\u201cFor the love of the gods, do you remember as younglings when we used to come here all the time to try to lift that hammer?\u201d Thorkel asks as we enter the cave together. This time, we\u2019re much older than we used to be. Father is retired from raids, and now Thorkel is captain and raid leader. It\u2019s crazy to think about how things have changed. After winter passes, I will become a man and I can finally join my brother out on raids. To say I\u2019m nervous would be like calling a thunderstorm a sprinkle. I\u2019m terrified. But that is tomorrow\u2019s problem. I cannot worry about tomorrow\u2019s problem when today I can rejoice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, my brother and I will get married. To say it like that sounds just wrong. My brother is marrying Asfrid and I will marry Arngunn. Not a person in our village is surprised by this. We\u2019ve been all but inseparable since we were just little younglings. My brother and Asfrid only waited so long so that we could all be wedded on the same day and share our joy. And I am definitely nervous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRelax,\u201d Thorkel says. \u201cYou look as strung up as a drawn bowstring.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow can you be so calm when we\u2019re about to be married men? This\u2026 This is\u2026 This is the most important day of our lives. This is the day we will be wedded to the women that we love. That will bear our children.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBrother\u2026 You are making war out of a dispute.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am not. Why would I want to make war? That\u2019s not what I want.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thorkel only drags his hand down his face, yanking at his braided blonde beard. \u201cYou\u2019re making this more than it needs to be. Nothing will change for the most part. You already spend most days with Arni as it is. There is no need to make yourself worry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut it is a big deal. She will be my wife. That means we can have children, right? What if I am not a good father? What then? What if my son thinks I\u2019m not a good warrior?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thorkel shakes his head before he walks up to me and puts his hands on my shoulders. I stare into his blue eyes that are just like mine and our father\u2019s. His blonde hair has grown long. \u201cYou need to believe in yourself more. That\u2019s your problem. You are so filled with doubt that you do not think you are capable of anything. And you spend too much time thinking about what you will do wrong. Stop thinking about what could happen in the future. Spend more time thinking about what you need to do to become a good father and a good warrior. That is how you need to think. But at some point, you\u2019ll need to stop thinking and start doing. It is one thing to think about what you need and another thing to do it. That is what father taught me, and something you still need to learn.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish I got to spend more time with father.\u201d I look up at the hammer, still sitting there with its gold trim and words no one can read. It hasn’t aged or even gained a spec of dirt on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou will. It is good most of the time. He can be a real bastard at times, but even then, you\u2019ll realize it\u2019s all a lesson. It always is with him. He\u2019ll groom you into what he wants you to be. The man is as sharp as a freshly made battle ax by the grumpy old dwarf.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course, he is, that\u2019s why his name will always be remembered in history, and so will yours and probably the old grumpy dwarf,\u201d I say, getting a laugh from my brother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He squeezes my shoulder. \u201cYours will too if you can believe in yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He lets go and walks over to the hammer and gives it one more tug to no avail. \u201cIt was worth a try. It seems no matter how strong I get; I still can\u2019t lift the damn thing. Are you ever going to give it a try?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I shrug. \u201cEhh. Even with the hammer, I doubt I could ever be as good a warrior as you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His face goes stale. \u201cThat\u2019s because you never try.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe figured you two would be here,\u201d a warm, familiar feminine voice echoes out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both Thorkel and I look up to find Asfrid and Arngunn walking in. Asfrid smiles as she walks up to the hammer. \u201cIt feels like it was not that long ago we were here as younglings. Remember the time your mother and Sigvor caught us fighting with Gorm and his henchmen?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow could I forget?\u201d Thorkel asks as he looks at her with a smirk. \u201cOur mother had us doing slave work until father came home. But at least we gave Grom a good arse kicking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arngunn\u2019s smile warms my heart and is the reason it beats. I take her hand and gently squeeze it. \u201cThat day was not my finest moment. I stood like a coward while you all fought.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arngunn\u2019s smile vanishes as she looks at me with confusion. \u201cThat is not how I remember it. You protected me while I hid behind you. I was the coward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s not true. You were only a little girl, there wasn\u2019t much you could do. But I let my brother, Solmund, and Griotgard fight an unfair battle without aiding them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEhh, don\u2019t turn a raindrop into a thunderstorm,\u201d Thorkel says waving us off with his hand. \u201cWe were children. Besides, Skardi was the fool on the ground laughing. Although I\u2019m still not entirely sure it was these mushrooms. I\u2019m starting to believe that\u2019s just who he is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Asfrid laughs. \u201cHe is definitely a few arrows short of a full quiver, but that\u2019s why we love him. He\u2019s mad for sure, but a genius in his own right.