Hvitserk tore the cloth barrier from the small dwelling. His Hjarta had sailed for Kattegat and he knew not when he'd see her next. A sense of loss burdened his mind and heart. This enraged him. For the first time in his existence he'd discovered a moment of contentment. Loving Bonnie and her loving him in return gave that to him. Now she'd torn herself from him through the fault of another. A fault unknown, but he tasked himself to learn. So when he so a disoriented Bragg stumbling about the harbor. He knew Ivar had to be slithering about among the unattached women of the docks. It didn't take him long to discover the small keep near the edge of the harbor.

He glared down at the sight of his brother entwined with the slave girl from York. The girl was heavy with babe. She'd more than not give birth during the coldest time of winter. He didn't have to ponder for who she carried. The way his brother possessively palmed her belly silently spoke the verity of the situation. Is this the sight Bonnie happened upon? Is this what devastated them?

Fury throbbed within his head, while locking every muscle in his body in an iron clench. The room bled red. He snatched his sword from its sheath. With the blade aimed at the slave girl's chest, he contemplated running her through. Then he shifted the sword to Ivar. His hands shook. No matter how much he despised him in that moment, he couldn't bring about his end. So he shifted the blade back to the girl.

At that instance, Ivar's eyes opened. Fear overtook his countenance as he moved to shield the girl's body with his. "Brother, no! You mustn't do this. She carries my babe."

The girl stirred awake. When she discovered the right of her situation she shrieked and huddled behind Ivar.

"That's why I should bring about her end!" He bellowed as he drove the sword into the feathered mattress. "Why would you allow this thing to happen? How can you be so clever and still lack so many wits?"

"You believe I intended for this to happen?" Ivar flicked a pointed glance over his shoulder at the slave. "You know the gods had a hand in this. For this came about the eve I took her in my throne room. I didn't discover she was with child until after the final battle in York."

"And why was she still in York, Ivar? You swore you banished her from the city."

"She never sought her leave of the city. My personal warriors discovered her during their search for stray Saxons after the final battle." He pulled each of his legs from the bed to sit on the side of the mattress. "When I ordered they strike her down for defying her banishment she revealed she carried my son."

He laughed. "And you believed her?"

"As you can see, she's very much with child, brother?"

"How can you be sure the babe is yours?" His glare flicked from his brother to the slave who cowered at his back. "Even I parted the thighs of that slave when we first laid claim to York."

"Why would she lie, hmm?" Ivar waved a hand at his hobbled legs.

"I know not!" He barked his laughter and threw up his hands. How simple could Ivar truly be of the wiles utilized by striving women? "Why would she, King Ivar?"

"Hvitserk, you mustn't speak any of this to Bonnie," Ivar said in a tone which lingered close to a plea.

"I don't have to, she already happened upon the two of you last eve."

"What?!" His brother roared.

"Bonnie sailed for Kattegat at first light this rising. It appears our reason is to be our enemies answer," he waved his hand at the slave girl who now braved peeks at him around Ivar's shoulder. "Skol, brother. I truly hope your gain was worth our loss."

****

Bonnie entered her home. Torvi and Guthrum moved to light the candles, but she flared them all to blaze with merely a thought. She cast a glance around her old keep. The place had maintained well in her six years of absence. Even the furniture appeared in the same state she'd left it.

"Guthrum tended to the keep while you were away. He wanted to ensure it be prepared if you were to ever arrive upon a moment's notion." Torvi took her hand pulled her further into the home.

Her gaze moved to Guthrum who hung back by the doorway. "Thank you, Jedi."

He offered her a hint of a smile as he dipped his head in a nod. Just looking at him made her heart ache. What happened to the little boy who'd run into her arms and demand she tell him sagas until slumber forced him to close his eyes. Now he'd grown older and become reserved. He'd barely spoken two words to her since her arrival. And though her world had recently ended, she'd give anything for him to pepper her with a thousand and one questions. Or tell her about the hardships of his day.

