiled when she saw Bjorn and I and kissed father casually.

Bjorn crossed the room picking up two bags with both mine and his things for travel. Mother looked at him curiously, "Where are you all going?"

Father reached to her and wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her gently, "I'm taking Bjorn to the thing tomorrow." Father confessed, "Eira is coming along."

Mother scoffed and turned around in his embrace, "Not yet," She tried to beg him, "he's not old enough."

"He's twelve years old--"

"--Take him next year." Mother interrupted him, "Next year is soon enough.

Father placed his hands on her cheeks, "He'll need a silk ribbon, Lagertha."

She glanced at Bjorn and smiled, "You're a handsome boy."

"Funny ears though." Father finished with a chuckle and I giggled along with them.

Mother kneeled down before the both of us, "And why are you so interested in going, Eria?" She asked me.

"I and Bjorn are always together," he took my hand in his, "besides, uncle will be there and I want to hear all about the raid."

Mother rose and faced her husband, "I see she will be taking after her father when it comes to traveling."

They both smiled at each other before father looked at Bjorn, "Get your dog, boy."