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, I couldn\u2019t have said it better myself.\u201d Thorkel smiles at her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhy did you two come up all this way? Don\u2019t you know it\u2019s bad luck to see your betrothed before the ceremony? Our marriage is sure to have bad luck now,\u201d I say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, don\u2019t be so superstitious. It won\u2019t change anything. We\u2019ll still be together no matter what. It was fated by the gods,\u201d Arngunn says as she puts her warm hand against my cheek. I hold it there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou know, I\u2019ve read many books since coming here as children and I still haven\u2019t discovered what these runes mean,\u201d Asfrid says as she kneels by the hammer, taking a closer look at its inscription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thorkel shrugs. \u201cIt\u2019s just words. What significance could words have anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Asfrid only shakes her head. \u201cOne day your lack of knowledge will hurt you. I just hope I can make you see the error of your ways before that day comes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He laughs as he pulls her into his arms. \u201cI will not stop you from trying.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We ignore them as Arni and I both brush strings of hair out of each other\u2019s faces. She leans in and our lips touch. Her kiss is as sweet as ripe summer berries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAre you four going to miss your own wedding day?\u201d All four of us break apart as Skardi, Solmund, and Griotgard walk in. \u201cThorkel, Bothvar, your mother is about ready to commit murder. She already threatened to turn us all into pigs if we do not get you four down there to get ready.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe\u2019s not jesting. I saw her toss a mug of mead at your father. He\u2019s now hiding in his ship. Your mother scares me. Can she really turn us into pigs?\u201d Griotgard asks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know, but I wouldn\u2019t doubt it. I\u2019ve seen her do stranger things,\u201d Thorkel says with a visible tremble. \u201cWe better go. I do not want to incur her wrath.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo you think we can do magic? We are her children after all. We did come out of her womb. You\u2019d think we\u2019d be able to do a little bit,\u201d I ask as we hurry down the slope of the mountain and rush back through the gate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thorkel only shrugs. \u201cDon\u2019t know, don\u2019t even want to try.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s no sneaking back into town as our mother is on us like an eagle diving down on its prey from the sky. \u201cWhere have you four been? We have been working tirelessly to prepare such a special day and you four disappear on us!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She looks at Asfrid and Arngunn. \u201cI\u2019m not mad at you two, only these halfwits. But still, it is bad luck to see your betrothed before the ceremony. Why don\u2019t you both go find my sister Sigvor and the rest of the women? They\u2019ll get you all ready for the ceremony.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She turns on us with a finger out. \u201cAnd you two. You are lucky you are now men, even though you seem to behave otherwise, or I would have you doing slave work for the foreseeable future! I had torn apart half the town looking for you two. Don\u2019t you dare say a word. Just because you are men doesn’t mean I can\u2019t tan your hide like I once did when you were boys. Today of all days you have to wander off. You two are just like your father. Always getting into trouble. I swear to the gods, you two will be the death of me. Thank the gods Thormar is nothing like you two. I hope and pray Svala and Bodvar don\u2019t grow to behave like the both of you. Now come on. You both need a bath and something needs to be done about your hair!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She practically drags us by our beards before tossing us into the hall. If we had an army of women like her, we\u2019d be unbeatable. My mother\u2019s servants attack us, forcing us into the bathhouse, scrubbing the filth off us and doing up our hair while mother has us dress in proper linens. She even puts some gooey stuff in our hair to make it look slick and practically gives us a second bath in these strong-smelling oils that smell like the forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then she examines us with a fine-tooth comb, straightening wrinkles, licking her thumb to swipe our eyebrows, and dusting off our shoulders until she\u2019s satisfied with how we look. Then the strangest thing happens. Her entire face contorts as tears stream down from her eyes and she pulls us both in a hug tight enough to put a bear to shame. Women are truly strange creatures. \u201cOh, my boys. You\u2019ve grown up so fast. Where did all the time go? You\u2019re getting married. Oh, for the love of the gods, you\u2019re finally tying the knot. You could not have picked two finer girls than Asfrid and Arngunn. The gods must have written it in the stars; you four were born to be together. I\u2019m so happy to finally see this day. Oh, I\u2019m just sad it came so soon. One minute you were babies, and now you\u2019re both full-grown men.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She sighs as she grabs a cloth to wipe her eyes. And just like that, she\u2019s back to being the woman I know as she jams her finger into both of our chests. \u201cDon\u2019t you go screwing this up? This will be the best thing to happen to you until you have children of your own. And the gods know more than any that you two need a good woman to keep you out of trouble. Even so, it hasn\u2019t done your father much good. Where is he, anyway? You both stay right here. I swear to the gods if I come back and you\u2019re both missing, you\u2019ll wish I tanned your hides.