The second day in Skipavik dawned bright and clear, the bustling port town already alive with activity as the sun crept over the horizon. Astrid and Sigrida woke early, their excitement from the previous day's adventures still bubbling just beneath the surface.
After a simple breakfast, the three headed back through the busy market. The girls' initial awe from yesterday had mellowed into a more thoughtful curiosity, but their chatter remained animated as they discussed all they had seen.
As they walked, weaving through the crowd of merchants and shoppers, their conversation shifted to the various roles they had observed in the market. The reality of their situation was beginning to sink in; without Astrid's parents or the security of her arranged marriage, they would need to find ways to support themselves.
"I suppose we could find work as fishmongers or bakers if we had to," Sigrida mused, her practical nature showing through. "It's hard work, and not very glamorous, but we could start right away."
Astrid wrinkled her nose at the suggestion. "I'm not sure I want to spend my days gutting fish and scraping scales," she said. "Surely we can find something more interesting than that!"
Her eyes lit up as she spotted a merchant's stall draped in colorful fine wool. "What about those merchants selling beautiful dresses and fabrics? I think we'd be good at that, and we could make a good living too!"
Sigrida nodded enthusiastically, caught up in Astrid's enthusiasm. "Or we could become spice merchants. Imagine being surrounded by those rich aromas all day."
Erik listened in, a mixture of amusement playing across his features. He was keenly aware that the labor in Skipavik was often backbreaking and harsh, a far cry from the girls' fanciful visions. Yet he held his tongue, allowing them to indulge in their dreams for now.
"Whatever you choose," he said thoughtfully, "it will take hard work and dedication. But I have no doubt you're both capable of great things."
The girls beamed at his words, their minds already racing with visions of their future success. They continued their chatter on ways to earn a living, each idea more fantastic than the last. As they walked, their imaginations soared higher, painting vivid pictures of silk-draped merchant stalls and exotic spice emporiums, blissfully unaware of the challenges their dreams would entail.
The three wove their way down the narrow beach street, navigating through the throng of merchants and customers. As they passed a stall adorned with glittering gems and metals, Astrid halted abruptly, her eyes drawn to the array of jewelry spread across the table.
"Oh, look at these!" she said, leaning in to examine a collection of necklaces and amulets. Sigrida and Erik flanked her, peering at the pieces with curiosity.
"Ah, I see you have a discerning eye, young lady," the merchant said, stepping forward. He was an older man with a bushy grey beard and keen, appraising eyes that twinkled with interest. "These are some of my finest pieces, crafted right here in Skipavik."
The girls listened intently as he held up each item, his voice rich with enthusiasm as he expounded on their unique properties and protective powers. There were amber pendants to ward off evil, rings set with bloodstone for healing, and bracelets of etched silver to attract good fortune. But Astrid's gaze kept returning to a set of hammer amulets, their metal surfaces worked skillfully into the powerful shape of Mjolnir.
"Now those," the merchant said, noticing her interest, "are true charms. Thor's hammer, to give you the god's strength and protection wherever you go. No better choice for adventurous young ladies like yourselves."
Astrid's eyes lit up as she exchanged an excited glance with Sigrida. She confidently reached into the pouch at her belt and drew out a silver coin. "We'll take two of the Thor's hammers," she declared. "One for me and one for my dearest friend."
The merchant's face split into a wide grin. "Excellent choice!" He carefully wrapped the amulets and handed them over, accepting Astrid's coin with a small bow. The girls wasted no time in donning their new treasures, admiring how the hammers lay against their chests. With Thor himself watching over them now, they felt emboldened to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As they turned another corner, the companions came upon a small ale house nestled between two market stalls. A handful of rough wooden tables dotted the area outside, some occupied by weary seafarers or gruff merchants grabbing a quick meal.
Erik guided the girls to an empty table in the corner, away from prying eyes. A young boy scurried over, and Erik ordered three ales. While they waited, Astrid and Sigrida continued to admire their new amulets, tilting them so the sunlight danced off the hammered metal surfaces.