She craved the normalcy of yesteryear, like she craved an offering from Silas himself. If she couldn't have her heart are the one who held it, then she'd take a hard reset to the person she'd been before she sailed with Bjorn to the Mediterranean. That woman hadn't yet given herself so completely to Ivar. She didn't have to face the emptiness of tomorrows that would come and go without the benefit of him. She had yet to discover the shallowness of her lover's affections by unearthing the depth of his betrayal. Where the hell was her Groundhog Day prison world when she needed it?

"Your covered in blood in gore, knowing you as I do I'm sure you'd prefer to wash before seeking out your bed furs," Torvi said, sitting Bonnie's bag down on an armchair. "I'll ready the waters, while you gather your things."

"No, there's no need for you to tend to my bath, Torvi. Go see to the children, and bring them to me after first meal," she cut her eye at Guthrum who still watched her as if she'd disappear. "If Jedi has done as he should, I'm sure Asa and Hali will remember me as if I'd never left."

"You've never left Hali's mind and Asa knows you as if you've been her bosom companion for the last six summers," Guthrum assured as he finally left his place at the door to come wrap his arms about her waist as he did when he was a child.

This eased the ache in her heart. It was almost as if he knew she needed him to be her Guthrum. The Guthrum she'd left behind. She palmed his cheek. "You've done well, Jedi. Now, I'm curious. Have you also kept up with your studies while I was away?"

"I'm near fluent in your language." He said to her in English. "Yet, I can read and write it even better than I speak."

A genuine laugh bubbled from her lips as she clapped. "Bravo!"

"What now?" Torvi's gaze shifted from Guthrum to her.

"It's nothing other than your son is brilliant." Her stare swept between them as a smile had its way with her lips. "I've missed you both, so much." She brought Torvi into their hug and held them for a moment, before letting go. "Now, go so I can turn myself into a person who doesn't appear to have staggered in from the Walking Dead."

Torvi pointed her finger at her. "Very well, I'll seek my leave, but you are to send word should you need anything."

"You have my word I will, but we both know I won't," she said, while following Torvi to the door.

Torvi rested her forehead on hers. "Slumber well, My Friend."

"You too." She close the door after her and spun around to find Guthrum gathering things and putting them in a bag. "What're you doing?"

"I'm gathering some things to bring with me to Sigurd's keep. I'll remove the rest after first meal next rising," he turned back to putting his things in the burlap satchel.

She walked over to him and placed her hand on the wrist reaching for another item of clothing. "You live here?"

"Since my sixteenth summer," he said, chancing a glance at her. "I didn't think you'd be troubled by the thought."

"I'm not," she said, tugging the shirt from his grasp. After removing the satchel from his other hand, she interlaced her fingers with his. "And I don't want you to leave either, Jedi. There's more than enough room here for the both of us. Perhaps, the company would do me some good."

His brows scrunched a bit. "Are you certain?"

"Yes." She raised his hands to her lips and kissed the backs of them. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna soak in the tub for the next few risings."

She left him in the living area and rounded the wooden divider to her bedroom space. As in the living area, Guthrum had maintained her personal quarters as well. Nothing was out of place, dirty, or worn. If she hadn't known any better, she would've thought it some sort of shrine to her. Which was silly. Guthrum was just a neat boy. He'd always been that way.

Bonnie drifted around the room. Everywhere she looked memories of she and Ivar hit her. Everything reminded her of them and better days. Back then he would've swallowed his tongue rather than lie to her. Now when he opened his mouth the only words which marched out spun within the realm of fantasy and fiction. She shook her head. No! She had to get pass this! Pass him! Just as he had his purpose, she had hers. No one man was more important than the fate of many.

****

Guthrum lay on a smaller mattress next to Bonnie's bed staring at the ceiling. She'd come in from her wash earlier and he pretended to be deep in slumber. He sensed she still wanted time to herself. Just as he'd sensed, she needed him to be the boy she remembered. Not the man who'd gouge out his own heart if she'd only ask for it. He still couldn't believe she'd returned. When he witnessed her pass her trading table earlier he thought his eyes had yet again deceived him. Yet when Wilbur ran to her side he knew her to be real and not another vision his mind had conjured.

