《Reclaim Glory》Kiss of a cross
Advertisement
Chapter 19: Kiss of a cross
A group of ten men came running behind Ragnar, the one's who'd decided to place their fate on the future of Ragnar the Almighty. The rest of the 300 men took the reprieve to run away rather than potentially becoming prisoners of war.
As he put Erika back down, among the band of warriors, came a man who walked up to Ragnar, geared up with a bronze shield and spear.
"Milord, these are the men who have chosen to stay with you. Though you said you do not wish for men, we'd still humbly like to provide our services. We can hunt and find shelter on our own, but if you ever wish to call upon us. We will be there to provide support to you, milord."
The older man's six-foot stature gave a mature vibe, complimented with slightly gray hair and cool blue eyes.
Ragnar's teeth shone in a wide grin as he slapped the man on the shoulders.
"What is your name, my dear friend," Ragnar questioned. He'd like to get to know these men more if they were to work with him in the future.
"Marquise, milord, I hail from a previously raided French town. My father was the mayor with a title and small lands bequeathed unto him by the count of Flanders." The man replied with a slight bow.
"Ho? How did a french man end up in a camp full of Vikings?" Ragnar raised his eyebrows.
It was highly uncommon for Vikings to allow foreigners in their camp, as they mainly held value as slaves or prized warriors.
Marquise smiled mysteriously in reply, "It is fate milord. My gift with the spear was endowed upon me to be presented before you. Our god wills it." He stated, this time touching the small gold cross that hung across his neck, bringing it to his lips.
Advertisement
"Must have been a mighty fine warrior if they allowed you to remain Christian!" Ragnar roared in laughter, bringing over his father and Thorkell.
Harald approached Ragnar, with eyebrow's raised in question as he looked between his son and the french man.
A look of understanding flashed before a proudly maternal smile came across his face as he looked upon Ragnar with admiration. "Looks like my son has got his first band of warriors to his name, eh? Do you know what this calls for? Raiding!" He broke into unrestrained laughter, thinking about all the good times in his youth.
Ragnar coughed in embarrassment before telling Marquise to gather up his men and turned to face his father.
A look of concern showed across his eyes as he gazed upon his family for any injuries.
"Bah, don't be so concerned with your old man. I can still fight like the devil if my life depends on it." Harald retorted, bringing in Ragnar for a hug.
"I'm glad we all made it, son. When I saw Thorkell running over without you, I thought the worst had happened. He said he hadn't seen you either, and we were afraid we'd find you dead or worse yet that the entire Sigvald family line would end right here."
Ragnar responded by tightening his arms around his father's muscular back, a faint earthy smell permeating Harald, giving Ragnar a sense of comfort that he didn't know he needed.
Thorkell gazed upon the entire charade with envy, though nothing made him angrier than looking upon the wickedly erotic Erika. Which warrior didn't want a shieldmaiden for a wife? For a shieldmaiden would bring strong children with better traits.
If he let this continue, Ragnar's line might be the one to continue the Sigvald family's name rather than his, even though he was the elder brother of the two.
Advertisement
To make things worse, Ragnar didn't even have to marry her. Thorkell ground his teeth in frustration before coughing out loud to break up the affectionate display in front of him. "Let's get this place cleared up. There seems to be a lot of useful axes and swords that we haven't broken or killed strewn across the camp."
Ragnar split apart from his father and nodded in agreement. "Yes, this would make a fine profit. We can use the swords to equip my men. And sell all the extra clothes and food in the market for coin."
Thorkell laughed in question, "Equip your men, Ragnar? Since, when did you think that a bunch of dimwits like them could be called men? They do not deserve the equipment. We will sell all of it, right, father?"
Harald looked between his sons, noticing the rivalry between their subtle jabs. He slowly turned to look towards both of his boys and raised his voice in anger. "No! Neither of you will be getting this equipment. It will only lead to further fighting between the two of you. This bickering that you have going on will end immediately! Am I clear? Or I will disinherit both of you and end our line. Damned if I must, I won't let stupid children continue our legacy."
