"This is madness," Torvi whispered to Bonnie as they readied Hali and Asa to go with Ayanna.

Bonnie cut an eye up at her friend as she helped Hali into his coat and knapsack. "Even if you don't trust Ayanna, you can trust me. She's my kin and she'll guard these kids with her all."

"No, that is not what I'm referring to," she said as she finished bundling Asa in enough layers to provoke a heat stroke in the near freezing temperature. Once done, the pale blonde turned to her. "I'm speaking of the sons of Ragnar ripping asunder the other. Bonnie, how will you raise a sword to the very same army you fought side by side with in England for so many solstice cycles? You must hold a few of those warriors and shieldmaidens close to your breast."

"Not a few, Torvi," she answered in a quiet tone. "All of them as I do all of you. Yet, what hurts the most is I have to stand across the battlefield from the men I love. Fight against everything I helped them to build. All in order to uphold a vow to a man my soul longs for yet will never have." Torvi cast her gaze down to consider the toes of Asa boots. Bonnie cradled Torvi's cheek in her palm. Their stares locked. "And if my torment isn't complete, fate forces me to make an even bigger fool of myself. Provoking me to confide my great divide to the only woman I'd ever fallen heels over ass for. So, yeah, you're right. All of this is madness. Anyone who believes different should be fitted for a straitjacket."

"Lagertha, Bjorn and Ubbe approaches," Guthrum's quiet tone deflated the swelling intensity of their moment. "Ayanna's also here for Hali and Asa."

Bonnie nodded before pulling her hand from her friend's cheek. She stood and Torvi did the same. Moments later Bjorn towered over her, pinning her to the spot with a stare way to vocal in its visual silence. It said things he shouldn't and laid his emotions bare for all to behold. Her gaze drifted to Guthrum, who stood by with a look so expressionless it bordered on passive aggressive.

Bjorn cleared his throat. "It is a great rising when a father can ride with his son into battle." He slapped Guthrum on the shoulder before gesturing with his head for her to follow.

"Allow me a moment please," she said, taking Hali's hand.

He nodded once, and then moved on to converse with his wife and her father. She then allowed Guthrum to lead her to Ayanna who stood apart from the crowd donning a cloak which covered her from head to ankles.

"Thank you for agreeing to this, Ayanna," Torvi said once they stood before her foremother.

Bonnie nodded. "She's right, I trust you with my life and yet these children mean more to me than my next breath. So please guard them as if they were your own."

"You and your sorcery look upon these babes as if they were born of your body. To me and my sorcery this makes them kin." She took Asa from Torvi's arms, and then took hold of Hali's other hand. "I'm uncertain of what our familial line will become, but in the lands which birthed me we protect our own."

A sob tangled on the heels of a laugh tumbled from Bonnie's mouth. Her vision blurred as she clasped forearms with Ayanna. "Where I'm from I may be the last Bennett standing, but before she died my Grams burned those very words on the walls of my mind."

"Then this shall be our family vow," Ayanna lifted her chin, "The Bennett vow. We shall always protect our own. Whether they're kin by blood or heart."

She offered her foremother another smile, and then kneeled to be eye level with Hali. "Alright, Yoda. I'm counting on you to help Ayanna to keep you and your sister safe." His head bobbed as his wide earnest eyes remained fixed on her. "In order to do so you must obey her as if she were your mother, father, or even me." She pushed his bangs from his eyes. "Think you can do this for me?"

He reached up and grabbed both of her cheeks. "I shall obey if you try not to journey away again."

"Then for you I shall do whatever I can to remain upon these shores, Oh wise one," she said, her expression solemn.

His head dipped in approval, and then he leaned forward to kiss her forehead. Bonnie stood to regard Asa who grinned at her before leaping from Ayanna's arms into hers. The little dare devil wrapped her arms around Bonnie's neck and rested her cheek on her shoulder. A moment of true contentment settled upon her. She and Guthrum's gazes met. He offered her a rare close lip smile he hardly ever thought to give in public. Her eyes slipped closed as fear consumed her newly discovered feeling of contentment. She could lose her Jedi. It was a real possibility he would perish during these battles. They potentially all could. Everyone she'd come to care for on both sides.

