Summer, 1000 AD

Somewhere on the Labrador Sea

The Valarian and it’s occupants, 40 plus warriors, along with 50 oarsmen, all of them slaves, carried them closer and closer to the enemy Viking ship. When their craft was a little less than a kilometer away, Bjorn, who had been speaking to Rye, heard his name being called. He turned his head and seeing it was his Captain, quickly made his way over to the Icelander.

Leif was looking through a spyglass, a cylindrical telescopic device which he had obtained during his last trading expedition. He said, removing his eye from the lens, “Bjorn, when we get close enough, I want you to take Rye and the both of you enter the sea. You will swim around Rollo’s craft and then climb on board on the opposite side. Take any additional weapons because you will surely need them.” Luckily, It was a calm day at sea, Leif thought. Otherwise it could be extremely dangerous entering the ocean.

Bjorn said, “Aye Captain,” and then motioned to Rye to join them.

As Rye walked over, Leif said, “Rye, you and Bjorn will enter the craft from the water. Your first priority is Rollo himself.”

“My pleasure Captain,” Rye said, with a determined look on his face.

Bjorn looked at the man and thought he didn’t blame him at all. If Rye didn’t kill Rollo, then he himself would kill him for taking his woman and those of his clan.

But Rye had even more of a reason. When they’d left Greenland in pursuit of the rogues, Rye had finally offered an explanation to Bjorn and their Captain, on why he had betrayed his clan and now served under Leif’s command.

Rollo had been responsible for the death of his wife Britta and his child 1 year ago. At that time, Rye was a simple man who farmed mostly. He and his wife lived a fairly calm life in their village in Denmark and one day while he was away hunting, he returned to find the village burning.

Most of the men were slaughtered with the women and children missing, but his own wife and 1 year old daughter lay dead in the middle of the street. From the appearance of their bodies he could tell that they were killed from being trampled by most likely his own people who had been fleeing for their lives. His twenty-three year old wife had been sickly for the past year which made this even harder for Rye to bare but his beautiful little daughter Astrid had been healthy and happy and then suddenly she was dead, her whole life snuffed out in a matter of minutes.

Rye had been filled with a murderous rage and set about finding out who had done this. It didn’t take long for him to discover who the guilty were. A few of the slaves had escaped and hidden themselves in the hills and they told him that it was a Viking clan led by the fearsome Rollo. Rye concentrated then on his plan to exact revenge for the death of his loved ones and eventually tracked down the clan. It took him three months to find them, and during that time he worked on improving his physical strength and also practicing with his sword and other weapons.

The day he found Rollo’s clan they were packing up to leave on an expedition to Norway. He found out through word of mouth that Rollo was looking for additional men, fighters, warriors to be exact.

Rye approached him and told him he was interested in joining him. Rollo of course as he did with all new recruits had him fight with the sword against one of his own men. It was to be a fight to the death.

Rye was the victor and spared the man’s life, telling Rollo, that perhaps the best way to get additional men was not to kill off any of the men who already were under his command. Rollo upon hearing that threw back his ugly head and laughed and said, “I like you Rye! You are a smart fellow and good with the sword too!”

So Rye had joined them waiting for the opportunity to get his revenge. All was quiet for the next year, there had been no raids and life in Denmark was peaceful. Then came the day when they were attacked by Vikings led by Erik the Red. Both Rollo and most of his warriors, Rye being one of them, had been away that day and when they returned they found many of their slaves and women were gone and the few remaining warriors had been slain. Of course there were a few who had hidden to tell the tale later.

When Rollo found out that Erik the Red was responsible he planned on getting revenge and also getting his servant Tasha back. Rye knew of the young slave girl and thought her quite lovely at the time but he had steeled himself against love and women’s charms and kept to himself as he was not really part of this clan and was waiting for his opportunity to destroy Rollo.

Approximately eight months later Rollo was preparing a huge expedition. This time the Viking told his men, he was sure he would locate Erik the Red and his clan, having heard tales that there was a land to the West which is where Erik was said to have settled.

Leaving with his slaves and a full ship and supplies, one month later and they’d arrived at the shores of Greenland. However most of the island had simple natives and they could not find any trace of the Viking’s clan.

Once fortified and rested they sailed around the southern most tip of the island and one month later they arrived. It was at night time and they could see the torches from the village. Quietly they waited, their longboat hidden by the trees.

