Prologue

I stared at the few chickens as they crowded around one another, huddled all together to fight from the brisky wind that floated through the air, the dew damped my feet through my sandals but I didn’t mind. I grabbed a thicker chicken by the neck, inspecting it closely before deciding it was the one. Holding it by the neck, I walked toward the chopping wood and glanced around as I pulled my hatchet free of my weaponry belt, I made sure none of the children around so they wouldn’t have to witness such a thing. 

I moved swiftly and beheaded the chicken before releasing it so it could run aimlessly, I wonder why chickens run with their heads missing. My thoughts vanished as the chicken fell over and I walked to pick it up, I paused mid-step at the sound of a mischievous giggle that resounded from behind a nearby tree. I spotted a blonde ponytail sticking out from the side of it and I could only smile as I picked up the chicken before wakling over to the tiny child flush agains the tree. 

“What are you doing?” I asked suddenly to scare her, causing her to squeal with laughter before taking off in the direction that I came. 

I shook my head at one of the seven children belonging to my brother Aumite and his wife, Evette as she ran a beeline over to where Eli was scrubbing at a pair of clothing that belonged to me. I was amazed to watch that over the span of two years, all of the children had come to adore Evy as much as I did and our young son, Zayen, had easily fit in the family. He had sparkly blue eyes that shined so brightly when Evy held him, his cute little button nose definitely was from Evy, as he had inherited my eyes. 

Everyone adored Evy, but definitely not as much as I adored my lover, and I would adore him until my last days. I watched as Evy worked on drying my white tunic while cleaning my breeches, I watched him work so skillfully and was easily amazed at his handy work. I took a seat near the huddle of children circling the chicken head I had set aside to dispose of later, I allowed them to “Ooo” and “Aaa” in curiosity as I worked on plucking the chicken feathers. 

I worked on making sure the feathers was completely removed, sparing a few to use for writing with the children so they could learn a few things, the chicken was mostly plucked when I heard a shout that caused all heads to turn in that direction. I looked up as the hurdle of children dispersed and scrattered in opposite directions, I watched as Zayen held the chicken head by it’s severed neck with the thumb on his other hand still shoved in his mouth. He oddly looked around at everyone, his big blue eyes staring around him as Evy hurried to get the chicken head away from him with a laugh, then taking him to wash his head and I could only smile at our offspring’s odd behavior. 

I cleaned the chicken of the last few feathers before rising back to my feet and walking toward where Ale, the community cook, was working on building a decent fire to roast all five pluck chickens from everyone in the village. The village was what we made it, the plot of untouched land was harsh but it was better than nothing, and while it didn’t offer much when it came to farming, we had plenty of trees to harvest for whatever we preferred. 

Small log houses started to be built further and further toward the horizon as more settlements started to be made in the area, children became bundles of joy in every other passing months. We had become a community in the span of a year and I had watched the entire village wake every morning an go to sleep every night, it was my job. Evy had became more of a wife, then started to learn the more stricter advantages like birthing children and making antidotes if such bad things happened. 

“Twelve.” I looked up at Aumite as he gestured me to come to him. 

I frowned curiously and passed the plucked chicken to Ale as he threw it onto the fire carefully, I moved to where Aumite and my father, Guniath, was patiently waiting for me. I dipped into the shed as Aumite shut the door behind me, I was curious to what was going on just as my father reached up and nervously scratched his greying beard as he patiently waited. I walked to a stool and took a seat, moving my wool pouch so it wouldn’t be in my way when I sat. 

“What’s going on?” I asked, confused.

“We’re moving settlement.” Father spoke, and it was as if my muscles tightened to fight him for what came from his mouth.

“No we’re not.” I replied sternly. “We’ve given all to this land, Father.”

“We have to leave, Twelv-” Aumite spoke, making me turn to shoot him an accusing look.

“You side with him on this?” I asked, frustrated that no one would listen to me.

“Now that I know the facts, yes.” Aumite said, his decision final.

I looked at the shed ground while trying to think of the facts as well, they weren’t just facts because we hadn’t proved them. I was disgusted with them, I had established a life here and I didn’t want to change that. I wasn’t going to change it. This was our home, Evy had loved it here and he spoke so much on how it reminded him of his old home that we had ripped away from him, it was only right that he was comfortable once more. This village was ours for the taking and we weren’t going to move settlement because some random merchant told Father a new lineage of Vikings were headed this way, to hell with those new Vikings.

“No.” I said more sternly this time. “I won’t leave.”

“You’re putting your family in harms way with your selfishness, Twelve.” Father said, glaring at me now.

He rarely ever accused me of such, and to see him so afraid should of told me this wasn’t something to just brush off, but to see him so afraid only made me angrier that he was so afraid. I knew my Father was strong and afraid of not, but now he was acting like we should move settlement because of some stupid merchant that probably had no clue what he was talking about, that merchant haven’t came back since. 

“No.” I said sternly once more. “I won’t move my family.”

“You’ll regret it, Twelve.” Aumite spoke up next, crossing his arms over his chest before shaking his head in disdain in my direction. “I scouted earlier, they’re no regular Vikings.”

“They in possession of King Ansair.” Father spoke up, his head turned so he didn’t have to meet our eyes. “They’re the same Vikings that got ahold of your mother, Twelve.”

I stiffened as he told me this, I had never knew what happened to my mother, except that she disappeared into the night and was never saw again. Father was always quiet when it came to my mother, he always refused to tell me about her and to hear this piece of information.

“Then let them come.” I said, meet his eyes as he shook his head at me now, the reluctance in his eye angered me. “I have a throat to slice.”

“You’re so damn selfish.” Aumite spoke up, coming to stand before me, causing me to rise to my feet as well in preparation if he was to attack me. “They’re killers, bred to kill anything-”

“And so are we!” I argued back. “We’re not moving settlement.” 

“We are.” Aumite ordered, turning to walk away from me. “Everyone else already agreed, including Evy.”

“He’d never.” I replied, glaring at Aumite.

“Ask him yourself.” Aumite said with a smirk before turning and exiting the shed, and Father was right behind him.

Are you all ready for a journey?

Chapter One

“The man is the head of the home! How could you!” I yelled angrily, glaring at Evy as he simply folded a tunic into a pouch, almost like he was purposely ignoring my anger towards him.

Watching him so calmly fold our belongings into the bag only angered me more, I didn’t hesitate as I yanked the breeches from his hands and immediately got his attention, my glare seemed to fuel a fire in him that died long ago. I wanted to strangle Evy but I knew that was no use, he’d probably bop me in all the right places because I was no fool when it came to Evy’s skills, he was womanly but I learned the harder way when it came to tactics. 

His figure was lean but he was definitely sturdy in all the right places, he had blossomed so well and I admired that about him. I had taken him as capture, burned his home, and the only company he had was the small child I had sold for coin. That was long ago, I couldn’t be specific of when because these days definitely run together with all of the bickering and arguing we tended to do early in the morning. I was tired of this arguing. Why hadn’t things worked like before Zayen was born?

“How could I? To hell with your knowledge, Twelve! You want us all to die!?” Evy suddenly shouted, punching at my chest.

If I wasn’t so angry, that would have cause us to start a playful wrestling match and Zayen would definitely behaving a sibling, but that wasn’t the matter right now. The matter right now was that Evy had went behind my back and agreed that we would move, he was my lover, not the leader of the household! That was my damn position! Evy had taken the initiative to agree that we would leave, and that was a bad look on my part. Anyone knowing this would see it as weakness, as if my wife was speaking for me. It was something I couldn’t stand for in this relation-

“And I am a man!” Evy yelped angrily before turning his back to me and stomping to one of the pouches in the corner. “I might can bare a child, but at the end of the day, I AM STILL A MAN, TWELVE !” His yelling hurt my ears.

I groaned as I turned my back to him now, willing myself to relax before this became something very ugly. I breathed deeply, now ignoring Evy as he started to run his mouth but I dared not listen to what he was saying. He was angry. He was definitely afraid for the family and I didn’t blame him, but he had to trust me.

“… and probably just kill everyone.”

“Why do you not trust me?” I asked, still keeping my back to him as I threw my hands up in exhaustion. “I can protect y-”

“But can you protect the whole village, Twelve?” Evy reasoned and I turned to glance at him.

His arms were taut over his swollen bosoms, he was so exotic in all the right ways and the tightening in my breeches only confirmed that I definitely still loved and craved his presence, a presence so unreal. He was feminine but manly, so different and I admired that the most, I craved him soon as my eyes laid on him at his old, now-destroyed village, and I had part with that. I couldn’t stand for Evy disrespecting me as head of the family, I had to teach him the way of the Vikings before this happened in public, it wouldn’t be well.

“You have no say, Evy, I’m the man of the relationship.” I explained, turning to face him as my anger boiled all over again. “We’re not leaving, so stop packing.”

“Like I said, to hell with your knowledge, Twel-” Evy said, shaking his head in disappointment.

“You’re the woman, you have no say!” I repeated, and Evy’s raised eyebrow expression only infuriated me more.

“Stop calling me a woman!” Evy yelled back at me, throwing a sandal in my direction, which I ducked. “I’m a man!”

“You’re my woman!” I corrected, cocking my head at him as his expression softened and he averted his eyes suddenly.

I leaned down and picked up the thrown sandal that was the size of Evy’s foot, I smiled lightly at it before plopping down on the cot that was built of furs and twigs, I signed as I cracked my neck while allowing myself to sink into thought. I was quickly drawn back to reality at the touch of Evy’s warm fingers caressing a scar earned in one of our battles before we settled in the region, I had gotten cut with an axe, nothing fatal but painful as hell after the rush left my body. Evy’s fingertips crept along my scar before rounding to my jawline and I turned to look at him with a pleading expression that caused his eyes to water. 

