Bothvar Beorcolsson
After we grab a bite to eat, we spend the rest of the day, making preparations
The day goes by slowly. More double-checking everything. More talking. And more planning and more lectures.
By the time we finish, the sun has gone to bed. Then father sends me out to check everything we’ve already checked more than a dozen times. Even more time checking the boat. Going over the supplies. Checking the water. And on and on.
I finally get a big plate of food from Semet back at the hall before mother comes scrambling in. “Have you seen Svala? I can’t find her anywhere.”
After grabbing a leg of smoked turkey, I walk out of the hall with a sigh. Giving the air a sniff, I look at the ground to see a tiny boot print that has to be hers. I follow it all the way to a side gate out to the south that was added during the rebuild. I continue to follow her tracks and gain her scent. A smell of that nauseating oil she puts on that gives off a sharp fruity smell.
I follow the path through the woods until it stops at a large tree. The tracks completely disappear. I walk all the way around the tree and find no more footprints. They just end at the tree. I look at the tree and see a ladder built into the tree. Looking up, there’s a house built on the tree. How have I never noticed this? I try to climb up it but the ladder breaks. The trap door opens up and Svala’s head shoots out. “You wool-brained goat. The ladder can’t support our weight!”
“How did you get up there?” I ask.
“I climbed the branches. These types of trees are the only ones strong enough to support our weight after we got strong in the mountains,” she yells down at me.
“Huh, never thought about trees holding our weight,” I say, scratching my beard. I put my thoughts aside and climb the tree. I get up inside and barely fit. Svala has to squeeze over.
She pulls her knees against her chest and gives me a dirty look. “What are you doing here? Finally, have time to talk to your little sister?”
“What are you talking about? I always have time to talk to you,” I say.
“You rarely ever have time to talk to me. Growing up, you and Thorkel were always off by yourselves and never took any of us with you. Thormar never wanted to hang out with us either because he thought he was too old. He wanted to be like you and Thorkel. For most of the time, it was only just Bodvar and me. Now it’s just me… And Thora. Sometimes. She’s a bit odd sometimes.”
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“Well, she spends a lot of time at the docks. I used to go out with her when she was younger, but she’s always out there and I don’t really want to spend all my time there.” She continues to ramble on as I struggle to figure out what it means that Thora is out there. Is she talking to those whales? Can she really talk to whales? Should I be worried? This sorta stuff is what a mother is for. I am not prepared to handle it. She’s just a little girl. She shouldn’t be out on the docks alone like that, but I can’t blame Svala. Svala is not far off from being old enough to be on the ships. Yet, I can’t help feeling that she’s safe on the docks. I can’t forget the time she fell in and was saved by that whale. I’ve seen those things kill men that fall overboard during raids.
“I just feel so alone without Bodvar.” Svala’s words bring me back to the moment. I look into her eyes to see such sadness.
“Svala, I understand your pain. I miss him too, but he will be back faster than you know it. The Wolves will beg for Gadaric back once they get stuck all winter with Bodvar. The gods only know the trouble that is in store for the Wolves.”
She laughs. “Yeah, he’ll have them looking under every seat and watching out above the doors.”
I snicker, remembering some of Bodvar’s most infamous pranks. “Especially the time he put a bucket of ice-cold sea water above Thormar’s door only for mother to walk through it. He was doing slave work for an entire season.”
She snorts from laughing so hard. “Such a cow turd. You know, Gadaric is nothing like him. But he’s not that bad. Rather friendly.”
A thought just occurred to me. I got Bodvar all excited to sleep with Vidkunn’s daughters, which would be Gadaric’s sisters. What if his brothers talked him into wanting to try to sleep with my sister?
I better keep an eye on that boy. No Wolf is going to sleep with my sister! I’ll have to sick Thora on him. She’ll teach him a lesson or two.
Thankfully, he’s coming out on the raid and won’t be anywhere near Svala. Bastard Wolves. “I’d watch out for Gadaric if I were you. You can’t trust a Wolf. Always up to something.”
She laughs. “Don’t be like father. The Wolves are not so bad.”
Ornulf’s beard, I’m too late. They’ve got their hooks into Svala. I’m going to chop Gadaric’s dick off. Bastard. “Now I wish Bodvar was here even more.”
She looks at me. “What do you mean by that?”
“Nothing. But if he were here, he’d already have the Wolf pup sleeping with one eye open,” I say.