At dawn, Rollo sent scouts in a small boat to wait and report when it would be safe to attack. At around 1pm the next day the scouts returned and said the men were off near the woods doing practice routines. Rollo was elated and knew revenge was soon to be his, as the ship silently moved closer to the camp. Then he and some of his warriors used the small boat and finally made land while others swam the distance.

Rye knew that now had come his chance. He had heard of Erik the Red and his son Leif Eriksson, and knew theirs were basically a good decent clan only using violence if need be, to take what was theirs or to defend their home and their people. So seeing his opportunity he then in the midst of battle had killed one of the warriors who had been ready to attack the Viking Captain.

Bjorn as he stood there now, thought to himself that he and Rye were similar. They had both lost their wives a year ago and their baby daughters. He felt somehow bonded to this tall brown eyed stranger and later had told Rye what had happened to his wife a year ago. He also told him that he had recently found someone that he cared for. Rye had told him then he knew of the girl Tasha and said he was a fortunate man.

Bjorn said, “You need a woman in your life Rye, for a woman can tame the hatred and the savage beast that is in all men.”

Rye’s reply was that he had not found another woman yet but admitted to Bjorn that he was lonely, but until he settled this score with Rollo he could not think of such things.

As Rye and Bjorn prepared themselves, sticking extra knives in their belts and placing their helmets on, and as the craft drew closer to the enemies craft, they quietly slipped into the ocean. Both Rye and Bjorn were good swimmers, especially underwater and quickly, as shouts from the enemy’s boat could be heard they dove beneath the surface of the water and soon came up on the other side of Rollo’s ship.

Pandemonium had broken out as Leif’s ship was but a stone’s throw away and Rollo and his men were throwing spears at Leif’s men in rapid succession, while Leif and his warriors were holding their shields high to deflect them. Then several of Leif’s warriors threw their own spears at the enemy.

Suddenly a fire bomb catapulted through the air and landed on the Valarian and quickly slaves ran to put out the fire dousing it with buckets of sea water.

Then a barrage of arrows were shot from Rollo’s archers and Leif’s archers returned with their own arrows, striking with deadly accuracy.

Bjorn and Rye in the meantime, quietly climbed up the ropes which were hanging over the side of the craft. Most all of Rollo’s men were on the far side of the boat and not one of them was looking their way.

Suddenly one of the warriors turned to gather another spear but Bjorn’s sword sliced his head off neatly.

Rye and Bjorn both started to attack then as Rollo shouted at his men to kill the barbarians from his stance at the prow of the ship. At that point Leif’s longboat was side by side the other craft and he and his men poured into the enemies boat, axes and swords swinging, as the fighting began in earnest....

Monday, July 16th

Cape Neddick, Maine

Alexis had just taken a shower and was preparing for bed. She had just got off the phone with Bon and was really missing him now and he had assured her he missed her like crazy and couldn’t wait to be with her. They’d pretty much indulged in phone sex and the experience was new to Alexis but she had to admit it was something that sufficed in a pinch.

Walking from the bathroom into her bedroom she went over to her dresser and picked up her birth control package. Just as she did so she heard the sound of a dog barking coming from outside.

Still holding her b.c. pills she went over to her open balcony door and stepped outside. Walking over to the railing she could see the terrace below and then heard a cat meow loudly. She could vaguely see a large black dog running around.

Setting her pills down on the railing, she yelled, “Hey you mangy mutt! Get the hell out of here!” She clapped both hands to scare it away.

The dog stopped and looked up and she saw it’s eyes glimmer as the moonlight reflected off of them. But then the dog headed into her garden.

Furious Alexis turned and upon doing so accidentally knocked her packet of pills from the railing and they fell and hit the pavement below.

“Shit!” she exclaimed and turning back into the room she grabbed her robe and hurried downstairs to the door at the end of the hallway. Flicking on additional lights, she stepped outside but she could not find her birth control package. Oh my God she thought. What if that stupid hound ran off with them? She very carefully searched and after awhile she saw Moody come walking out of the garden and noticed that he was limping.

She ran over to him and picked him up and took him inside then. After looking at his foot she noticed a small wound which was bleeding. She gently felt his foot but didn’t find any broken bones. After a few seconds, she placed her fingers against the wound and waited, but nothing happened. It was still bleeding. Alexis felt confused. Why wasn’t her healing ability working, she wondered?