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She storms out like a gust of wind from the north. \u201cPsst. Psst.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thorkel and I trade looks. \u201cYou heard that, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He nods. We look around. \u201cPsst.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s when I see our father poke his head out from behind the hallway to the barn. \u201cIs it safe to come out? Is she gone?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I fight the laughter trying to force its way out and nod. He relaxes as he walks into the hall, straightening his fine linen clothing before he eyes us, stroking his long, dirty blonde beard. His blue eyes seem to see right through us. \u201cThank the gods. I truly thought she was going to turn me into a pig. I know she can. I\u2019ve seen her do it. The woman can be completely mad sometimes. I love her, but she is one of the few things I am truly afraid of, and if you know what\u2019s good for you, you\u2019ll fear your wives as well. Now come here, you two. I\u2019ve got something I want to tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We both walk up to him as he puts a hand on each of our shoulders. \u201cYou\u2019re men now. About to be married men at that. I\u2019m proud of you both. Many people think to be a true Viking is to be a fearless warrior who raids and fights to earn his spot in Valholl. That is certainly true. But a true Viking is also a good husband. At least as good as he can be. Sometimes it can be really difficult. Especially when your wife threatens to turn you into a pig and she has the power to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He quickly looks around, an instant of fear in his eyes. It is an absurd thing to see one of the bravest warriors I have ever known cower in fear of his own wife. Even so, I don\u2019t lose any respect for my father because I know that fear all too well. It is a confusing fear. Even though I fear the woman, I love her with all my heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs I was saying, being a Viking is more than being a sea warrior, or a husband for that matter. You have to be a father. There is no more important task in being a member of the Kraken clan than carrying on our legacy through your children. I know, I haven\u2019t always been present in your lives. Especially you, Bothvar, but if you learn anything from me, learn what I have just told you. Take care of your family. Take care of your wife and the children she gives you. Protect them with your own life if the gods require it. And for the love of the gods, do what you can to avoid angering your wife. It is an impossible task and you will fail at it. Trust me, I know this to be true, but try, nonetheless. Do this, and you will always have my pride. My love is already and always will be yours,\u201d he says as he looks us both in the eyes. It always feels as if those eyes see everything. \u201cNow come here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He grabs both of our heads and pulls us in for a hug. \u201cThis day is a day for praise and celebration. Enjoy it. For this is the last day of your freedom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We both pull back and look at him with a fair bit of caution, but before we can say anything mother barges in, and father\u2019s eyes go wide with a moment of fear. \u201cThere you are! I\u2019ve been looking for you everywhere! How is the feast coming along? Do we have enough food for everyone? Did you prepare for a sacrifice as I asked you to? What about the sacred artifacts for the ritual of marriage? My sister is already set to perform the ritual to bind them in marriage. For the sake of the gods, Beorcol, do something about your hair and that wild mess of a beard. This is a very important day and you look like a raggedy vagabond.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor the sake of the gods, woman, one at a time! The feast is well on its way to being ready. I\u2019ve got three pigs, a bull, six chickens, and a bear we managed to hunt being cooked as we speak. We got enough food to feed the town twice over. And remind me what the other things were again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thorkel and I can hardly hold in our laughter. Father gives us a cold stare. \u201cJust you two wait. You\u2019ll experience this soon enough.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just then, Bodvar and Svala rush in with Thormar on their heels and the dog, Ruffles, dashing in behind. \u201cSlow down! I swear to the gods if you mess the hall up, you\u2019ll be in a world of hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I still can barely fathom how old they\u2019ve all gotten. Thormar is now as old as I was when Thorkel went out on his first raid with Father and Svala\u2019s not far behind. Bodvar has gotten big as well. He\u2019s now as old as Thorkel was back when we discovered that hammer. These days seem to go by far too fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My mother\u2019s glare turns back on my father. \u201cI was saying, have you gotten everything needed for the ritual? Sigvor gave you a list.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAhh, yes, I got it all. Don\u2019t worry. Oh, and Kadal and his wife, Ulfeid, along with their children are here, and Eawyn, Teowulf\u2019s widow, is here with her daughter\u2026 Scyra, I think her name is. And the Valkyrie tribe is here. The three chieftesses, Dasyra Ragnarsd\u00f3ttir, Amalgunda, and Amalasontha, have also arrived with their kin. I still don\u2019t understand why the women need three chieftesses. Makes little sense to me. Is that all?\u201d my father asks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My mother\u2019s eyes go as wide as rubies as she attacks my father\u2019s beard and hair. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you say something sooner? Have they been properly greeted and welcomed? Has anyone else arrived? What about Trefor from the Builder’s Clan? And Thorweald of the Eagle Clan? I doubt he\u2019ll come though, because the Eagles rarely ever show up to anything. I will warn you; I sent out invitations to Bjarni and the Wolf Clan, but I don\u2019t think they will come.