“You really hate them, don’t you?” she asks.
“Me? I don’t hate them. I just don’t trust Gadaric. He’s not to be trusted!” At least around Svala, but I am not going to tell her that. I may be a fool, but I am not fool enough to incur a woman’s wrath. Even if she is my little sister.
“And why can’t we trust him, exactly?” she asks, leaning in.
“Ask, father. He knows why,” I say.
She narrows her eyes. “Why can’t you tell me?”
Donkey’s ass. How do I get out of this trap of hers? “If you don’t know why by now, then you are not very good at figuring things out.”
That gets her stubbornness to kick in. Her eyes turn into flames, but she doesn’t ask another question. “I’ll figure it out. I’m better than anyone here at figuring things out. You just wait and see.”
She gets up and jumps down the trapdoor, jumping from branch to branch. I jump out and slam right through the first branch and break through the rest of them on my way down. “You hairy, goats shit for brains cow pusher! You broke my way up! Nikolas is going to be pissed. I’m telling him you did it.”
“What…” I groan as I lie on the ground covered in broken branches. That hurt. The breath was forced out of my chest and I can’t get it back in.
Slowly, I force myself on my side and push myself to my feet. “Wait… Who’s Nikolas?”
She’s already halfway to the gate and I have to rush, enduring the pain shooting up my back to catch up with her. “Who’s Nikolas? And where did that fort come from? It wasn’t there when I was last out here.”
“Nickolas is from the Builder Clan. He’s our closest friend. And he built that tree fort and the rest of them,” she says as she grabs a hidden key for the side gate and pushes her way in.
That is a serious breach in our defense. “Where did you get that key? And why hide it there?”
“Bodvar made one at Aldam’s forge and he hid it there for us to use,” she says.
“That clever little fox,” I say.
She snorts a laugh as we head through the streets and alleys of Stormfront until we head into the Hall. Mother attacks us immediately. “Svala, where have you been? I’ve been worried sick. And Bothvar, you’re all dirty. Are those leaves in your beard? And there’s a twig coming out of your hair! What have you two been doing?”
“Nothing mother,” Svala says.
“Nothing at all,” I add.
“You need to take a bath. Semet. Come here please,” mother says as the slave rushes over.
She stands up straight in front of my mother with a look of admiration for the woman. “Will you do me a big favor and make sure my son takes a bath? Drag him to the bathhouse by his dirty beard if you must. He smells like shit and is about to be out at sea for only gods know how long, and I want to make sure he at least gets one good bath beforehand.”
Semet nods emphatically. “Yes, my lady. I will do as you ask. He will not go to bed until he has a bath.”
Mother smiles and nods. “I can always count on you.”
Semet grabs my arm and practically drags me out of the hall and into the bathhouse. “I saved your food for you, by the way. It is in your room.”
“Thanks,” I mumble. I’m so tired. I could fall asleep standing.
“And thank you for earlier. I appreciate what you did for me,” she says as she looks up at me with those sweet, innocent, glowing green eyes.
“Yeah, sure,” I say as we walk into the bathhouse. She then takes my clothes off. “Woah, what are you doing?”
“Lady Thorkatla asked me to give you a bath,” she says with a sincere expression.
“I think she just meant for you to make sure I get a bath, not literally bathe me,” I say.
“No, her instructions were very clear. Earlier she told me to wash you down even if I have to drag you here myself. I will do exactly as she asks, and I promised her that you wouldn’t sleep until you bathe and I meant it,” she says, fervently nodding her head. Those emerald illuminated eyes were on fire with determination.
“Why are you so loyal to my mother?” I ask.
“Because she has made me feel at home here. Even though I was but a child, I was to be sold as a slave to the whorehouse in Chillshore so the army and workers could have their share of me. Instead, I was taken by your people, and your mother took me in and treated me like I was one of her children. She protected me against men who’d want to force themselves onto me just like you have, and I can honestly say she truly cares about me. That’s more than what I could ever hope for. Besides, she gave me a friend in Arngunn. A woman who became the closest thing I’ve ever known to a sister. I’ve been quite lost without her,” she says as her eyes drift away, full of a hopeless sadness.
I nod. “I understand.”
She turns away from me and takes off her clothes. My eyes go wide as I stare at her tight little behind before I quickly turn around. Why did she just get naked? “What’s wrong?”
