TheyCallMeClaudii
- Reads 1,569
- Votes 112
- Parts 15
To avoid the arranged marriage set up to secure a trade route between Dublin and Rhuddlan (Northern Wales), Skuld ("Debt"), a daughter from Irish-Norwegian family runs away with her trained wolves to the Northern Mercia. Pushed away by the cruelty of her future husband, she aims to find a herbalist who could help her become infertile, in fears that her children may be a victim to his wrath.
Hungry and distressed, she travels to Lancaster, which just a few days ago has been claimed by a raid. Skuld becomes forced to change her plans and attempts to sneak by the Viking mercenaries, but one of her wolves blows her cover, initiating a confrontation with their leader. Despite the attempts at disguising her gender, Askeladd immediately recognises her as a potential valuable ransom. Soon after, Skuld experiences first-hand the cruelty of the world of men, and quarrels with the leader who skillfully utilizes her meekness to uncover the truth about the trade deal.
Additional tags: Slow Burn, Scheming, Historical Accuracy, Injury Recovery, Attempted Rape (not between the two main characters)