Norse

Bothvar Beorcolsson

The day has finally come. I give each of my family a hug. My two little brothers, Bodvar and Thormar. My little sister Svala. My Aunt Sigvor gives me an amulet and tells me it’ll protect me from the magic of the blue-eyed elves. I nod and thank her. My mother nearly smothers me in a bear hug. I almost thought she would never let me go. Tears stream down her eyes as she holds my face in her hands, taking in every last detail before she kisses my forehead and finally lets me go. She does the same to Thorkel, and threatens him to look after me while snuffing the breath out of him with a rib-breaking hug.

My father too gives me a long hug. He looks into my eyes with a nod. “I’m proud of you, son. Now don’t do anything foolish and have your brother’s back. Remember to watch out for the shallows.”

I nod, and this time, his farewell advice isn’t as cryptic as it usually is. I remember the lesson he taught us about the differences between our ships and the elves. Ours are lighter, which makes them sink less into the water.

One last time, I will kiss my wife goodbye and hold my child. I take in those blue eyes of hers and that cute, little nose. Trying to memorize the feel of her lips on mine and the sound of her beautiful voice as she tells me she loves me with tears in her eyes. I try to wipe them away, but the flow never stops. She holds onto me as long as she can before she must take our son and watch me leave with my brother and the rest of the crew. As we finish the final preparations on the ship and set sail, my brother and I take one last time to see our families. Our wives and our children as they stand to watch us go with the rest of them including our mother, Aunt Sigvor, and siblings. Koll, Einar, and Throst’s ships sail beside us as we head south with three other raiding parties.

I did not think it would be this hard to leave, but I feel a part of me has stayed behind with my wife and child. My brother puts his arm on mine as I meet my wife’s eyes for the last time until we return. As the distance between us becomes far too great for the eye to see, we turn our eyes forward and leave our village and our families behind.

As the slaves oar us forward, giving us speed with the sails, we walk up to meet with Skardi and Varin at the stern of the ship near the steering board. Varin shows Skardi the ins and outs of being a Sea Navigator. He shows him that the sun rises from the north, slightly to the east, and sets in the south, slightly to the west during this season. And how the days are much longer in the summer compared to winter, where the night takes over, hiding the sun from sight.

He also reveals how we navigate the sea at night with the stars. There are stories amongst the stars if you know how to read them. The heroes that the gods have seen as worthy rest among the stars along with the monsters of old. The most important one is the three-headed wolf. The top of the wolf’s middle head is a star that points northeast in the summer and shifts to slightly west in the winter.

Father has told me all of this. We have not discovered why this is, but I’m sure the gods have a reason for everything. Although Aldam’s words come back to me about the world being spun around the sun and stars that are just other suns with their own worlds around them. That surely makes more sense now.

Varin also talks about the smell in the air and how the salty sea gives the air the scent. As we get closer to land, the scent changes to a more earthy scent. Also, birds help tell when land is near. Birds can only be seen closer to land. We keep several ravens aboard when we sail out. We set them flying to check how close we are to land. They will return when there is no land, but will not return when land is near. Unless they die, of course.

The day goes on and we leave the land behind as the sun passes over the sky, marking mid-day. The only thing in sight is water as we head west.

I follow my brother around and watch what he does, learning from him how to lead a ship as one day I will have one of my own. The riggers, Ulf Skyrkarsson, Gizor Skasisson, and Gudleif Hialtisson maintain the sails, but for the most part, we keep it steady. Rognvald Homgavtisson is our quartermaster and rations out food and keeps a stock of inventory. Gest Geitirgestsson and Ragnfast Thorgautsson are the gunners of the mounted ballistae, while Hjorvarth Gudvaersson, Ragnar Ogmundsson, Slodi Illugisson, Gnupa Ondottsson, Meldun Karisson, Beiner Atsurrsson, Sveni Skidisson, and Anakol Eindridisson reload, rotate, and realign the ballistae for them.

The rest, including our good friends Solmund and Griotgard Sigvidson and their father, Sigvid Varinsson, help where it is needed but ready themselves to raid. We have slaves work the oars and fight if needed. There’s always a risk that the slaves might turn on us, but being an oarsman allows a slave to earn their freedom by taking a small share of the loot and eventually buying their freedom. That is why most slaves prefer being an oarsman, however hard it is, over a farmhand or personal servant. Although, in most cases, a sex slave is the most comfortable life as those slaves are usually favored unless they are unfortunate enough to have a cruel master. Some often become wives. I still question slavery, but it is not my place. Thorkel will one day be Earl, and these are his burdens to worry about.

Several of our raiders fish for more food, casting nets out to trail behind the ship with the pulley system we have implemented thanks to the Builders. If it weren’t for the Builder Clan, we would’ve been wiped out by the elves. Those crafty bastards come up with some crazy ideas, including putting ballistae on the ship and adding a fishing net line. They designed our three-deck ship so we could carry more loot and potential slaves back without having to sacrifice space for men to raid, storage for weapons and food, and slaves to oar. And these ships are far faster than most pirates and elves thanks to the combination of the sails and oarsmen, along with their design that allows our ships to cut through water like a hot knife through butter.

Our ballistae allows us to attack and cripple other ships, sink them with our hull breaker bolts, or attach ourselves with the chained bolts and use the ballista as a pulley to bring our two ships together so we can board theirs.

We also have blazers on board to allow us to cook and gain warmth without burning our ship down.

I feel on edge and jittery. My stomach feels like a flock of birds keeps migrating from my throat to my bowels and back. I know it’s not sea sickness. I’ve been on a ship plenty of times and never felt like this. Gripping the railing, I look out at the sea and all I can think about is what will happen when we come across a ship. A hand grips my shoulder. “You alright, Bothvar?”

I turn to find Guthhere Sighvatsson, an old, balding man who’s been on the crew long before Thorkel and I were born. I nod. He doesn’t seem satisfied. “Seems like your nerves are getting the better of ya. The first raid is always leaving fishes swimming in even the toughest of men’s stomachs. My suggestion is, when the fighting starts, stop thinking and just act. Leave your thoughts on the ship and follow your instincts and do what you’ve been training your whole life for.”

“How do I stop thinking?” I ask.

“You just do what you feel is right.” He gives me a smile, squeezes my shoulder. “Well, I’ll leave ya to think about it.”

The old man walks away.

We sail for days and days until we reach the elven shore, then we change course to the south and distance ourselves from the shoreline. We spread out from Throst, Einar, and Koll as we search for potential merchant ships to loot while avoiding elven fleets. I’ve lost track of how many days we’ve been out on the sea. I feel like we have spent the first quarter of summer at sea, yet we’ve seen no sign of any other ships. More days pass by and fog sets in as we finally find what we’re looking for. Coming out of the fog is what could only be a merchant ship. Thorkel’s voice carries out. “Ready to raid!”

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Lura Syllana

I have no choice but to take on another customer. I need coin. Not just to free my family, but to survive. I can’t even afford food. I swallow my pride and head to Madame. “May I please have another customer, Madame?”

“Of course. And what preferences are you willing to indulge?” she asks.

“Any as long as the pay is good,” I say without meeting her eyes.

“Are you sure?” she asks, taking my chin in her hand and bringing my eyes to meet hers. I nod. “I’m not sure you know what you’re asking for.”

“I need the coin,” I say with a desperate plea.

“I understand. Just please come to me if things ever get too much. Okay?” she says. I nod silently. “Why don’t you take a long bath and have a glass of wine? Just try to relax. Tonight, I’ll get you one customer to start and we’ll go from there.”

I nod. “Thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

She wraps her arms around me and holds me for a few moments. “Now go soak in hot water. It usually calms the nerves.”

I nod and do as I’m told. Heating up water in the tub and taking a few long moments to soak in it. What have I gotten myself into? How could things come to this? Was there ever a possibility of a different path? I suppose I could’ve accepted that priest’s offer oh so long ago. It feels like an eternity ago since I was on top of that bell tower and she caught me up there weeping. She was kind, and looking back I wish I had taken her offer. I had been stupid and hasty.

Yet I feel Madame has also been very kind to me. Even though the situation is, for a lack of a better term, fucked; I truly feel like she does what she thinks is best. It’s hard to know what is truly good when you are always put in bad situations. Women shouldn’t have to sell their bodies for a man’s pleasure. But if I don’t work here, who would accept a street rat like me aside from a church I don’t believe in? My father always taught me to be skeptical of religion. To always question everything and find everyone’s true motivations and intentions. And usually, a person’s motives rarely align with the words coming out of their mouth. The best way to judge a person’s character is to watch and observe their actions. So far, Madame has been kind to me and helped me in the way she thinks is best.

Orym told me he loved me; he said he wanted to be here, yet he is not here. I haven’t seen him in so long. My heart is truly broken. I want to crawl into a hole and die there. How could I be so stupid as to think a man as handsome as Orym could ever want anything to do with a street rat like me? Tyma was right. People who come off as good, kind, and pure are the cruelest of them all. Even so, I’m the fool. Deep down, I knew it wasn’t to be. I knew he wasn’t the one. He didn’t feel like the one, but he was still so kind and gentle. He fooled me with such heartwarming words and a warm touch that I was willing to give my heart to him. I’m so stupid.

—

After the hot bath and two cups of hot, spiced wine, I feel a little more at ease. My stomach doesn’t feel as if it were digesting rotting fruit any longer. I have to take another glass of wine to down the foul-tasting tonic.

Madame has me wait in a room for my new customer. My mind wonders about what kind of things this man wants from me. I don’t think I’ll be so lucky to have another man as gentle as Orym. Part of me doesn’t want that anyway so my heart doesn’t grow attached. I’m not sure if I want to enjoy this anymore. My heart is still broken from all the pain I’ve been through. The guilt of my family’s enslavement because of my actions. The feeling of being abandoned by Orym and how stupid I was to fall in love with him. I just don’t want to be a fool any longer.

When the door finally opens, my heart leaps into my chest. A tall, muscle-bound man walks in, and I can tell he’s a ship captain for the Golden High Elven Trading Company. His face is that of a stone wall with burning red hair and eyes that seem to burn with a blue flame full of hate. There’s a scar across his mouth, and one of his long pointy ears has the tip cut off.

I lower my head as he walks around the room, inspecting it. Then I see him start to take his clothes off. He doesn’t seem to be the talkative type. But what happened next, I did not expect.

Everything seems to happen all at once, and I’ve never felt so helpless in my entire life. Especially now, laying bare on the floor, shivering, and covered in sweat. Tears bleed down from my eyes. His hands paint a map of the hurt he left upon my body. I can’t fight, I can’t say no, I just feel frozen by fear. He rips the hope from my heart. Strips me of myself.

I can feel his hands around my neck… That hateful stare burning down upon me. The unrelenting assault upon my body never seems to end. He didn’t even give me the courtesy of the comfort of a bed, instead he has me pinned against the cold, hard floor. The rough wood against my face is something I know I will never forget. I’m still bleeding where he tore me apart. I feel so cold. He takes the warmth from me and leaves me with only this chilling, frozen fear and despair. I feel my heart being ripped open and wrung out. I cling to the floor, my nails digging into the wood as my soul is torn with each of his savage assaults.

My mind swirls in and out of the blackness, clinging to a shred of light. My eyes seek mercy and only find the name of this monster. Faidhor Haryrwen, stitched upon his tunic lying in front of me. A name I will never forget.

Time seems to stretch forever while all I feel is pain. I have lost the world around me and my only escape is the icy darkness of my mind. I barely remember him leaving. Just the sound of him putting his clothes on before he walks out, leaving me here shivering on the floor, curled up in tears.

I hurt everywhere, and what little innocence I had left inside me has died in the short few moments in which it took him to break me. He took what little shred of life I had left.

I don’t know how long I laid on the floor, weeping. I no longer have any sense of time. Just pain. It’s all I feel, and each moment is an eternity of suffering.

I hear someone walk in and gasp. “Lura?”

I don’t move as they kneel down. I flinch away as I feel their touch. “Madame!”

The world around me seems to fade as I drown in my pain. I hear their words, but they all sound so empty and hollow. “She’s bleeding. Get a healer. Find the priestess. She’ll help.”

“I’m so sorry… If I had known what that man was going to do to you, I would’ve never let him inside. I don’t tolerate such behavior.” My head is pulled into a lap and a hot towel is pressed against my forehead. I no longer have tears to weep with. Even after they cover me with a blanket, I still lie there shivering. I don’t even remember being lifted into the bed.

I don’t know what hurts worse, the pain that was dealt to my body by that horrible man, or Orym’s empty promises that broke my heart. It’s hard to tell which man is worse. The one who broke my heart, or the one who broke my body.