I turn my head in her direction. “You’re naked.”
“Isn’t that what a bathhouse is for? I can’t go in there with my clothes on,” she says.
“I guess you are right, I don’t know what I was thinking,” I say as I try not to stare at her beautiful naked body. It just feels wrong staring at her. My heart belongs to Arngunn and always will. She was one of Arni’s closest friends. I can’t be ogling at this woman, no matter how beautiful she is. One day I will die and be reunited with Arngunn. I do not want my reunion to be tainted by sleeping with another woman, especially a woman who was so close to Arni.
She takes my hand and leads me into the pool of water. I’m pushed down on the bench as she takes a cloth and wipes down my skin. “Your mother is very worried about you.”
I look up into those compassionate green eyes. “She thinks you’re drowning in the loss of those who’ve passed away.”
“And what do you think?” I ask.
She pauses as she looks into my eyes. “Arngunn is a woman worth losing yourself in. I owe her much and valued her kindness, and I miss her so much. I can’t imagine how hard it has been for you. It has certainly been hard for me. After she died, I was lost. I still am, but your mother took me back and has been helping me come to terms. She said that keeping your mind busy helps lessen the pain of loss. So, I’ve been trying my best to stay busy. To be of use, but it is hard.”
She bites her lip as she closes her eyes. Then she opens them to meet mine. “I don’t know how you do it. You keep fighting on and on while staying so loyal to her. All I can think about is how much it hurts without her. She was my entire life. I don’t know what to do without her. Your mother told me to tend to you. She said maybe we can help each other’s hearts live again.”
She then continues to wash me, pausing with every scar she comes across. The look of worry burdens her eyes. “Is that why you are here? To help my heart live again?”
“If that is what you wish. I would certainly be willing to try,” she says as she kneels down to wash my calves and feet.
“I don’t think there is anything you can do to help with that. My heart is Arngunn’s and always will be. I don’t think I can give my broken heart to another. There’s nothing left of it. At least not in my chest. It’s in Arni’s hands. One day I will be reunited with her and finally feel it beating back in my chest. I won’t let myself go astray with another and taint our reunion,” I say as I peer into her eyes to make sure she understands.
She nods, avoiding my gaze. “I understand and I admire that. You’re a good man, Bothvar. It pains me knowing I might not see her again if I’m not allowed into the halls of your gods.”
I chew on my lip as I remember what I told her when we were just children the day father brought her back from raiding. I told her that her parents were in Niflheim suffering because they were not of our faith and they would never be in the halls of the gods. How could I say such things? I was such a fool boy.
She finishes washing me in silence before we dry off and walk back to the hall without speaking. Before we walk in, I take her hand and look into those glowing, green eyes. “No one knows for certain what may come after this life. Who knows, maybe you will find your place next to Arni and me, wherever it may be. I hope that is true.”
She smiles and hugs me. I hesitantly wrap my arms around her and hold her for a long time before we break apart. She wipes the tears from her cheeks before we walk back in. “And Semet, you’re more than welcome to stay in my room while we’re out at sea. If anyone gives you trouble for it, tell my mother. I’ll speak with her before I go.”
She nods, biting her lip as her face blooms red. Then we head inside. I eat the food she left me in my room before I finally get some sleep.
—
As morning finally comes, I am up and ready. We’ve made the last checks and are all ready to set out. I say my farewell to my family. My mother pulls me into her arms as if I were a little boy once more.
My father gives me a hug even a bear couldn’t match. “Just remember this, son. When the fighting begins, look east and you will find relief.”
Once again, my father loves to leave his last words in riddles. I nod and act as if I know exactly what he’s talking about.
Svala tries to act tough, but tears stroll down her eyes. She relents and buries herself into my chest. I pat her head and whisper into her ear. “Just one more season and you’ll be joining me.”
That gets a smile. “You just wait, brother. I’ll be the greatest Viking there is and I will make you proud.”
“I don’t doubt it,” I say with a smile as Thormar trails behind me. My mother doesn’t seem to want to let him go.
My Aunt Sigvor gives me another big hug. “Take care of yourself and make sure you wear the protection we’ve made. I will not see you harmed. Got it?”
I nod and smile. She returns it. “Good. Watch after your brother and make sure my sister does nothing stupid. Ingithora has always been such a risk taker.”
I laugh and nod. I look around but don’t see the little one. “Where is Thora?”