Ragnar and Thorkell gulped before nodding in response. Even though Ragnar had a combined age of 55 across both his lives, there was nothing scarier than getting shouted at by an enraged father.
Seeing that his boys had complied, he nodded before continuing, "The weapons will go into the Baron's armory for future expeditions. At the same time, the grain and supplies will feed the people of our Barony. Winter is coming, and this large haul will be monumental in ensuring the lives of our people last through winter. The gods have stated that it will be a harsh one for us."
Hearing mention of where the supplies were going brought back the thought Ragnar had shoved to the back of his mind a while ago. "That reminds father, where are the Baron's men? They never attacked the front of the camp as we agreed."
The wide-eyed expression on Harald's eyes said it all, "Did they not? How did you manage to get over here unharmed then?"
A tired, cocky smile broke across Ragnar's face, "Well… That's a long story that Marquise would better be able to explain."
The french man standing five feet behind them blinked in shock as the attention of all three behemoths turned to him.
--------------------------
I don't usually put in author notes, but I wanted to thank Marquise for taking the leap to become my first patron. This chapter is dedicated to you.
Advertisement
Valkyria Heart: A modern fantasy
Ragna Griffin thought she had figured out the world. However, her life falls apart when her kingdom brands her as a terrorist. Now a fugitive, she sets out to find her father and get it all back. Will she reclaim her life? Altera Xion strives towards perfection as a Valkyrie. For her mission to prevent a new world war, she neglects her mental health. Will she regret her choice? Ragna and Altera must explore a wondrous world set on destroying their dreams. The border between magic and technology starts to vanish. Horrors, beauty, and secrets lie behind every corner and within enemies and allies alike. Facing the world's cruelty, will the two persevere or shatter?
8 535The Forest Spirit who sought the Gods
After the Gods of Time, Nature and the Elements created this world, they took a rest under the shade of a tree they created. Thanking their creation for helping them back with its shade, they gave the tree sentience, blessed him and called him a friend. Now the Gods are half-asleep, content with only watching. The world has breathed for millenia, and the blessed tree still watches over the forest around himself. The world has changed and his life comes to an end, surrounded by loneliness. Gathering what's left of his strength, he passes his torch on, in the hope of giving a last goodbye to his friends, wherever they may be and whenever they would see. Meet and follow his first and last creation he passes his will to, a one of a kind forest spirit with... abilities (wouldn't want to spoil too much here now, would I?). Curious and cute, he will travel and meet new people, discovering the world he's in, to try and give a last goodbye to the three creation gods in his dad-tree's place.------It's my first time writing a novel! Or anything of the kind, in fact. So bash me as much as you like (within reason, of course).------This will be a world of humans, humanoïds, beasts, magic, and a heartwarming tale of travels across it. It won't always be butterflies, roses and friendship though, heavy moments are there too. Also : depictions of violence, blood and gore, nudity, strong language, alcohol and other classic +17 stuff. To the reader's discretion.
8 115The Divide
Alan Messer was an average person who only desired to learn and enjoy life. Things were even getting better, he met someone who is perfect for him. However everything completely changes when he wakes up in the crimescene of a murder and is apprehended. His life thereafter becomes progresively futher from what he always knew. Magic? Monsters? Worlds within his own? Gods?! How can he survive on the other side? This is my first time writing something other than what I've done in school so keep an open mind and constructive criticism is welcome.
8 151The Fiery Fox
A slice of life style story about a little golden-red, fiery, Fox. Picture is from here! If the artist would like it removed please inform me.
8 257New Player Confirmed
On a humble planet named Earth, lived a boy once called Flow. Taken from his ordinary life he must now fight for survival on an foreign planet. Gaining new skills and stats is a challenge for any ordinary high school boy when a new game system is introduced named Cognition. However Flow is helped along the way as he meets other players and gains friends to complete daring adventures. ''Author Note''Going to do a chapter every 2 days, schedule may change over time. Depends how invested I get into the story.
8 237sturniolo imagines :)
Basically I'll write imagines about the sturniolos(romantic and platonic) I'm a girl so the Nick ones are basically just friends imagines ofc. Okay have fun reading!
8 160