Chapter 7: Daddy

"That's it, we're getting ourselves some weapons." Ragnar spat out in anger after watching the men run away.

Never had he felt as vulnerable as he had in the last encounter.

"Thorkell, Eve, we're going to the blacksmith before he heads off to the tavern as well."

A classic medieval smithy was in front of their eyes. They approached the smithy to the sound of loud strikes. Hammer's being struck against metal, and a furnace blowing sparks and heat out into the air.

As the trio walked into the shop, a soot-covered man in crutches approached them. The man gave them a toothy grin and introduced them to his shop.

"Welcome to Bjorn's smithy. What can I do for ye today? Ah milady, I see you've decided to come to my shop today as well? Is the Baron looking for my services?

Eve hid her disgust as she covered her mouth and feigned laughter.

"Oh gods no, I'm here to accompany Ragnar and his brother for their purchase of real weapons. Now that war will be upon us soon, they'll need to switch from training swords."

Bjorn heard this, and his eye's lit up in joy. War meant more trade for his smithy and an opportunity to make money.

As such, he rubbed his palms together in reply, "Real swords, I hear? Those are quite expensive, you know? The most common weapon used among Vikings and Norman's is the axe. Only famous Jarls with big coffers spend money on frivolous expenses such as a showpiece sword. A hereditary sword passed down from one generation to the next. You usually don't see swords among our kind that often. Due to steel and iron being such rare commodities. I'd be willing to make one for ye, but it will cost a pretty penny."

Ragnar heard this with a nod. As he expected, the current medieval age iron mines were only at the shallow mining level. Due to drainage issues, they couldn't go further down into the ground to collect more iron. It would be the perfect opportunity for him to come in and capitalize on the market. Also, the lack of dynamite and other explosives made their mining dreadfully slow and expensive.

A glint of greed came and went before Ragnar controlled himself. "That should be alright Bjorn, I'd like to commission a sword paid for by my father, Marshal Harald. And two large axes for my brother Thorkell over here."

Bjorn nodded; Thorkell did look like Eric Bloodaxe. The battle crazed Norwegian King, one of the most famous names in Viking history.

"Alright, If you want a sword, there are the main Frankish swords that are being distributed around Europe by a select few. I may be able to commission such a sword. It is a flat blade with sharp edges on both sides. It has a pommel shaped in a series of three or five lobes."

Ragnar looked at the man, dissatisfied, "I don't want early medieval era swords. I'll come back with a blueprint on what I'd like commissioned tomorrow. Hopefully, it inspires you into creating a unique sword in this era. One that inspires fear in their opponents."

Bjorn looked at the man in confusion and thought about what was just said before erupting with laughter.

"Early medieval era swords? Young man, this is the latest and newest type of sword. Some of these Frankish swords are fabled for massive Viking men such as yourself. Knock yourself out of the park my boy. If you come back with a design better than the ones already in circulation, I'll commission it to you for free."

Ragnar smirked at the open challenge. Looping his thumbs into his belt, he replied, "Sure, I'll take you up on that challenge. I'll be back tomorrow with a design in hand."

Bjorn laughed at the silly childish drivel he had just heard. "Alright, Thorkell, was it? Come, let me show you what axes we have on offer."

Thorkell moved up with a smile on his face and started to discuss terms for the axe purchase.

Ragnar to this opportunity and stepped out into the night sky with Eve alongside him.

Eve walked ahead of him before turning around and halting.

"What do you mean, you'll create a blueprint on the type of sword you desire? When did you get into swordsmithing?"

Ragnar looked down at Eve and smirked.

"It's a passion of mine that I've been developing in secret." And what he said was, in fact, true. In his past life as Algren, there wasn't much he could do to fill up his time in between missions. It was not like they had internet out in the Iraqi outbacks during their five years on duty. What Algren used to do to fill up time would be to carry several History books on medieval era warfare and weaponry. He had a general idea of what he wanted to be commissioned. He'd just have to figure out the specifics soon.

With this in mind, he looked at Eve and wondered what he should do with this vixen. It was very clear that she had some nefarious intent with the way she kept looking at them and giggling.

He would have to deal with her sooner or later, but at this moment, he needed to rest and start introducing a training regime to get stronger. His large body would need tremendous nutrition if he intended to remain strong. The day under sweating sickness had already left his body relatively weak, and he needed to be back up to peak condition before raiders returned to their lands.

"Come Eve, let's drop you back at the manner. Wouldn't dream of leaving you alone to get accosted by heathens. Come." He stuck his elbow out as they walked back towards the manner.

During their short walk, they chatted amicably about various things, refreshing Ragnar's memory of his childhood and what Ragnar was like before he took his place. They laughed and joked around as Ragnar poked fun at all the times Eve would anger her father.

Eve pouted in reply. "Ragnar, you've been impossibly dense. What are your intentions with me?"

Ragnar narrowed his eyes. He knew the moment was coming. It always was with these types of women. The where do we stand question would eventually pop up. His past actions as Ragnar had finally come to bite him in the butt, and it was time to set things straight with Eve.

Ragnar halted their walk and grabbed Eve by the waist as he led her into a side alley.

He flipped her to face him and stared into those wide eyes. "What are my intentions? I've yet to find out. Don't think I haven't noticed that devious mind of yours churning away some scheme to get us to do your bidding."

He slowly spread his massive palm across her neck. He started to squeeze before coming in close and whispering menacingly in her ear. "If you ever decide to do anything that goes against what I have planned for my family. I'll ensure that you're in a world of hurt. Do you understand?"

Ragnar eased his palm to allow for a reply.

"Yes, daddy." Eve replied with her almond-shaped eyes glazed over in desire.

Ragnar growled in reply, but he was a man of discipline.

"Good, We're almost near the manor now. You can head on back by yourself." Ragnar's gravely voice left Eve soaked.

"Oh, this bastard's good." Eve moaned as she watched Ragnar's massive back disappear into the night.

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