The others look around as well, but then I spot her. She staggers over under the weight of three giant packs. “Wait for me! I’m coming and you can’t stop me.”
“If she’s coming, so am I,” Svala says as she turns to go back to the hall but is stopped by my mother.
I roll my eyes, but a laugh escapes my lips. “Neither of you are old enough to come. Besides, who will stay to watch after the old folks? Someone needs to keep them on their toes and make trouble.”
Thora drops her packs. “But… It is my destiny. I’m supposed to be a Viking, just like my father. Besides, you need me! Who’s going to make sure you don’t do stupid things?”
I sigh as I walk up to the little girl and kneel down. “Thora. You know I can’t take you with me. Not yet. You’re nearly there. Just be patient. You still need to learn and grow before you can come. But don’t worry. There will be plenty more raids that you can conquer. You are destined to be a great Viking, but not yet. Besides, someone needs to stay here and keep Svala company. She needs you, and so do your grandfather and grandmother. And don’t forget about Aunt Sigvor. They all need you. You have to stay here and protect them. Okay?”
She wipes her tears away. “But I want to go with you.”
I take a breath and pat her head. “I know. I wish you could come too, and one day you will come with me, but not this day. Will you do me a favor?”
She shrugs. “What favor?”
“Will you stay here and look after our family? Protect them and make sure they do not do stupid things. Will you do that for me?”
She looks over at them before meeting my eyes. She nods. “I guess so. I suppose I can do that. But I swear, you better take me next time. Okay?”
“I don’t know about next time, but if you train really hard and prove to me you are ready, maybe we’ll see. Will that be, okay?”
She sighs. “I guess.”
I smile and mess up her hair. “Good. Now do not get lazy and weak while I am gone. And don’t let Svala laze around either. The both of you practice your fighting and force the old man to teach you his secret ultimate tactics. Maybe if you learn enough, we can make exceptions.”
“Really?” she asks.
I nod.
“Okay. I promise Svala and I will work so hard that we’ll finally beat you when you get back.”
I smile and nod. “I don’t believe it, but I hope you prove me wrong.”
She leaps into my chest and gives me a hug. “I will, I promise.”
I see Svala catch Thormar with a good knee to the thigh as they break apart from a hug, nearly dropping him, and I snicker before I whisper something into Thora’s ear. A wide grin appears on her face.
Thormar recovers and gets a hug from Sigvor before he goes to Thora. He’s very weary at this point and hesitates to give her a hug. Thora, on the other hand, puts on a very innocent baby face, pushing out her bottom lip. “I’m going to miss you, Uncle Thorma. Are you going to bring me back a gift? Bothvar said he will.”
“Of course, I will,” he says with a smile.
She nods approvingly. “Good, now give me a hug!”
He leans down and gives her a hug, but just as they break apart, she gives him a swift kick to the jewels and drops him. Both Svala and I burst out laughing.
“Bothvar! Seriously?” Mother says with a look that could put a draugr back into its grave.
I only shrug. Then I pick up Thormar from the ground. “Come on, little brother. We have to be off.”
We board the ship, and I take a roll call. Once I’m sure everyone is here, including the Wolf pup who has seen fit to bring his little cat pet. We set sail with Koll, Einar, and Throst’s ships at our side.
I catch Thormar looking back as both Svala and Thora stand at the end of the docks. Then something I don’t expect happens. Thora leaps into the water, sending my heart into my throat. “Thora!”
Suddenly she emerges on the back of one of those whales. The black and white killers of the sea and it races up next to us. “What in the name of the gods, girl!”
The men are all wide-eyed as they watch her, just as stunned as I am. Even mother, father, and Sigvor scramble to the end of the docks with the jaws dragging at their feet.
I hear whispers among my men. All seem to say the same thing. The Daughter of the Sea.
I shout at her. “Thora. What are you doing?”
“I want to see you off.”
“Go back, you crazy little girl.”
“Ahhh, but…”
“No buts! Have your whale take you back!”
“Okay… Come on, Kyki, let’s go back to the docks,” she says, patting the whale on the back. It turns around and heads back to the docks. That crazy girl. I watch in amazement as she’s delivered to the docks. She says something to the whale before she’s pulled off by my father and mother. That’s when I notice there are several other whales following behind. They start to follow us. How can she do that? She talks to them as if they were people and they listen. She truly is the Daughter of the Sea, but what does that mean?
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