Then I feel that warmth enters my body once more. That familiar warming joy. It makes the pain fade away and I’m enveloped in the joyous warmth. I want to lose myself in it. Is it him? Orym? Has he finally returned to me? Please, let it be him.

I force my eyes open to such blinding light and see some angel standing above me. Is it really him? Slowly, the warmth fades, taking the light and joy with it, leaving only a blurry outline of a woman with golden hair standing above me. There is something familiar about her, but my mind is too heavy with fog. I can’t think straight. “You poor child. You are safe now. I will take away your pain. Just sleep, poor child. Just sleep.” Her voice is one I have heard before, but I can’t place it. I feel her touch against my cheek and it radiates with warmth, but then it’s gone as I drift off into the darkness.

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Bothvar Beorcolsson

We follow father to the docks where the crew prepares the ship to sail out once the All-Clan Meeting is finished. Shields are hung on the side of the ship; barrels of water and dried food are stored below along with crates of weapons. The sea navigator, Varin Hialtisson, father of Sigvid, father of Griotgard and Solmund and their siblings, checks the health of the ship with his apprentice, Skardi, showing him the ropes of what it means to navigate the sea.

It is said he has a natural affinity for the task and it doesn’t surprise me one bit. Skardi has always been keen with this sort of thing. Although I must admit I am a bit worried. His skin has started turning a dark gray color from those mushrooms he keeps eating. However, I’ve also noticed he can hear things from great distances that no one should be able to hear. Is this because of those mushrooms? Several days ago, Thorkel was telling me how he was going through Thormar’s maps and plans to sail west, and they were actually pretty good. They’ve piqued his own interest. Skardi must’ve been two or three ship lengths away, and Thorkel was hardly whispering when Skardi came up and asked about the plans, mentioning things that Thorkel just said. We were both amazed. I might consider eating the mushrooms myself if it weren’t for that odd way they change your skin color.

Father gathers the crew around him on the top deck. Just as it’ll be my first time out on a raid at sea, Skardi, Solmund, and Skarf Cnutsson will also be out for the first time. It feels good to have friends out at sea.

My father looks at all his men, who are hungry for battle, and smiles. “It’s time for us to raid again.”

The crew holler and cheers. Father continues. “That’s what we do. We are Vikings! We raid and take what is ours!” The crew bangs anything they can to show their approval. “However, when I say we, I mean you all, with my son Thorkel leading this time around. I will not be coming this season.”

Even though most expected this, since Father has been grooming Thorkel to take over ever since the first time he went out to raid, many show their signs of disappointment. “It is about time I passed the torch to my son. I’ll be staying back and doing what Earls are apparently supposed to do. At least that is what my wife has been telling me ever since I’ve taken over as Earl.”

The crew snickers and Beorcol gives them a grin. “As you all have witnessed, he is as capable as a man can be of taking my place. I expect you to all follow him as if he is me. You know him, you’ve raided with him, and you can trust him to lead you. Since Thorkel is your captain now, I suppose I should start the passing of the torch and allow him to address you all.” says our father.

“Did you hear that? Father thinks I’m a capable man.” A roar of laughter erupts from the crew as Thorkel grins widely. Then he clears his throat as he gets a stern look from father. “Right… Well, to the point. We will go out at first light the day after we get back from the All-Clan Meeting, and we will head south. You’ll be joined by Koll Alriksson, Einar Alriksson, and Throst Thorhalldottir as usual. Koll will lead the raid and Throst will be second in command, followed by Einar and myself. The chain of command of the crew will be as it was when father led, with Rognvald as second, Varin as third, and so on. We will avoid any of the Golden Company fleets and focus on easy targets. Single merchants. We won’t take any unnecessary risks. We can always get more gold, but it is hard to get more trustworthy and honorable Vikings such as yourselves. Those have to be built through hardships, as my father has taught us all. And I say with full confidence that you all are among the most honorable and trustworthy I’ve had the honor of raiding with. You’ve all taught me how to be a true Viking, and I am grateful for that. I see you all as brothers and sisters of the North. So, we must keep ourselves alive. And besides, your families are counting on you coming home. We can’t be stupid and throw our lives away for gold or any other treasure.”

The crew nods, and the respect they have for my brother is shown on their faces as plain as the sun in the sky. I hope to one day have that kind of respect. I admire both my father and my brother more than anyone else. They are both men with the utmost honor, and the men follow them because they have proven themselves in battle. I, however, have not. I still haven’t even proven myself in a fight. Sure, I’ve joined many scuffles since the time I stood back and watched my brother and my friends fight with Grom. But this… This is different. I was never worried about dying in a scuffle with a clan mate. But here, life and death lie on a sword stroke. To say I’m nervous would be like calling our ship a row boat. I’m terrified.

I feel sick to my stomach, and the worst part is that father won’t be here. I am thankful that Thorkel will be with me as he always is, aside from the last few summers when he was with my father raiding. I understand why father is not coming. He is needed here, but I just wish he’d come. It would certainly ease the tension in my gut.

As the meeting finishes, Thorkel and I help the crew finish preparations with the ship before we head home to our wives and children. I hold my baby boy, Hrut, in my arms and wish I didn’t have to leave him or my beautiful wife, Arni. She watches us with a worried smile. I can see the sad look in her eyes. She doesn’t want me to leave either. I just hope she and my son will be safe until I return. One good thing about my father staying is I know my wife and child will be safe with him here. Of course, with my mother and Aunt Sigvor here as well, no harm could ever come to them. My aunt may not like violence, but that doesn’t mean she is helpless. Even the fiercest warrior could never stand up to my mother or my aunt.

The thought of it amuses me and puts a smile on my lips, but it quickly fades away when I look down at my son as he sleeps in my arms. He is so peaceful. Sometimes I wish he didn’t have to grow up. Then he would never know war and death. I wish he could remain innocent. But these are hard times, and we need all the hands we can get to face off enemies like the Southern Tyrants and the elves.

—

Thorkel and I stay behind for the meeting of the clans to spend time with our newborns before we set off to raid. They were only gone for two days, but my father insisted that we stay with our babies. There is nothing more important to our clan than family. And with family, what could be more important than taking care of a newborn baby?

Besides, there’s no telling how long we will be gone on my first time out at sea, and I am glad I didn’t leave as I hold my son in my arms. The way he sleeps is so peaceful. He is so tiny. His hand is no longer than my smallest finger. His little feet can’t even hold him up, but I know he will grow to be big and strong. That is the way of all Krakens.

My wife comes back out of the bedroom from her nap and as soon as she sees us, that warm smile of hers fills me with even more joy. She saunters over and plants a kiss on my cheek and one on Hrut’s tiny little forehead. I look up at her and get lost in the sea within her eyes. She is the light of my world. The sun that brings me warmth, and this little baby in my arms is the stars that give me hope on even the darkest nights.

Semet has been a blessing with her help. She spends a lot of time in our room assisting us. Arni has even moved her in with us. She sleeps on a slave bed next to the baby and she is always quick to step in and take care of little Hrut, watching over him to allow Arni and me to get some alone time. We spend much of it napping in each other’s arms. I could hold her within my embrace for the rest of my life. She fits perfectly in my arms. I spend much of the day taking care of her and the child with Semet’s help while making plans with Thorkel. We go over the supplies for the hundredth time. For being mostly the laid-back one, Thorkel is thorough in his preparations.

While it’s the three of us with baby Hrut, Arni sits down in my lap as I admire her. She looks deep into my eyes. “I want to take the collar off of Semet. I trust her only second to you and Asfrid. She deserves to have it off. She says it makes her feel awful and weak. Right Semet?”

Semet nods.

“Hasn’t Semet always worn the collar? How does she know it’s the collar that makes her feel weak and sick?” I ask.

Arni takes a deep breath in. “I… I may have been taking her collar off when we’re alone and letting her practice her magic. She can heal with it.”

I look at Arni with my jaw gaping. “You’ve taken her collar off? If people found out, they would panic. No one trusts elves or their magic here Arni. People have lost too many of their loved ones to elves.”

Arni bites her lip. “But… It makes her physically weak and ill. She needs that thing off. It’s not just about the magic, the thing makes her weaker and weaker the longer she wears it. I can’t just let her wither away. She’s my friend.”

I sigh. “You’re right. We can’t let her suffer like that. This is what we’ll do. We’ll make another collar that looks like the one she’s wearing, but it won’t have any magic on it at all. We can just swap them out. No one will know the difference unless someone catches her doing magic. You can keep teaching her, but just don’t do it where anybody is watching.”

She kisses me on the cheek. “Thank you. I just wish she didn’t have to wear one at all. It’s so demeaning and cruel.”

—

I spend part of my day working on making the new, identical collar. I’m not as good as a leatherworker as I am a blacksmith, and I’m not even that good of a blacksmith. My work is shoddy at best. At least that’s what the old dwarf Aldam always said. Eventually, I settle for something that is slightly off in color and a little thinner. I also added a soft padded linen lining to make it more comfortable. No one will see it. Arni isn’t wrong. She shouldn’t have to wear the collar.

Once I finish, we pull Semet aside in our room. I will not lie. For some reason, I am nervous about it all. I know she’s been with us for a long time, but it’s hard to forget that she is an elf and she could easily use that magic against me. Arni’s parents were killed by elves. But reluctantly, I take her collar off and her face flushes with life as she breathes in deeply. That sweet, innocent smile lights up her face, and the spark returns to her deep green eyes that now glow brightly.

Then I put the other collar on. Her face reddens as her eyes fall to the ground, too ashamed to meet mine. I let out a sigh and I feel deeply guilty. “I’m sorry you have to wear this. Just so you know, you will never be a slave in our eyes.”

Those bright green eyes meet mine and there’s a genuine smile. “Thank you, you do not know how much this means to me. The world seems a lot brighter and more alive without that thing on. I feel like I can breathe again. And I’ve always cherished the two of you more than anything. You both have made me feel safe, and you make me feel like I’m worth something.”

I can’t help but smile. “You are worth more than just something. You gave Arngunn a friend when she needed it most, and you’ve stayed by her side ever since. For that, I owe you more than I can give. So let this be a start.”

—

As our clan returns from the meeting of the clans, they bring word of a prophecy that has changed everything.

The prophecy said that when the daughter of winter marches south, the north will follow and the daughter of a king will sit upon the throne. Some of the people in our town think it has to do with Thorkel’s daughter, Thora, and what Sigvor said upon the day of our joint wedding. But I don’t think so.

Sigvor said the Daughter of the Sea will be born, and that is far different from that Daughter of Winter. My father and the other clan Earls think it has to do with King Teowulf’s living heir, a daughter. She is said to have hair as white as snow and eyes that shimmer in an icy blue glow which I can confirm, for I have seen them myself. That definitely seems like someone who would be considered this Daughter of Winter, and she is the daughter of a king.

My father thinks this changes everything, and he is glad he is not going to raid because there is much that needs to be done, but he doesn’t believe it will come this soon, so we still plan to raid without him.

We prepare for our departure; I’ve been waiting for this moment my entire life, and yet… part of me doesn’t want to go. Every time I see the woman, I love holding our small baby, I cycle to stay here with them.

After we finish last-minute preparations, I hold my baby boy in my arms and look down upon him with amazement. To think I could help bring something this pure into the world is beyond me. He is perfect, and he gives my life joy.

Arni takes little Hrut from my arms and we join the rest of the family for supper. Bodvar, Svala, and Thormar pester Thorkel with questions about tomorrow’s raid. He obliges them, and it causes my stomach to tie into knots as I consider whether half the stories, he tells are true. Is there truly a ghost ship that sails the sea? That must be a tale he’s telling to scare them. Right?

“Are you ready for tomorrow, my son?” father asks as he puts a hand on my shoulder.

“As read as I will ever be,” I say.

“Good. Remember to listen and learn. Think before you act, but think quickly and act fast. Leave nothing to chance. Soon, your actions will be instinctual based on experience. Watch the backs of your fellow crew and be careful. Act with honor,” he says.

I nod, and he gives my shoulder a squeeze. “Are you afraid?”

“I’ll be honest, I am afraid,” I say. Why did I say that out loud? Vikings are not afraid.

“Good.” I look up at him, confused. “It is smart to be afraid. Only fools are fearless, and usually they do not live all that long. Remember this: those who have courage and bravery are not those without fear, but those who choose to stand and fight in the face of fear. And do not let fear control you, or any emotion for that matter. Emotions will always lead you astray. Set your feelings aside and become a stone in the wind. Embrace the void of emotion through deep breaths. But do not become too rigid and brittle. If you find your way blocked by a boulder, become like water and flow around it. But do not be too shapeless. Hold like a stone and be as impassable as a wall, but do not get stuck in one place. We are Vikings, after all. That is why we sail out at sea.”