After trying it again with the same results, and feeling even more confused, she picked him up and then took him to the bathroom where she had first aid. Gently she wiped at his wound with peroxide as he lay there staring at her with his solemn eyes. “What happened baby? Did that stupid old dog hurt you?”

She bandaged up his foot as best as she could and then took him back out to the kitchen and gave him some of his favorite tuna.

Then taking her flashlight she went back onto the terrace, searching for her pills. She finally looked in the garden but found no trace of dog or pills. After twenty minutes she gave it up. She could not find her birth control packet anywhere!

That dog must have taken it, she thought. She walked around her property for awhile but never saw the dog again. She would call animal control in the morning as unleashed dogs were against the law here in Cape Neddick.

Walking back into the house she then dialed the pharmacy to get a refill on her pills. The pharmacy told her it would be ready in twenty minutes and after she was dressed she left then on her way to the drugstore.

******

It was good to be home, Ronnie thought as she prepared for bed. She had loved staying with Alexis but she missed her home it was true. After she’d come back earlier that day she set about grabbing some boxes from her garage and packed anything of Jimmy that she could find, as she wanted none of his stuff in her house.

She even threw away photos of them together. The only other things she found though were mementos they’d bought together and a few of his guitar pics and strings scattered here and there. He had pretty much taken most of his stuff she was relieved to find out.

Just as she was about to climb into her bed, her cell phone rang. She grabbed it off of her nightstand and saw Dane Blis... on the caller ID. Smiling she said, “Hi Dane!”

“Ronnie?” Dave said, “Hey beautiful, what’s happening?”

As they continued to chat Ronnie settled herself comfortably on her bed and started telling him all about her day....

******

Alexis left the pharmacy and headed home. It was already 11:30pm but the drugstore was open 24 hours a day, luckily for her.

Pulling into her driveway she pressed her remote for the garage and pulled her Porsche inside. Then entering the house she went upstairs to her room, and got undressed for bed. She found the right day on the pack and removed the pill popping it into her mouth and washing it down with water from her glass on the nightstand.

Then she climbed into bed and in a few minutes fell quickly asleep.

******

The battle continued on board the enemy craft and eventually fires broke out as slaves rushed to douse them as best as they could. Many of Rollo’s clan lay dead, but Rollo himself was nowhere to be seen.

Some of Leif’s men including Bjorn went over to their own slaves and women who were cowering underneath the overhang.

Bjorn saw Tasha and quickly cut her bonds and removed the rag from her mouth. She said, “Oh Bjorn, thank the Gods that you are here!” He pulled her into his arms then and kissed her soundly. Then he picked her up and took her over to the side of the boat handing her over to one of the slaves. He told him to put her on their ship and the slave climbed down the ropes with her helping her into the small rowboat and then rowed over to the Valerian which was but a few feet away.

Bjorn then turned back and saw that the enemy warriors all lay dead. Leif and his men then removed the rest of their own slaves and captives putting them aboard their own vessel, and then thoroughly searched the ship to see if they could locate Rollo. Not finding him the warriors left, climbing back aboard their own vessel and soon it sailed away heading due Southwest, leaving the still smoking enemy ship behind.

Leif informed Bjorn and Rye that he was continuing onward to the land mass they could all see that lay in the distance, as part of the Valarian needed repairs.

As the rowers diligently moved the boat forward Bjorn found Tasha in a corner by the helm sitting with the other slaves. He took her with him to a more private part of the ship behind the rowers and sat with her for a moment or two. ’Are you okay my sweet?” he asked her his fingers stroking her hair. “He did not hurt you did he?”

“No, Bjorn, he did not,” she replied and then his mouth covered hers kissing her deeply.

As Leif called him he said to her, ’We are heading for lands unknown my beauty as the Captain needs to repair the ship. I must go but I will come back awhile later and see how you are fairing.”

He handed her his flask of water and she drank greedily. Then he kissed her once more and walked over towards the front part of the vessel.

The next morning as Tasha woke up in a cramped position against the side of the boat, she looked for Bjorn. She saw him talking to Captain Eriksson near the front.

Suddenly a dark haired man walked over to her. He was a warrior she saw but was not quite as big as Bjorn or some of the others. He knelt down and held out his hand. “You are Tasha,” the man said. “My name is Ryden Sorenson. I once lived in the same village that you lived in when you were serving under the snake Rollo.”