"You know," Astrid mused, her voice filled with wonder, "I've heard all the seasoned seafarers wear these. Now that we're adventurers ourselves, it's only fitting that we should have them too."
Sigrida nodded, her eyes shining. "The merchant said they would impart great bravery to us. I can almost feel my courage growing already." She tucked the amulet gently under her tunic, as if it were a precious secret.
Erik watched their excitement with a bittersweet smile. His own mood was more somber, weighed down by the knowledge that this taste of freedom would soon end. As much as he longed to help them realize their dreams, he knew the consequences would be too severe if they didn't return. The burden of this truth sat heavily on his shoulders, casting a shadow over their joyous moment.
As their ales arrived, Erik raised his wooden cup in a toast, his voice carefully neutral. "To new adventures," he said, even as his mind grappled with how to guide them back to the reality they had left behind.
The girls chatted animatedly, their faces flushed with excitement as they discussed their grand plans for the future.
"You know," Sigrida began, her eyes sparkling, "I've always dreamed of being a skald. Traveling the world, composing sagas about great heroes and their deeds."
Astrid nodded enthusiastically, then added with an animated gasp, "And I could be a shieldmaiden, traveling with you! We'd experience danger firsthand, and I'd bring you loot to pay for your songs."
Sigrida's eyes widened, her imagination catching fire. "Oh! Why stop there? We could both be shieldmaidens! And skalds. Think of the stories we'd have to tell!"
"Just think of the battles we'll fight, the glory we'll win... and we’ll get so rich!" Astrid's voice dropped to a reverent whisper.
Sigrida, caught up in Astrid's enthusiasm, nodded eagerly. "We'd be able to support ourselves through raiding and plunder. No need for arranged marriages or concubinage to survive."
Their excitement fed off each other, voices rising with each new idea.
"And think of it," Astrid whispered, her eyes bright with possibility. "With enough raids, enough victories..." She paused, caught in the dream. "We could have our own fleet!"
Sigrida nodded vigorously, her voice filled with newfound hope. "Yes! We'd be sea queens, feared and respected across the lands."
"No one would dare try to control our fates ever again," Astrid added, a hint of defiance in her voice.
They fell silent for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts. In their minds, they saw themselves standing proud at the prow of a ship, hair streaming in the wind, their swords held high and gleaming in the sunlight as they sailed into adventure. No more kitchen duty or arranged marriages - they were meant for something bigger.
Erik listened, his expression a mixture of amusement and resignation. He marveled at their unbridled enthusiasm, even as he worried about the harsh realities that awaited them.
Their lively conversation was interrupted by hearty laughter from the next table. Erik glanced over to see a group of four broad-shouldered Vikings, well-armed and bearing the distinctive markings of the powerful Magnus clan. The largest of them, a muscular young man with dark hair, was regaling his companions with a tale of recent exploits, gesturing expressively as he spoke.
The dark-haired man, noticing Erik's gaze, met his eyes with a steady, appraising look before smoothly continuing his story. Erik turned away quickly, not wanting to invite trouble.
"Let's keep our voices down," Erik murmured to the girls. "We don't want to draw unnecessary attention."
But it was too late. The man's keen eyes had already taken note of the two young women at Erik's table. He let his story trail off, his focus shifting to Astrid and Sigrida.
The man observed their simple wool dresses, the amulets glinting at their necks, their windswept hair and flushed cheeks. His gaze lingered briefly on Astrid's caramel locks and Sigrida's bright blue eyes. A spark of interest lit his face as he deftly adapted his narrative to capture the girls’ interest.
"Speaking of adventures," he said, his voice carrying easily to their table, "we raided three villages along the west last season," the man proclaimed, leaning back and spreading his arms wide. "Took everything they had - furs, weapons, all of their gold!" His friends guffawed, egging him on to describe their exploits in more detail.