“Yes father,” I say. He always has something wise to say, and it usually is filled with riddles. But I feel his meaning in these words is as plain as day. I must be those things he said in order to become a great Viking. “Thank you for your wisdom.”

“Of course, my son. Now eat, but do not get too full or you’ll regret it in the morning. Trust me, I know this from experience. Also, make sure to always have your crew eat first. It shows you will always look out for their best interests. And as I’ve told Thorkel many times, do not order your crew to do something that you yourself would not do,” he says with a wink and a smile. He pats my back before he leans over to mother, and I see his hand go under the table. My mother’s eyes go wide and a wry smile crosses her lips as she gives my father a sidelong look.

I look over at Arni who has our baby, but all I can think about is tomorrow. It makes my stomach clench. I try to force the food down, but it is hard to keep it down with all the seabirds flying around in my stomach. After supper, I head into bed early with my wife and child. She holds him until he falls back asleep. Then she lays him down in his little tiny cradle at our bedside and joins me in my arms. I thought I’d want to have sex with my wife one last time, but instead, I just want to hold her and feel her love as we lay here in the silence. No words need to be said. There are no words that could express our love for each other.

I am going to miss this. I’ll surely miss the way she fits so perfectly in my arms. And how my little Hrut’s tiny fingers wrap around one of my own. And seeing the way my love holds and cherishes our child. The child we made together and she bore. He is a part of us. As if we took a piece of our souls, combined it, and made it into flesh. This little baby has both of us within him, and I imagine he’s the best of us, hopefully without my own flaws. Of course, Arni doesn’t have a single flaw, so there’s nothing to worry about there. I wish I could take them with me, but the sea is no place for a mother and her child. I try to stay awake for as long as possible so I can remember my wife’s beauty while I am out on the sea. I take in her tiny nose and how it fits so perfectly on her beautiful, soft face, especially with those luscious lips. I want to memorize the way they feel against my own. I don’t want to forget the way I feel when her warm hand touches my skin. These will truly be the things I miss the most, and they’re the true treasures in life.

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Lura Syllana

I feel as if I walk upon the clouds. My smile won’t fade and this joy won’t either. I do not know how I came to be so fortunate to experience this love, but I will cherish it.

All day I wait for the moment to come where I can be with Orym. My holy Paladin. The hero of my heart. I can’t help but consider his offer to join the church and be with him, even though we’d have to keep our relationship in the shadows. Even so, it would be worth it. A love in the shadows with this much passion is far better than no love at all.

As my shift begins, I happily skip over to the Brothel. Madame gives me a room and I sit and wait for the handsome man to return to me. I make sure my dress is straight, my hair done up, the room clean, and everything perfect while I wait.

I pace and drink a glass of wine, waiting for my love to come. I know he’ll come. He said he would, and I know he’s a man of his word. He will come.

I look out the window for him and watch the moons chase each other across the sky. Finally, a knock at the door startles me. I quickly make sure everything is perfect, re-straightening my dress and hair while checking the room before I answer the door. Unfortunately, it’s Madame. “I’m sorry, child. I do not think he is coming and I need the room.”

“But he said he’d come. I know he’ll come,” I say in protest.

“Then I will find another room for you when he does show up,” she says. I relent and follow her out. “Why don’t you wait on some tables in the meantime? Don’t forget why you’re working here. Your family should come first. And child…”

 I meet her eyes. “Don’t give your heart to a man who has to pay for it with coin. More often than not, they don’t deserve it.”

I don’t say anything, but I want to. Orym is not like that. He is a kind and an honorable man. I know that in my heart, but I do as she says and wait tables while enduring disgusting remarks and men’s wandering hands. Maybe he wasn’t able to sneak away tonight. Maybe he was sent on a mission. There must be a reasonable explanation for his absence. I’m sure he’ll tell me tomorrow when he arrives.

However, when tomorrow arrives, he does not come with it. I spend all night serving drinks at the cost of my self-worth. Serving these disgusting men who love to degrade and demean women with awful remarks. It can wear down even the hardest of souls.

The next night is the same. No Orym, and my heart cracks with every night we are apart. Surely, he is out on a mission. Surely, he’ll return. I just have to wait, but the days go by. Madame suggests I should take up other customers to earn money, but I’m reluctant to do so. What if I do and he returns? I couldn’t bear his heartbreak if he saw me with another man.

However, that night as I return to the room I share with Tyma, who was kind enough to let me move in with her after she finally moved out of the Brothel, I find the place broken into. All the coin I worked so hard to save was stolen. I felt so broken and devastated. Every last copper I’d earned was gone. All the coin I was saving to free my family was all gone!

I can’t help but break down and cry. Even Tyma’s words can’t make me feel any better. Even worse is the awful feeling in my gut telling me that perhaps WRYM didn’t love me. Perhaps he just said those things to take my virginity. Maybe he’ll never return; he’ll just move on to another brothel and use another whore as dumb as me for believing his lies. I bury my face into my pillow and scream. I hate this world.

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Bothvar Beorcolsson

As winter ends, my brother’s and my own child are born only a few days apart. He had a daughter and me, a son.

Holding my son for the first time, it felt like everything was leading up to this point in my life. His eyes are a deep blue, just like that of Arni’s. We decided to name him Hrut after Arni’s father. My father approves.

My brother and Asfrid named their daughter Thora, and she too has the same deep blue eyes as the sea. Asfrid was torn between the names Freyja, which also means Frida, the goddess she worships, and Thora. But ultimately, they chose Thora for a reason I wasn’t clear about. I believe it’s because of Thorkel’s obsession with Thunar, the name of his favorite god. The god also goes by a different name… Thor. I can’t help but think about what Sigvor said upon our wedding day as I look at her. What did she mean?

My father wants me to join him and Thorkel in the Captain’s meeting along with the crew meeting before they all leave for the All-Clan Meeting. Near the docks is a building with a long table within it. We follow farther inside as he takes his position at the end of the table while the nineteen captains file in and take their spots with their most trusted behind them.

After everyone is here, my father takes his seat and everyone else sits down after him. My brother takes a seat to his left while I stay standing behind Thorkel with Rognvald, our ship’s quartermaster and second in command. Since I’m not a captain myself, I have to remain standing. My father begins the meeting. “The meeting of the captains is now in session. Let us discuss this raiding season.”

They all give their agreement. My father nods. “Shall we continue our raids on the merchant ships moving to and from Chillshore, or does anyone have any other suggestions?”

“The elves are getting more protective of their merchant ships. The normal routes are becoming more dangerous, especially with the small numbers we raid in,” Koll says as he sits to the right of my father, a seat of the utmost respect.

“And what do you suppose we do about that?” Thrain Haklangsson asks with none other than Gorm standing behind him with a sneer. His eyes seem to fixate on Thorkel and me.

“We either need to raid in larger numbers which will decrease the profits we make individually, or find other routes,” Koll says. Another uproar rumbles through the captains.

“Where in the name of the gods would we sail?” Thrain Haklangsson asks. He is a man of pure greed. His face is covered in tattoos of his journeys and his hair is done in the traditional Viking way, with the sides shaved and the top in a long braid. He has a long goatee with a mustache. “There are no more profitable routes.”

“May I make a suggestion?” Thorkel asks and all eyes fall upon him.

“Earl Beorcol, I mean no disrespect, but you need to keep a muzzle on your son. This is a discussion between Captains,” Thrain spits out.

“Well, seeing how I will be giving the captain’s seat over to Thorkel this raiding season, I see no problem with him interjecting. He is a captain as of now. Now, Captain Thorkel, what is your suggestion?”

Thrain has murder in his eyes as he glares at Thorkel, but my brother gives him no more attention than he would give a bug beneath his feet. “Why do we not head west beyond the forest of the elves, and then south to the islands where Pirates sail? I hear there are shipping routes to many lands. I am sure there is more treasure to be plundered there.”

Father smiles as he looks out at his men. “That is a good suggestion, Captain. Does anyone have anything to say?”

“That is absurd. We will find ourselves surrounded by enemies in seas we know nothing about,” Thrain says. Spit flies out as he speaks. “I say we bring an army down and raid the Southerner’s main port of Riverhall.”

“Not all pirates are enemies. I’ve met an elven woman pirate with fiery red hair named Azariah who flew a red dragon flag. She was an honorable pirate and gave aid,” Father says.

“You want to attack one of their more fortified positions? We might as well take Chillshore back while we’re at it,” Koll says, slapping the table. My aunt, Ingithora, my mother’s youngest sister, stands behind him and puts her hand on his shoulder. My cousin, Veleif, Koll’s oldest son, stands on his other shoulder.

“At least we know what we’re in for. Sailing west, we might as well sail into the Merrow waters,” Kodran, a close friend of Thrain, says. He has no respect for anyone. His nose is so far up Thrain’s arse that it’s covered in shit. That’s why his beard is so brown. Behind him stands a man named Sigemaer Tjorvisson, a man who is not so bad, but will never prosper under such terrible leadership.

“Riverhall has a far bigger fleet of warships than we do. They would annihilate us unless we ally with the other clans. Even then, the only ones who have any ships are the Valkyrie, the Builders, and the Ice Tribe. But the Builders aren’t warriors. The Eagle Clan will never agree to go to war. Do you intend to ask the Wolf Clan for aid? That will certainly go over well,” Throst says. He supports and is a friend of my father. He’s a man of few words, but when he speaks, he speaks sense. His long, bright red hair is always done in a braid and he keeps his beard braided as well.

“I would sooner befriend a Merrow than a scum of the Wolf Clan,” Kodran says.

“We should just raid the Wolves. They deserve death,” Thrain says.

Sadly, many people in our town believe this, and I once was one of them. But since the wedding, I’ve been questioning my own hate of the Wolves. Baldric and Siv don’t seem all that different from us. They are two I can respect. However, Vidkunn and Bjarni seem quick to anger and know how to get under my father’s skin. Of course, he also lights a fire under their arses, so it goes both ways.

“If you attack them unprovoked, you’d give the other clans a reason to fight us out of fear we’d attack them too. Besides, we do not have enough men to fight them in their own woods. Their wolves alone would pick us apart. Even if we sail into the lake through the river, we’d be hard pressed to get past their defenses without losing many of our own,” Beorcol says with a bit of fire in his eyes. “Too many of our people have died fighting the Wolves. Besides, we have enough enemies outside of the North. We do not need to open old wounds and reburn bridges that were weakly rebuilt. Trust me, I have more reason than any to want the Wolves dead, but it is not worth the lives of our people. And provoking the Southerners might invoke their wrath, or did you forget what happened the last time we went to war with the south?”

That shut them up. At least on attacking either the Wolf Clan or the Southern ports. It surprises me my father would be against the war since it seems like it’s all he’s talked about ever since the last war with the south.

“I still think we shouldn’t risk going out west,” Thrain mutters.

“That is because you are a coward,” Einar Alriksson, my uncle Koll’s brother, says. He’s always been blunt with words and lets his thoughts be clear. I respect him for that, but it can get him into a lot of heat with others. Behind him stands his oldest son, Vog, and a woman named Brynhild Svartkollrdottir, the virgin woman who gave birth to a fatherless son. She is a true beauty and a warrior at that. I remember when Thorkel convinced the orphan boy Gudrod, my great uncle’s ward, to sneak into her tent and try to snag her undergarments… That did not work out so well. Her fatherless son, Thorvir, tossed him out on his arse. Thorvir Stormborn – which is what they call him since Brynhild gave birth to him on Einar’s ship in the middle of a storm only days after she found out she was even pregnant – is a fighter, to say the least. A bit of a temper, but he can rumble with the best of them. That is why I am surprised he is such a good friend to Thormar. Thormar may get into tussles with Bodvar when he’s pushed too far, but he generally avoids conflict.

“Let’s put it to a vote. Bring out the sticks,” father says. A slave brings out two cups of short sticks and another empty cup, placing them on a table to the side. The sticks in one cup are painted blue and the ones in the other are painted red. “Red is to go west and blue is to continue to raid the same shipping routes to Chillshore. Vote now or be silent.”

The captains all get up and get in line to vote, taking a stick from one cup and placing it into the empty one. From what I can see, the voting is close. My father’s loyal supporters, Einar Alriksson, Throst Thorhallson, and Koll Alricksson along with Thorkel, all vote to go west while all of Thrain Haklangsson’s friends, Sibbi Hreitharrsson, Kodran Steinmodsson, and Vebrand Haraldsson, vote to continue raiding the ships that head into Chillshore. The vast majority of the captains are mostly neutral and seem to be split down the middle. When the voting stops, the votes are counted out loud.