"Princess Leia, you must watch over your brother for me," she whispered to the little girl. "Keep him safe by allowing he and Ayanna to protect you. Your task is to remain unharmed until our return. Do you think this is something you're up for?" She felt the little girl nod her head. "Good, this pleases me. Now you must bid farewell to your mother so we may go and defend our home."

She handed Asa to Torvi to say goodbye, and then followed Sigurd over to Bjorn, Lagertha, Halfdan and the horses. At her approach, many head's dipped in a warrior's bow of acknowledgment. Yet her eyes remained trained on the Queen who distrusted her, who thought to exclude her at every turn and the man who believed his will stronger than that of fate's. Upon her arrival Lagertha offered her a half-ass bob of the head she could've kept, while Bjorn regarded her in silence.

"Supreme," Lagertha uttered as she stepped around them to mount the third horse from the front. "You honor us by riding out with us."

"I honor you?" Bonnie scoffed. "Queen Lagertha, let's not. You and I both know you probably can throw me further than you trust me. Truth be bartered, I'll wager the only reason you're honored by my accompanying you into battle is because you're worried I'll open Kattegat's gates for King Ivar in your absence and offer him the household sword while I'm at it."

"This is not true," Lagertha said in a tone so flat one had to wonder how it tunneled its way from her throat.

"Yet she speaks without error or falsities," Sigurd added from Bonnie's other side. "Why else would you hold strategizing meetings within your private quarters and exclude Bonnie? Which is senseless! For whom else knows the warriors Ivar and Hvitserk has become better than she?"

Lagertha remained silent as she guided the procession of horses into a trot. Bonnie's scoff bloomed into a short burst of laughter. "It matters not, Sigurd. I'm only here to protect Kattegat and fulfill a vow. Asides, this isn't the battle in which I should concern myself." She fixed her gaze on the trail ahead. "No, this battle is already plotted and thereby decided. Through her considered wisdom, Queen Lagertha has more than ensured fate's desired outcome."

"Thank you, Supreme," Lagertha uttered.

She shook her head as her grip on the reigns tightened. "There is no cause to thank me, and in this you may feel liberated to place your trust."

With that said she urged her horse ahead of the procession. She could sense Ivar and Hvitserk. Though they were at war, her heart and sorcery still pounded a rapid beat dedicated to being reunited with them again.

Moments later Bjorn pulled his horse next to hers. "Your angered with me for not returning last eve."

"Why would I be angered you decided to spend the eve of battle with your wife?" She questioned refusing to spare him a glance. "You had the right of it. There was no other place you belonged more than at her side. I'm glad you didn't return. This way we both avoided making a mistake."

"There is no other side which matters more to me than-," Bjorn began.

"I'm gladdened to be fighting next to you once more," Halfdan interrupted as he pulled his horse next to her other side.

"Well this in no way gladdens me. In truth I'm sick and pray to the Goddess of all that this potential fratricide is averted before either side marches pass the point of no return," she said more to herself than to Halfdan.

For the next couple of hours they traveled with only the sound of battle drums as background noise. Much like Bjorn predicted, Ivar's and Harald's army greeted them in the suspected clearing. They loomed before them. A threat in all of its conditioned glory. Each of the kingdom's colors waved at them. Dormant, but potent mystical energy penetrated her in darting jolts of pleasure and incited her own. Imploring methane blazes spanned the distance and arrested her stare. Though haggard and rugged looking, Ivar still remained just as handsome as she'd left him. His lips moved and mouthed the words her heart heard even when ears hadn't. My Love.

Her gaze drifted over to Hvitserk who watched her with unblinking eyes. The intensity and resolve which wafted off of him spoke of his battle readiness. He'd tear through their entire army by himself if they stood in his way of claiming her, Kattegat be damned.

"This is not right," she heard Lagertha mutter. "It is not right that the sons of Ragnar should try and slaughter each other. We will send emissaries."

Bjorn straightened in his saddle and urged his horse forward from the front line. She moved to follow him. "Halfdan, will accompany me as my second," his gaze shifted to her, "I ask that you remain here with my mother."

Halfdan gathered up his reigns and urged his horse forward but stopped. He'd turned to pin her with an intense whiskey brown stare. "Marry me!"