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Father\u2019s eyes got even wider than mother’s. \u201cAre you crazy, woman? Why would you invite those bastards from the Wolf Clan? You can\u2019t trust a Wolf. They\u2019ll only cause trouble. They\u2019re treacherous. If it wasn\u2019t for King Teowulf, may he feast in Valholl, I would\u2019ve killed them all. And for the sake of the gods, stop tugging!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt was the right thing to do for such an occasion like this. At least we can say we tried. Now, hold still! This beard isn\u2019t even fit to nest a bird. Why didn\u2019t you have it braided as I asked? Come. I\u2019ll have one of the slaves do it,\u201d she says as she literally drags him by the beard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI hope that isn’t something we have to look forward to,\u201d Thorkel says, wide-eyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think so. Asfrid and Arni are nothing like our mother. Right?\u201d I look up to him for reassurance and find none.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He only shrugs. \u201cAt least they can\u2019t do magic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We both chuckle, but I stop short. What if they can do magic? \u201cRight\u2026 I mean. They can\u2019t do magic, right? I\u2019ve never seen them do magic. Have you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don\u2019t even know how one does magic. I mean, when mother does it, I do feel something. I don\u2019t know what, but it\u2019s there. But I still have no idea what she is doing. Ehh\u2026 Who needs magic anyway?\u201d he says as he runs his hands through his slick, braided hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Svala and Bothvar come running back with Ruffles at their feet and Thormar chasing after them. Thorkel grabs Bodvar and Svala by the collars of their tunics. \u201cBetter stop playing. You don\u2019t want to get mother madder than she already is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah, he\u2019s right for once. Now give me back my compass!\u201d Thormar says. I just noticed the scruff growing on his face. Thorkel waves his hand at the two and Bodvar finally pulls out the compass from around his neck and gives it to Thorkel, who hands it to Thormar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI see someone growing some pig hair,\u201d I say, and Thorkel bursts out laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thormar quickly rubs his face as it turns bright red. \u201cIt\u2019s just the start. One day I\u2019ll have a beard better than both of yours.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m glad I won\u2019t get a beard. Why do you even want hair on your face?\u201d Svala asks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt keeps your face warm during winter and out on the sea,\u201d Thorkel says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWill I grow a beard?\u201d Bodvar asks as he rubs his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m not so sure about you. Only real Viking men grow beards. Do you think you\u2019re tough enough?\u201d Thorkel asks as he squats down to Bodvar\u2019s level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bodvar puffs out his chest and beats a fist against it. \u201cI am tough enough. Yesterday, I mounted the bull and rode him for five full breaths before he bucked me off.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thorkel bellows a laugh. \u201cYou might just prove to be Viking yet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe reminds me of you,\u201d I say, slapping his back. \u201cDon\u2019t let mother find out you did that or she\u2019ll have you cleaning up pig shit for the rest of the summer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, for the love of the gods, he\u2019s right. Bothvar and I have spent many days cleaning pig shit for the trouble we got into!\u201d Thorkel spits out, laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat is gross. I\u2019m glad I don\u2019t have to do that. Mother\u2019s been forcing me to train with Aunty Sigvor to become a wise one, but I don\u2019t want to. I want to be a shield maiden. If you tell anyone, I will put a dead fish under your bed, but father has given me a few lessons in private. It\u2019s a secret,\u201d Svala says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, is that so? Well, I suppose I won\u2019t tell anyone,\u201d Thorkel says, shrugging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Svala glares at him. \u201cI will have Ruffles shit on your pillow if you utter one word about it to mother!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We all laugh. Thorkel\u2019s face grows still. \u201cDid you really teach him to do that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Svala only smirks. \u201cYou won\u2019t want to find out for sure. Besides, I want to be just like Aunty Ingithora. She goes out to sea with uncle Koll and fights beside him. I heard she cut a man\u2019s head off who tried to attack uncle Koll. She\u2019s a true warrior!\u201d Svala puffs out her chest and pretends to be just like her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat about me? Don\u2019t you want to be like me? Aren\u2019t I a true warrior?\u201d Thorkel asks, sticking out his bottom lip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, but you\u2019re a man. I don\u2019t want to be a man. I want to be a woman. A shield maiden. And a sea navigator like Aunty Ingithora. I heard she can see the land from the other side of the sea!\u201d She claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know about that, but I\u2019m sure if you work hard enough you can become a warrior just like her,\u201d I say, scuffing up her hair. She smacks my hand away. \u201cMaybe you should ask her to teach you how to navigate the sea.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have and she is.\u201d Her eyes go wide as her hands clamp against her mouth. \u201cI wasn\u2019t supposed to tell anyone about that. It was supposed to be a secret.