Unfortunately, raiding the Chillshore route won by one vote. Father’s face remains neutral. “It is determined that we will continue to raid the merchant ships that sail to and from Chillshore. Thrain, you, Sibbi, Kodran, and Vebrand will take your ships north and spread out to catch any ships coming south. Sigeheah, Harald, and Hogni, you will also go north with Thrain. Make sure you all spread out; you can determine the position amongst yourselves. The rest will go south and sail the bay. We’ll travel in three groups of four ships. Thorkel, Koll, Einar, and Throst will be in the group to the west. Bjalki, Stigandi, Arnfinn, and Ufi will sail along the coastline. And Athils, Steinunn, Kiogrim, and Geitirgest will cut the difference in between. Any questions?” They all shake their heads. “Good, let’s prepare to set out so we can leave after we get back from the All-Clan Meeting. Meet with your groups and discuss your plans. The meeting of Captains is adjourned,” father says as the men all file out, talking amongst themselves.

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Bothvar Beorcolsson

I love the way Arni’s nose seems to scrunch as she just wakes up and lets out a yawn while she rubs her eyes. As her eyes open, they land upon me and a smile forms on those cute lush lips. “Have you been watching me sleep?”

“Maybe,” I say with a smile, nuzzling my nose against her neck as she giggles.

She kisses my forehead and lets out another yawn. “I had the strangest dream.”

“Yeah? Tell me about it,” I say as I kiss the nape of her neck.

She bites her lip and runs her hand through my hair. “I was in this… Temple. It was huge. One of the biggest temples I have ever seen. However, they called it a cathedral. And there was this painting… It was on the ceiling that arched to the sky. It showed this man with wings bathed in light descending from above, shedding that light upon the darkness below. The walls of the temple were all white with gold and silver everywhere. Then there was this short, pudgy woman who was really mean and cruel. She kept calling me and these others low-borns. She was just so rude and condescending. I just wanted to punch her in the face!”

I laugh as I try to picture Arni punching some short, fat woman in the face. It’s hard to imagine. Arni would never do that. “Yeah, and then what happened?”

“There was another short skinny man who was so arrogant. They called him… I think it was Admiral? I don’t know if that was his name or some kind of title.” She only shrugs as I roll onto my back and smile. She slides over and rests her head on my chest. “I don’t know what it means. I feel like I’m seeing life through someone else’s eyes.”

“Who knows what dreams mean,” I say as I kiss her head. “Let’s leave the dreams for sleeping. My father and mother continue to pester me about making babies. I grow tired of it.”

Her delicate, soft, hand dances across what she has taken to calling the rock pathway of my lower torso. Her small, perfect teeth bury themselves in her plush bottom lip. “I want to have a lot of children. Many sons and daughters like your father. But maybe a couple more daughters. I don’t know where I’d be without my sister.”

“We can have as many children as you want. You can name almost all of them as long as I can have a son named Thorkel. We might as well name one Hrut as well.”

She smiles and kisses me. “I’d like that. I like it a lot. I should name one of the girls Asfrid then. And Svala. I think my sister wants to name one of her daughters after her favorite goddess, Frida, but I would rather name my children after people I know and love.”

I smile at her. “If that is what you want, then that is what you shall have. And it will make my sister think I did it just for her. Might earn me some silver tips. If only she knew the truth.”

She laughs and softly swats my chest. “You are so bad. I suppose we should probably name two of our boys Thormar and Bodvar, right?”

“Not a chance. I don’t want to risk having children just like them. Ugh… One is a know-it-all and the other knows too little. One is full of anger and the other doesn’t know fear. They’d always be fighting each other. Seriously, not children I want to put up with. At least with Thorkel, we only need to worry about him slipping out to exploring and getting into trouble. Every youngling does that.”

She gives a half smile and raises an eyebrow. “Bothvar? They’ll take it as if they didn’t make you proud or something. Both of them look up to you.”

“Why can’t Thorkel name his kids after them? He deserves children like them for all the trouble he’s gotten us all into.”

Her smile flattens. “Bothvar…”

“Fine, okay. But what if my brother names his kids after them too? Then we’d have two of each of them. Can you imagine that?” My eyes go wide as I truly give the thought weight. “That would not be good, I do not think our village could survive the four of them together.”

She snorts a laugh. “I’ll sort it out with my sister. Let’s just worry about making them.”

I crawl on top of her with a grin. “Oh, don’t worry about that, love. I think I’m going to do well at making babies.”

She giggles before her lips meet mine. Her hands slide up my rocky pathway and across the drizzle of hair on my chest, which she thinks looks like two large stones with a sprinkle of grass on them. Her fingers wander north, twirling my beard before her fingers explore my head of hair. She loves to keep my hair nice and soft with those tonics and oils of hers. She also loves to keep me nice and clean. I don’t mind it either.

Especially when she takes her time to clean my body. She loves to follow the trails of my muscles. I love to return the favor and trace the curves of her soft skin as I bathe her. My hands have explored every curve and valley of her body. It makes her moan in delight. I love the look she gets on her face when I find those soft, sensitive spots that make her gasp. It’s the look of a goddess gracing her love upon me. She is the stars, the moon, and the sun to me. I want to make her feel as if she’s already in the halls of the gods and that this is what the afterlife of the worthy is like. Full of pleasure, love, friendship, and joy.

She grinds her hips against mine as I kiss a trail down her soft skin. Her delicate, beautiful skin. The golden color she had during the summer has faded into a white, milky ivory color. I can’t help but leave a path of kisses all over it. I want my lips to touch every part of her, but I hold back and make my way down her soft tummy and lick the little cave there. That gets her squirming in giggles. My lips find her little pond, but I don’t dive in right away. I bring my lips between her legs as she wiggles her hips, enticing me. I slowly kiss down the soft, silky skin of her inner thighs as she quivers and scoots closer to my face. “Please, Bothvar. I want to feel your tongue against my womanhood.”

“Do you now? How badly?” I grin up at her as I meet her eyes, her teeth nearly cutting into her lip.

She pleads with me with those deep blue eyes. My own eyes go wide as I blink. For a second I swore I felt we were somewhere else… A golden hall, laying in a bed with sheets softer than silk. Her golden hair shining brighter than the sun and her eyes glowing with the light of all the stars in the sky. “Please, Bothvar. I need it so badly.”

I shake my head, pulling my attention back to the present. I look up at Arni’s cute, feminine face with that dainty, little nose.

“That bad, huh?” I ask with a dirty grin. “You know I could never say no to that face.”

I spit on her tight cunt and gently rub it inside her with my fingers as she grinds against them. Then I drag my tongue against her slit and flick the little bead at the top. She writhes in pleasure with a squeal. I let my tongue explore her wet womanhood, going back to the places that make her moan but never staying too long. She sighs in frustration as I tease her. Her hands grip my hair as she grinds her cunt against my face, groaning out.

I finally pull away and spit on my hand as I wet my cock. She bites her lip as she arches her back, pulling her legs against her soft, perky breasts. I slide myself across her tight entrance, coating my cock in her wetness. She doesn’t wait any longer and grabs my dick, pulling me up to her wet, warm sex. It drives me crazy when I see her digging her teeth against that delicate lip of hers. It’s so plush. I sink my cock into her cunt as she lets out the breath she’s been holding in.

Then I lean down and bite that bottom lip. She won’t let me go and kisses me deeply as I make love to her while her legs rest on my shoulders. Her cute nose squinches and it drives me crazy, making me thrust hard into her. She whines as her eyes cross. “Oh god, don’t stop. Fill me with your seed, Bothvi. I want to bear you a son.”

I groan out as I thrust harder into her. She grabs my ass, urging me on. My lips attack hers as I pump my cock into her while reaching down to rub that spot she likes so much that looks like a little bean. She moans out, gasping for breath. “I’m… I’m going to. Oooh… Bothvi.”

She moans out, digging her nails into my skin. Her eyes clench shut. She clenches down on my cock and convulses. I fall over the edge and fill her with my seed as the pleasure drowns me. Sweat covers my skin as I drain every last bit inside her. Gasping for breath, I collapse on her, holding her tightly. She grips my hair and holds onto me in return. “I can feel our son grow inside me. I know it to be true.”

I look at her and can’t hold back my smile. I kiss her with a burning passion.

A sudden loud crash comes from Thormar’s room next door. Arni staples. “What was that?”

“Must be Thormar having another one of his tantrums,” I say with a sigh.

“But he’s always so kind and calm,” Arni says.

I laugh. “My little brother might seem kind and rather calm most of the time, but when he gets pushed over the edge, he blows up. As my great uncle Alvi once described my grandfather, Thormar is very much the same. Swallows down his anger like a mug of mead, but when he swallows too much, it comes up like vomit.”

—

I spent the first part of winter making love to my wife when I’m not sparring, playing the game of war with my brothers or father, or picking up the slack with the slaves. Even though the slaves do most of the hard manual labor, sometimes I find it refreshing to chop some wood myself. Keeps me strong. We also spend a good deal of time fishing on the ice once the rivers, bays, and lakes freeze over. Winter can be harsh and food can be scarce. That’s why we must take every opportunity to get more.

Bodvar and Svala spend most of their time playing pranks on Thormar. Hiding his maps on him, stealing all his favorite trinkets. They went too far when they took the compass father gave him. I’ve never seen Thormar so mad. He had Bodvar pinned to the ground, nearly choking him. It took both Thorkel and me to pull him off and calm him down. Svala and Bodvar reluctantly gave it back.

After that, they turned their attention to the slaves, Morcar, along with several of the elves. No one cares enough to step in. I don’t like Morcar much, but I feel some of the elves don’t deserve it, so I convince Bodvar to reluctantly leave them alone. Especially the elves that serve Sigvor. Fortunately for Bodvar and Svala, they are not stupid enough to incur Aunt Sigvor’s wrath.

One of the elves, Valindra, even thanked me when I stopped them from picking on an older elf named Olaurae. Of course, it was really Arni who convinced me to stop my siblings from picking on the old elf. I tell her to give her thanks to my wife. But to be truthful, I rather like the old elf Olaurae. He taught me all about the little games with dice and cards elves play. They’re rather fun, except when I lose. The damn elf seems to win a lot. I think he cheats, but not enough to make it obvious. It doesn’t bother me that much since he doesn’t cheat me all that much. At least not that I’m aware of. Unless he cheats to let me win. That could be possible. He’s pretty wise for an elf.

One thing that bothers me is how some of these elves stare at my wife. That elf named Valindra, the one named Lethvelion, and that one named Renna are constantly taking glances at her. I swear, if I find Lethvelion looking at her in such a longing way as he does again, I might have to do something about it. Even this Olaurae seems to see something within my wife. I asked Valindra why they all keep looking at her in such a way. She tells me that Arngunn looks a lot like someone they all knew back home.

Both my Arngunn and Asfrid’s bellies swell up with babies around the same time. Thorkel and I, along with our family and most of the town, celebrated once we found out. It was a joyful night of drinking, wrestling, and games.

As Svala and Bodvar arm wrestle to prove who is stronger, we all sit at the table sharing drink and stories.

My father and my great uncle Alvi talk about their travels while Thorkel, Thormar, and I listen closely. Uncle Alvi has so many stories of his journeys exploring the unknown seas, it’s fascinating to listen to. And for once, both Thormar and Thorkel share a common interest. They both seek to explore just like uncle.

Bodvar and Svala seem to be in a stalemate. Finally, Svala kicks Bodvar under the table and slams his arm down against the table, winning the arm wrestle. “No fair, you cheated!”

Svala only shrugs with a grin. “Life isn’t fair, little brother. Get used to it. Besides, cheating is just a shortcut to winning.”

Bodvar looks over at father. “Father, tell Svala she can’t cheat.”

“Bodvar, in war, you do what you must to win. There is no honor in war, just victory and defeat. Although, Svala, if you truly want to test your strength and prove yourself to be stronger, you do Bodvar and yourself no favors by cheating. Never take shortcuts in gaining strength and skill. You practice fairly, but when it comes to battle, you take whatever measures you need to in order to win,” father says, taking a sip of his ale.

Uncle nods. “He is right. In war, there is no cheating in war because if you lose, you lose your life, but in practice, you only cheat yourself by taking shortcuts. To cheat in training your body, you do yourself a great disservice.”

My father nods. “Now, speaking of training, we should get back to it.”