Not bothering to secure the table, he'd followed her back to the long house. She'd captivated him. Even covered from face to boots in blood and gore. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. Which was senseless. She hadn't changed even a single turn of the hour glass. Perhaps, it was because he now appreciated her in a way he never had a mind to as a child.

A sniffle ripped him from his musings. He angled his head toward the bed. Another sniffle followed by a quiet sob, propelled him from his furs on the floor to her mattress. Without pausing to think his actions through, he pulled her in his arms.

"G-Guthrum...I'm sorry," She sobbed as she placed a hand on his chest while using the other to blot the trails of water from her cheeks. Her body stiffened in his embrace. "I didn't mean to wake you."

"It's okay, Bonsie. I awakened a while ago," he kissed her forehead and rubbed her back until the stiffness faded from her form.

Eventually, she rested her head on his chest. "Please forgive me for being such a mess in front of you. I never wanted anyone to see me like this. Least of all you, Jedi."

"You're not a mess, Bonsie," he whispered into her hair. "You're everything we don't deserve. So wail if it heals you, I won't think you weak. How can I, you're the strongest person I've ever known."

"No, Jedi, you're wrong. It's me who doesn't deserve you but thank you for caring enough to try and place my mind at ease."

****

"Where do you suppose he found her? He had to have ventured further in his raids than he claimed," Hvitserk said, while eyeing the new house slave Bjorn had gifted his mother.

Ubbe slouched in his seat as he picked at the meat on his meal trough. He spared one of the female festers a lingering glance, before his gaze flitted to the new house slave as well. "I wouldn't know. He wouldn't allow me to raid with him." Bitterness dripped from his elder brother's tone as he lifted a chalice to his lips.

"I've never sighted another woman more beautiful. I'd like to plow her until my manstand never stands again," Sigurd's brows wagged as if his words needed further meaning.

Ivar's eyes rolled. His brothers were fools for women and witless if they were even passingly fair. "And as soon as you grow weary of plowing her, she shall become as common to you as any other woman who came before her."

"What would you know, Boneless. You've never-," Sigurd's voice broke off as his eyes nigh leaped from his head. "They've arrived."

He exhaled and cast his gaze towards the door to sight what uninspiring woman had captured his brothers' attention this time. A deity donning a sea of verdant cavorted within his view. A fiery gilded glow swirled all about her, lighting her golden brown skin until it shone as if it were polished treasure. He watched her wander around the great hall, all while silently willing her to look to him just once. Then by the favor of Odin she turned her lush, jeweled tone stare his way. In that moment she'd claimed his heart and pilfered every drop of love he'd ever have to give. As if fate had whispered it to him herself, he knew that divine being belonged to him.

"Ivar!" Hvitserk's voice penetrated his slumber. He roused a bit. "The next full moon draws nigh and King Harald is demanding to know what battle strategy you've chosen."

"Tell him it doesn't matter what strategy I decide upon, Bonnie will know them all." He struggled to an upright position. "No one knows me better than she. Without her I no longer have an interest in claiming Kattegat or killing Lagertha. Without her there is no purpose."

"Because she is the purpose, and your foolish deception has forced her away. Now it is no longer your choice whether we pursue our claim to Kattegat." Hvitserk glared down at him through slitted eyes. "For if we're to ever have Bonnie again, then we must bring war to the shores of our homeland. Therefore rise and shake away the offending stench of your self-pity. So you may have a mind to fashion me a battle strategy from which I can secure a victory." With that said he stalked from the room.

****

Bonnie opened the door wearing a giant smile. She assumed Torvi had arrived with Hali and Asa, instead Ubbe stood in front of her. The smile faded from her face. "Ubbe, has something happened. Have ships been sighted?"

"No, nothing's occurred," he shook his head as he raised his hands, "I'm here to see how your faring is all. It's been two risings since you've arrived and no one's sighted you except Guthrum, Torvi, and the children." He gave her a pointed look when she neglected to invite him inside. She ignored it and folded her arms across her chest. "Allies have begun to arrive. Each are anxious to become acquainted with you."

"Tell them we shall become acquainted on the battlefield," she said before attempting to shut the door.