I leaned forward and pressed my forehead against his, he sniffled so cutely and I didn’t hesitate to pull him tightly against my chest and he melted as if he was butter in the sun. I kissed his temple as his lovely locks of blonde that fell past his hips, dancing along in the wind whenever it blew through the small window in our hut. Time rushed by as I held Evy until he slipped into a sleep, and I soon followed with as we laid beside one another. The night was chilly and dead, which I was thankful for as I had woken only with an hour or so of sleep and listened to the silence of the night, almost paranoid of it. I curled my fingers amongst Evy’s soft blonde waves as they laid sprawled around us, what a beautiful sight.

Stay and possibly everything I know and everyone I love will become a victim. 

Or…

Stay and possibly avenge my mother. 

I took a heavy breath at the thought as I tried to close my eyes but immediately was disgusted by the pictures that ran through my head, I could picture everyone around me slaughtered but most of all, Zayen alone. I couldn’t do that to them, but I couldn’t let my mother’s appearance go unheard of. It was a Vikings thing, Father always engraved in my head that seeking revenge and conquering was everything. This was my chance to stand before the person that changed my childhood and cause irrelevance to them, I could finally get revenge. I must get revenge. For my father. For Aumite. For me and the next generations that this could possibly happen to. 

I took a heavy breath as pulled Evy flat against me, not allowing him any room just incase someone did happen to sneak and take him from me. I’d die. I pecked his head once more before falling limp against the cot so that I could sleep, I had to relax myself and the only thing that did that was Evy. I had that same fear. What if someone came and drug him off in the night? What would I do? I couldn’t just carry on and raise Zayen like Father went on with life and raised me. I couldn’t leave allow something like that to rest because I didn’t want Evy to suffer the way my mother possibly did. 

“Get rest.” Evy muttered sleepily, making me peek an eye at him.

“I tried.” I whispered. 

“Is there anyway I can help?” Evy asked, his lips lightly tickling my beard chin and it sent an immediately rush through me.

“Of course.” I whispered groggily, feeling Evy frame slide along mine so that he was more comfortable.

I looked up at Evy as he straddled my waist and leaned down to kiss me tenderly, I immediately accepted the kiss. It nearly caused the goosebumps all over my skin to stand but I knew that wasn’t because of him. I quickly whipped Evy off my lap just as a pale green eyes locked with mine and the shadow in the dark corner of the hut moved swiftly, I twisted sideways and grabbed the knife beside me to plunge into the torso of the person lurking over us. I released a very loud yell as something sharp sliced into my arm and blood immediaely was drawn, I turned to the second attacker and stabbed him in the throat, they weren’t ruthless fighters. 

I quickly looked over at Evy before rushing to his aid to make sure he was okay, he was unscaved but I had to make sure. A loud yell cleared the air, pulling my attention away from Evy just as I heard more yelling and swords clanking. I grabbed my battle axe from its rightful area and felt my anger overflow as I kicked the door to our hut open and threw my axe at the first stranger I saw, it wedged itself between a man’s eyeballs as his fell face first. I looked over at Zayen’s pallet to see that Evy was now comforting him, I was stuck between leaving my family to check on others and staying to make sure they were protected.

I growled angrily as guilt weighed on my chest, I told them that we wouldn’t leave, and if I had just listened, this wouldn’t be happening. This COULDN’T BE HAPPENING! I swore I saw red as I knifed someone running in my direction just as I spotted Father killing a worker of the rival as well. I looked back as I spotted Evy and Zayen huddled close to one another as Evy carefully stayed in my vision, I halted walking long enough for them to catch up with me and quickly pulled them close to me to watch over them as Father started to call orders. 

“Go.” I told Evy, grabbing his face as he shook his eyes in denial. “Now, Evy. Head for the forest.”

“No, please, Tw-”

“Go!” I yelled, pushing him as I sliced the throat of a rival that was way to close to my family for my comfort. “NOW!”

Aumite frantically ran from the house and was yelling for Evette as he searched the chaos unfolding, I felt my stomach sink even more as my heart darkened in fear for his wife, where was she? I tightened my grip on the handle of my blade and started sawing through the opponents attempting to steal the women and children as they tried to escape, this couldn’t be happening.

“NO!” I heard Aumite’s angry yell as he tried to run toward the ships on the dock, Father had to stop him.

“It’s too many of them, we have to go now.” Father ordered, pushing my shoulder as I grabbed a spare weapon quickly and barely dodged a blade being swung at my head, ready to take it off my shoulders.

I shoved a spear into the person’s chest as Father pushed my shoulder again, I was angry with myself and angry with the rivals as they had come and took everything we worked for. Evy was lucky to had escaped with only a few bags but if I had listened, we wouldn’t be in this situation. I avoided Father as he continued to try and push me to the forest, as it was our escape route but I had to see it to make sure. I watched the shoreline from the distance as I noticed the glinting gold of armor that was nestled in the center of the boat, and every so soon it shifted in the moonlight. 

There he was.

“Go, Tungsten !” Father yelled, snapping me out of my anger as he used my name, the name I buried many, many years ago. “Now!”

I growled in frustration at everything lost and started following the direction of everyone else as Father waited to make sure we weren’t being followed before he quickly moved to catch up with me.

“They’ve done it again.” Father whispered, his expression looking far in thought. 

“I know.” I whispered, feeling even more guilt because now I had to face another angry brother that had gotten his wife taken from him… and it was all my fault. 

Let the settlement journey begin, I suppose.

Chapter Two

“You jackass!” My head snapped sideways as I reached up to cuff my burning cheek while turning my attention back to Aumite as he paced back and forth. “She’s gone! My wife is gone because of you!”

I rubbed my jaw as Aumite started to mutter to himself, I was already guilty but the weight only deepened in my chest as I realized that everything that happened was my fault, I had told them that I didn’t want to leave. I took a step back from Aumite as he yelled angrily and punched a tree in the clearing that we had stopped around, it was mostly dead silent in the night other than his angry, loud muttering about cutting my head off. I rubbed my face clean of irritation because I knew he had the right to threaten me like that, he had he right to cut my head off about his wife. I didn’t expect anything less.

“It’s not his fault.” Evy spoke up, coming to my defense but I quickly put my hand up to silence him.

“He’s right, Aumite, it’s not his fault.” Hunt said, making me look over at the blacksmith with tight lips. “They came sooner than planned, fifteen lights sooner.”

“How is that possible?” Aumite asked, his glare still locked on me as he questioned Hunt.

“They must of hand some ships lingering in the area that went unnoti-” Hunt tried to explain but was cut off by Aumite’s disbelief scoff. 

“How is that even possible? We watch those shores closel-”

“Doesn’t matter, we did also watch the shores back home and you still managed to get us.” Evy spoke up, coming to stand before me while giving me a curt look, telling me that I wasn’t allowed to interrupt him now.

“None of that matters now,” Tana spoke up, catching everyone’s attention,“ what do we do now? Our homes are gone. Our food is gone. What now?“

Mummers of agreement flowed through the crowd of nearly a hundred and twenty people, take a few considering they had been taken against their will, and that was a hundred and twenty people to feed and shelter from the weather. I sighed as I bowed my head, depressed of our situation because I was to blame, but I didn’t say it out loud because I knew Evy and a few others would deny it. I felt warm hands cup my cheeks and forced me to look into Evy’s beautiful eyes that glittered up at me with unfallen tears, he was distraught like everyone else because of what happened. I could feel his hands shaking as they laid upon my cheeks and I quickly cupped them as I pulled him into my embrace and held him tightly, he was so light and tiny. I love my beautiful Evy.

“I love you.” I whispered, dipping my head down to lay it upon his head.

“I love you too.” Evy whispered back, burying his face into my chest just as his tears broke free.

“For now, everyone rest.” Father spoke up, standing in the middle of the clearing with everyone circling him. “Soon as day break, we’ll start moving.”

“Moving where?” Someone in the crowd asked. “Where are we going to go? We’re homeless, we’re st-”

“That’s what Aumite, Twelve, and I are going to stay up and discuss. Rest .” Father ordered.

I watched as Evy gestured for Zayen to move to him, he lifted our son into his arms and I quickly kissed both of them on the head before stepping back to where Father was whispering for Aumite to calm himself. I dipped my head low as I moved toward them, guilt poured into my stomach and nearly made me heave up my dinner, I swallowed to keep the sensation at bay. Aumite glared at me with a look that dared me to speak to him, and I was smarter than that so I wasn’t going to challenge him knowing he was mentally killing me over and over in his head. Now that I had joined them, we moved toward the edge of the clearing as many people nestled amongst each other to stay warm and rest for the journey ahead. 

“What are you thinking?” Aumite asked Father, completely ignoring my presence… I understood. 

“North.” Father spoke.

“It’ll be too cold.” I spoke up next, sitting on a fallen log and Father quickly sat next to me while Aumite kept his distance. 

“That’s perfect.” Aumite chuckled. “Maybe your balls will freeze and fall off.” 

“Let’s be serious-” Father started to defend our situation.

“Oh, I am serious Father. Or do you prefer me to slice them with my dag-” Aumite started to get too close to my comfort as he threatened me, reaching for his dagger in his boot.

“Aumite, we’re in a deadly situation no matter whether Twelve has his balls or not. Put your anger aside for the community, will you? Or else stay here while we move on. Get your head out of a donkey’s ass and realize we’ll all be dead if you keep acting like this. They’re going to come for us, they’re expecting us to be near the settlement-” Father pushed him a few steps away from us.

“We’re not leaving the settlement, not until I get Evette bac-” Aumite bumped his chest against Father’s in defense, saying he wouldn’t back down.

“Evette has probably been shipped out of the region already-” Father growled under his throat but I still heard him.

“Don’t say that!” Aumite yelled, shoving Father hard.