"What?" Stunned and rightfully horrified laughter burst from her lips. "Marry you...why in the hell would I marry you, Halfdan?"

"Marry me, because to me you're the whole of Midgard and every time I'm within your presence I feel every moment of my life." He leaned over to place his hands on hers. "Marry me, because I can mend what those who claim to love you has fractured."

"Halfdan!" Bjorn roared a few paces ahead of them.

Yet, her protector's displeasure barely registered. Something about Halfdan's words felt familiar. As if she'd heard them spoken before. Perhaps in another context or a different accent.

"Do not offer me your answer now. Ponder what I've spoken first, then and only then give me your response." After giving her hands a squeeze, he released them and rode ahead to join Bjorn.

She watched Bjorn and Halfdan meet Harald and Hvitserk at the halfway mark between the two armies. They spoke for a moment before Halfdan continued forward to Harald's side of the clearing, while Hvitserk tore across the land towards them. Before his horse could completely come to a stop he hopped from its back and rushed over to her. Almost faster than Philip Emeagwali's thoughts, he snatched her from her neighing animal. He then devoured her mouth before she could even think to offer up a greeting. She burned white-blue hot in his arms and the searing of his kiss melted her faster than ice cream trapped in the center of a hell blaze.

"Hjarta," he sighed between the pressing and parting of their lips.

"Hvits," she grabbed the sides of his face. "I should've never left you behind."

"No you shouldn't have." He rested his forehead on hers. "Yet, I misremember the discomfort of my discontent in your absence with the way your lovely form now fills my arms."

"Bonnie, you're to ride to the outposts with Guthrum to check for vulnerabilities." Bjorn angled his horse next to them. She exhaled her frustration. "We shall take Hvitserk back to the camp and detain him there."

"No!" Hvitserk growled through the clench of his teeth.

She rained a series of pecks upon his lips. "It's fine, baby. Once I'm done with the outposts, we'll have an early second meal in my tent...alone."

****

Hvitserk poured himself a drink as he sat in a covering with Sigurd and Ubbe. He couldn't believe what Sigurd's journey into manhood had wrought upon him. He'd barely recognized his younger brother. Ubbe appeared a bit more weathered in the face yet for the most of it he still remained unchanged.

"How's Ivar?" Ubbe questioned without turning his glare upon him.

"Yes, how is our babe of a brother?" Sigurd demanded, snatching up the same pitcher to pour himself a chalice full. "Is he as I remember him to be? A murdering bastard with the ponderings of an ill-tempered child?"

Hvitserk's head dipped in assent, "With only one slight alteration, he now wears a crown and his thirst for blood has increased." His gaze moved from Sigurd to Ubbe and back. "Just as my own. My brothers, I have no wish to meet either of you on the battlefield. Ivar and I have come here for one purpose alone. A purpose which has nothing to do with Kattegat or Lagertha."

For the first time since his arrival, Ubbe's gaze met his. "Then why have you come with your army if not to slaughter Lagertha and claim Kattegat?"

Sigurd, who'd paused his chalice halfway to his mouth, placed it back on the serving table. He bared a grin born of anything but joy or glee. "Bonnie, they're here for Bonnie."

"Ivar's here for Bonnie?" Confusion lit Ubbe's face. "But he hurt her. She's only just begun to take pleasure in life again. To smile and laugh again."

"It seems our discussion of peace has reached a point where no compromise can or shall be offered," Bjorn said as he entered the tent followed by his mother. "For I'll never allow Ivar or you to take Bonnie."

"Bjorn!" Lagertha hissed. "You do not make those decisions."

"What decisions?" The sound of Bonnie's voice relieved the building rage in his chest and the tightening in his head. Her verdant stare swept the covering as she crossed the distance which separated them to stand in the space between his legs. She cradled his face in her hands, and then leaned down to capture his mouth with her own.

"You're supposed to be seeing to the outposts with Guthrum," Bjorn seethed.

Her fingers entangled themselves in his hair. "Yeah I thought about it, and decided I'm not doing that. Send someone else." She nipped at his bottom lip.

His prick swelled in his trousers, while his hands slid up the backs of her thighs to palm the glorious hills of her hind quarters. A gasp tumbled from her mouth into his. It had been two moons since he'd last known the softness and tightness of her womanly clench. Were they not more efficient in their inquiries he'd take her there upon the table before the sight of all present.

