“I heard what he did and don’t like it or the plan. It’s foolish and dangerous.”

Nodding, all he could do was smile, feeling her finger trace his stomach, the warmth of her head against his chest.

So many emotions welled up inside, and yet, in this moment, there was just peace.

“The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Hopefully, those in King Erik’s court will believe it and try to use him. If that happens, we’ll have information we can’t get any other way.”

Grunting, she bit his pec, and Einar almost yelped before he saw her playful gaze.

“It would appear we outlasted the singers. Does this mean we can go to sleep?”

“Giving up already?” she asked.

Rolling Avitue over and pinning her beneath him, he shook his head.

“Never!”

***

The group of Vikings that waited on the road near Kopanes appeared to shift slightly, eyeing the line of warriors with Einar and Avitue at the front.

Each one wore the red insignia of the king on their armor and shield. Their hands held no weapon, yet they never moved far from the axe on their hips.

“Halt!”

Raising a hand, Einar stopped the warriors trailing behind.

“What can I do for you?”

“Einar Sibbinson?” asked a burly Viking, his blond hair and beard tied tight, showing the readiness for battle.

“I am. And you are?”

“Mauod, leader of this pack for King Erik. I am here to officially notify you that you are required to appear before him. He is waiting inside Kopanes for your arrival.”

The man frowned for a moment, clearing his throat.

“Word has reached him that he has missed you multiple times and that we are to escort you to him immediately.”

Nodding, Einar turned slightly and motioned to Thorodd and Drifa, who was the next pair in line.

“Inform the men and women we are to follow the King’s warriors.”

Both Vikings nodded, and each turned their horses, riding down the line, giving instructions everyone already knew was coming.

“We are honored to have you lead us to the King,” Einar said after turning back around. “May I also introduce my wife to you, Avitue.”

A smile appeared, and the warrior bowed slightly.

“Word had reached us of the wedding which is why we waited here for your arrival. My Odin bless your union and may you have children which bear the strength both of you are known for.”

All she gave was a simple nod, her face never showing emotion as Avitue sat there, looking regal the entire time as if this moment was nothing worthy of her time.

“Mauod, would you prefer to ride with us while your men ride beside our warriors?”

“I would be honored. Do I have your word there will be no attempt to delay this command or run from it?”

“On the All-Father’s name, I, Einar Sibbison, swear to follow you immediately to the King.”

Tension faded from the hardened Viking and he nodded, blowing a whistle from his lips.

Movement came from the treeline on both sides and Einar could only chuckle when two more packs emerged from the trees, each man leading a horse.

“It would appear you weren’t certain I would come so easily.”

Chuckling, Mauod shook his head.

“Someone found a forest missing a large number of trees on the other side of Kopanes and some cart tracks. Any man who is willing to endure what was found to do such a thing should not be underestimated.”

He paused and winked.

“Besides, the stories swirling around every longhouse, ale room, back room gambling area and anywhere else two Vikings are gathered made me wonder if you might summon a dragon and ride off to escape this summons.”

Avitues laughter broke the moment as she rubbed her face.

“Please tell me there is not another one of those awful songs making its way through every skald in Midgard.”

Winking, the warrior nodded.

“I’m afraid you are in for a treat. Every day the exploits of your husband and his men grows. The truth be told if a quarter of what they say is true, he will have a warband behind him soon.”

Einar leaned forward, rubbing the neck of his chestnut mare.

“Then let me tell you that we have slayed half a dozen shadow walkers, dozens of Bellavan miog, and three forest trolls that make the trolls from our realm look like children. Beyond those, we defeated hundreds of creatures the likes we have never seen, freed the beastkin from a curse that controlled their mind and wiped out an army of undead from Hel.”

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His voice was steady and firm and each thing Einar said made the veteran warrior’s eyes widen just a little more.

“And the report of the Leuca ango?”

The question had almost seemed like a whisper as the man tried to comprehend it all.

“Which one? The smaller female or the male that was over forty yards long?”

“By Odin’s beard! The songs are true?!”

Laughing, Einar nodded as he sat up in his saddle, ignoring Avitue who was sighing.

“What is the point of having lies spread? All that does is create confusion and doubt. I will not spread those about what my warriors have accomplished. We shall take this fight to our enemies and those who hide in other realms and seek our destruction will find out that the Vikings Odin has called are no longer going to hide behind our barriers!”

His voice had risen into almost a shout, carrying across the area all the men were gathered, no longer far off but now within earshot.

As he finished the last line, Einar called upon his wyrd, holding his right hand into the sky, flames engulfing it.

His warriors, both men and women, began to cheer first.

Seconds later, the others who had come to escort him found themselves caught up in the moment.

Even Mauod seemed unable to control himself and shouted near the end.