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
Astrid and Sigrida exchanged intrigued glances, captivated by the promise of income and the tales of life beyond their familiar shores. The man exuded an air of worldly experience, his stories painting a vivid picture of the adventures they'd only dreamed of.
Noting their interest, the man flashed them a charming smile. "Of course, the real treasures are the people we meet along the way," he said, his gaze moving appreciatively between Astrid and Sigrida. Astrid ducked her head, color warming her cheeks, while Sigrida met his gaze with cautious curiosity.
"Why don't you join us?" the Viking proposed, his tone friendly yet mischievous. "We'd be happy to share more tales of our travels... if you're not afraid of a bit of excitement."
Erik hesitated, but Astrid was already getting to her feet eagerly with Sigrida close behind. As they approached, the young man stood and looked over the pretty girls approvingly, acknowledging them with a nod.
"I am Brandr Magnusson, son of Jarl Magnus," he introduced himself, his eyes giving Astrid and Sigrida an appreciative once-over.
Erik stiffened imperceptibly at the mention of Magnus, recalling Chief Torbjorn's wariness of the ambitious Jarl. He kept his face neutral, acutely aware of the need for discretion.
Brandr's companions - Ebbe, Odric, and Tor - grunted their names, their gazes lingering on the girls with unabashed interest.
Brandr pulled over a bench, joining the tables, and gestured for Astrid and Sigrida to sit. Erik reluctantly took a place beside them, his posture tense as he eyed the boisterous group, mind racing with the potential implications of this encounter.
"And who might you lovely ladies be?" Brandr asked, his charm on full display.
"I'm Astrid," she replied with a dramatic smile, clearly enjoying the attention.
"Sigrid, but everyone calls me Sigrida."
Brandr's smile widened. "Well, Astrid and Sigrida," he said, completely ignoring Erik, "you must regale us with tales of your own exploits."
Astrid's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh, we've only just begun our adventures. But believe me, we'll have stories to tell soon enough!"
Brandr leaned forward, a roguish glint in his eye as he regarded her comment. "Now, surely you have some tales to share. Two captivating women like yourselves don't simply appear in Skipavik without a story or two."
Astrid felt a blush creep up her cheeks, flattered by the attention. "Well, we did just sail here from Skogstrand. It was quite the journey."
"Skogstrand?" Brandr's eyebrows shot up, his interest engaged. "I've heard there's to be a grand wedding soon. The Chieftain's daughter is to marry Jarl Gunnar's son, is she not?"
Astrid's eyes widened in alarm, her body tensing. Sigrida, quick to react, stepped in smoothly. "Oh yes, there will be a wedding. We're... distant kin of the Chieftain’s family." She paused, choosing her words carefully. "Not particularly fond of Gunnar or his ilk, so we've decided to travel south until the dust settles."
Astrid nodded vigorously, finding her voice. "Yes, traveling south. Just for a time."
Brandr's gaze shifted between Astrid and Sigrida, a mix of admiration and intrigue in his eyes. His mind raced with the possibilities their presence offered. Here were potential dissidents from Skogstrand, their views on Torbjorn and Gunnar's union could prove valuable intelligence for his father's political maneuvering. Jarl Magnus would be keenly interested in the sentiments of Skogstrand's villagers regarding such an important alliance. Balancing his father's ambitions with his own personal interests, Brandr engaged the girls with a charming smile and smooth compliments, paying little heed to Erik's presence.
"So, you're not fond of Gunnar's clan?" he probed gently, his tone casual but his eyes sharp. "I can't say I blame you. What do others in Skogstrand think of this alliance?"
Astrid, her earlier wariness melting away under Brandr's charm, giggled softly. "Oh, well, I'm not sure we should speak for others..."
Erik stepped forward, his posture stiff. "We appreciate your interest, but we're not here to discuss Skogstrand's affairs."