"Hvitserk," Lagertha sat next him and attempted to grapple his notice from Bonnie with a pointed stare. "Help us to avoid a war."

He pushed Bonnie's tunic up and pressed a kiss to her belly. Perhaps he'd fill it with his babe that eve. His gaze rose to meet her waiting smirk. He captured her by the nape of the neck to guide her mouth back to his.

"Hvitserk!" Bjorn and Ubbe bellowed in unison, while Sigurd appeared amused.

Annoyance crept into his precious moment of contentment. "I've spoken all you need to know on how to avoid this battle."

"Bonnie, may I speak with my brother for a moment?" Ubbe asked.

She nodded, and then dipped her head to pilfer a final kiss. "I'll go ready my tent and return for you in a turn of the hour glass."

"A half of a turn," he demanded as he allowed her to slip from his grasp.

She bewitched him with another smile, and then sought her leave of the tent. It didn't go unnoticed by him, Bjorn followed in her wake.

****

"Why, Halfdan?! Why?!" Harald rasped at his no account worthy brother. "Why would you choose to fight for Bjorn and Lagertha? They are not your kin. You owe them nothing!"

"I owe Bjorn my life," Halfdan insisted, pounding the table in front of him. "And for this very reason I've sworn my allegiance and alliance to him."

Harald scoffed as his disbelieving glare discovered Lagertha's former pet Astrid. "And I'll wager you'll have me believe this has nothing to do with your Supreme, hmm?" He rattled forth a laugh drained of humor.

Ivar turn in his seat to regard The Black full on. For he'd witness something transpire between he and his love. Yet, what? He knew not. Halfdan's gaze rose to collide with his. Resentment simmered within his glare.

"She isn't only my Supreme. She is our Supreme and if she'll have me you shall soon refer to her as sister," A sneer twisted his filthy mouth.

"Indeed," Heahmund murmured from his place just behind him.

"What is wrong with you?" Harald waved a hand in his direction. "Are you aware that this one and the other share her? Back at Vestfold they all slumbered in the same quarters. Tell him!" He demanded of his wife who's wary stretched eyes moved over them all.

Halfdan and he hurled visual blades at the other. "She will never have you. Her place is between Hvitserk and I."

"See! Did I not tell you?" Harald demanded slapping his brother on the arm, and then pointing a finger at him.

"Oh she shall have me and when she does her place will no longer be between you and your brother, but astride me." Smugness seeped from him and nigh smothered them all. "And yes I have in verity seen it."

"Heathens!" Heahmund hissed. "Is this how you all speak of the Intercessor?"

"Intercessor?" Harald's beady glare shifted from him to Heahmund.

"I believe he refers to our Supreme," Astrid said as she peered at Heahmund with a critical glare.

"Why does he refer to her by such a name?" Halfdan demanded cocking his head to the side.

Ivar waved a hand. "Christians."

"She is the litigator of our sins, my lord's presence dwells on the earth through her," Heahmund spat in his native tongue as he approached the table. His hands clasped behind his back.

"What is he saying?" Harald demanded.

"It matters not!" He leveled the Bishop with a sharpened glare meant to sever anymore unsought out words from his throat. "Your only curiosity of him should be, whether he can lift a sword and if his aim is true. Nothing else from the likes of him is of note."

"I pondered what forced Bonnie from the shores of Vestfold. Even more so, I mused over which of your countless faults could've reunited her with her senses. What influenced her to cast aside your betrothal?" Halfdan lifted his chin as a smile played at his overtasked mouth. "Yet, after spending but mere moments with you, I understand all. Your mind is addled with madness, while your heart is hollowed and faithless. You're nothing more than an ambitious child. Your affections shall never be adequate for one such as she."

He laughed as he furiously tugged at his fingers. "And you're nothing more than a nameless relation to a man who cavorts on the cusp of greatness. You truly believe yourself worthy of one such as she?"

"Insults and baseless accusations offer no solutions," Astrid lifted her voice to interject. Her gaze discovered Halfdan's. "So your mind is steady in its decision to remain at Bjorn's side throughout this battle, though it means forsaking your brother?"

Halfdan nodded once. "I've given my word."