I caught Father as Aumite took a deep breath and stepped back from us to calm himself, Father shrugged me off while glaring at Aumite before trying to calm himself as well. This fighting wasn’t helping our situation, and if we got to loud, the rivals could possibly track us down. 

“We’re getting too loud.” I warned, glancing around the forest line to make sure I didn’t notice movement in the darkness.

“Right, Aumite. You go rest, Twelve and I will han-”

“No, you’re not going to cut me out of the thoughts.” Aumite growled, cutting off Father who sighed in response.

A silence lingered for the moment as we stared at our surroundings, making sure there wasn’t anyone lurking before I leaned forward and braced my elbows on my knees, taking a deep breath.

“We’ll move North… but it’ll be getting colder. Much colder.” I told them both, noticing the soft wisp of breath that escaped my lips when I released a heavy sigh.

“We’ll inform the others when they awake.” Father said. “Get rest. Both of you.”

I rose to my feet and barely dodged Aumite open swing at my head, I glared at him as Father grabbed him by the front of his tunic, his tight fist held Aumite still as he glared at him dangerously while gesturing for me to depart. I backed away while watching Father yank Aumite with him toward a empty clearing for the two to sleep, meaning Father was going to keep an eye on my brother. I felt terrible knowing that this situation could of been avoided if I had listened, but even with the strange men coming sooner, it could of been possibly avoided. I spotted Evy near the edge of the crowd, he was still wearing his night dress but there was a small tear in the side from the attack at the hut. 

Zayen was tucked tight into him with Evy sleeping on his side, I smiled at the sight of my family resting and the smile quickly faded at the thought of Aumite having to rest with Father and their children huddled with the other families for protection. I sat down beside Evy and he immediately stirred in his sleep, his left eye opened and looked at me before closing swiftly. I leaned over and suddenly he lifted his head, as if he sensed me moving to kiss him and we shared a tender kiss before I laid over on the other side of Evy, so Zayen was between us.

“Get some rest.” I whispered, putting my hand on Evy’s head and gently caressing his extremely long locks. 

“You also.” Evy replied before his breathing slipped into an even pattern, making me smile lightly.

I closed my eyes and somehow sleep found me, I wasn’t entirely sure how long I slept but once I awoke, everyone was mostly sitting around and lightly chatting about the next plans that they didn’t know about, but was predicting. I rose up and looked around just as a tiny body collided into mine, I smiled down at Zayen as he suckled on his thumb while bracing himself against me with the opposite hand. I lightly kissed his forehead before looking up as the bright sun was blocked from my vision, Evy handed me a small clay bowl that held a tiny portion of oats, I took it gratefully. I glanced around and spotted Aumite near the small fire, inspecting his dagger as he seemed deep in thought, Father was on the fallen log from last night while talking quietly to Ale, probably about serving portions. 

“Everyone’s ate but you.” Evy spoke, sitting beside me now. “You looked so peaceful, I didn’t want to wake you.” He lightly pecked my shoulder as he laid against my side.

“Thank you.” I said, leaning over and pecking his forehead. “I love you.”

“I love you more.” Evy said, reaching up and brushing my beard as I sighed.

“Good, you’re awake, you snore like a hog.” Father said, coming in my direction as I chuckled at what he said.

“Do you envy?” I joked.

“Not at all.” Father replied as I rose to my feet. “It’s time.”

I nodded, knowing what Father was telling me to do without him having to say too much more than he already did.

“Everyone, listen up.” I yelled, immediately getting all their attention as their muttering went quiet. “We will be moving North, and it’ll get colder. Very much colder than the nights here, and the weather will get harsh the higher we move-”

“What’s North?” Someone in the crowd asked.

“Free settlement.” Aumite spoke up, coming to stand beside Father as he booted his dagger while not even sparing me a glance, which I respected. “We’ll make that our new home.”

“So we’re going to just throw away all we’ve worked hard for?” Someone else asked, a middle aged woman that held a small child in her lap. “Everything we ever had? Just gone?”

“It’s for the best, those things hold no purpose when it comes to the dead… nor the living.” Father spoke next, which I agreed to with a simple nod. “We could return, and risk more of you women and children coming up missing… or just being slaughtered all together. When we chose to settle home, we chose to put the past of cruel behind us. We changed our ways, and we left the old skins of our sins behind us when we stepped onto this new land. We built a community, and we can do it again, as we now must.” 

A dead silence echoed through the air and all that could be heard was the eerie breath of the crowd before us. I looked at everyone’s upset expressions, many seemed angry but other seemed very reluctant to just turn tail and head towards the North to start over. I didn’t blame them for their feelings. I looked over at Father as Aumite glanced around at everyone also, his eyes fell on me before quickly averting as he looked towards his children and it caused me to look over at my family also. Evy was holding Zayen in his lap, lightly swaying as his eyes stared at the ground in thought. This was for the best, family had always come first and I had already messed up one close family to me, I couldn’t lose my family. Not now. Not ever.

“To the North.” Ale said suddenly, putting his fist in the air.

“To the North.” Tana spoke up hesitantly before slowly raising her fist as well as I nodded at her, giving her encouragement.

“ N’ North!“ A child giggled, Anya, the one I had found behind the tree yesterday. 

“To the North.” Evy joined, making me smile over at him, giving him a silent thanks.

“To the North.” The crowd soon started to grow more alive as more fist flew into the air and before long, all fist were in the air as they chanted the saying.

“To the North.” Father said, nodding his head at them.

“To The North.” Aumite agreed.

I chuckled at Father as he bumped me to encourage me to say it, I smiled at the crowd as they continued to chant “To The North” as well before I nodded at them.

“To The North.”

Chapter Three

I watched as everyone in the crowd rose to their feet while thinking how serious this journey to the North would be, it was a simple journey but it would definitely become more severe the longer we moved up. We could nestle our home right on the ridge or, we could venture into the actual North and possibly settle, but I was sure that after all these centuries that something settled there by now. I walked over at Evy as he lifted Zayen into his arms and lightly kissed his head, I immediately kissed his head also before cupping Evy’s cheeks so he’d look at me. I knew he was still pretty upset about the land we just lost and I couldn’t imagine how he truly felt, considering this was the second time this has happened.

“Are you going to be okay?” I asked him with concern, pulling my family taut to me.

“I will be.” Evy whispered, making my mood only worsen as I pecked his head next. “We’ll be moving North.”

“Yes, it’ll be a hell of a journey.” I warned him, leaning back to look him in the face as he seemed nervous. “But, we’ll be fine. We’re strong.”

Evy glanced around and I took the chance to do so as well, and I was amazed at the sight of my people hurrying to get ready for this adventure, children bristled around with excitement as mothers worked on packing away what little they had escaped with. The men were hurdled around Father, who was coming up with a plan so we could start our venture upwards, and I knew that I should probably join the discussion. I released Evy and walked toward the group, which quickly parted to make room for me.

“… and we’ll find food near Mast Mark-” Father was saying as I tuned into the discussion.

“Mass Mark doesn’t like Vik-” Henry, the fisherman, interrupted.

“We’re not going on this mission as Vikings.” I spoke up, catching all the men’s attention around me as their eyes landed on mine. “We’re going as civilians that are looking for a new settlement.”

“So, no hacking heads?” Aumite huffed, appearing to pout slightly.

“Yes, Aumite,

NO

hacking heads.“ Father took over. “We’re hoping to make treaties along the way, just incase. It’s been years, many, many years since I’ve ventured North, we have no clue what could be there.”

“Fire-breathing D’agon!” We all turned our head to look at a black-haired young boy that had clasped onto Henry’s leg and roared, making us all chuckle.

“Hurry on, Rus, your mother probably need help getting all your brother’s toge-”

“But, Pa, I-”

“Go on, Rus.” Henry swatted him gently in the direction of a woman scurrying with five children rushing back and forth around her.

Rus huffed but departed from our discussion as we all zeroed back in on Father, I listened closely as he told us the plans before we all agreed to them and dismissed ourselves while I watched Aumite and Father linger near each other. I wasn’t scared of Aumite, there was no reason to be, but I did deserve all the anger he showed because he lost his wife. I would be upset if Evy was ever taken from me, and definitely if I wasn’t allowed to go get him, I knew Aumite wouldn’t listen to Father’s ordered because he never does. I walked over to where Evy was waiting for me, I sat down beside him before pecking his forehead and pulling him tight against my side. 

“We’re going to stop as Mast Mark first, it’s only a few days away from here.”

“I’ve never been to Mast Mark.” Evy whispered shyly.

I nodded slowly while remembering my first trip to the small land that was still growing when a few Vikings and I stumbled over it, we hadn’t harassed them very much but they definitely weren’t happy when we had left them with nearly no food or clothing. I could only hope they would welcome us as peace comers and help us out the kindness of their heart, children would be a good sign that we come with peace. I rose to my feet as Father started to ready everyone with the trip, I moved to stand beside him as Aumite stood on the other side of him. 

This was it, this was going to be a long journey because it was going to be on foot, and even if we did get a boat, that boat would only be able to take us so far before ice covered the sea. I gulped at the thought, ice would be everywhere once we met the front of the north, it would be cold everyday. I hated the cold. We listened to Father make spill about safety and children staying with their parents at all times, we would rest after the first day passes and then we would move for two days then rest once more. 

I peeked over at Evy to see him staring off into the distance, his eyes were glassy and I knew exactly what was happening, he was having a breakdown about this situation and I quickly grabbed his hand in mine to comfort him. He squeezed mine tightly before turning to look at me. I leaned over and pecked his temple, he smiled lightly at me because he knew I was trying to encourage him to be strong, he had to be strong. I had to be strong for the sake of my family, and he had to be strong for the sake of Zayen, who would be with him most of the trip. 