Brandr paused, truly taking note of Erik for the first time. The man's protective stance and authoritative tone caught his attention. Brandr turned his full attention to Erik. "I take it you're their escort to the southern ports?" he asked, curiosity and a hint of challenge in his voice.
"I am Erik, hirdman to Chief Torbjorn," Erik said, meeting Brandr's gaze. "I've guarded his family faithfully for years and will be escorting his kinswomen south."
"A sworn protector at your age? You must be quite skilled indeed," Brandr said, genuine respect in his tone. His eyes darted between Astrid and Sigrida before returning to Erik with newfound interest. Perhaps there was more to their intrusive companion than he'd initially thought. Brandr's curiosity was piqued; the man's reserved manner might conceal depths worth exploring.
Before Erik could respond, one of Brandr's companions, Ebbe, snorted derisively. "Bah, he's just a pup. Girls like these need a real man around."
Odric and Tor guffawed, making lewd gestures. Erik's hand instinctively went to his sword hilt, his eyes flashing dangerously. Such disrespect toward his wards was not to be tolerated.
Brandr, sensing the rising tension and aware of the delicate situation, held up a hand.
"Come, let's not quarrel with our new friends," he said smoothly. With a subtle wave of his hand, Brandr dismissed Ebbe, Odric, and Tor. As they left the table, grumbling, the atmosphere lightened.
Turning back to the group, his charm on full display, he said, "My apologies for any offense. Perhaps I can make it up to you? I'd love to hear more about your travels."
"We're more interested in hearing about your travels, Brandr," Sigrida said, her voice curious. "You must know a great deal about the southern lands."
Brandr leaned back, a pleased smile spreading across his face. He was always happy to talk about himself, and Sigrida's interest was flattering. "Ah, the southern lands," he began, his gaze moving between Astrid and Sigrida. "Where does one start to describe such beauty? The fjords, the mountains, the lush forests..." He paused, noting their rapt attention, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "But there's one place in particular, not far from here, that's absolutely breathtaking. Have you ever heard of Honningdal?"
Astrid's eyes lit up with excitement. "Honningdal? I've never heard of it, but the name sounds enchanting!"
Sigrida leaned in, her curiosity evident. "Do you visit there often? What makes it so special?"
As Brandr opened his mouth to respond, his charm clearly working its magic on the girls, Erik felt a twinge of irritation—he’d had enough of this smooth-talking stranger. Stepping forward, Erik interjected firmly, "We should get going. We've taken up enough of your time."
"Hold on," Astrid said, waving Erik back down. "I'd love to hear more about this place." Sigrida nodded in agreement.
Erik hesitated, then reluctantly sat back down. Brandr's lips curved into a subtle smile as he observed the interaction.
Leaning back in his seat, Brandr studied the trio before him. His keen eyes noted the subtle interplay between them - the way Erik's gaze constantly flicked to Astrid, how her enthusiastic words seemed to sway him, and the quiet nods of agreement from Sigrida that often sealed their actions. Brandr's mind began to whir with possibilities.
***SECTION BREAK***
"You know," he said, his voice casual but deliberate, "I'm heading to Honningdal tomorrow." His tone grew smooth as he continued, "It's a beautiful settlement, just a daylong sail from here. Fields of flowers as far as the eye can see, and the sweetest honey you've ever tasted." He winked at Astrid, who blushed prettily.
"Honey?" Sigrida asked, her interest stirred despite her attempts to remain aloof.
Brandr turned to her, his smile widening. "Oh yes, the bees of Honningdal are legendary. They say the flowers there are touched by Freyja herself." He leaned in conspiratorially, reveling in the girls' rapt attention. "Some even claim the honey has magical properties. Healing, luck... love."
Astrid giggled softly, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.
Encouraged by their reactions, Brandr's mind raced with possibilities. This journey could be more than just another adventure - it could be a chance to gather insight for his father while indulging in the company of these intriguing newcomers. He glanced at Erik, a subtle challenge in his eyes. Perhaps, he thought, he could also loosen the protective hold this hirdman seemed to have over the pretty girls, allowing him to get to know them better without interference.