Tasha vaguely remembered him now. He was always pretty quiet she remembered and she had never seen any women with him. She went to grab his hand and he took hers and raised it to his lips briefly.

She said, “You were one of Rollo’s men then, Rye, yet you serve Captain Eriksson now.” She looked confused.

Rye told her the story that he had previously told Leif and Bjorn. He said, “I feel like I failed though, as Rollo managed to escape when we were fighting. Unless of course he was injured or killed and the ocean swallowed him up.”

Afterwards Tasha seemed moved and said, “I understand and I am so sorry you lost your loved ones Rye. I too lost my Mother over a year ago in an accident the day I came to live in this clan.” She told him the story and then said, “Let us hope that Rollo is dead and that he will not murder, rape or plunder again.”

Suddenly someone shouted and they both stood and looked out over the boat. The land mass was closer to them now, but it was not that which everyone’s eyes were focused on. What they were looking at was another ship, which was less than a league away.

Rye told Tasha he must go and join the Captain and they would talk later. As Rye walked over, Leif was looking through his spyglass again. He said as he watched, “It is pirates! I cannot quite make out their insignia however.” He was quiet for a second then said, “The ship appears to be heading landwards as well.” He then lowered the spyglass, closing it told his men to ready the small boat.

Kronos’ Estate,

Titania, The Realm

Kronos thanked Scout and then set him aside. He disappeared then and reappeared in front of Eos citadel.

Entering the structure he went to her study and found her there talking to both Adonis and Aphrodite.

Eos, seeing the look on his face said, “Yes, the mission is going along perfectly Adonis. We will keep you and Aphrodite informed of future developments,” she said signaling the end of the meeting.

Adonis and Aphrodite both nodded and then turned to Kronos, greeting him.

Then the couple disappeared heading back to their home as Eos said, ’What have you found Kronos? Have you found their location?”

“I have,” Kronos stated. “Scout’s data indicates that both ships are heading towards what is known in earth’s current time as Canada. I looked at the block at the current time in Bjorn’s period and it showed that Captain Eriksson’s ship had caught up with Rollo’s. There was a battle and the Captain and his men were victorious and able to rescue their slaves, as well as Tasha.”

Eos breathed a sigh of relief then.

“The Valarian is now headed towards Newfoundland. It is my guess that the ship suffered some damage, so it seems likely, that would be the reason Captain Eriksson is continuing onwards. However, there is further cause for concern Eos,” he told her, his tone serious. “The last thing I saw on the screen was another ship, ahead of theirs.”

“Another ship?” Eos asked. “What do you mean? Another Viking ship perhaps?”

“Yes and no,” Kronos stated. “I zoomed in the viewer and it is pirates. Not just any pirates, I’m afraid. It is the dreaded Slavic Viking pirates, led by the murderous Blackheart. I saw his insignia and then Scout later provided data. This particular pirate gang is notorious for their acts of death and destruction. They pillage, rape and murder and show no mercy,” he informed her .

Eos looked dismayed and said, “Kronos we need to get Thalia out of there before the two ships go into battle.”

“I have the coordinates now,” he said, “but you will remain here Goddess.”

“I disagree!” Eos said rising from her chair. “We have been in this together from the beginning Kronos and I insist upon going with you, this time!” she told him her face set.

“What is the point Goddess?” Kronos asked her. “What good can you do by coming along? I know what I need to do, now allow me go and get your daughter back!” His face was kind yet his tone was firm.

“And what if Thalia does not want to return, Kronos?” Eos asked. “What then? Do you not think you might need me in case of that happening, so that I can persuade her to come back?”

Kronos was quiet for a moment then said, “I admit I see the logic of your argument. Alright Eos, you have convinced me, now let us go to my chambers to ready ourselves for the trip.”

Both of them disappeared then and reappeared in Kronos study a split second later.

Tuesday, July 17th

Los Angeles, California

Olivia and Rye were sitting out on his terrace enjoying the beautiful California sunshine while it lasted. Temps were in the low eighties and they were having breakfast under an umbrella table.

His housekeeper, Maggie had prepared a sumptuous breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage links, toast, sliced fruits, juice and coffee.

As they ate, Rye said, “So it should be fun taking Evie to the zoo today.”

Olivia looked at him and laughed.

“What?” Rye asked taking a bite of his omelet. “Hey I like animals. What? You find that funny?”