—

My father increased our training and teaching. Especially with me since it’ll be my first time out on the sea this summer. We spent time on the ships, going over how to sail.

“Our ships have become much larger, stronger, and faster than they once were. They’re now three decks. The bottom is for storage and sleeping, the second deck is for the oarsmen thralls, and the third deck is where the raiders maintain the sails and our gunners work the four ballistae,” father says as we tour his ship, which Thorkel will take over this raiding season. “You must know your ship inside and out. You will learn its strengths and weaknesses. You must also learn as much as you can about your enemies and your allies’ strengths and weaknesses. We have plenty of both out at sea. Not to mention the sea itself can be an enemy. Not only can storms sink our ships, but there are monsters out there. Our clan is named after one, and there are many more like the Cirein-croin and the Leviathan. Not to mention the merpeople and the Merrow,” my father says as we stand on the main deck of his ship. “I’ve also heard about this narrow passage with a giant whirlpool in the middle. However, if you try to avoid it by sailing close to the rocks on the only narrow passage, you’ll get attacked by a many-headed serpent. There’s no way to avoid danger.”

“I keep hearing about them. Can they really be that bad?” Thorkel asks.

Father turns on him, his blue eyes drilling into my older brother. “I’ve seen the Kraken and the Merrow myself and have heard enough tales of the others from unimpeachable sources to have a healthy sense of fear. The Merrow lie to the northwest. You must never sail there or they’ll attack you. And I saw the Kraken. If there’s only just one, it’s also to the northwest in the Dead Sea as well. That is why we do not sail there. Now, I’ve heard tales of the Cirein-croin far to the south of the sand lands that the blue-eyed elves live in. Not to mention the merpeople are somewhere in that sea as well. I’m sure there are plenty more. I’ve even heard stories of water dragons. Never toss out a tale just because it sounds absurd, but also take them with a grain of salt. Heed the warnings, and take no unnecessary risks.”

He pauses before continuing. “Now those are just some of the monsters to be aware of. I’m sure there are plenty of others out there we haven’t heard of. You’ll have plenty of enemies that are people as well. The main enemies will be the Southerners and this Golden High Elf Trading Company. We simply call them the Golden Elves. Even though they are mainly merchants who ship goods from port to port, they have a fleet dedicated to hunting down pirates,” my father said. “Speaking of pirates, the seas are full of them. Some of them can be allies. I met an elf with a strange pair of black and red eyes who flew a black flag with a dragon on it. She went by the name of Captain Azariah, and she helped us out in our scuffles with the Golden elves. But not every pirate you can trust. There are some that aren’t so trustworthy. Two pirate captains in particular were rather scoundrels. They’re dwarven brothers who tried to steal a merchant ship from us and nearly sank one of our other ships. Their names are Thornwulf and Skakdraeck.”

“I thought dwarves were friendly blacksmiths,” Thormar says. Thorkel drags his hand down his face. He pushes Thormar’s head.

Father looks at him. “Do you think every Northerner is an honorable Viking?”

Thormar thinks about it for a second. “I suppose not.”

Father gives a half grin. “Then why would you assume every dwarf is a blacksmith with honor, and every elf is a Golden Elf who wants to kill us?”

Thormar lets out a sigh. “I don’t know. I just…”

Father cuts him off. “Just goes to show how backward things can be out at sea. Never make assumptions about individuals based on their race. Assumptions will get you killed. Now that being said, you should always assume the worst. If you see a man wearing a sword on their belt, assume they know how to use it and will use it against you. If you see a man in a cloak hiding most of their figure, assume they’re hiding weapons. Assume that the ship you see is the enemy. However, even though you assume they are the enemy, do not instigate a fight unless you are certain they are the enemy and you can win the fight. Always fight on your terms, and pick battles of your choosing in a place where you have the advantage. Never meet the enemy on their terms. Understood?”

We all nod and say the same thing – “Yes, father.”

A loud crash comes from the dock and out stumbles Svala and Bodvar. Svala punches Bodvar in the arm. “Clumsy oaf!”

“Ouch! Why d’ya do that for?” Bodvar says, rubbing his arm.

“You fell on me!” she snaps at him. Then she looks up at father. “But father, what if you had no choice?”

Father only laughs as he looks down at the two of them. “Svala, don’t let your mother catch you eavesdropping.” he warns. “If you have no choice, you fight. But fight smartly. Find weaknesses you can exploit and opportunities to gain advantages. There’s always going to be plenty of both in every battle. You just need to know where to look.”

“Just like when we had to engage the Elven trading company who attacked us. You purposely made them chase us until we got to the mountains to the north where the fog is in the ship graveyard,” Thorkel says.

Father nods with a grin. “Yes, exactly. And then we ambushed them and rammed their ship into a jagged rock which put a hole in their hull.”

“How come we didn’t raid their ship?” he asks.

“Because they were hunters, and they had wizards on their ship. If it weren’t for our own magical protections on our ships, they’d easily sink us with magic. However, that protection doesn’t work if we were to raid their ship unless you’re wearing one of the amulets. Even then, they can still beat you with magic without using it on you. Wizards and witches are dangerous. That is why we don’t try to engage the Golden Trading Elves,” father explains.

“Why don’t we get our own witches and wizards?” Thormar asks.

“Do you think we can just grow them out of the ground? They aren’t a crop we can harvest. I don’t know about you, but I have no idea how magic even works. Your mother can use magic, and maybe you boys can, but the vast majority of us Northman can’t use magic. Where do you think we could get witches and wizards, huh?” father asks him as he raises an eyebrow.

Thorkel smacks Thormar on the back of the head. “Thormar, maybe you shouldn’t talk anymore.”

Thormar growls and pushes Thorkel back, which was a big mistake. Thorkel hooks his foot around Thormar’s heel as he pushes his chest, making Thormar fall flat on his ass. Thormar yells at Thorkel and shoots for his legs, but Thorkel ends up getting him in a headlock.

“Boys, that’s enough.” Father sighs as Thorkel slowly releases him. Thormar is fuming as he gives Thorkel another shove. Thorkel goes to punch him, and Thormar nearly trips over his feet as he flinches. Thorkel just snickers. “Are you done?”

Thorkel only shrugs as Thormar glares at him. Father only sighs as he rubs his forehead and then focuses his attention on our older brother. “Thorkel, how can you know the answer if you never ask the question? Never prevent your people from asking questions. That is how they learn. The more questions our people ask, the wiser they become. The wiser our people are, the better we all are as a clan. Knowledge is just as sharp as any weapon, as any sword or ax. That is, if you know how to use it. Thormar, ask any question that comes into your head. But, if you ask the question, you have to be prepared for the answer even if you do not like it. After all, the truth is the truth, regardless of whether you like it or even believe it. Now, if we could get witches and wizards, we would surely use them. Your Aunt Ingithora definitely makes a vast difference on Koll’s ship, and she is only one person.”

Thormar turns to our father, “What about mother and Aunt Sigvor? They can both do magic.”

“Then who will watch over our home and lead our people when we are gone? And who will heal the sick? Besides, your mother does not take well to being on a ship. It makes her…” Father trails off, quickly looking around to make sure no one else is listening to us. “It makes her sick, and don’t you dare tell her I said that. As far as Sigvor, she doesn’t like violence. Now, let’s go back inside before any of you get a cold or your mother looks for us.”

Later, Thorkel and I find Thormar pounding nails into a beam back in the keep. “What in the name of the gods are you doing, little brother?”

Thormar sighs. “Can you just leave me alone for once?”

“Now what kind of brother would I bet if I did that?” Thorkel says with a smirk.

“Look, father said that whenever I do something out of anger, I should take some nails and hammer them into this beam. He didn’t tell me why,” Thormar says as he takes another nail and pounds it into the beam. The part below his knee is covered in nails as he works his way up. Thorkel and I just shrug. Thorkel messes up his hair. “Have fun with that little brother.”

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Lura Syllana

For some reason, I cannot wait for the night to come and work to begin. To see Orym again fills me with so much anticipation and excitement. Is that wrong? He’s consumed my thoughts. Especially his gentle kindness and warm touch. I want to feel his hands in my hair once more. To see those bright shimmering eyes upon me.

When the time finally comes, I am so giddy with anticipation that I could burst. As my shift starts, Madame pulls me aside. “It seems you really did a number on that man; he wants you for an entire night and he’s willing to pay handsomely. I don’t know what you did, child, but make sure you do it again. You also might want to reconsider what you’re willing to do. I can only imagine what he’d be willing to pay for your virginity or even just to feel the pleasure of your arse. It would be worth it. I assure you.”

“You might be right. I’ll think about it tonight when I am with him,” I say, trying to hold back a smile and give nothing away. I trust Madame to an extent, but I do not want her to know the way I feel about him. She might think I am a foolish child. I’m starting to think that too.

She nods. “Well, he’s waiting for you in the room on the far wing.”

“Thank you, Madame. I guess I shouldn’t keep him waiting,” I say and force myself to hold back from rushing to him. I try to walk as calmly as I can up to the far wing.

As I walk in, he is standing as he did before, facing the window in his cloak. He turns to me and pulls back his cloak, revealing that handsome face. His eyes seem to widen with awe. As soon as I close the door behind me, he comes to me, taking my face in his hands before he kisses me deeply. Then he quickly pulls back, turning away from me. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be so forceful.”

“Don’t apologize, and I do not consider that forceful. I quite enjoyed it,” I say as my heart races faster.

He turns to me with relief and desire in his eyes. “I requested you for the entire night. I hope that isn’t too much.”

“Not at all. I was actually looking forward to this all day,” I say with a smile.

“I know you’re not comfortable with most things, and I won’t force you to do anything you don’t want. I intend to make this just as enjoyable for you as it has been for me,” he says, taking my hand in his.

“Maybe, with the right man I’d surely consider doing more. Especially if he is as caring and gentle as you,” I say, biting my lip.

“Well, I’ll admit I am a bit jealous of this man. I hope he is worthy of your love,” he says.

“He is you, silly. Or at least I’d like him to be,” I say with a smile.

His grin makes my heart melt. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

He takes me in his arms and nuzzles his nose against mine, making me smile. I lean up to kiss him and his lips take in mine. His arms wrap me up and make me feel safe and loved. He’s a Paladin of the Light, and I can feel that Light shine out from him. He has such goodness in his heart and I want to feel its warmth.

I reach down and start to unbuckle his belt, but he stops me. He pulls back and looks me in the eye. “What’s the rush? We have all night. Let’s cherish the moment and get to know one another.”

Joy washes over my face, and it’s shown in my smile. “I’d like that. A lot.”

“Would you like some wine?” he asks as he walks over to the table where a jug rests along two empty cups.

“Sure.” I linger by the doorway, not sure what to do as I rub my elbow.

He pours us both a cup and hands me one before he goes over to the bed. He takes a long sip and sets it aside. “Will you join me on the bed? I’d like to feel your warmth.”

I nod, taking a sip of the wine before setting it aside and laying down next to him. He wraps me in his arm and lets me rest my head on his chest. His other hand runs through my hair with gentle care.

“So, tell me, Lura, how did you end up here?” he asks.

“Well, I used to live down in Tent City with my parents. I spent a lot of time with my uncle and his crew of thieves. He wouldn’t let me join him on his jobs, but I spent much time pick-pocketing and stealing from vendors. Anything I could to feed my family,” I admit.

“I find it atrocious how people are left to starve and fend for themselves while others live in wealth and hoard it for themselves,” he says as his finger twirls a strand of my hair.

I look up at him to see the righteousness in his eyes. “Yes, it seems like a grave injustice.”

“What more happened for you to end up in this place?” he asks.

“My uncle and his crew were arrested, all because a man who was a brother of one of the guards wanted to force himself on me. He was stopped by my uncle and his friends and tossed out, but he betrayed them and led the guard to my uncle’s hideout and they were all taken. I somehow escaped and went home, but unfortunately, the man led the guard to my parents, and they were taken solely because they were my parents and he wanted me,” I say. The memories bring the pain with them.

“That is awful. Who is this man? Maybe there is something I can do?” he asks.

“No, it’s unimportant now. I snuck into Low Town from a crack in the wall I used to slip in to steal things. I wandered the streets a bit before men tried to take me, but Madame stepped in and took me in. I started serving drinks, trying to save up coin to buy my family’s freedom. But serving drinks doesn’t quite pay enough, so I decided to serve men in a different way. I’m desperate to see my family free. Fortunately, you’re my first customer.” I look up at him with a smile. 

He leans down and kisses my head. “You have a kind soul. I can see that as clear as the night sky.”