"I need to pick up some honey and herbs there for our stores at my father’s fortress," Brandr continued, keeping his tone casual. “The honey and herbs from Honningdal are perfect for our mead-making." He leaned in, his eyes twinkling with invitation. "Why don't you join me on this trip? It'll be quick, but perfect if you’re seeking a taste of adventure.”
He then turned to Erik, noting the man's tense posture. "I'll need someone with your skills to help navigate and keep an eye on things," Brandr said, his tone respectful. "It's a short journey, but your expertise would be invaluable."
Brandr's gaze swept over the entire group, a calculating gleam in his eye. "And of course, I'll pay you all for your efforts."
Erik's brow furrowed, clearly torn between his secret plan to return the girls to Skogstrand soon and the opportunity this trip presented. Brandr, sensing the internal conflict, said, "It's just a two-day trip. Plenty of time to get back for any... further travel."
Astrid's eyes lit up at the prospect. "Oh, Erik, can we? It sounds wonderful!" Sigrida nodded eagerly in agreement.
Erik hesitated, weighing the girls' excitement against his duty to Torbjorn. Perhaps, he thought, this short excursion could satisfy their thirst for adventure, making it easier to convince them to return home afterward.
"What do you say?" Brandr asked, his gaze moving between the three of them. "A chance to see a bit more of the world, earn some coin, and have a little adventure along the way?"
Astrid's eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh, Erik, we have to go! Imagine the fun we’ll have! And we could really use the money, now that I’ve spent all of mine on the amulets."
Erik's eyes widened slightly at Astrid's candid admission, but he quickly schooled his features. "Astrid," he said quietly, a note of caution in his voice.
Sigrida nodded eagerly, despite Erik’s caution. "The flowers... and the honey. It all sounds so beautiful."
Brandr grinned, knowing he had them hooked. "And who knows? Maybe we'll discover some hidden treasures along the way. The gods favor the bold, after all."
Erik felt a twinge of unease at the way Brandr so easily captivated the girls but couldn’t deny the appeal of Brandr’s offer. His eyes narrowed slightly as he assessed the situation. They'd been gone three days already, and it would take another two to get back to Skogstrand. This detour would complicate matters, but he reasoned it might work in his favor. The girls could have their taste of adventure under his watchful eye, safe from Brandr's superficial charms. And they'd still make it back in time for the wedding.
Erik's mind raced, weighing the risks against the potential benefits. A short trip could satisfy the girls' curiosity without straying too far from their eventual return home. Plus, he'd be there to ensure Brandr's honeyed words didn't lead them astray.
Sensing Erik's hesitation, Brandr emphasized the brevity of the journey. "It will be a quick and tidy trip, I assure you."
Astrid's eyes were already lit up, her face radiant with excitement. "Oh, Erik, we must go!" she pleaded, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "This is exactly the kind of adventure we dreamed of! And think how much we'll learn about working together as a team."
Sigrida’s eyes brightened as she looked at Erik. "Just like the dolphins!" she gasped, recalling their earlier encounter with the playful sea creatures.
Erik glanced between the two girls, their shared excitement radiated. He felt a mix of reluctance and curiosity, the pull of adventure warring with his sense of caution. His gaze lingered on Astrid's flushed face, her smile infectious and impossible to ignore. He found himself unable to deny her this moment of happiness, reasoning that a short trip could do no real harm.
After a moment's consideration, Erik finally nodded. "Alright," he said, a small smile of his own tugging at his lips. "We'll join you on this journey."
The girls exchanged triumphant looks, while Brandr's satisfied grin widened. "Excellent," he said, clapping his hands together. "We'll meet at the docks tomorrow morning. Rest well, my new friends. Our adventure to Honningdal awaits!"