Let the journey begin.

To hell with the North. 

I couldn’t help but think as I slumped to the ground tiredly, Evy sighed breathlessly and laid down beside me, I glanced around the crowd as people were releasing their feet of their shoes. I heard the groans of pain as sores were growing on people feet from walking in their uncomfortable sandals all day, I was mostly used to this walking but over the year, I had grown bulkier. I walked near the edge of the group with Aumite walking in the back, Father lead the group in the direction of the North. I kept my double-sided axe ready at all times, just incase someone stumbled across us and wanted to cause trouble, I wasn’t going to have any of it, definitely with all the children around.

 Eve curled into my side and I quickly fastened him to my body so he could be warm as he rested, he looked exhausted with bags under his eyes, I hated to see him so stressed. I lightly pecked his forehead as he reached up and brushed his soft fingertips through my beard, which had grown significantly over the years. I missed being clean-faced, and I usually took the time to trim myself with a dagger, only because Evy didn’t like all the hair sprouting from my face. He’d say it irritates his sensitive caramel skin, and even I’ve seen the small red rashes he’d get whenever I used to ground my face against his body. He had darkened considerably and the soft hue to his skin always made him sparkle in my eye, he was a walking dream to me. 

I, however, had started to allow laziness to incase my frame, I was more thicker than masculine and even I had started to notice the sagging of my pectorals now that I was walking around shirtless, rather than in a tunic. My strong abdominal muscles were now soft and even started to pudge, and my bones ached with every step I took toward the North. I was completely out of shape, things had been easier in the community with us having to hunt for food any longer. There wasn’t constant fighting around the union so I hadn’t actually battled anyone, meaning I was pretty rusty in combat, I needed to get myself back into shape and stronger incase the time came to protect my family. With that in mind, I closed my eyes to rest for the night.

Chapter Four

It felt so odd to be hiding behind a bush as Father scouted the area for any civilization, we had stumbled upon a small village that was dead and the lack of presence was very noticeable. No one was there to keep the vegetation from growing like crazy, nor anyone to hurdle the small critters of rabbits that would be well to feast on. I kept a close eye at Aumite, who was nestled near a different bush while also waiting for Father to cue us to advance the settlement. I knew he was still angry about his wife, I didn’t blame him but it was now at the point that it shouldn’t be held over my head any longer. 

I glanced back over at Father as we finally sighed the cue and I rose to a crouching position while slowly moving forward to a closer bush just as I saw a small door to a cabin swing open. The small village was more of a rural homing area with three houses that were run down, but as the door swung open, a portly man stepped out while angrily yelling at someone in the house. Seconds later, a half-naked man stepped out and was keeping the argument festering with his sharp tongue cursing the man and his sexual desires that didn’t please him. 

‘How odd.’ I thought as I listened harder to see what exactly was happening.

“… SEX WITH A WOMAN !” The half-naked man was yelling at the portly man, who was quickly wobbling to a safer distance.

“ THEY PLEASE ME !“ The large man yelled back, turning to face the smaller male and giving him a shove.

I looked back toward Father and Aumite, who withdrew his knife while moving closer with the dedication to end the portly man’s life. I also moved closer while watching as Father beckoned Aumite to not do anything, and as much as Aumite seemed like he was going to ignore Father’s wish, he sheltered his weapon once more. I took a heavy breath while cluing in on their conversation, closing my eyes so I could focus solely on my ears picking up their conversation.

“… WITH ONE, TO HELL WITH YOU !” The smaller male yelled before turning on his heels and stomping back into the cabin, slamming the door heavily behind him. “I HOPE YOU CHOKE TO DEATH!”

His feisty behavior made me smile because he reminded me of Evy, he was a strong competitor and definitely never gave up or settled, he was my lover and I would kill anyone if they didn’t something to him. I rose to my feet and looked at the portly man as he started toward the door the smaller male had disappeared into, his puffing meant he wasn’t going with any good intentions. Aumite was swift as he darted from his position near us and sprinted toward the man in a flash, we were a good yard away and to see Aumite already choking the man to death caused Father and I to hurry ahead to stop him. 

We had hoped to stumble across some weapons and if the pair did have any weapons, the chances of Aumite killing the big man would probably have the weapons turned on us. I managed to pry Aumite off the man just as a loud crack filled the air and the portly man sagged to the ground unmoved, the door swung open suddenly and in unison, we all turned to look at the smaller man as he stood in complete shock at the sight of us. We stood still, Father watching everyone as I couldn’t help but see more of the feminine in the smaller male now that we were closer. 

He had dark brown hair that was chopped to the shoulders in a very jagged direction, he had a snarl on his face that only made him more drop-dead gorgeous, his lips were thin and slick with spit as his snarl only hardened and he seemed to take a defense posture. His lanky frame tensed as he crossed his arms over his flat chest, his green eyes were sharp as he took in all three of us slowly before looking down at the evidence of Aumite near our feet.

“So, there is a God…” He muttered, moving closer and nudging the man with the tip of his sandal.

His feet were small and dainty, as well as his hands as he moved them to rest on his hips and his eyes fell on Father once more, who casually bowed his head in a greeting manner, and I quickly followed suit as Aumite only stared at the mysteriously feminine man. 

“Who are you?” He asked Father.

“Guniath, these are my sons, Aumite and Twelve.” Father introduced us and I could feel the man’s green eyes watching us closely as he went to cross his arms over his chest once more before looking at Father.

“Who… are you.” The man ordered, closely watching us still as Father slowly nodded before clearing his throat.

“Former Nayete Vikings, we had a settlement further south but it was just ambushed by King Ansair men, they’re Vikings that now work under him.” Father informed the man.

“Nayete…” The man whispered as if it sounded familiar to him. “Come in.” He said in a distant tone while walking back into the cabin.

I was hesitant to follow the mysterious smaller male but Aumite urged himself inside without hesitation and Father followed suit so I groaned and stepped forward before quickly having to balance myself as I stumbled over the dead man’s calf. I looked at him before frowning at the fact that the mysterious man wasn’t outraged about the man’s death but a closer look at the man’s nice silk tunic told me that he wasn’t no ordinary man. I ducked my head slightly to enter the dark cabin, leaving the door ajar to slip back out if it came to that purpose. The sweet scent of fruit lingered in my nostrils as I moved through the cabin to where Father, Aumite, and the man was circled around a small table that had a few weapons sitting on it. 

“That man was a trader?” Father asked, looking at the priced possessions around the entire area.

“Of the sorts.” The mysterious man whispered in the same distant tone from before.

Suddenly, the smaller man smiled swiftly before turning to walk over toward a bowl of fruit, and something sparkled on his neck that I hadn’t noticed before, a collar. I cocked my head as I realized that he was actually a possession of the burly man laying dead behind the cabin, I was curious if anyone was going to find him. The big man now laying face down was actually his Master… former Master, and he had been murdered by Aumite, who was now the owner of the new slave before us. The man turned to look at us three before taking a bite out of an apple he had picked from the bowl, he chewed obnoxiously and I took his relaxed posture as a sign that he wasn’t going to put up a fight.

“Jewelry, food, currency… exotics.” The man muttered before moving closer to the weaponry on the table.

I took the chance to now observe the items as Aumite cocked his head curiously.

“Exotics?” He asked, his voice rough as he moved to stare at a barrel that he probably was going to attempt to tote back to the others.

“Animals… women… men……. children.” The man said, turning his back to us. “He bought me from a Nayete Viking many years ago. Too many years ago.” The man said.

I caught my Father’s demeanor change immediately as he stared at the man’s back.

“Do that mean I own you?” Aumite asked, moving closer to stare at a set of reindeer antlers hung on the wall.

“Did you kill him?” The man asked through gritted teeth as he turned and glared at Aumite, who shrugged with a humored smile.

“It was immediate.” Aumite reasoned. “He felt nothing.” Aumite reached to a shelf in the room and picked up a few bars of gold.

“Nayete.” The man snickered, making us all look at him again as he leaned against a counter in the room that was cluttered with belongings that were useless and useful. 

His eyes locked on Father as they glittered before turning his head to look at the rest of us, I was curious of the exchange as Father shook his head slowly as it seemed he knew what the man was thinking. 

“Wh-” I started to question them.

“You shouldn’t.” Father said, crossing his arms over his chest with a stern look on his face.

I was confused but didn’t investigate the matter anymore as I turned and spotted something that immediately caught my eye, I quickly scurried to the bow hung on the wall before reaching up and removing it to get a better look. It was made of strong maple wood with carvings about hunting, it was exotic to the area, meaning it was probably traded. Evy will love this. 

“Let’s make a trade, every single weapon here for your slave rig-” Father spoke up suddenly.

“No! I own him-” Aumite said, hurrying to stop Father’s trade.

“Every single weapon…” The man repeated, cocking his head. “And his axe.” The man gestured to my battleaxe.

“Deal.” Father hurriedly agreed.

“ NO !“ Aumite and I said in unison as I quickly grabbed ahold of my battleaxe off my back and shook my head.

“But Father, I own him, not y-” Aumite yelled, crossing his arms over his chest angrily.

“I got this from our Red Reek batt-”

“T’is true.” The man whispered, turning to look at Aumite. “He owns me.”

Father groaned and cupped his face in his hands as Aumite glared at him before turning to look at the new slave, I watched as the man took another bite of his apple before setting it aside and moved closer to analyze Aumite.

“But that deal still stands.” The man reasoned, crossing his arms over his lanky, bare chest still.

The deal was a good one and I don’t think anyone else could had asked for something so well, there were many different weapons lingering around the cabin and we could arm almost every single person in our group that could fight incase it came to it. However, the look on Aumite’s face was of pure humor as he picked up a wooden cup and took a big sip out of it before taking yet another and turning to spit it right in the man’s face, which was a sign of ultimate disrespect.