“No, no,” Olivia said, “I think it’s cool sweetie. So what’s your favorite wild animal?”

“I kinda like the wildcats,” Rye said. “I don’t know, I think the cougar is my favorite. Because of their beautiful faces,” he said, staring into her own. “You remind me of a cougar.” He smiled at her.

“Oh? In what way?” she asked fishing.

“Your eyes mostly,” he replied, “but they have light colored fur too and they’re very beautiful animals yet they can also be very dangerous.”

Olivia lost her smile then and her face looked unsure.

“Hey,” Rye said reaching over and taking her hand.

“Are you saying that I’m dangerous?” she asked him looking a bit put out.

“Yeah,” Rye said, “but only in a naughty kind of way.” He chuckled.

Her face lost it’s look of annoyance as she smiled, ’Oh,” she said. “That kind of dangerous.” She wiped her mouth gently with a napkin and taking a quick sip of her coffee she then walked around the table to where Rye was sitting as he slid his chair out. He then pulled her down onto his lap as he kissed her gently. She ruffled his hair and said, “How much time do we have before we have to go get Ava?”

“Bout a half hour,” Rye answered.

“That’ll do,” Olivia said and got up and took his hand pulling him to his feet. As they walked back into the house Rye said, “But we haven’t finished breakfast!”

“We’ll get something later,” she said as they both headed upstairs.

******

Blackheart the pirate was watching the approaching ship thinking, the fools, don’t they know who I am? He recognized the insignia though suddenly. It was the Viking Clan led by the Icelander, Leif Eriksson. The man was famous mostly because of his father having discovered Greenland or so the tale had been told. None of it impressed Blackheart however.

Just then his first mate came up and said, “Captain the ship is fast approaching. It is the Vikings led by the explorer, Leif Eriksson! His ship the Valarian is a much larger craft then ours and will overtake us soon!”

Blackheart quickly backhanded the shorter man almost knocking him to his feet. “You tell me things I already know Orgo! Gather the flame throwers together, at once!”

As Orgo, his first mate scrambled to follow his Captain’s orders, the pirate Captain looked through his spyglass at the fast approaching craft, which was approximately a kilometer away. He saw the tall blond Viking Captain, talking to one of his warriors, a fairly tall well built man. Watching he saw the man go to the back of the boat and then as Blackheart spied a lovely wench he steadied the spyglass upon her.

She was simply delectable Blackheart thought. He saw the warrior bend his head briefly and bestow a kiss on her perfect mouth. So, he thought, she belongs to the warrior. But whatever was she doing on board the Viking’s ship he wondered?

No matter he thought, for she will soon belong to me. He turned then and shouted orders to his rowers.

Leif’s ship was closer now, almost a kilometer from the pirates ship. Leif had just informed his men that he now recognized the pirate insignia. There was no missing the death skull with the bloody sword piercing it, he told them.

It was Blackheart and his rogues. What was worse was the pirate ship seemed to be heading for the Valarian he told them. He was about to order Bjorn and a couple of others to take Tasha and his other slaves and women to a hidden compartment below the prow of the ship when suddenly Bjorn yelled, “FIRE ATTACK, SHIELDS MEN!!!”

The warriors on the side facing the other ship raised their shields as the rowers stopped and stared in horror as the projectile flew across the distance and missed their craft by only several feet.

Leif shouted at the rowers to resume their duties and as the men raised the oars again, suddenly everything froze.

Another fire bomb which had been thrown, froze into the sky. The water dripping from each of the oars of the longboat hung, suspended in mid air. A flock of birds flying overhead stood still in the sky and even the ocean waves themselves froze. Leif had been in mid speech to Bjorn and the two men stood still as statues as were everyone else, with the exception of Tasha.

Kronos and Eos stood there and then seeing Tasha made their way over to her.

Tasha seeing the couple approach stood and said, “I am not going with you, Kronos.”

Eos said, “Thalia, you must come with us, you agreed to the terms.”

“I will not leave Bjorn when he and his clan are about to be attacked by an enemy pirate ship!” she said forcefully and sat back down.

Eos looked at Kronos, as he said, “Thalia my dear, even if you were to stay you could not guarantee that Bjorn would be safe. We must take you with us for if your Tasha self dies, you will be immediately returned to Alexandria’s body,” Kronos warned her.