“Viking Einar… I am honored to ride beside you. Come, let us not delay so that the King can hear of what you have done himself.”

***

Mauod had spent many hours asking questions, trying to learn more about the things they had faced inside the elven realm. His face could not hide the excitement of hearing about the events from Einar.

When they reached the city, word spread quickly as the five packs moved through the streets. People lined up and shouted the returning warriors' names, drawing a few awkward glances from the leader of the king’s men.

Outside the entrance that led to Bior’s walled-off section of town stood three different sets of men, each with a different standard displayed on their shields.

“Jarl Unnulf has arrived,” Avitue stated. “When did he arrive?”

“Two days ago,” Mauod replied. “The King had not expected his arrival, I believe.”

Nodding, Einar studied the looks on every warrior they passed, seeing the expressions they hid behind.

Each Viking had an armband that informed everyone that they were a himthiki.

“So many elite warriors,” Thorodd said from behind. “If they are on the outside…”

“Then the housecarls are inside,” Einar finished.

A grunt came from their escort who nodded.

“I wish you well. Whatever happens, may Odin’s will be done.”

***

Einar felt Avitue’s hand gripping his slightly harder as they continued down the hallway, each side lined with more Vikings than either had seen before.

Those from Bior and Unnulf’s areas nodded, giving the two of them recognition while only the occasional one from the King acknowledged their presence.

“Seems a bit tense,” he whispered. “You okay?”

She nodded.

“I am your shield. I just had not expected this many. Father warned me of what might happen. Do you really believe things are this bad?”

“We’ll find out in a moment,” he replied, motioning at the door that was only about twenty yards away.

When the wooden barriers to what lay beyond swung open, Einar immediately felt every eye shift toward the entrance.

“Einar and Avitue Sibbison have arrived, my liege!” Mauod bellowed as he stood before them, stepping to the side.

King Erik was sitting on the seat usually taken by Bior, with the other two men flanking him on a smaller chair, not on the raised platform.

Einar’s eyes took in the man before him. He had heard stories, but they had failed to truly describe what he had sensed from the leader of all Vikings.

His hair was a bright blond color with a few streaks of grey running through it. Unlike most it wasn’t braided, instead falling loosely over his shoulders and onto the robe which was made of some hide he didn’t recognize.

A pair of lips were drawn tight, blue-piercing eyes studying him as he and Avitue moved into the room. His beard was braided, and the same blond hair was only slightly marred by a small patch of white that stood out amidst the gold color. A single-banded tattoo ran across his forehead.

Even more impressive was the size of the man.

He was almost seven feet tall, but his shoulders were broad. Traps the size many bodybuilders would be jealous of began the progression of strength that flowed down his arms. Each forearm was uncovered, and runes ran down to his hand.

The size of his boots told Einar that the legs he couldn’t see most likely matched the rest of the King’s body.

“Approach your king,” Bior called out.

Nodding, Einar moved with grace, his stride and Avitue’s matching each other.

Around the room were other men and women he didn’t recognize, many whispering to each other, yet he pretended not to notice them.

Ten feet from the king, he stopped, bowing low, keeping his head down.

“You may rise,” Erik called out, his voice deep and powerful. “I have been waiting for many months to meet you, Einar Sibbison.”

Rising, he watched as the King leaned forward.

“May I also wish you two a blessing on your union. Had I been informed of it earlier, I would have sent a gift.”

“Forgive me my king,” he replied. “I had waited so long to return and all I could think of was not letting anything keep me from my promise to make her mine. No sooner than I arrived here, I sent for her and we returned to our village and kept the promise we made since we were teens.”

A small smile reached the corner of his lips and Erik bobbed his head once.

“Love like that is a rare thing. Always protect it. Now then, we need to discuss your recent actions and the stories that we have heard.”

“My liege, should we clear the room first?”

Einar turned his gaze to the older man standing almost in the shadows of a column off to the king's left. His hair was silver, and he did not have a beard. A dark purple robe covered his frame, which seemed small compared to most.

“Why should I clear the room, Koigrim?”

The advisor bowed and then motioned to the crowd that lined the walls.

“As you know, there may be some things that could cause confusion and concern for those unaware of all the nuances of politics.”

Grunting, Erik glanced around the room and nodded.

“If you are not an advisor or a Jarl, leave.”

His command left no doubt any discussion would be allowed and those who did not meet that criteria began to move toward the door.

“And Avitue?”

“She stays,” Einar answered, not allowing the king to reply to Koigrim’s question.

A slight frown appeared on the grey-headed man and it grew when Erik nodded.

“He is right. She is his wife and part of his warriors. She can stay.”

“As you wish.”

When the doors shut and the room was suddenly almost empty, the ruler of all the Vikings shifted once and leaned back in the throne that did not really support his frame.

“Now then, tell me everything that has happened since you left for Alfheim.”