“We don’t need your puny deal, in my mind, we’re still Vikings.” Aumite said before striking the man in the face, knocking him out cold.

Father and I groaned at the hit as the man slumped forward into Aumite’s frame, who picked him up and threw him over his shoulder, I pulled the bow onto my shoulder and picked up a quiver of arrows while Father worked on picking out his new weapon as well. I had reserved the bow and quiver of arrows for Evy, and took to the longsword on a shelf in the corner of the cabin. I glanced over at Aumite as he picked up a random axe before departing from the cabin with his new main possession on his shoulder. I followed behind him as Father stayed behind to watch the cabin, I was going to retrieve the others and bring them here to gear ourselves up for the rest of the trip.

“You will help me get her back.” Aumite said suddenly as we hiked up the hill we had come down earlier.

“I will.” I agreed immediately, and it wasn’t out of fear but out of respect. “Why’d you keep the slave?” I asked curiously.

“I’m not good will children.” Aumite chuckled suddenly, his behavior confused me. “He has no choice but to be.”

“He’s a man, they’re not supposed to b-”

“And Evy?” Aumite asked, raising an eyebrow. 

I pursed my lips in thought before slowly nodding because he was an exception, he was amazing with all of the children from the village, they loved to play with him and even after Zayen, Evy still found time for them. I smiled at the thought of my lover and the look on his face will be very worth Aumite killing the portly trader, and the fact that he traded children was probably the curse to his death. 

“Evy is different.” I reasoned.

“Indeed.” Aumite agreed.

It seemed his new slave would be able to keep him content, as he now had someone to take his anger out on and that wasn’t me anymore. I felt terrible that his slave was going to suffer that way but it was the way of the Viking world, slaves were common and I was against ever taking a prisoner.

That was until I met Evy.

I remember everything as if it was like yesterday. I had decided last minute to go on the trip because Father had told me that the new Nayete Vikings was parting and none of the people I associated with would be on the trip, however, he had insisted that I venture out with them for one last time. I had agreed the day of departure and hurriedly packed what I needed before finding me a secluded area on the boat, and in the beginning, the trip was complete hell with little to no food because the newer aged Vikings were scurrying down all the wine and bread. In a matter of days, we had went from a big stock to having to ration nearly everything to eat and we weren’t even completely out of Isot’s water region. 

Nearly out of food, we had made a desperate attempt to keep everyone fed but it only lasted so long before the chaos begun and we had lost our navigator to his sacrifice of the ocean. He was there then suddenly he wasn’t, the current swallowed him immediately and we could do nothing but stare in shock that he had rather drown to death than starve to death, and it made sense. Soon after the navigator, the chef of the ship followed and it became a urgent attempt to find the closest village to raid for food and anything else we might of needed. Our first raid was a devastating blow with the lost of ten men of the thirty we had took with us, however, we had managed to get bread from a foreign settlement, french I believe it was. 

The night had been clear but it quickly became deadly as the waves became stronger while we caressed the current without any knowledge of where we were going, as everyone on the ship were now replaced with the newer recruits. It was complete hell as we had to repair a fallen boat beam that had took out a stupid soldier standing in the wrong spot, he had been wiped clean off the boat swiftly and I could only shake my head at the disaster that was coming ahead on this trip. However, the wind pushed us even more off course and we ended up almost being sucked to the bottom of the ocean in a whirlwind that swirled us between two huge rocks, cracking another beam at the front of the boat. I truly thought that would be my last journey of the ocean. Beyond the two rocks, we crossed into unknown territory that brought us to an island with the rain so heavy that it was hard to see too far ahead of us, we had anchored on the shore and started the raid immediately. 

“VIKINGS!” A voice screeched into the air. “RUN!” 

The wind whirled heavily as my armor clinked with every moved I made, I was hoping to find something exotic to obtain from the raid here, on this unknown land that seemed to not have any defensive mechanism. Perhaps we had gotten lucky that the whirlwind had angled us well enough to not bottom out on the rocks, perhaps we had gotten past their defensive mechanism because no one advanced us to protect the people scurrying toward the forest. It was nearly the middle of the night, and the person who had noticed our presence had woken most of the inhabitants with their yelling. 

“… to the forest, now!” An older woman was yelling as she was quickly rushing to lead the way through the forest as I looked around for any danger.

It was as if it was only women here and when I realized that no man would attack us, I quickly yelled toward the others but it was inaudible from the loud rain and thunder rocking above us, and no one heard me except one person. The person head whipped around quickly to look at me just as I looked at her, and her beautiful body sent a wave of desires through me immediately. A woman bristled past me with her children only feet behind her and I quickly grabbed her just as I stepped forward, nearly knocking into her and I would of squashed her. I carelessly tossed her aside as she screamed for her children to leave her behind, she was a little dramatic about her situation. 

However, the only person who had my attention was the woman as she backed away from me with her extremely long blonde hair that brushed the ground whenever she moved. She screamed at someone before pushing them in the direction of the forest. I cocked my head in amazement at her beauty as her big, glittery eyes never left mine as she watched me closely incase I tried to bring her harm. She angered me as she turned and started to make an escape as well, and I quickly advanced after her and hesitated suddenly as she suddenly fell forward very hard. She had tripped over a sharp rock that had left a nasty cut on her foot. 

I looked over at a small figure hurried to her and grabbed onto her shoulder, she quickly pushed the small child away and told it to run. It was too late, I quickly snatched the child up and grabbed the woman by her beautiful locks of soft hair angrily, the beau had hurt herself and it was my fault. I was mad that she was scared of me, I was mad she was sacrificing herself for everyone else’s safety, I was mad I had decided to come on this trip, and I was mad she was stumbling around in pain because her foot was cut. I heaved her onto my other shoulder as they both squirmed to get away from me, I was a horrible person for the things I had done to Evy but that only made our relationship stronger. We fought, we argued but we loved each other no matter what. 

I understood why Aumite was determined to get his wife back, I didn’t blame him because I would do the same for Evy.

My beautiful Evy.

Chapter Five

“Wow.” Evy whispered in awe as he took the time to look the bow over, his fingers slowly tracing the carvings on the bow limbs. “Thank you.”

I smiled at his reaction as he looked at me with a big smile and his eyes glittered with excitement as I passed the quiver to him and gave him a gentle kiss on the temple as everyone slowly rounded themselves together for the trip. We would be crowding in the cabins around, as they were abandoned and just a temporary settlement for anyone who happened to cross their path, which included the trader and Aumite’s new slave. I held Evy’s hand as we made the small journey toward the cabin as Father stood near the cabin door to keep an eye on our surroundings incase anyone else passed through. 

I was curious to how long the pair had stayed here, as the cabin was cluttered in a very ridiculous manner, that’s a question I’ll have to ask the slave when he awakes. It was odd fitting everyone into the cabins but Evy, Zayen, and I found a nice corner to nestle into for the night as Father and Aumite whispered to each other about the next move. What Aumite said to the slave before striking him out cold had managed to stick with me as I laid down with Evy curled up beside me, we’re still Vikings in Aumite’s head… are we still Vikings in Father’s head? In Evy’s? In mine? I took a deep breath as I attempted to calm my mind so I could get some sleep, I yawned tiredly but couldn’t find sleep as I laid wide awake in the room, listening to the soft chatter and the others snoring in their dreams. 

Yes… I’m still a Viking in my head. I sighed as I pulled Evy even tighter to my side before kissing his forehead and closing my eyes to get some sleep now that I felt the weight had been lifted off my shoulders. 

I’m still a Viking, I admit it.

A grunt left my opponent as his head snapped back and blood splattered from his now broken nose, he cut his dark brown eyes at me and glared as I nervously glanced over at my father before looking back at the older male. He had to be at least in his teenager years by now, his thick black hair was cut very choppy and he was much more stockier than me, but even then, that didn’t stop me from trying my best. 

I had something to prove. 

I took a step back before wiping my knuckles clean of his bright red blood, staining my tunic with the swipe of my hand. I raised my fist once more and watched closely as he crouched slightly before lunging for me, he moved quickly but I moved faster and moved left to dodge him before rearing my right fist back and striking him across the temple, and like a boulder, he crashed. 

“Stay down!” I shrieked while standing over him before stomping my smaller foot, he was going to be upset that an eleven year old got the best of him, for the third time. 

“Twelve, leave your brother alone.” Mother sighed, moving closer to Numic and I as she checked him to make sure he wasn’t seriously injured. 

“He called me a baby!” I reasoned, whining and stomping my foot once more.

“You two will never stop, will you?” She huffed, shaking her head in disappointment as she lifted Numic up to a sitting position as he stirred from being jarred around. “You two are brothers, you’re keepers of one another-”

“He’s mean!” I cried, crossing my arms over my chest and pouting.

“They’re supposed to be, they’re here to toughen you but also protect you.” Father said, stepping from his war tent.

He held him helm under his arm as he stood in his battle armor, he would be going on a land raid and he always found the neatest things to bring back for us to keep ourselves, I loved his gifts. Father was a towering man, his cold blue eyes glared at each of us but immediately softened as Mother swatted him before pecking his cheek as he smiled at her before kissing her openly on the mouth. 

I gagged as I turned my back to them to look at Numic as he rubbed his head and slowly rose to his feet, I crossed my arms over my chest again and continued to pout as Father shooed Numic to get ready for the journey. It would be his first and last trip with Father on a raid, as Numic didn’t follow instructions well and almost got everyone on the journey killed. Numic glared at me with the promise of a lashing later before disappearing into our shared tent as Mother grabbed my shoulders lightly to get my attention.

“You’ll be going soon,” She promised me, “raids are serious. Your father just wants to make sure you’re prepared, I know you want to make him and your brother proud but you have to also remember that Numic’s still a child himself.” 

