Chapter 9: Ruby Signet

Marshal Harald, knew the perils of war, and had smartly made his two sons abstain from such brutality until he deemed them worthy unto battle. As such, he had created two experienced fighters who were in peak shape and fighting condition. His two sons would carry on his legacy and hopefully become well renowned in the eyes of Odin, Thor and Freya.

Even though outwardly perceived as cold and authoritative, his goal was a well-thought-out plan that he had created to ensure the continuation of his legacy. God forbid he ever got injured; he'd want his sons with the best resources and access that money can buy. Which was why he'd already started introducing his sons to the Baron, getting them acquainted to serving their Lord, be that in whatever manner he saw fit.

Of course, this was not his end goal. But for now, Harald snapped out of his stupor and snapped at the two boys before him.

"Begin."

The boys relaxed as they had always been taught. Loose and fluid was what was drilled into them. Deep breaths interrupted the silence as Ragnar and Thorkell sucked in oxygen to fuel their blood cells and artificially create a hyper-focused environment.

Ragnar used this brief reprieve as information from all his previous spars came flooding into his mind. The years of training, the brutality that his father had made them watch. The brutalities of war, beheadings and the crush of people in the center of what was medieval warfare. The tactics his father talked of, what to do in certain situations.

All of it came rushing in like the ring of a bell.

To Ragnar, it felt like time had slowed down as the two men circled each other with dull blades like leopards stalking their prey, waiting for the other to lunge first.

Thorkell was first to strike, uncoiling with an accuracy of a snake, making a lunge followed by a low sweep to the legs. Ragnar swung his blade down to intercept, their blades clanging together, causing Ragnar's hand to go numb momentarily. Sparks flew in the air as Ragnar parried and followed into a riposte, going for Thorkell's neck. Thorkell leaned back and out of the range of the riposte, off-balance. It was now Ragnar's chance to go in for the kill. He brought his sword back and centered himself before using all his strength to go for Thorkell's midriff.

"Enough."

Ragnar stopped his blade right at Thorkell's midsection.

Harald looked at the display with dissatisfaction. "If this were a battle, you would be sent straight to Valhalla unless you had some expensive mail armor protecting that section. Even then, the impact would break a rib or two. Severely hampering your ability to continue, Thorkell."

"War waits for no man. Especially when injured, it will suddenly seem like everyone is targeting you. Trying to end your life quickly so that they have one less man to deal with. You must be impervious in the face of war. Keep a poker face on you at all times, and it will save your life when the time comes."

Harald's face became one of grave concern.

Ragnar noticed his father beckon them closer. Walking up to the huddle, Harald whispered out in a tone of urgency.

"We have news that the Danes are coming back earlier than expected. Rough seas have forced many of their ships back to shore. Hundreds, if not thousands of such Danes, will shortly be across the Frankish shore. Your training comes to an end at the start of this war. I have indulged you enough, protected you for long enough."

Harald came up close; his emerald eyes boring into Ragnar and Thorkell. as he put his hands on both his sons, he proudly exclaimed

"Both of you are rival to none. I have never seen such size and strength come from a single man. I am fortunate to have married Helga, for she has given me the strongest warriors. Warriors that will bring glory to our Sigvald family name."

Harald smiled before he fished a small chest out of his pocket and proffered it to the boys.

"A gift for your first battle."

Ragnar grabbed the wooden box slowly, noticing the intricate engravings on the front of the box. He unlatched the metal hooks and opened it to reveal two detailed rings, both with a ruby gem embedded in it."

Harald noticed the gazes of his sons and chuckled.

"Our family signet, it is a sign of our authority. And now you wield the power of the Sigvald family."

Ragnar looked at Thorkell, starstruck as he slid the ruby embossed ring onto his finger. The ruby gemstone had the Sigvald family crest engraved in it. A single sword, tip pointed towards the sky with wings hugging the blade tight in their embrace.

The three of them stood in silence as Ragnar wondered about his new family's heritage.

He tossed away those thoughts and brought his father in for a hug. The smell of meat and sweat wafting into his nose.

"It is an amazing gift, father. I will do you proud defending the Baron's lands."

A glint came across Harald before he seethed into Ragnar's ears. "These lands are rightfully ours!"

Just as the outburst came, Harald controlled himself.

"But, that is a conversation for another day. For now, we focus on the task at hand."

Ragnar nodded in agreement, he did not understand what happened in its entirety, but he would find out soon enough.

They discussed a few more points nitpicking their stances and the fluidity of their movements before breaking and heading off in their different directions. It was now time to research and find an effective sword.

Ragnar got back to his room in their family manor. He was considering either using a Damascus steel Ulfberht that was much stronger than its predecessor through heat tempered iron allowing it to bend, or a massive Zweihander. That was if they found enough steel to use in the first place. Cutting through the mail was also a big issue for them. However, the rabble had, at best, leather armor. The nobility and more well off people had introduced mail for some time now. As such, if he was going to take down any of the stronger warriors, he may need a more thrust focused weapon or a bludgeon.

Ragnar was starting to consider the option of a large war hammer seriously.

A smirk came upon his face as he thought of such a ridiculous sight.

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