“Really? I don’t feel like a good person. Good people don’t sell their bodies for pleasure or steal, for that matter,” I say.

“I wouldn’t say that. I think good people sacrifice what they have for what they feel is right. You are sacrificing your body to follow your heart so that you can one day right the wrongs that have been done to you. I think you’re a very good person. Better than most. Heck, better than most who follow the Light even,” he says, with a sincere smile. “Better than me.”

“I don’t believe that last part. You’re so kind,” I say.

“To you, I am kind, but my sword and hands are soaked in enough blood to damn me for an eternity. You would think following the Light would be peaceful, but unlike priests, Paladins are no stranger to war and death. I joined the faith after my family was brought to the sword by Northern Savages. They slaughtered my entire family and fed on their corpses like demons. My parents worked for the Golden High Elf Trading Company on their ships and would travel to and from Chillshore on merchant ships trading. I was with them this time for whatever reason; I can’t remember. We were attacked when we were taking a shipment from Chillshore down to Barefrost by these savages who feed on the flesh of others. I watched as I hid while my parents were slaughtered and fed on. If it weren’t for the priestess Damaris, I’d be dead. She shielded me and men came from Barefrost, driving the savages back.” He takes a moment to take in a deep breath and let it out as he looks out at the window. “I vowed that I would get my revenge on the savages. I trained to become a warrior, but was brought to the Light by the same priestess who saved my soul. Sister Damaris was once again there for me. She’s kind and true to the faith. I wish all who claimed to follow the Light were like her, but sadly the church is full of those who claim to follow the Light but only serve themselves. Anyway, I will one day return to the north and seek justice against the savage cannibals.”

“I am so sorry for your pain and loss. That is truly awful and sad,” I say as I look up at him and bring my hand to cup his face. He leans into my touch, covering my hand with his own. I wish I could wash away his pain. I want to clean him of all that he suffers from. I get up and kiss him. He pulls me into his arms and holds me close, kissing me softly. “I do know of that priestess you mentioned. She used to come down to Tent City to help the people in need.”

He smiles. “That sounds like her.”

We stay just like this, holding each other with kisses. I want nothing more than to remain in his embrace. But unfortunately, our time together comes to an end. “I feel so guilty. I didn’t even give you the pleasure you paid for.”

“You gave me much more than that, my lady. You gave me peace and warmth. Far more valuable than pleasure,” he says with a smile, giving me another kiss.

“Well, maybe if you’re back tomorrow, I can offer you something more. I still have my virginity, and I want to give it to you,” I say, biting my lip.

He looks worried as he raises a single eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

“I will never find a better man than you to give it to,” I say.

“Then I would be honored to receive such a gift,” he says with another kiss. “Tomorrow, I will make it special. I promise.”

I smile and bite my lip. “I do not doubt that. You’re already special to me.”

He grins before resting his head against mine. We lay like this for a long time, enjoying each other’s warmth. Then, he gives me one last kiss and a smile. “Until tomorrow then.”

I nod. “Until tomorrow.”

After we part ways, I find myself with Tyma and her friends at the Hookah Lounge, telling her every little detail. “That’s great. I’m glad you got a client. Just don’t get your heart wrapped in him. These men can be quite fickle and often cruel. Usually, it’s always the ones who seem so good and pure that have such cruelty to them.”

“I don’t think he has an ounce of cruelty to him. He’s absolutely perfect,” I say. “I hope he is,” she says with a careful smile.

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Bothvar Beorcolsson

The feast was the biggest I’ve ever seen in our town. Thorkel, Asfrid, Arngunn, and I sit at the head table. Our siblings all sat at a table to the side with the children from the leaders of the other clans.

My father and mother sit with Koll, his wives including my aunt Ingithora and Sigvor along with the leaders of the other clans including the Wolf Clan.

My wife, which is a happy thought, clenches my hand under the table. She doesn’t enjoy being at the center of attention. Especially with such an immense crowd full of important people. There are so many people here that there had to be tables set up outside throughout the town center. I share her feelings. Sitting here with everyone looking is nerve-wracking. I think I’d rather fight Grom and his friends. Thorkel and Asfrid, on the other hand, seem to enjoy it. He was always one for flair and she is cut from the same cloth. I think that’s why we married who we did. Arngunn is as perfect for me as Asfrid is for Thorkel.

The people pound the table and yell at us to kiss. Thorkel and Asfrid laugh. Arni, on the other hand, is as red as the wine we drink. But she turns to me anyways with that sweet, adorable smile only made even more desirable by the blush on her face. She leans up and I sink my lips into hers. The people erupt with cheers. Arni’s face is even redder than the silk around her waist.

My father gets up. silence creeps over the hall and the town as people cram in together to hear what he has to say. “My fellow true Northman. We are a proud people, are we not?”

The crowd erupts in cheers. My father grins and just as the crowd grows quiet, he says one word to get them going again. “Skol!”

The word echoes through the hall and the town as they all say it before quieting down once more. “As proud Northerners, we hold sacred to our traditions, some lost over time and new ones found. And we honor the Gods. And we have seen their presence, today of all days.”

Whispers spread through the hall before getting put out like a flame with a gust of wind. “There is no doubt in my mind that the gods smile upon us. You saw it yourself when they shined down upon the ceremony to bless the marriage of my two sons and my newly wedded daughters by law. As the Wise One said, they will bring us children. Children who’ll carry on our history and culture. That is what it means to be a Northerner. To bring new life into our clans and carry on tradition and culture.”

He turns to us and takes a moment to take us all in. “I haven’t said this enough, but I am proud of my two sons, and I am grateful for the two women they have chosen to marry. Those women surely have their work cut out for them in keeping those two iron heads out of trouble.”

The crowd erupts into laughter. Father gives us a warm smile and a wink. “But, if I am being honest, they remind me of myself at their age. Young and full of pride and ambition. They take on the world as if they had skin of iron. Hopefully, these women can shrink their heads a bit. What is a Northerner without a strong woman by their side? Eh?”

The men and women all nod and agree. Several cheers to it. But not everyone. The old Earl from the Wolf Clan, Bjarni, and his son Vidkunn and his children all seem to keep stoney faces. All but the youngest one who seems to always wear a smile. He even seems to find a friend in Thormar. Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me. But the rest seem to try to keep their distance. There is no love between us, and it is not a world-shattering revelation with the bloody history we share. A cycle of war and death. Which makes Sigvor’s words ring in my head. What did she mean? Whose daughter? Mine? Thorkel’s? What did she mean by the Daughter of the Sea? We are people of the sea, so I guess that makes sense unless she’s referring to something else. The only other possibility I can think of is the god Nasi who we make a sacrifice to before every raid.

“May Fridgerd be praised for giving her blessing on these two unions, but any Kraken knows these two beautiful women were destined to be with my sons.”

A few familiar voices shout out in agreement. Father only nods. “Practically tied at the hip, those four are. This just makes it official. Now, I’ll stop my rambling, and let’s celebrate. Eh?”

The crowd erupts in cheers.

“Bring out the feast!” My father shouts over them, making them cheer even louder. They drum on the table once more and Thorkel gives out a loud laugh. I turn to Arni, who once more has a face the color of a rose as she turns to look up at me. This time I dive right in and kiss her, which leaves her with a big smile. She in return kisses me back. The thralls bring out the food followed by Thyri, the cook, snapping at each and every one of them with her wooden ladle in hand, swinging it around as if it were a battle ax. That woman is as fierce as any Viking Berserker.

They put plates buried in a mountain of food in front of us while putting the major platters on each table. They bring tables outside to put out food for the rest of the town who couldn’t fit inside the great hall.

We dig in and feast until our bellies hurt with delicious beef and pork roasts, potatoes, sweet mazzletofs, string beans, corn dripping with butter, smoked fish, steamed calamari, boiled cabbage smothered with more butter, and melted cheese to cover it all. I wash the food down with a cup of tingle fruit wine, savoring the taste. It’s strange how such a tart fruit makes for a sweet wine. As good as it tastes, it’s that strange fizzle that makes it undeniably delicious. And of course, Thyri personally brought me my favorite, tazzle berry pie. Even though I could puke with how full I am, I still cram the deliciously sweet pie in my mouth.

An argument breaks out between my father, Koll, Einar, and the Wolf Clan leaders, Bjarni and his son Vidkunn, and the one I recognize as Vidkunn’s oldest son… I can’t remember his name… Thor something. Hall or grim or… I don’t know. Baldric and Siv give them all scornful looks. I can certainly verify the claims of them and those wolves firsthand. I shudder at the memory.

I also see Aldam arguing with his two siblings, Baggisli and Oddim Bronzehammer. Aldam slams his fist on the table. His little brother only smirks at him. Baggisli simply shakes her head.

Five women walk up to us. Three seem younger than the other two, but they’re all from the Valkyrie village. I recognize Amalasontha and her daughter Tonna along with the girl, Almedha, from the docks, but the other two I don’t. Although I think the older one goes to the Clan Meetings… Maybe they both do? I don’t know; I need to pay more attention during the meetings, but they’re so boring. She is probably the Matriarch or whatever. They are surely warriors, or were, that I have no doubt.

Arni leans over and whispers in my ear before they arrive. “It is Dasyra Ragnarsdóttir, the Matriarchal Spiritual Leader, along with Amalgunda, the Chieftess, and surely you remember Amalasontha, the War Leader of the Valkyrie clan. And, of course, Tonna is here. I’m sure Asfrid is so happy to see her. The other girl is Almedha, daughter of Dasyra.”

My eyes go wide… Almedha is the daughter of the Spiritual Matriarch? I did not know that.

As a woman who seems a tad bit older than my mother approaches first, I stand to greet her.

“It is a pleasure, Dasyra of the Valkyrie. Along with Amalgunda and Amalasontha. Thank you for joining us in our celebration. Tonna…” I nod at Amalasontha and Tonna and receive one in return. Tonna looks as if she’s holding back a laugh. Amalasontha wears a stony expression, as usual. The other two women also seem to hold back laughs. I look over at Almedha, who’s snickering. “Uhhh… Almedha… It’s good to see you as well. I didn’t realize you were…”

Arni elbows me. I look down and she nods over to the younger woman standing behind the older woman who approached me. “That is Dasyra.”

My eyes go wide. She is no older than I am! Why would she be the Spiritual Matriarchal Leader? And why do they need three different leaders? The woman standing in front of me along with Dasyra both smile. Dasyra speaks up. “It is okay. This happens all the time.”

I eye her warily. Then, the lady who approached first speaks. “I’m Amalgunda, the clan Chieftess, and this is Amalasontha, our war leader.”

Amalasontha finally smiles for the first time that I’ve ever seen as she nods. “We’ve met before, but it was a long time ago when the four of them were just children playing in our woods.”

“I have not forgotten that,” I say with a forced smile.

“We have come to honor you and your wife along with your brother and his wife and will pray for success upon the unions,” Amalgunda says as all three bow their heads.

I do the same in return. “Well, your honor is much appreciated,”

All three women nod and retreat. Tonna leans in. “Way to go, Bothvar. I can’t believe you mistook the chiefess for the Matriarch. I’m sure they were very amused, probably not as much as I was, but it’s been a long laugh in our village at how many people make that mistake.”

“Well, you could’ve given me a heads up,” I say.

“And miss the look on your face when you realize you got it wrong? Nah. By the way, it’s good to see you two. I haven’t seen you, Bothvar, since the All-Clan Meeting, and you, Arngunn, since the forest. I must’ve just missed you at the clan meeting,” Tonna says.

“That’s because Thorkel and Bothvar ditched us,” Asfrid says in a bitter tone as she interrupts. “Didn’t expect to see you here, Tonna…”

Tonna gives her a smile. “It is good to see you too, Asfrid. And you as well, Thorkel.”

“Ahh. it is good to see you again, Tonna,” Thorkel says with his usual smile until he sees the look on Asfrid’s face, and that smile is quickly washed off.

“Maybe at the next All Clan Meeting you can actually make a plan when you try to prank the Wolves and it might actually succeed,” Tonna says.

“Right… And perhaps going through the forest full of wolves wasn’t the best idea,” Thorkel says, with a forced grin before Asfrid’s expression goes from cold to burning hot.

“Well, I am going to go enjoy the festivities. I wish you four the best of luck in your marriages,” Tonna says with a smile and a nod before skipping off.

Almedha smiles as she approaches. “So, did you ever figure out that problem of yours?”

“I think it’ll always be a work in progress,” I say, returning the smile before looking over at Thorkel. I return my gaze to meet Almedha’s vibrant green eyes. “And yours?”