I nodded slowly, understanding what she was explaining to me as she looked down at me with her beautiful eyes, I smiled up at her before tucking myself into her embrace as she lightly laughed before guiding me into the tent to keep an eye on me. 

“Tun-”

“Twelve.” My eyes shot awake immediately at someone whispering my name sternly, I sat up quickly and glanced around to see it was pitch black, but something was wrong, I could feel it.

“What’s going on?” I whispered back urgently to Father, who was wide awake and on watch duty.

“Evy’s out back, he’s not feeling well.” Father informed me, making me nod quickly before hurrying to my feet.

I carefully stepped around everyone laying in the floor as they slept, I barely dodged stepping on a child but was thankful I saw them move in time before I stepped out of the cabin and spotted Evy hunched over while holding his stomach. Not again. There was no damn way that Evy should be with child once more because I had took the precaution to make sure I hadn’t spilled inside him, there wasn’t any chance that he was pregnant again. 

“Evy?” I asked nervously, concern for him as he whimpered before following it with a groan at the sound of my voice.

“Y-Yeah?” He coughed, wiping his mouth before dry heaving now that his stomach was empty. 

“What’s wrong?” He knew exactly what I wanted to know.

“I… I…” He was hesitant to tell me something, and that only scared me more as he finally turned to look at me with glassy eyes, a pout suddenly fell on his face. “It wasn’t my fault, you drunk a lot of bra-”

“Huh?” I asked, not sure exactly what he meant. 

“That night, you climbed on top of me and it felt so well, I couldn’t stop y-”

“I hurt you?”

“No, we…” He trialed, and he didn’t need to say anything else because I understood. 

This was fucking great, just fucking great because this was the last thing we needed right now. I pulled Evy into my arms and held him as he softly hummed, his throat was probably sore from puking and I knew that from experience, I hated puking at all cost so I didn’t blame him. It was his remedy to a sore throat, he’d hum softly and his soft humming was rather more of a lullaby. I started to feel the tiredness pull at my sore bones as I put my arm around his shoulders and gently led him into the cabin so we could get our tiny corner back. 

I settled and he took his spot beside me as Zayen laid with the other pod of children in the center of the cabin for their own protection. Part of me was upset that Evy was pregnant with our second child already, the journey could take up to months depending on what we encountered on the way but how could I tell Evy that I didn’t want another child yet? I was sure he’d be more than offended about me telling him that, and I’m sure what he told me was complete honesty, as we had celebrated the birth of the community not too long ago with good brandy and many baked goods. 

I laid silently as everyone around me slept, it was dead silence and I still couldn’t find myself asleep. I gave up on trying to get back into the dream world and simply laid with Evy tucked into my side tightly, unmoved and lightly snoring as he would softly mumble things I couldn’t understand. I didn’t bother to wake him as the sun slowly rose and peeked over the horizon, immediately filling the cabin with light and I took the chance to observe the scenery around us. A flock of birds danced through the sky as the sun beamed heavily on the scarce trees around the clearing of the abandoned cabins, a tiny pond wasn’t too distant and glittered in the light as everything around us came alive.

Ale was the first awake, he groaned as he stretched and rose to his feet before bidding Father a morning greeting, he then said one to me as well before disappearing out the doors to scrap us something to eat together. I looked over at Father, who was still on watch, and greeted him while watching as everyone else in the cabin slowly awake and got themselves ready for the journey ahead of us once more. The move wasn’t going to be easy with all these people and we’d occasionally have to find shelter to protect ourselves the more we moved north because snow will be a very cold issue. I corrected myself so that I was leaned against the wall in the corner and Evy was sprawled out beside me, sleeping soundly and it wasn’t long before Zayen had awoke and came over to us as well. 

“Good morning, little guy.” I whispered, pulling my son into my lap as he silently sucked on his thumb. “Look at you.” I lightly chuckled.

Zayen’s hair was tussled from his sleep, thick and a beautiful blonde that was messy all over his head and I quickly rubbed the crazy strands down so he looked more presentable as he yawned before leaning forward and laying his head on my shoulder. I gently rocked him as he and I patiently waited for Evy to wake up next, and it wasn’t long before Evy stirred and moved his head to my lap as I sat beside him. His eyes glittered as he woke and rubbed the tiredness out of them. I smiled lightly at him as he rose up and stretched his amazing body out, and I couldn’t help but watch the way his small muscles stretched as he moved. 

“Good morning, Evy.” I whispered, lightly kissing his temple. 

“Good morning, Twelve.” He replied, making me smile at his delicate voice as he looked at Zayen and the biggest smile came over his face.

I was proud to look at my son as well as I saw both Evy and I in him at the same time, he was going to be handsome when he got older and I couldn’t wait to show him how to properly yield a sword, or perhaps a bow would be his thing. I would show him all the survival necessities so he would be able to travel wherever he wanted and enjoy life however he decided. I would even be okay with Zayen deciding that he didn’t want to be a Viking, he could become whatever he decided, whether Viking or King, he would be my son. Even if it came to the point that he decided he didn’t want to be with a woman, as long as the man was like Evy, I wouldn’t agree more that he was in love. When I first saw Evy, I was positive that he was a woman but upon discovering that he wasn’t, I still found myself loving everything about him. 

I love my Evy.

Chapter Six

I scowled at Father as he barely dodged the blade coming for his neck, he had definitely gotten rusty over the years and the sick feeling in my stomach was already letting me know exactly what would be crossing everyone’s mind soon. Father was no longer made for waging wars and that meant someone would soon be taking his place as head of the community, this was too much in the span of weeks upon us. 

The light puffs of clouds told me that it wouldn’t be much longer before we reached the snowy plains, and only two more days of traveling before we stumbled upon Mass Mark, and that I could only hope would go well. I pulled Evy taut to me, shivering slightly so I could imagine how he was shaking like a leaf under the thick hide we scavenged from the cabin. I glanced over at Aumite to find him whispering with a woman that was softly giggling at something he was saying, I couldn’t help but role my eyes before looking over at his new slave and watching as the slave sat quietly close to a tree, eyes closed and seeming to be in slumber.

“I can’t imagine how he feels.” Evy whispered, catching my attention as I looked over at him in confusion. 

“He’s a slave, we care not of how he feels.” I said without thinking but the moment it crossed my mind, I hesitated to look over at Evy.

Techincally, when I took Evy, that made him my slave and of course, the expression on his face told me that my words had hurt his feelings. A strong wintry breezed caused my teeth to chatter and Father dismissed his opponent as he breathed heavily and plopped down on a log that was dead and covered in a small layer of frost. The winters in the North was complete hell, as expected, and I was still regretting agreeing to go to the North instead of fighting to get our land back. We were making good journey, and with weapons, able to hunt our own game and cook it ourselves, a huge step in victory for us considering we lost almost everything that wasn’t packed yet. 

“I care.” Evy whispered, teeth chattering as well. “He shouldn’t be so bare.”

Evy was right, Aumite had left his slave nearly bare in the frosty weather and the bonds around his wrists kept his hands behind his back, leaving the man no warmth and even I was starting to feel bad. I was a whale and I was shivering from the chilliness in the air, Aumite was only upset that he lost his wife but he shouldn’t torture his slave because of so. Evy rose to his feet and grabbed one of the thin hides before throwing it over the slave as I watched closely, Zayen followed Evy’s every step over to the slave and back as Evy sat back down beside me. I wrapped my arm around Evy once more and pulled him into my warmth, making sure to leave room for Zayen who quickly wiggled between us. 

TO HELL WITH THE NORTH!

Mass Mark was exactly that, it was massive with many people bustling with energy, I believe it’s biggest market I ever went to and I’ve been around the world. I gestured for Evy to lift Zayen into his arms and I grabbed his unoccupied hand as we moved closer as a civilization, and in the bustling people, you could get separated easily. Oddly, people quickly parted as the stares started and they whispers rose in the air seconds later. They weren’t known for getting many visitors in the area but they weren’t so friendly considering the last visitors raided their market and burned their homes. Hopefully we’re not recognizable. 

I looked over at Father as he greeted someone that was wearing lavishing robes to signify their status, I watched closely as their conversation was brief, and Father turned to us before nodding. The man that Father spoke with eyes Aumite closely before looking at the slave Aumite happily seemed to tote around with him, I knew that look immediately. I grabbed Evy and pulled him in the direction of a random vendor as I watched closely to Aumite talking with the man that was asking about his slave, as male slavery wasn’t allowed in the region. 

Father seemed to also pick up on what was going on but stayed back in case the situation wouldn’t deescalate. Aumite seemed to get angry for a second before the man gestured for a woman to step forward and I immediately could tell from her thin robing that she was a prostitute, Aumite was immediately intrigued by the lady but still reluctant to free his male slave. It was odd, extremely odd, that Aumite wouldn’t change his slave gender but I didn’t worry about it as Evy lead me to the next vendor and the next vendor, oh , and the next vendor. 

I kept a tight eye on the ones around me, unsure if this would be a successful journey through or not because we were once wanted in this region, we were lucky so far. I looked Zayen and ruffled the hair atop his head as I unwillingly took a dive into scary thoughts, what about his future? Has my actions caused him to not be able to live a free and fulfilling life as I had? I sighed in distress as I clicked back into reality and looked at Evy as he came to a stop and stared at one of the items a vendor was selling. I inched closer to see exactly what had caught his attention and a warm feeling engulfed me at the sight of the chocolate bread that I had bought him in the past. 