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We all laugh. This time, Thorkel messes her hair up. \u201cDon\u2019t worry little sister, your secret is safe with us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI want to be like father, uncle Koll, great uncle Alvi, and Aldam. Aldam\u2019s so strong he can shatter a boulder with a swing of his hammer. I saw him do it,\u201d Bodvar says as he imitates him. \u201cThat\u2019s why I collect hammers, because I want to be as strong as him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thorkel just smirks. \u201cIs that so? You really think you can be as strong as him?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He flexes his muscles to show us. \u201cI\u2019ll be so strong; you bloody goat turds won\u2019t be able to beat me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We all laugh as Bodvar crosses his hands against his chest. \u201cYou are a bunch of arselickers with cowpies for brains.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That only makes us laugh even harder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou know, in two summers, I will be old enough to go with you both on sea raids,\u201d Thormar declares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIs that so?\u201d Thorkel asks as he brings his hand up to his beard to stroke it and his eyes narrow to consider Thormar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is so. I\u2019ll become a man and I\u2019ll get married too,\u201d he says in all surety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, age isn\u2019t the only thing that determines if you\u2019re able to raid or not. You have to be brave, capable, and competent. Are you those things?\u201d Thorkel asks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell\u2026 Yeah. I think so,\u201d Thormar says as he runs a hand through his blonde hair. The back is completely shaved while Thorkel and I have our sides shaved and the tops long with the hair braided in typical Viking fashion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat does it mean to be competent?\u201d Bodvar asks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thorkel and I chuckle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m competent. Does that mean I can raid?\u201d Svala asks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t even know what that means either,\u201d Bodvar says as he kicks the back of her knee, making it buckle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She turns to him and gives him a good kick in the shin, which earns a loud cry from him as he hobbles on one foot, holding his leg. \u201cWhat in the name of Hel did you do that for?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBecause you deserved it,\u201d she says, folding her arms against her chest and sticking her tongue out at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bodvar goes to kick her right back, but she dodges out of the way and sticks her tongue at him again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWho are you going to marry, Thormar?\u201d Thorkel asks with a devious grin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know yet, but whoever she will be, she\u2019ll be a shield maiden,\u201d Thormar declares, beating his chest. \u201cA smart one at that, like Aunty Ingithora.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI want to marry Greiland Kollsdottir. She\u2019s a shield maiden, and she\u2019s got a big butt,\u201d Bodvar says. Thorkel and I nearly keel over with laughter. Bodvar tilts his head at us. \u201cWhat? What is so funny?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNothing, little brother, nothing at all,\u201d Thorkel says, patting his shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our great uncle Alvi pops in with Gudrod behind him. Gudrod is all smiles as he walks up to us. \u201cHey, Thorkel! Hey, Bothvar! I can\u2019t believe you are both going to get married, although I\u2019m not surprised it\u2019s to Asfrid and Arngunn. Are you guys nervous?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course not,\u201d Thorkel says with a smile, puffing out his chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSpeak for yourself,\u201d I mumble under my breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI would be. Do you guys need any help with anything?\u201d the boy asks with so much enthusiasm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think we\u2019re all good, Gudrod. But thank you for asking,\u201d I say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, you boys have grown up right before my very eyes. I could not be prouder,\u201d great uncle Alvi says. \u201cI swear to the gods, I blink and you go from a couple of knuckleheads who constantly get in trouble to full-grown men. Time stops for no one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou can say that again,\u201d Thorkel says, scratching his beard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, we just came to congratulate you two. It couldn\u2019t have been a more perfect pairing,\u201d Uncle Alvi says with a smile. \u201cJust remember, a happy wife makes a happy life. Cherish the time you spend with them; you never know what moment will be your last. Trust me, I\u2019m an old man who\u2019s lived it all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe will take your word for it, uncle,\u201d Thorkel says, patting him on the shoulder. But uncle pulls us both into a great big hug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Thormar pesters him with more questions about his journeys. Especially west. Great Uncle Alvi, along with my father, are some of the few Vikings who journeyed west and lived to tell about the tale. Of course, this was long before they were betrayed by my uncle Borgar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just then, my father\u2019s long-time friend, Koll Alriksson, the husband of my mother\u2019s sister, Ingithora Alvisdottir, walks in with her by his side. His other two wives must be with our betrothed. With him is their eldest, Veleif, who is much older than Thorkel by several cycles, along with the second eldest son, Svafar, who is just a few cycles older than Thorkel, and Saxi, who\u2019s also older than Thorkel. Gilli and Tyrkir bring up the rear. Gilli is Thorkel\u2019s age, while Tyrkir is my age. The five daughters and the wives of the sons must be with Koll\u2019s other wives. I just noticed Starolf