“I could say the same,” she says with a laugh as she looks back at the four walking away. “Well, I wish you four all the best in your marriages. It was nice to meet you, Arngunn. You’re a lucky woman. And you as well, Thorkel and Asfrid. Bothvar, it was good to see you again. Congratulations on your marriages.”

She then walks away, and both Arni and Thorkel lean in, asking what that was all about. I only shrug and tell them I’ll explain later.

I lean over to Arni. “I don’t think I’ll ever understand them. Why is the youngest one the Matriarch? And why do they have three different leaders? Talk about too many skippers on a ship.”

“I wouldn’t be too quick to judge. Besides, I heard a rumor that Dasyra is actually super old, but magic makes her look young. She’s really the daughter of Ragnar Bjornsson. The illegitimate daughter from an elven slave, but daughter nonetheless.” 

“And how did I not know you were hanging with Tonna at the All Meeting?” Asfrid asks my brother, venom dripping from her words. But mutters under her breath. “Even though I figured so.”

Thorkel goes white as snow. “It was nothing. We just saw each other in passing, that’s all.”

“It certainly didn’t sound like nothing. What was this about a prank on the Wolf Clan?” Asfrid asks, crossing her arms against her chest and raising an eyebrow.

“We were just trying to have some laughs at the Wolves’ expense. Didn’t quite go the way we wanted it, and I didn’t know Tonna would join us. It was only a brief moment. Nothing more,” Thorkel says while rubbing the back of his neck. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think he’s sweating.

To my surprise, Baldric and Siv walk up. Baldric is a man with shoulders as wide as the door frames. He towers over most. Siv tosses her red hair behind her shoulder and smirks. She is not short, but it’s hard to deny she’s beautiful. But her face is kinda wolf-like, just like Baldric’s. Not ugly, though. Rather majestic, but intimidating as well. “I see you two haven’t been sulking in the forest since that All Clan Meeting so long ago.”

“I see you two haven’t forgotten it,” Thorkel says, not daring to look at Asfrid. “Maybe next time you can leave your dogs in the woods and we can fight like warriors.”

Siv laughs. “Still wouldn’t be a fair fight for you. Wolves are just naturally stronger and faster than anything else on land.”

“But you wouldn’t dare step foot into the water, because nothing beats the Kraken in the water,” Thorkel retorts.

She only shrugs. Baldric steps up. “Regardless, we didn’t come to cross swords. We came to offer congratulations on your marriages. Maybe another day we can find out who the better warriors are, but today, we will put aside this petty squabbling and show our respect.”

“I’ll be truthful. I didn’t expect this from you two or your clan, but I’ll return the respect.” Thorkel stands up, grabs his goblet, and holds it up. “Share our drink and enjoy the games and festivities. We can fight in the days to come.”

Baldric and Siv nod and toast to that, along with the rest of us. Baldric looks back at our family, arguing with each other. Father still argues with Bjarni and Vidkunn. “If only our family could do the same.”

That actually gets a chuckle out of Thorkel. “Who knew I’d find a laugh from Wolf’s humor. Maybe you’re not so bad after all, Baldric.”

Baldric shrugs. He then nods and his eyes meet mine. It feels as if I’m seeing someone I should know better. Someone I’ve known for a long time, but I’ve only spoken to him maybe once. He nods and I return in kind. Siv’s eyes also catch mine, and there’s a similar feeling there. Her eyes remain on mine for a bit longer before the two of them walk away. 

“What a strange lot they are,” Asfrid says, then she punches Thorkel on the shoulder. “Next time you go off trying to prank the Wolf Clan and don’t invite me, you’re going to be sleeping outside in the cold after I knock your teeth out.”

“Fair enough,” Thorkel says, nearly coughing on his drink.

Semet, the green-eyed elf, walks up and fills our drinks. Arni’s servant that my mother gave her. The two have always been inseparable. When she goes to walk away, Arni stops her. “Semet, why don’t you get something to eat and enjoy the rest of the night? You are my friend and you should celebrate as well.”

Semet smiles and nods. “As you wish.”

More people come to greet us and congratulate us as we eat. Styrkar Hreinsson and his brother Saksis. Both have sons a little older than us and serve on our father’s ship, and so will their sons. Varin Hialtisson, father of Sigvid, who is the father of Solmund and Griotgard, comes to give us congratulations. He has taken Skardi under his wing and is teaching him how to navigate the seas. We tap our mugs with his and drink up.

Earl Trehame of the Builders, a jolly old man with a long beard and a wide belly, comes up with joyful praise and a warm congratulation. He seems like a fun one to be around.

Even the Giant Earl Kveldulf and his wife Thyre, along with their son Bergthor, come up to congratulate us. All three of them can hardly fit into the hall being so tall. Even Thyre is almost half a man taller than everyone outside of the giants.

As the feast finished, we were ushered outside around the large fire where drums, lutes, panpipes, and harps create a festive melody. I pull Arni in my arms, lifting her off the ground and spinning her around while she laughs and holds on.

We move and dance to the flow of the music with Thorkel and Asfrid. Arni wraps her hands around my neck and holds on to me as we spin and move to the beat of the drums.

At some point, Arngunn sees something that upsets her. She pulls away and heads out of the square where everyone is dancing and singing. I follow her out of the crowd and down a side alley into the dark, where I hear a familiar voice of a woman pleading and struggling.

“Get off of her!” Arngunn yells.

I walk past Arni to find Gorm trying to force himself on Semet. She’s in tears as she struggles against Gorm. I pull him off of her and push him back, grabbing her and pulling her over to Arni as she takes the girl into her arms. He growls at me and tries to push me but I bat his hands away and push him against the building. “She is not yours to use!”

Others stop what they are doing and gather to witness. Thorkel and my father push through. “What is going on?”

“It is clear what is going on. Gorm is at it again, disgracing himself,” Thorkel says with a snarl.

Gorm looks at all the other people, grimacing. “She’s just a slave.”

“But she is not your slave,” my father says, stepping up.

“Who cares? She is not a Viking. She is not of our people. She is a filthy elf,” he says, snarling.

“That does not matter. You are damaging someone else’s property. That is as good as theft,” my father says, glaring at him. Gorm meets his gaze with scorn. My father doesn’t back down but glares back with a much deeper intensity. “If I find you trying to steal someone’s property again, you will face some dire consequences. Do you understand?”

Gorm spits on the ground and walks away. My father meets my eyes with a nod before looking over at the slave and my wife, then he looks around. “What are you all standing around for? Let’s get back to the festivities.”

Everyone reluctantly returns to dancing and games. My brother claps his hand on my shoulder before he returns with Asfrid to dance. Sometimes I don’t understand my brother. I still can’t forget what happened that night at the All-Clan Meeting with that slave, yet here he is against it…

 I help Arni escort Semet back into the hall. She takes her back to her own quarters that my father gave her and lets her stay there. Not long after, she returns to me and barricades herself in my arms, leaning up to kiss me. “Thank you, Bothvi. She means a lot to me, and I would not have any harm come to her.”

Leaning down, I press my forehead against hers. “I know, my sweet love. She will be safe as long as I’m around. I remember when we first met her after we learned that your parents died. I know she helped you heal, and for that I will forever be in her debt.”

Arni smiles, bringing her soft delicate hand up to my cheek, caressing it. I wish I could keep the warmth of her touch forever against my skin. I lean into her hand, closing my eyes. She then grabs my beard and pulls me down to meet her kiss.

We head back out to join the fun, singing, and dancing. Playing games and laughing throughout the night. With Arni by my side, my life feels complete. Our dance lasts long into the night before the music stops. My father, mother, and my aunts all walk up. My father steps forward as people gather around. “It is time for the most important part of the ceremony.”

He smiles as he looks at my brother and me. “Time to make me a grandfather. I want a kid from each of you this winter and more to come.”

“What your father is trying to say, it is time to consummate your marriages,” Aunt Sigvor says as she claps her hands together. “A marriage isn’t truly final until it’s consummated and the dowry is paid tomorrow morning, however, this is a special case since the brides’ parents feast in Valholl for the honors they’ve accomplished, they were put in the protection of the Earl. And it wouldn’t make sense for Earl Beorcol to pay himself. We will forgo the dowry. Instead, payment will be made with children to carry on Beorcol’s line.”

“Now let’s get these four into their beds!” my father shouts as we’re suddenly ushered forward, practically dragged and pushed through the great hall into our rooms. However, none of them leave.

“You’re all not going to watch, are ya?” I ask, looking around.

“We have to witness the two of you getting into bed and then we’ll give you some privacy,” Aunt Sigvor says.

I grab the fur blanket and hold it in front of my wife as she slips her dress off and gets in bed. Then I take my shirt and boots off before slipping my trousers off. I slide in next to her and pull her into my arms.

“Okay, now we will leave,” my aunt says as she ushers people out. “Out, out! All of you. Let them get down to baby-making.”

I hear my father yell as he leaves Thorkel’s room. “I better hear the sweet sound of lovemaking. By the time winter ends, I want grandsons. Oh, and don’t rush. You’ll be doing your woman a favor. Take it slow and be gentle.”

We’re finally alone as silence creeps over the room. I get up and put an extra log in the brazier and then slip back into bed. We lay there in the fire’s light, neither saying a word.

There’s tension in the air and it’s as thick as whale blubber. I finally decide to speak. “Well… I guess we should… a… make some babies.”

She laughs and leans up to give me a peck on the cheek. “I don’t know about you, but I’ve never… uh… done any baby making.”

“Well… I once walked in to find my father and mother doing some baby-making once. I think that’s when Bodvar was made.”

“And how were they doing it?” she asks as she reaches up and combs a finger through the beard I’ve been growing. It’s not quite long enough to braid yet.

“Well, my mother was on her hands and knees with my father behind her, but we shouldn’t do it that way because Bodvar is a few ore men short of a full boat.”

She snorts a laugh. “Well, he tends to act before he thinks, but he is still a child. The gods know we weren’t the wisest children. We were always getting into trouble.”

“True,” I say with a smile.

A loud bang rings out from the door. “I don’t hear any baby-making going on.”

I let out a long sigh. “He is relentless sometimes.”

“How about I lay on my back and you just stick it in? That will work, right?”

“Well, I suppose it doesn’t matter how it is done, as long as I lay my seed inside you,” I say as she rolls on her back.

I get up and crawl between her legs. She looks up at me with those crystal blue eyes as shimmering as the sea and bites her lip. “Just be gentle. I heard it hurts the first time. Sigvor told me I’d bleed.”

My eyes go wide. “I don’t want to hurt you, let alone make you bleed. Why would you bleed? We’re not fighting, we’re just making babies.”

“I don’t know. That’s just what she said. But she said it’d only hurt at the beginning and it’ll feel good after you’re inside me for a bit.”

“Well… Just tell me if it’s too much,” I say as I spread her legs and push them up against her. I stroke my cock. Then I go to press it up against her slit.

“Wait!” she says as she pushes me back. Then she turns and gets on her hands and knees, bringing her mouth down to my cock. She looks up at me as she takes my dick in her hands. “Sigvor said to get your cock wet with my mouth and that would help it go in better.”

“You’re going to put my cock in your mouth? That doesn’t seem very… Eh. I guess.” I only shrug, but then I feel her hot, wet mouth wrap around my cock, and pleasure shoots out from it. “Oh, that feels good.”

She takes it out and looks up at me with a smile. “Yeah? You like that? Maybe if you’re good, my handsome husband, I’ll do it more often. It doesn’t taste half bad.”

I smile down at her as I run my hand through her soft hair and bring my fingers to her cheek, gently stroking it with my thumb. “Oh, then I will treat you like a queen if that is the case.”

She laughs and then takes my cock back into her mouth. “For the love of the gods, that feels wonderful. Better than anything I’ve ever felt!”

She slowly sucks on it while moving her tongue around, and I shudder as a passionate fire erupts through me. Who would’ve ever thought of a woman taking a cock in her mouth? I certainly wouldn’t have.

She takes as much of my dick in her mouth as she can before she gags on it. As she catches her breath, she lets it fall from her mouth. She spits on it and rubs the spit around my cock with her hand. She looks up at me with those sapphire gems. “I think it’s wet enough now.”

“Should I use my tongue on your slit?” I ask as she lays back down and spreads her legs.

“Probably wouldn’t hurt,” she says.

I slide down onto my stomach and bury my face between her soft, white thighs. The smell of her cunt drives me wild as I drag my tongue around her slit. I give the insides of her thighs some kisses before diving back in, licking up and down the walls of her slit. She grips my hair. “Oh, my word. Don’t stop, that feels so good.”