He remembers…

He didn’t take long to snap out of his thoughts as he looked at me with glassy eyes before quickly averting his eyes to look at the other items for sell, was it a bad memory? I placed my hand on his shoulder and kissed the top of his head before kissing Zayen’s, I had something many men would take if they had the chance. I wasn’t a stranger to redemption, but some cultures didn’t believe in forgiving and held life-term grudges, and I hated for it to affect my family. I eyed the citizens of Mass Mark closely, still praying that luck was on our side. We were in their region and if something was to go wrong, it’ll be going wrong for us only and that’s because we were still strangers to the area and didn’t know the landscape like they did.  

“It’s time to move.” Father informed me as he approached, making me nod and release a sigh of relief, good. “I’m starting to feel bad energy.”

“As am I, Father.” I told him.

“Let’s move.” He said, gesturing toward the direction we were going to be heading. “Quickly.”

It poured as the night settled above us, I used a larger tree and my body to catch most of the rain as Evy and Zayen nestled alongside me, I sighed as I closed my eyes and willed myself to rest as the weather was dropping overnight and I’d better sleep before we moved onward. We were nearly toward the north, only a day of traveling was left to this journey before we could get ready to start a civilization from scratch. I wasn’t happy about that, even after these days of travel, I was more than angry that my life had been moved many steps back. We’d have to scavenge the areas around us for supplies and building materials, preferably wood logs would be the first thing to get lots of.

“You’re scared.” A soft whisper rustled in the stormy wind, catching my attention from how angelic it is.

I looked over at Evy as he stared at me, his face just as angelic as the first time we met and for once more, I wondered what it seemed like from his point of view. His gorgeous visage softened over the year, definitely after Zayen was born and the look in his face never seemed to fade, even after Numic had nearly killed him and our son, he was still hopeful of the life he had. He was optimistic. Of course I was scared, I was beyond terrified because of the legends of the North, they weren’t pretty.

“It’s okay to be scared.” The soft whisper spoke up once more, making me feel bubbles in my gut. “We’re going to be okay, Twelve.”

“I know, I won’t let anything happen to you.” I whispered back, kissing Evy’s forehead gently and embracing the small warmth that soaked him, he was freezing.

“What’s there to fear?” He asked, his eyes looking deeper into my soul as I attempted to avert them but couldn’t, they were so beautiful.

“Many legends say there’s something fierce among the cold.” I huffed, looking at the soft cloud that escaped his mouth as he parted them to take a deep breath.

“Tell me them.” Evy whispered back, laying his head into the crook of my arm and patiently waiting with an eager expression, he wanted to hear them.

“A Viking by the name of Sulvick once traveled to this same region years ahead, he was fierce and believed civilization could once sprout in the center of the North. He was a friend of mine, but he wouldn’t listen to me when I told him to not go. He believed anything was possible with the north being a free roam area and he went anyway. 

Sulvick would send pigeons until he reached about where we are resting, the outskirts of Mass Mark. He finally wrote his last message to me, and he spoke up a demon lurking in the frost, and to beware of the North. We sent a barbarian friend in to get him, one that knew the area better, and upon his return, he was missing an arm and never found Sulvick. He would’t speak on what happened but he told us Sulvick was dead.“

“Wow…” Evy whispered in awe, making me look at him to see the excitement in his eyes, he should have fear instead.

“We’re at a lost of what’s in the North, it’s unmarked territory.” I reminded him.

“Then we’ll conquer it, together .” Evy whispered, reaching up and lightly grabbing my face, making me close my eyes at the bliss of his soft skin.

I shouldn’t say it. Don’t say it. Don’t say it. Don’t say i- “There’s also a frost army many speak of.”

I looked over at Father as he laid with his back against a nearby tree, wide awake and watching our surroundings closely as the majority of us rested. I wasn’t sure what exactly made him want to tell Evy that we wouldn’t get that area without having to go sword for sword, and I wished he hadn’t because immediately Evy’s face frowned up. 

“I thought there wasn’t any civiliz-”

“There isn’t.” Father continued. “It’s not an army of humans, but any army none of the less.”

“There is only animal and human, Father.” Evy spoke, turning to now look at Father.

“That’s what we’re taught to believe, legends exist, Evy. Even when we wish certain ones didn’t.”

“So you’re saying demons run the North?” Evy whispered, his eyebrows lowering in confusion and even fear now, I wish they didn’t. 

“Indeed they do, but, we have the most fierce warriors in the world so the North will be our homeland.”

“What is this, a test for the strength of your men?” Evy asked, sitting up as Father simply looked at him, the age have really shown on his face.

“Of course not, Little Evy, this is something that should of been done long ago.” Father explained.

Chapter Seven

I looked up as the first flake of ice hit the bridge of my nose, it was icy cold and while the children ran array in the area to play in the snow, I watched closely as it slowly rose in strength. It’ll be a very hard night if we didn’t find shelter soon before the blizzard come in. I looked over at Father as he strapped his fur tighter before gesturing for us all to follow him, I glanced over at Evy as he seemed less than happy with the knowledge he received last night. 

I grabbed his arm and caught his attention immediately upon doing so, he caught his eyes at me before his expression finally softened and he seemed to sadden as he stared at me. He was afraid now. I grabbed his hand as he held Zayen, who was bounded in many furs, in his other arm while I started to walk with the rest of my people. 

This was it…

The North

…

Trees were more like needles with many twigs sticking in the bare wind, they caused the wind to whistle as it brushed past them and knocked the previous snowfall around, making it seem like it was snowing all over again. I looked at the children as they happily ran around, giggling and playing in the chilled snow as it sprinkled around us in soft flakes, it wasn’t that bad honestly. I just hate the cold. The frost below us crunched and left our footprints as we walked further into the frosted forest that created a wall that separated the world from the North. I used a tree for leverage as I stepped down a slope before turning to look at Evy as he carefully stepped down while using me as leverage. 

I turned just as something cold pierced the air, nearly impaling me but instead sticking into the tree. I froze as I turned to look at the arrow sticking from the tree just as many more started to fly through the trees as well, I quickly shielded Evy and Zayen as the arrows started to rain down. My people scattered as I quickly spotted a path and led Evy and Zayen to it, I attempted to catch a glimpse of anyone but the snow was now starting to pick up on the arrival of us entering the forest. 

“Twelve!” I turned at the shout of my name as a arrow flew past Evy’s ear, cutting it slightly and causing him to shout in pain and stumble to the ground.

I quickly turned my attention back to him as he yanked his hand free of mine and cupped his bleeding ear, panic suddenly rocketed through me at this moment as I realize something very disastrous, they’re trying to kill us. I lifted Evy back to his feet and helped him toward the path before spotting a tree that was big enough to hide him, I checked him over once more and saw that he was okay and so was Zayen, thank goodness. I looked around the frosted forest just as Issac, one of the townspeople, started to charge toward the direction the arrows came from, I growled angrily as I punched the tree, I can’t leave them here! I debated what to do, even when I knew I had no choice.

“G-Go.” Evy moaned, clutching his injured ear and using the other hand to hold Zayen tight to his chest. “I’ll b-be okay.”

“No.” I said, dropping to my knees while cupping his face, though once side was slowly covering in blood. “I’m not leaving you like this.”

“This is your f-f-fight, Twelve, they ne-need you.” Evy shivered, puffing clouds of crystal that told me he was still freezing, even after I put many furs on him. “Be safe, s-stupid.”

“I love you.” I said without hesitation, kissing him hard before hurrying toward the direction many other Vikings were.

I dropped the large bag I carried as I ran though the forest, it felt good. It felt damn good. All these years I’ve held back my inner animal and now it was going to be freed, finally. I heard the loud shouting and clanking of iron as I neared the actual fight, the ground crunched as I bristled past the trees and withdrew my axe as my feet beat against the snowy forest floor as the trees shook from the intense wind that was still rising. I managed to enter the clearing to see most of our men already at battle with the frost army, it was real as I slowed my pace in awe and started at the “demons” as they wore heavy fur that made them look bulky and giant, and their boots gave them added height. 

Father was busy trying to decapitate one of their warriors as I looked around, some on each side of the armies had fallen and I could see that we weren’t pushovers, but neither were they. My axe glistened in the cold sun as it shined but it was useless to shine, the snow would never stop falling and I looked at the axe before looking up at a frost warrior that was coming at me. He was nearly my height as he yielded a sword, his eyes were a golden crystal color and his face as mostly hidden by a helmet that was made of metal and a fur strand along the center. The stand off was odd, I decided I had enough and made the first move, I lunched forward and he immediately sidestepped me and I had to nearly dodge a fatal blow to the rib. 

I swung my axe toward his left arm and he dodged that as well, making me growl as I stepped back and eyed him closely. He took a defense stance as I did the same and watched him closely as before, I readied my axe as he decided to charge me. I spotted someone in the corner of my eye and barely dodged a scythe that nearly decapitated me as I lifted my foot and kicked the first warrior back before quickly springing to the second warrior and using the butt of my axe to jam into his head to disorient him. 

The fight was on. 

I spun my axe to remember the feel of it before swunging a upper blow at the second warrior when he attempted to lunch toward me, I spun myself in a circle before using my axe to slice the first warrior’s throat when I got the chance. The warrior blood spit everywhere and it was just like human blood, it coated the floor blood red, I turned to the other warrior as he corrected his scythe and I made the move next. I faked like I was going for his arm before quickly redirecting and going for his knee as I rolled against the floor before rising back to my feet as he dropped to the floor. 

I rose the axe as I stood beside him, ready to decapitate him until a cold chill raced my back and the hard sound of wings flapping caused me to look to the air to see what creature such a rough noise. I took a step back from the fallen soldier as the sound continued to grow, I searched hard for it as it swirled with the heavy flapping before it finally decided to show itself and my breath was stolen away as I realized that yet another myth was true. 