Saxison, Gudrik Svafarson, and Hunbogi Veleifson walk in behind. All three are Thormar\u2019s age. Their family is enormous enough to man Koll\u2019s ship without the aid of outsiders. That in itself makes Koll\u2019s family one of the wealthiest aside from our own. It helps when you don\u2019t have to cut your profits to your crew when they are all your children or your children\u2019s children. I couldn\u2019t imagine having three wives, especially seeing what my own father has to deal with. Koll is a patient man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is good to see you all on this fine day, my nephews and my little niece,\u201d Aunt Ingithora says with a smile as she bends down and pulls my little brother Bodvar and Svala into a hug. She has her silky brown hair braided immaculately. Her eyes seem to shimmer blue. \u201cYou two are getting bigger every time I see you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe saw each other yesterday,\u201d Svala says. She tosses her blonde hair back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd yet it seems like you\u2019ve grown at least a finger taller. You\u2019ll be a shield maiden yet,\u201d Aunty says. Svala\u2019s eyes go wide with a smile, but she quickly puts a finger to her lips. Ingithora smiles and winks at her. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, it is still our secret.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Koll steps up to Thorkel and me and pats us both on the shoulders. His black beard has grown a little gray. \u201cI cannot say I\u2019m surprised to see you both tying yourselves to Hrut\u2019s daughters. May he feast in Valholl. You\u2019ve been tied to them since the day any of you could walk. Hrut was a dear friend of mine and your father, and I know the man would be proud to give you his daughters’ hands in marriage. He always knew only the strongest of Krakens would marry his daughters, and he was not wrong. You two will grow to give your father a run for his coin.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. It means a lot to us,\u201d Thorkel says with a nod. \u201cLiving up to our father will certainly be a large shield to pick up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd there\u2019s no one better to do that than the two of you. Fighters from the day you fell out of the womb. Can\u2019t say I\u2019m surprised with the womb you came out of. That woman makes a bear seem tame,\u201d he says with a chuckle. Ingithora punches him on the shoulder. He feigns being hurt. \u201dWhat was that for?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat is my sister you\u2019re talking about,\u201d she says with eyes full of fire. And I can definitely see the resemblance when she has that look. The same flame my mother burns in her own eyes when she\u2019s mad. But Ingithora is a bit younger and far less temperamental. She turns to us and covers her mouth from Koll. \u201cShe does have a bit of a nasty temper, though. I\u2019ve been at the wrong end of it far too many times.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019re telling us. She nearly hung us up by our ankles on our own wedding day,\u201d Thorkel says with a laugh as he scratches the back of his neck. I laugh reluctantly. I swear the woman knows when you\u2019re talking about her. \u201cCan she really turn us into pigs?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAhh, there you are, sister,\u201d my mother says as she walks in. Ingithora gives us a silent nod, making us all go as stiff as a trunk. \u201cI\u2019m sure you aren\u2019t talking about me now, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See? It must be some kind of magic. Even Koll\u2019s eyes are as large as a gold coin. Ingithora just smiles. \u201cOf course not. You always think everything is about you. We were just giving your sons some tips on how to maintain a good marriage. That is all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay. Well, come. Sigvor needs your help,\u201d she says as she grabs Ingithora\u2019s arm and practically drags her out of the hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYour mother must have hearing like a hare,\u201d Koll says. The man has always been a hero to me. He\u2019s a tall man with broad shoulders. He keeps his hair cut short with a neatly trimmed beard that\u2019s showing specks of gray. But even he shows fear of my mother and her sisters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s just when her name is spoken. Some kind of magic or something,\u201d Thorkel says, pulling at the collar of his tunic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah, that could be it.\u201d He strokes his beard in consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo, are you two nervous? I was certainly nervous when I married Halldora and Thorballa. But I really didn\u2019t have a choice. The Cnut Daughters were going to marry me whether I liked it or not. Thankfully, I liked it,\u201d Veleif says. He has Koll\u2019s black hair with a short goatee and a mustache. He\u2019s just as tall as Koll and has the same build. Basically, a miniature Koll. Just one wife shy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI sure am. Especially after seeing how my mother is always bossing my father around. Is that what we have to look forward to?\u201d I ask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m afraid so,\u201d Koll says with a laugh. \u201cIt gets worse when you marry more than one. They seem to gang up on you and you have nowhere to run. I can\u2019t even raid anymore without one of them coming with me. I swear they always have an eye on me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSpeaking of raiding, Koll. I\u2019ve wanted to talk to you about something. Why has no one ever sailed beyond the Dead Sea? Beyond the Elven Woods. Thormar has a bunch of maps of islands farther west with Southern Pirates. Could there be more plunder there?\u201d Thorkel asks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what I have been saying!\u201d Thormar says, flinging his hands in the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYour father and I discussed this many times. South may be our familiar hunting grounds, but we both agree west might hold more opportunity. However, there are far more dangers to the west. You know why we call ourselves the Kraken clan?