He placed his hand against the solid wood barrier to prevent her from doing so. "Bjorn's ships have been sighted. He'll reach shore by eve's time. Lagertha is welcoming him home with a feast in his honor. If you don't attend I fear our allies will pull their support. In belief we have deceived them into acting against the pleasure of their Supreme."

"Fine," she said, forcing a smile. "I'll be there to meet our allies, but that is all. Once I've done so, I'll seek my leave and I won't return until it's time for me to raise my sword."

Ubbe reached up and palmed her cheek. She flinched, but he didn't pull away. "What has he done to you, Valkyrie?" He rested his forehead on hers.

"The same thing each of you have done to me, save Sigurd. Goodbye, Ubbe," she pulled away and this time when she moved to close the door he didn't stop her.

****

"Though we've been to many amazing places, nothing can rival the wondrous sight of our homeland shores," Sigurd said as he gazed at Kattegat.

A memory of the past took Bjorn unawares...

What you are feeling now is the same feelings I have each time I return. Bonnie, swear your allegiance to me. Remain always at my side and I vow to protect you for as long as we both remain upon Midgard.

Why offer me this? You hardly know me.

Because the same emotions I feel when I return to Kattegat is the same sentiment I felt when I gazed upon you for the first time. Something within speaks to me.

What does it say?

To hold you dear, for you are to be treasured.

^^^^

"Bjorn!" Halfdan called as he watched him with a scrunched expression.

He shook his head to clear away the lingering memory of he and Bonnie's first moments together. "Apologies, Halfdan. What did you say?"

"I asked if you were joyed to return home?" His friend questioned as he studied his expression.

"I'm not sure." He shook his head. "I'm not sure if I can still consider it to be home. Much has changed since I departed from these shores. I'm no longer pleased to live a life of a man who's content to do what is expected of him even if its not what he craves."

"Such as?"

He lifted his chin. "Such as, I no longer love Torvi. I know it's not right, but would it not be worse to mislead her."

"And what of Bonnie?" Halfdan tore his gaze away to consider the sea.

He studied his friend for a moment. "What of Bonnie?"

"Have your affections waned for her as well?"

"You know that they have," he said casting his gaze back toward Kattegat.

Halfdan eyed him from the cut of his eye. "So if I were to propose matrimony to her..."

"If she accepted, I'd be gladdened for you both," he said, ignoring the unease in his chest. "But isn't she already betrothed to Ivar?"

"For now, Ironside." Halfdan grin nigh touched his ears. "For now."

****

Cheers erupted in Kattegat's great hall when Bjorn entered. Festers he'd known most of his life slapped him on the back, while others who appeared unfamiliar and foreign wished him well. Something blew upon the winds. Kattegat looked as it had during Aslaug's rule. His mother appeared in front of him with open arms.

"I'm relieved of your return," she said as he embraced her.

His gaze swept the hall and collided with a group of Sami's. "What has happened? Why are the Sami here?"

"Ivar and Hvitserk have allied with King Harald to attack Kattegat." She pulled out of the hold to stare up at him. "So I called on them and many others to aide us in our battle. Bonnie said we'll need as many warriors as we can enlist."

He blinked. "Bonnie?"

"Yes." She studied him for a moment. "She left Ivar to honor your vow."

"Our vow?" He uttered to himself.

"She says she'll fight at your side when Ivar, Hvitserk, and Harald came to claim Kattegat." His mother nodded a greeting to someone across the hall.

He exhaled as the whole of their vow replaced itself in his mind. "She vowed to never stand against me on a battlefield."

"And just as well. It's been spoken she, Hvitserk the Berserker, and Ivar the Boneless are a formidable trio. They've subdued the whole of England and that was with half the army in which Ivar intends to attack." She waved her hand at the occupants of the great hall. "She's the reason why clans have chosen to align with us. Everyone wants to either earn the favor of or fight with the Supreme. The Supreme who turned a cripple into a feared warlord king. The Supreme who filled a son of Ragnar with the spirit of a war god. The Supreme who gifted Odin with great power in the middle of a battlefield. They are all here for her!"

"Bonnie?" Confusion crumpled his face.