“For a beast lurks like no other…” 

The whisper was urgent as I stared at the creature in complete awe, as did the others as it swirled in the sky above us. It was nearly a fifteen feet in length with scaled blue leathery skin, it’s giant wings were a icy blue in the shape of the native bat wings, I stared at the creature as it released a roar that was nearly deafening to the ears. It seemed to take us all by surprise, even the frost army as they seemed to fear it as well, a beast it was. 

I looked at the fallen frost warrior as he looked up at the sky before bowing his head and attempting to force himself to his feet, he was trying to flee. Upon noticing, I grabbed his arm and yanked him up before quickly getting him to where a bunch of trees were. I slammed him against it and he groaned in pain from the force, I glared at him before reaching forward and yanking his helmet off. 

“What is that thing?” I demanded, looking at him as the tree shielded us.

My question went unanswered as I stared at the person before me, because that he was definitely a she as she took a heavy breath before licking her lips and glancing around, this was a weird place. She had mocha skin that was flawless, her lips were full and a soft pink as she panted with a small clouds that whistled in the air. She put her finger to her mouth as I felt the ground quake and quickly whipped my head to see that the beast had landed, I stayed dead still as it seemed interested in someone that was crawling back slowly. 

The person was dressed in frost armor so I didn’t worry about intervening as it opened it’s mouth and released a loud roar, I halted at how it seemed to affect the weather around us as the temperature seemed to drop more and more. I looked back at the woman as she stared at me with her cold gold eyes, she wasn’t from anywhere I ever been, I never seem something like her before and she seemed to notice. She opened her mouth to say something but the sound of screaming caught both of our attention, I turned to look to see that the frost soldier had became it’s snack.

“Desna.” She said softly, barely above a whisper but it carried with the wind, somehow.

“Dragon.” I whispered lowly, it was impossible.

How could a dragon be in the region, was that the beast that Sulvick had spoken of when he had journey here, is that why his body never was discovered? I looked at the mysterious creature that looked oddly human, was it a version of a human? I watched her closely as the beast roared loudly before looking around for something else to eat, I didn’t move a muscle as I stared at her, praying it didn’t see me. It seemed to notice something else a couple of inches away, and I took that as my chance to duck behind a nearby tree as more yelling was heard and someone else became a snack as well. 

“Why is it here?” I questioned, looking at her as I pushed myself against the tree.

“It smelled us.” She replied nonchalantly. 

“Can it see?” I asked, to which she shook her head before moaning as she laid her head back against the tree. 

“How do you kill it?” I asked.

“You don’t.” She replied, grunting as she tried to move her injured leg, it had nearly been sliced off. 

“It’ll kill my family if it finds them.” I growled angrily, I have no choice but to kill that beast.

“It’s in the nature of the North, the North kills everything.” She chuckled as if it was funny that I was worried about my family instead of my own safety. “Even us.”

“What if I do kill it, what happens?” I asked, looking at her.

“You’ll be seen as the savior king.” She laughed once more.

“Savior king?” I asked in confusion, turning to look at the beast as it slowly paced around the clearing of the forest wall.

“This beast has haunted us for many years.” She breathed, cocking her head as she watched it as well. “Many have tried to kill it, all have failed.”

I took a heavy breath before looking at a shield laying on the ground, I quickly moved to grab it before ducking up behind the tree as I realized that Evy was right, this was my fight. I was a Viking, nothing stops me from being that. I strapped the shield on my arm before looking at the odd human before me as she smirked and shook her head, as if it humored her that I was actually going to face the beast myself. 

I glared at her before cracking my neck and looking up just an arrow flew past my head and right into the side of the beast, making it howl in pain suddenly. I looked at the soldier as she readied the bow once more, where did that come from? I didn’t question it any longer as the creature turned in our direction before roaring but it didn’t see us, it was blind. I breathed heavily to calm my raging nerves before stepping out from behind the tree as it’s cold blue eyes searched without seeing anything. It would smell her soon.

I am a Viking.

This is who I am.

This is who I will always be.

This is what I was made for.

“Tungsten, you’re going to be strong and superior one day.” I heard my mother’s soft whisper as I closed my eyes and breathed heavy once more. “

Everyone will know who you are, my son.“  I remember my mother telling me at the age of five.

“You’ll be okay, everything will be fine, Tungsten.” Father said, his hand holding my shoulder as I looked at the bodies of fallen soldiers burning before me at the age of fourteen.

“You’re a Viking, it’s in you.” Evy whispered to me when he cupped my face tightly and kissed me last night. 

“I am a Viking.” I said as I moved closer to the beast with my shield ready and axe in position. “ And I fear no winter.“

I released a loud roar that was immediately matched with the creature’s as I charged it.

Song: King Of The North, Brunuhville

Epilogue

I released a slow sigh and stared at the cold, white cloud that escaped as I stared at the ceiling above me, it was dead morning and not a single source of sound was heard. That was odd. I reached up and rubbed the tiredness out of my arms as goosebumps settled along them, as well as the rest of my body, it still wasn’t used to the climate change. I looked over at Evy to see him still resting himself, obviously warn from the previous journey and the other events that took place on arrival. My hands were heavily rugged and cracked, every puff of oxygen I released was a crystal cloud and Evy silently shivered occasionally, it was too damn cold in our room. I rose to a sitting position and cracked my neck, it croaked as the muscles became less tense and stiff, I’m thankful. I reached up as a familiar ache hit the left side of my face, mostly over my left eye that was throbbing worse than usual today. 

I looked over at Evy as he rustled along the furs for a minute before settling with a tired sigh escaping his soft lips that I kissed the entire night, I have to make sure he gets enough rest. I reached over and touched his soft skin, admiring how flawless it was, even after years of us being together went by. He’s just as beautiful as before. I leaned down and kissed his exposed shoulder, that was probably what woke him, and he turned to me with a tired smile as a I grabbed a string of ribbon that had made it into the room with us last night off his arm. 

I kissed his lips, giving him a soft peck that I hoped warned him to the core as it had done me, just like every time he looked at me and kissed me or touched me. I had love that was true and I would never let it fade, even as the days go by, I will never stop loving Evy as he would never stop loving me. I gave him yet another peck, this time longer and more sincere as he raced his arm up my chilled arm, causing a shiver to quake my giant body, I had to stop myself from having another private time with him. It’s tempting. 

While extremely hard, I pulled my lips off of Evy’s as he smiled at me once more, this time more energetic and lively, I returned it with one of my own. He’s tempting. I sat back up into a sitting position and pushed the thousands of furs back, stepping off the bed before turning and making sure to give Evy enough furs to keep him comfortable while I was away. I looked around the bedroom, admiring it’s beauty in fullness now that the sun had rose and everything was brightened. 

It was magnificent to see, tall windows that were frosted over with flakes occasionally tapping the window and giving it more of a spiderweb accent. The drapes were solid black and when drawn, did well to keep out the sun that did nothing but provide slight light along the white mist of the North. The bedroom was entirely spotless, as if untouched for generations, with everything packed neatly around the room. Fur seats were sat in threes for conversation in the far corner, everything was made of fur, the bed even. The giant bed was definitely made for someone my size, which I was glad about. I leaned against one of the thick bedpost and stared at Evy as he rolled over to sleep once more. 

“I’ll return soon, Evy.” I told him, stepping from the bed to dress for the day, as I had things that must be done.

I had made sure to dress appropriately, I wore a tunic and hide leggings to keep the cold at bay, as well as a fur vest that protected my torso and chest, with an attachable fur coat that was equipped with a fur hood. It was very similar to a frost warrior’s attire and very suitable for the weather. I dressed in thick fur boots that protected my feet from the snow before making my exit of the giant bedroom that was dark and gloomy with the drapes closed. I shut the door quietly upon my departure and nearly trampled Aumite as he was just coming to grab me from my sleeping quarters. He gestured for me to follow and I did so without hesitation as he passed me my new axe that Hunt had prepared upon my request, which I paid him well for as well since a new weapon was very needed. 

“Word from King Ansair?” I asked, descending down the steps alongside him.

“Indeed, our package is being handled as we speak, as well as… my wife will be home soon.” Aumite said, grabbing my shoulder as we came to the base of the steps. “Thank you, Brother.” 

Aumite held his hand out for me to take and I immediately did so, holding it tightly as we stared at one another before I released his hand and turned to walk away but suddenly, I thought of something. 

“What will Evette think of your slave?” I asked, raising an eyebrow in question.

“What slave?” Aumite smirked with a wink, making me shake my head as I turned to walk away and he did the same. “Much love, Brother.”

“Much love, Brother.” I repeated, walking pass the foyer and looking at a smaller child as she walked with a bucket of water on her head.

I patiently waited as soon another child came rustling pass me and I quickly swirled to catch him as he nearly trampled the smaller child with the bucket of water, I smiled as Zayen squirmed in my arms with his thumb still in his mouth but a smile on his lips. I pecked his forehead before setting him down as the smaller child went toward the giant kitchen preparing breakfast for the royal family. 

“Father…” A child asked as he stood with a tiny knife near the kitchen, slicing potatoes and he had caught my attention as I was in ear shot. “Can you tell me about the new king?”

This was surreal…

“Of course, son. Do you remember Tungsten the Twelfth? He was the Viking that conquered all of Elise and…”

Endlessly, through the generations of folktale, Tungsten the Tenth was left out of history.

Yes, this is the end of the second book.

Yes, Twelve gets his nickname from Tungsten the Twelfth.

Yes, Tungsten/Twelve did become a king after slaying the dragon, as promised.

YES, they loved happily ever after…

Yet, something sinister is always lurking in the dark…

Okay, I’ll cut the crap! Thank you for reading this book, it’s very appreciated that you leave how you feel in the comments, as well as a vote! It’s definitely been a journey for me actually completing this book, I bet you thought it would never happen, be honest! Again, thank you and there are many other books of any flavor that you could read on my profile.

Have a blessed day, lovely.