“Which is all the more reason for me to stay!” She stared at them stubbornly and said, “I have healing abilities and if Bjorn is injured I intend to use them. But if he dies then he will die in my arms, with my kiss on his lips!” A tear trailed out of her eye then.

“You love him,” Eos questioned, “don’t you?”

Thalia turned her head looking over at Bjorn, and realized her Mother was correct. “Yes, in the short amount of time that we have been with each other I have fallen in love with him and I must try and protect him Mother. Please! Give me more time!” she begged.

“And what about Bon Vincent in the present?” Her mother asked her.

Thalia hesitated and then said she loved him too, but that her heart belonged to Bjorn in this time.

Kronos looked at Eos and she nodded slightly. He said, “Alright Thalia we will give you one more day, but on the evening of the morrow we will return again and you must go back with us then. Do you agree?”

Thalia nodded and then abruptly they both disappeared and a second later, time started again, as the fire bomb this time hit the center of the boat in the midst of the rowers.

As one of the rower’s caught fire, Leif’s slaves who had been put to work, filling several buckets with seawater, quickly doused the man. Two of the slaves then removed him and took him down below to see to his injuries as another slave took his place on the row bench.

Leif called to several of his servants to take the women to the slave quarters below and as they hurried and did his bidding, suddenly a barrage of arrows headed for the Valarian as the men put up their shields.

However again one of the slaves who had been standing by the far side of the ship handing spears to several of the warriors was struck and he fell into the sea as another slave quickly took his place.

The small boat was launched then as several of Leif’s warriors arming themselves with shields, swords, spears, bows and arrows quickly advanced on the pirate ship which was but a few yards away. They were too close now to the rogues for the flamethrowers to do any damage much to the Vikings relief. However, several pirates threw their spears but Leif’s men held up their shields deflecting them. Several of Leif’s own men quickly stood and threw their own spears killing a number of the enemy who fell into the sea.

Soon they had reached the pirate ship’s side and as several of Blackheart’s men jumped down into the Vikings boat they were killed with undue haste before they had even touched the boat, as Leif’s men threw another barrage of spears. The warriors in the small boat quickly tossed the bodies into the water.

Then they very expertly and rapidly climbed the ropes stopping occasionally to use small rapiers to cut down anyone that they came in contact with. Soon several of them made it to the deck and pirates and Vikings then met in hand to hand combat using swords and axes.

Bjorn and Rye however did their sneak attack again and had swam underwater to the other side of the pirate ship. They showed up seconds later after their warrior brothers had made it to the deck of the boat, and taking several of the pirates by surprise they struck with their swords and axes as the enemy fell at their feet.

Bjorn however saw the leader, Blackheart standing up on top of the prow and quickly fought his way over.

Blackheart, looking his way quickly removed his sword as he saw the muscular warrior approaching. He waited thinking it would give him immense pleasure to kill the man, as then the woman would be easy pickings.

As Bjorn made it up to the top of the prow, Blackheart lunged at him and the men began fighting, their swords clanking and shooting sparks, the noise adding to the sounds of the battle.

Blackheart was skilled with the sword but Bjorn was even more so. As he lunged and would have sliced the man in half, suddenly one of the pirate’s men snuck up behind Bjorn and was about to attack when Rye upon seeing this, threw his axe directly into the man’s back and the rogue crumbled. As Bjorn turned his head slightly hearing the noise of the body dropping behind him, Blackheart seized this opportunity as he struck with his sword and sliced into Bjorn’s shoulder.

Tasha and the slaves who had been watching from the Valarian’s deck saw Bjorn get struck and she cried out, “Bjorn!” But her cries were lost in the loud sounds of the battle.

Bjorn whirled and then dodged a new thrust from Blackheart’s sword and then swung out and struck the man’s sword arm, neatly cutting off the pirate’s hand at the wrist. The pirate screamed in pain and sunk to his knees then, grabbing his wounded arm as blood spurted everywhere.

As Bjorn turned to go, Blackheart living up to his name, suddenly pulled a dagger from under his jacket and made to throw it but Rye covering Bjorn’s back once again even though he was still involved in his own combat cried a warning.

Bjorn turned and then struck with his blade, aiming with deadly accuracy and sliced Blackheart’s head clean off! The pirate’s body fell to the deck as Bjorn then sheathed his sword, staring at the head of the man who’s eyes were open, and staring.

Blackheart was dead he realized and would no longer raid and terrorize ever again.