Chapter 33: Luscious Laurdag

Ragnar rose out of his large bed with the morning sun. The Sigvald family now occupying the Baron's manor had expanded his private room twofold.

A large mahogany table lay on one side of the room, acting as a personal study, with a wardrobe next to the window facing a fine panoramic view of the river below.

Ragnar got off the bed and proceeded to work through a series of bodyweight exercises in HIIT format to ensure he got a good sweat early in the day.

After about 30 minutes, a small knock rang out on the door, causing Ragnar to walk over, still drenched in sweat from his training.

"Yes?" Ragnar replied as he pulled the door open a crack and stepped back in case it was an attacker.

Finan's redhead poked through the gap, with a grin on his face, "Milord, the Baron says its time for laurdag. Everyone is going down to the river," He said as he noticed Ragnar, drenched in sweat.

"What have you been up to, milord?" He cheekily grinned and pushed further in to look at Ragnar's bed.

"Ah, scram boy, there's no woman in my chambers." Ragnar slapped the back of Finan's head with a chuckle.

"Damn, rascal," Ragnar muttered under his breath while shaking his head with a smile.

Finan looked up to Ragnar, slightly admonished yet understanding that warrior wasn't angry with him. Noticing the caring expression on the warrior's visage, a burst of emotion tore at Finan's heart; struggling to retain the tears, he quickly hid his face in Ragnar's embrace.

Ragnar felt the wind get knocked out of his lungs as Finan jumped into his arms, sobbing like a sinless child. The warrior felt pity for the young lad, imagining how hard it must have been as a captive.

"Finan, shussh", He cajoled the young lad.

"Tell me what's wrong, eh?" Ragnar pulled back, wiping the tears streaming down Finan's single eye.

"Oh, it's nothing. You just remind me of my brother, is all. He used to tease me all the time, yet didn't have the mean face of the Earl's."

Ragnar fell silent, unsure if he wanted to broach the topic, but was curious, so he went for it anyway. "Where are ye from, Finan?" The warrior asked as he stroked the boy's hair to calm him down.

Finan finally felt steady enough to answer the question, "I'm from a town called Cork in Ireland. The entire town was raided about five years ago by Earl Sigfried. Back then, he was known as a Sea King that ravaged towns on the Irish coast, enslaving those who were strong enough to work on the ship. My brother and I were made to row the boats, day in and day out until my arms could no longer take it, receiving hours of punishment and whipping for my incapabilities."

The red-haired lad started sniffling as he thought about the brutal memories, "My brother would often take over for me, doing double the work on the ship, to ensure that I survived. And in the end, the storm took him. With half of the Earl's ships gone, he could be dead or lost out at sea. I have no idea at this point."

Ragnar put his hand on Finan's shoulder and looked deep into his eye. "If this brother of yours is as strong as I heard, then he will survive. The currents would have taken him to Daneland. While news of the events that transpired on the beach will eventually reach him, he will piece together the events and find you. Until then, we keep looking forward and focus on getting stronger for when your brother comes back, eh lad?"

Finan smiled a toothy grin that finally had a sense of hope written in it as he nodded.

Ragnar grinned and pinched his cheeks, "Alright boy, let's head to wash. I'm sure that by now, we're late."

Finan nodded as he stuck by the side of Ragnar, the two of them making their way out of the manor, heading towards the river beside the hill.

"I'll race you there, Finan." Ragnar grinned as he ripped off his shirt and broke into a full sprint down the hill.

"Hey, no fair!" Finan started giggling as he chased after the muscular Norman.

Ragnar slowed down to a jog and roared with laughter as he noticed Finan sprinting at full speed, trying to keep up with him.

"Whats so funny," Finan questioned in between breaths as a sly smile broke across his visage.

The little lad turned on the balls of his feet and tried to trip Ragnar. But the warrior saw it coming and hopped over the leg as he grabbed the young lad by his face and threw him down the hill.

"Bahaha", The Norman roared at Finan, who giggled as he tumbled down the hill.

The two eventually reached the bottom, near the forest's edge, huffing as they caught their breath.

"You sly bastard", Ragnar laughed as he play fought with Finan, holding the lad as he tickled him to no end.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Please stop." Finan howled in laughter, unable to control himself as he squirmed under Ragnar's powerful grip.

"Alright, lad, time to wash up." Ragnar pulled back before taking things too far, looking around as he saw the river a couple of meters away.

Ragnar subsequently stripped naked as his long powerful gait approached the river's edge, sinking in until it reached his hips.

He then plunged himself into the cool of the water, feeling its ice-cold sting shock his body and nervous system awake, cleaning all the dirt and grime that had accumulated over the past week and relaxing him.

As he shot out of the water, a loud shriek broke out, "Ragnar! What the fuck are you doing on this side?"

Ragnar turned to look at the furious visage of the lean yet gorgeous silver-haired Erika, who had her perky bosom covered in shock.

--------------------------------------------

CHALLENGE!

I want to see some comments from all you Ninja readers. Lets get the engagement on this novel up, I'll reply to everyone that gives me their thoughts on the books so far.