\u201d Koll asks as Thorkel shrugs and I shake my head no. \u201cBecause it is real. A monster unlike any you\u2019ve ever seen. It stalks the waters out to the northwest. I\u2019ve seen it myself take down a ship. Long tentacles that can reach taller than our masts. I\u2019ve seen it drag ships down under. That\u2019s not the only danger out there, nor the only monster. There\u2019s a monster that can suck the water into what looks like a whirlpool, but don\u2019t be deceived. If you get close enough, you\u2019ll see its teeth rise out of the water like shark fins. It has long tentacles that snare you and drag you into its gaping maw that leads into the abyss. They call it the Charybdis. The only problem is that it\u2019s between a pass, and the only way around it is to sail near a different monster with multiple heads. Some call it a Scylla. If you get past them, you\u2019ll have to fight off the Merrow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Merrow?\u201d Thormar asks, narrowing his eyes. \u201cI\u2019ve never heard of them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s good you haven’t, boy. They\u2019re people of the sea, like mermaids but far more vicious. They\u2019ll attack anything that comes into their waters. I\u2019ve heard they eat the flesh of their victims. No one knows for sure because no one has fought them and lived to tell the tale,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen how do we know about them?\u201d I ask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat is a good question, isn\u2019t it? Well, my father was sailing out to raid when he saw the Merrow attack a ship in front of him. They killed everyone on board. Fortunately, my father\u2019s ship turned tail and ran. Everyone on the ship will give you the same story. These Merrow… uh… fish people swarmed the ship and attacked like rabid dogs. And those aren\u2019t the only things you have to worry about. There are lots of those Southern Pirates you have to fight. And then there’re the elves. They call themselves the Golden High Elf Trading Company and have a fleet of ships dedicated to capturing and killing pirates. They link us in with them for good reason. I\u2019ve heard other tales of even more things under the sea. Like sea wizards that are also like mermaids. And mermaids themselves. Plus, the Cirein-croin among others we haven\u2019t even discovered yet. I\u2019ve even heard tales of a creature called the Leviathan and a turtle as big as an island named Mackinaw.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat if we stay closer to the shoreline? Surely the Merrow won\u2019t come that close,\u201d Thorkel asks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPerhaps. Then what about the elves?\u201d he asks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll take them as slaves,\u201d Thorkel says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat is easier said than done. Trust me. But I think it\u2019s possible to go west and avoid these dangers. I certainly wanted to try in my youth. Still do. Perhaps you could be right. Maybe if we sail with the shoreline in sight, we might be able to avoid the dangers of the sea monsters and the Merrow. Perhaps,\u201d he says as he runs his fingers through his beard. \u201cI\u2019ll have to talk to your aunt and your father about such things.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thorkel nods. Koll puts a hand on his shoulder and squeezes. \u201cWe will see. Anyhow, we just came to wish you good fortune before the ceremony. We\u2019ll talk about this later. Okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thorkel nods. Koll clasps our arms one after another before he leaves. Veleif gives us both a pat on the shoulder. Saxi and Svafar do the same. Gili and Tyrkir each pull us into bear hugs. Starolf, Gudrik, and Hunbogi all give nods. Then Starolf and Gudrik clasp Thormar\u2019s hand before they leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aldam Bronzehammer comes in with two boxes. He\u2019s no taller than half a man, but stronger than five at the very least. Our people have a great deal of respect for dwarves. There are no finer craftsmen, and they are fierce warriors. \u201cWell, kiss a ram\u2019s ass and call me an elf. I never thought you two arsefaces would finally find enough sense to settle down, even though you and those girls are practically attached to the hip.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The old dwarf always had a way with words, and he pulls laughs out of us. Especially our little siblings. Svala most of all. \u201cThey are definitely arsefaces.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aldam laughs. \u201cYou\u2019ve always been my favorite, Svala. These idiots have brains made out of pig shit, but yours is pure gold.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHey, are we not your best apprentices?\u201d Thorkel asks, acting offended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEhh, you\u2019re not my worst. I\u2019ll admit, you all have proven to be not total troll shit with a hammer, and your work isn\u2019t complete garbage. Not like some people I\u2019ve seen banging on an anvil. Let me tell ya, and I\u2019ve seen some goblin piss excuses for blacksmiths. Especially with you humans. Even some dwarves need to take the hammer out of their arses. You should see some of those Southern goat humpers. They couldn\u2019t tell the head of the hammer from the grip. Bloody bunch of slags, the lot of ’em. Although I heard from my mother and father that the little princeling might have some potential. He\u2019s training with them and my cousin Prince Borlann Ironhammer. Apparently, he\u2019s not a total royal snob.