I smile and lick my tongue up the little round bead-looking thing and that causes her to cry out. “For the love of the gods!”

She likes that. She thrusts her hips against my face when I do it again. I finally pull away. “I think it’s plenty wet now.”

“Okay.” She pants. I get back between her legs, lifting them against her chest. Slowly, I press my cock up against her cunt and make my descent.

Her eyes go wide as she gasps. “Oooh! That hurts.”

“I’m so sorry. Should I stop? Do you want me to pull it out?” I ask.

She shakes her head no. “Keep going. We have to do this to consummate the wedding. They’ll know if we don’t.”

“Okay, just tell me if it hurts too much,” I say as I continue sliding my cock inside her. It’s so tight. I really have to take my time and slide a finger length by finger length. Stopping each time to allow her time to breathe. 

I slip in a little more, finding a break in her resistance. She screams out in agony. My eyes go wide and I sink my teeth into my bottom lip. “Are you okay? Did I hurt you? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. I will stop. We don’t have to do this. I…”

“It’s okay,” she says in a breath. She whimpers a bit. This isn’t how sex should be. This isn’t how I imagined our first time would go. Whenever I saw my mother and father having sex, they seemed to enjoy it. Our people have never been shy about having sex. Whenever we have large feasts and celebrate, people always have sex out in the open and they all seem to enjoy themselves. Besides a few slaves who didn’t seem to enjoy it. What am I doing wrong? I don’t like seeing Arni like this. She grits her teeth. “Just keep going.”

I lean down and bring my face down to hers as I wrap my arms around her neck. She holds onto my shoulders. Slowly, I continue to push more of my cock inside her. She winces, grits her teeth, and digs her nails into my back. This is not how I pictured our first time together. I don’t go any farther and slowly retreat. She looks up at me, confused. “What are you doing?”

“I don’t enjoy hurting you,” I say.

She smiles wearily at me and then leans up and kisses me. “It’s okay. Just get it over with. This will only hurt this once. That’s what Sigvor and your mother said.”

I grit my teeth and slowly slide my cock inside her and she yells out in pain. My cock is finally all the way inside her. “There it’s in.”

She is gasping for breath. I just keep it inside her without moving. While leaning on one arm, I bring my other to gently swipe the loose hair from her face. Sweat beads on her brow. She finally catches her breath. “I think I’m ready.”

“Are you sure?” I ask.

She nods. I lean down and kiss her. Ever so slowly, I roll my hips back as she bites her lip. I nudge my dick forward and she grimaces. I pause to make sure she is okay. She only nods. So, I continue. I make short, slow movements back and forth. Taking my time and being as gentle as I can be. It’s excruciating. I have the urge to go faster. To thrust my hips in and let loose, but I hold back with all my will. I won’t ever hurt Arni. She has my heart, and hurting her would be like hurting myself. I keep control over my urges and keep it slow. Stopping whenever she winces.

“Don’t stop. It’s starting to feel good.”

“It doesn’t look like it to me,” I say.

“Just keep going,” she says, and I do. I slowly rock my hips back and forth. By the gods, does it feel good. She is so tight. She claws her nails against my back and I groan out. But fuck, it feels so good to be inside her. She moans out as she closes her eyes.

I lean down and kiss her. She kisses me back, running her hands through my hair as I thrust into her at a steadier pace. I pull her head back as I kiss down her neck. A fire of pleasure burns within my cock and ripples through my entire body. I fight the urge to lose control and fuck her harder, but it’s so hard. I just want to let go. The way she looks with her eyes closed as she moans out, pleasure melting on her face drives me even crazier. I lean down and kiss her as she wraps her legs around my waist and pulls me to her. Her hands run through my hair and grips it, pulling me back to meet her kisses.

In this moment, we truly are one. It’s hard to tell where I end and she begins. Arni reaches down and starts to rub the top of her slit, I lay my hand on top of hers and she takes my fingers and guides them along the top of her vagina. I just want to remain like this forever, but I feel so close to erupting. I fight it as long as I can, but I can’t stop myself from falling over the edge as my cock bursts with pleasure as she tightens around me, crying out in ecstasy. I fill her with my seed as she continues to clamp down on me and tremble in pleasure. Her moans are quivering pleas of surrender.

I finally finish as a chill sweeps over my sweat-soaked skin. Pulling myself off her, I roll onto my back and collapse. We’re both panting for breath. She finally rolls to turn to me, leans up, and kisses my cheek. I wrap my arms around her and pull her against my chest. “That was… wow.”

“I know. At first, it hurt. A lot, but the pleasure quickly overcame the pain. I’ve felt nothing like that before,” she says as her finger traces circles on my chest.

“Yes, I agree. I have no words to describe how I felt.” I run a hand through her hair.

“I know you just put a baby inside me. I know it’s a son. He’ll grow up to be big and strong like his father,” she says with a smile.

“I hope I can make him proud to be my son.” My arm moves down to her shoulder and caresses it.

“I know you will,” she says, leaning up to kiss my cheek again. This time I turn and kiss those sweet, luscious lips and she laughs before kissing me back.

“Let us get cleaned up and get some sleep.” I force myself to get up and so does she. That is when I realize there is blood on the sheets and on her as well, coming out of her cunt. Horror washes over my face. “For the love of the gods, what did I do to you?”

“Relax, husband. Sigvor and your mother said this happens to all virgins for the first time they have sex,” she says.

“Let me get us some new sheets, towels, and a wash bucket.” I grab on some britches and rip the old sheets off, taking them out to find my father, mother, aunts, Koll, and several others up.

As soon as they see me, they’re up and are congratulating me. My aunts and my mother take the sheets from me, practically parading them all over with the other women. My father, Koll, and the other men congratulate me. All this for having sex.

Finally, I’m able to get my wife and I cleaned up while slaves replace our sheets just as Thorkel comes out but without bloody sheets. Everyone looks confused. Thorkel shrugs with a sly grin. “We may have done it once or twice before. I didn’t realize we would need to show the sheets.”

The room erupts into laughter. Everyone but my mother, Sigvor, and Ingithora are laughing. They don’t seem happy at all. Mother shakes her head. “You’re going to bring bad luck upon your marriage…” I slip into my room and fall into bed with my wife. I smile at the thought of her as my wife while I pull her into my arms and kiss her shoulder. She snuggles up to me, and we lay like that until sleep takes us.

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Lura Syllana

I feel sick to my stomach worrying about what I’m about to do tonight. Am I seriously about to let a man use my mouth in order to make some more coin? My father was mad about me stealing. I can’t imagine what he’d think of this…

As I start my shift at the Brothel, still waiting tables and cleaning dirty mugs, I watch each and every man, wondering who’ll be the one that I will have to serve. I hope it’s not the balding fat elf with drooping ears. Nor the disgusting drunk slob that has half of his meal all down his tunic. And then there’s the tall skinny man missing half his teeth. And what of the short, stubby elf with a gimp?

All of them disgust me. I’m going to have to service one of them. Another man comes in under a hood of a cloak. His face is covered in the shadow. He walks up to Madame and they chat for a bit, her nodding before her eyes slide across the room, landing on me. A smile crosses her lips. She says something to the man before he nods and walks upstairs.

Madame glides across the room to me. “Ready to make more coin?”

I nod reluctantly. She smiles. “Don’t be so reluctant. You’ll want him to enjoy it so he asks for you again. Now come. This man is willing to pay well just for a mouth.”

I follow her upstairs and she stops us right outside the door. “All you have to do is savor his cock like a tasty treat. Listen to the sounds he makes. That will let you know how he likes it. And for the sake of King Volodar, do not let your teeth touch his cock. No man likes that.”

I nod, my stomach tightening. Am I seriously about to do this?

She nods towards the door. “Now go inside; show him what heaven is like and you’ll earn a nice bag of coin.”

I nod, take a deep breath, and let it out. I tell myself, it’s just an act. No more, no less. It’s now or never. I steel myself and walk in. The man has his back to me as he looks out the window. He turns to me, taking off his cowl. His face is more than pleasant. He’s got a beard and mustache with long black hair. His eyes shimmer bright blue. He swallows and steps forward. “You… You’re quite beautiful.”

“Thank you, sir,” I say.

He nods, closing the gap between us. His hand gently brushes up against my face. “Such beautiful eyes. You have a lot of mana inside you. What is someone with as much potential as you doing in a place like this?”

“I… I don’t have many choices. I can’t afford a permit nor can I afford tuition in the Academy,” I say.

“Have you ever thought about joining the Church of the Light? You can learn the Divine use of healing. With your potential, you’d be one of the greatest healers we’ve seen,” he says. I shake my head. I do not want to be shackled to them. Or anyone else. “That’s a shame. The church could use someone of your potential. You’d do a lot of good.”

“Are you with the church?” I ask.

He nods. “Yes. Technically, I am not supposed to be here, but a man has needs. I’m a Paladin.”

“Are people of the church not supposed to have sex?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “In our service to the Light, we are prohibited from another’s love. Our heart belongs to our duty.”

I nod. “I understand, but you wish for the pleasure of the flesh?”

“It is my great weakness. I shouldn’t, but I can’t help it. I need to feel the love of a woman,” he says.

“Then, let me help you with that,” I say as I reach for his belt buckle. This man is someone I can serve. Even though he’s here, seeking the pleasure of my mouth, he seems to be kind and noble. We all have our flaws and I can understand this. I wouldn’t be able to be a part of a church that forsakes love. My heart is too big.

I slowly sink to my knees as I undo his trousers and let them fall to the floor. Standing before me is an enormous cock, thick and wrapped in veins. I look up into the man’s eyes, his beautiful, luminescent, sapphire eyes. Like two gems shining in the moonlight. I wrap my hand around him and feel the pulse of life inside him. I stroke his massive pillar of a cock and feel him shudder.

I do what feels right, bringing my lips to the head of his dick and kissing it softly. He lets out a sigh of release. Then I lick the bottom of his cock all the way to the tip. It doesn’t taste so bad. Not bad at all. His eyes connect with mine as he bites his lip while my tongue swirls around his tip. He gasps as I take the head in my mouth and close my lips around it.

He moans out as I suck on his dick. This isn’t so bad. Not bad at all. It feels like I have this power over him. To make him feel so good with just my mouth. Slowly, I stroke his shaft as I lick and suck on the tip. “That feels so good.”

His hand runs through my hair, gently stroking it. I take more of his dick inside my mouth and have to stretch my mouth open in order to do so. His cock seems to pulse with life as I lick it. “Oh, for the love of the Light, you are so beautiful. Holy Divine Light, that feels good. Don’t stop.”

I pick up the pace and worship his cock as if it were the holy scepter of his church. He moans and groans, his hand gripping my hair as he rocks his hips back and forth. “I’m so close.”

Does that mean… “Oh, holy Light!”

He holds my head as his cock bursts into my mouth, spewing his seed on my tongue. I quickly swallow it as more sprays into my mouth. Honestly, it isn’t all that bad. It tastes sweeter than I thought it would. He finally releases my head and stumbles back onto the bed. “That was the best I’ve ever had. Come, sit with me.”

I do as he asks and lie down next to him. He wraps his arm around me. “What is your name?”

“Lura, sir,” I say.

He rolls on his side to look at me. “I’d like to see you again, Lura. Will you be here tomorrow night?”

I nod, and that earns a smile. “Well, then I’ll be back tomorrow to see you once again. My name is Orym, by the way.”

“It was nice to meet you, Orym. This was my first time and I’m glad it was with you,” I say.

He smiles. “I’m glad I could be your first. I promise, whenever you’re with me, I will make sure it is pleasant for the both of us.”

“I would very much like that,” I say.

He leans in and kisses me on the lips, making my face burn hot. Then he breaks away and gets up, pulling up his pants and buckling them up. “Well, I have to be off before someone notices where I am. I cannot wait to see you again tomorrow, Lura. You are a sweet girl. I hope maybe one day you change your mind about the church.”

I smile at him. “Maybe you can help convince me.”

He grins. “I just might have to.”

Then he leaves, putting his cowl back over to cover his face. That was far better than I ever expected. I think I am in love, but at the same time, it does not feel as I imagined it. He doesn’t look like the man of my dreams, but he is kind and nice.

A moment later, Madame comes in with a wide smile. “I don’t know what you did, child, but you have really outdone yourself. Especially for your first time. He wants to see you again tomorrow. Here. You’ve earned this.”

She hands me a pouch of coins. The biggest pouch I’ve ever held in my entire life. I look in it and find it is all silver. My eyes go wide as I look up at her and, before I know it, I hug her once more. “Thank you so much!” “Don’t thank me, you earned it,” she says, patting my head.

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