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou speak highly of a Southern prince? Surely, he\u2019s nothing but a swine fucker,\u2019 Thorkel says with clear disdain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou listen here, boy. I\u2019ll give you a lesson that you should never forget. Never underestimate your enemy, or anyone, for that matter. Just because he\u2019s your enemy and you hate him doesn\u2019t mean he\u2019s weak or stupid. Hell, it doesn’t even mean he\u2019s wrong or even evil. But don\u2019t mistake them for fools or you\u2019ll see your mistake at the cost of your life. As much as I hate those tree-hugging, deer-humping, pointy-eared, bastard Wood Elves, I won\u2019t underestimate their military might and I know they\u2019re not lacking for brains. They are one of the fiercest enemies I have ever faced on the battlefield, and I have much respect for them as warriors even though I would love to bash their skulls in with my hammer. You should do well to keep that in mind if you ever do find yourselves on the opposite side of the battlefield from this Prince Arald. He\u2019s the son of the same man who proved my point. King Teowulf was a great man and a fierce warrior, but he made the same mistake of underestimating King Vandil and it earned him his death. Learn from his mistake and don\u2019t make it with the little princeling even though he\u2019s most likely a stuck-up little prissy boy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou always speak the truth, as hard as it is to hear, my friend,\u201d Thorkel admits as he puts his hand on Aldam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m grateful we had the opportunity to learn from you. I won\u2019t underestimate this prince, but one day we will face him and take back what is rightfully ours. That I promise you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAye. I don\u2019t doubt it. You two have grown to become men I respect. That\u2019s rare. Just don\u2019t let your hate for these Southerners lead you to a war that would leave many of your people dead. Trust me, my people have learned the hard way about the cost of war. We\u2019ve fought the Wood Elves ever since our two races discovered each other many centuries ago. Many great dwarves died in our wars with the elves, and what for? Neither side has gained an inch. The only thing we\u2019ve accomplished with our fighting is death and destruction. We\u2019ve lost a lot of our great creations and some of the most honored heroes in these battles, and I\u2019ve lost some of my closest friends and family during the many wars we\u2019ve had. It\u2019s made me a bitter old dwarf. That\u2019s why I\u2019m here. My siblings and I have come to the north to find what was lost. To find our way once more. The way of the hammer and forge. Before our wars, we sought to create and build, but we\u2019ve become destroyers instead. Don\u2019t make our mistakes. Carve your own path.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Skardi, Solmund, and Griotgard walk in looking a bit more groomed than earlier. Aldam gives us both a nod. \u201cWell, I\u2019ll be off. There are a few more things I need to be doing before the wedding. I just came to wish you good luck and give you these. You\u2019ve both earned them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He hands us the two boxes and we open them to find a hammer for both of us. Not just any hammer, they\u2019re beautifully crafted hammers that are really lightweight and well-balanced. It looks smoother and brighter than iron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIs that steel?\u201d Thormar asks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo. It\u2019s better. Lighter than steel and just as hard. Not as strong as Nedraetium, but far lighter. You can\u2019t find the metal around here. It\u2019s only found in lands far south of here,\u201d the dwarf says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know what to say, my friend. This gift is much appreciated,\u201d Thorkel says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, this is far better than we deserve,\u201d I say with a smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAye, for once, I\u2019m proud to disagree with you. You boys have earned those. Just promise me, you\u2019ll only use them to create and not destroy. That is what it means to be a Bronzehammer and a blacksmith. We use our hammers to build and not break,\u201d he says with pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both Thorkel and I nod. \u201cWe will.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood, now I\u2019ll be off. Much to do and little time to do it,\u201d the dwarf says as he walks out, grumbling about all the things that need to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Griotgard steps up and places his hands on our shoulders. \u201cWell, you two are about to become thralls to the Hrutdottirs. Do you really want to spend the rest of your lives getting told what to do by a woman?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow is it any different than it is now? They already tell us what to do.\u201d Thorkel chuckles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat is true,\u201d Skardi says with a laugh. \u201cThey have you as tamed as a dog.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The three of them laugh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDid they teach you both any new tricks?\u201d Griotgard asks. \u201cIf they haven\u2019t, I\u2019m sure fetch will be the first one you\u2019ll learn.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even Thormar laughs at that one. Thorkel and I both share a flat face. Thorkel gives an over-exaggerated sarcastic laugh. \u201cJust you wait. You\u2019ll get shackled down eventually. And then you won\u2019t be laughing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, maybe not all of you,\u201d Thorkel adds as he looks at Skardi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019re not wrong. It\u2019d take a different sort of woman to chain me down,\u201d he says with a smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mother bursts back in and grabs Thorkel and me. \u201cYou two! It\u2019s time. Come on. Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/aratheon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Prevous-Chapter.png?resize=223%2C63&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/aratheon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Next-Chapter.png?resize=223%2C63&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"fantasy,](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/aratheon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Shattered-Souls-w-color.jpg?resize=642%2C1024&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n