Legends Never Die: Grand Adventure (ch. 48) (Patreon)

Summer came and went, it felt like. Two more months passed and it officially became fall, the harvest season. Half a year seemed like so much time in theory, but it barely felt like I had arrived when we began to plan our departure. Food and water were secured, the boats had their hulls scraped of any sea life that would weaken the wood, and last-minute preparations were made as all of us felt the day of our departure inching closer.

I should be looking forward to it, I knew, looking out at the ships that were slowly being filled. I sailed in with eleven ships and a thousand men, and I was leaving with fifteen and thirteen hundred. When we arrived in Saxony, I would be greeted with fifty ships and another five hundred men at the least. A true fleet and incredible wealth. A grand adventure to the greatest city in the world, as so many claimed. However, I felt little more than dread at the prospect of leaving.

"Boat," Arne said, pointing at my fleet with the toy soldier that I had carved for him. It was a decent enough piece of work, but hardly incredible despite the praise that every bootlicker tried to claim. He sat next to me, looking up to see my nod.

"Indeed. Boats," I agreed. My nephew was a quiet child, I was finding, but good-natured and friendly. He had some friends already, and hopefully, they would be true ones. It would be better if Brander and Asta were able to raise him, but Mother hadn't failed to raise a decent person. Except, perhaps, Haldur -- it was a dark thought that I pushed away, not wanting to dwell on it now that I was leaving.

"Thought I'd find you here," I heard Halfdan approach from behind, throwing an arm over my shoulders. "With little Arne too. Should I feel jealous?"

"Hm. I'd say so. Arne doesn't talk as much," I replied, earning a bark of laughter from Halfdan. The humor quickly became wistful, however.

"I wish I was going with you," Halfdan admitted, reaching down and rustling Arne's hair. There had been a lot of talks about it. A lot of talking. Honestly, it felt like every conversation in the past month revolved around it. In the end, as much as we spoke of it, we came to the course of action on the very first night. It was simply better for the family if I sailed off alone.

"I wish you were too," I admitted quietly. "But you're needed here. Mother will need you to keep Haldur in check." 'Kill him' -- I could almost still hear the words Mother had uttered. I heard them every time my thoughts turned to him.

Halfdan sighed at that, "Suppose so. I'd say it'd be easier if you were taking him, but I'm not sure I'd inflict that on you." That was a possibility that all of us considered, but all knew the truth of -- Haldur would not be happy if he went on this adventure with me. He hadn't said as much, but we both knew that it was true. "There is a black anger in him, Seig. Let him win his glory here. There is plenty of it to go around. Come spring, I suspect King Hoffer will be consolidating more of Norway." Most likely. The logic was simple, really -- people would expect him to be weakened with my departure, and going on the offense would prevent him from being put on the defense.

'He will betray you.' I was worried Mother was right, but I couldn't see it. Haldur may grow wroth with me, but he would never betray me to someone like Horrik. The blood debt wasn't just mine, but our family’s. Such an action would damn him to the darkest and coldest pits in Hel. "You both have a hundred loyal men. I'm leaving the silver with Mother, so you can hire more if needed. You'll probably gain some because of our name." Haldur had been frustrated that I wasn't leaving the full two hundred men to him, but unsurprised. I'm guessing Mother warned him.

"Aye. Who knows, by the time you return to these shores, you'll find crowns on our heads," he teased. I offered an amused smile at the thought of it but said nothing. A horn blared out, announcing that the preparations were complete. All that was left was to load up on the ships. I heard Halfdan swallow a sigh, "I'll go gather up the others to see you off," he said, thumping me on the shoulder as a silent farewell. "Come on you baby drengr," he said, grabbing Arne by the tunic and carrying him like a bag while our nephew giggled the entire time.

I watched them go and swallowed a sigh myself. It was a hard thing to do -- saying goodbye to your family. It would be years before my return. Three at the least. Possibly five or even more. There was a considerable part of me that wished to call off the expedition entirely or even take them all with me. It was a weak feeling, but one that needled me regardless of how much I knew that they were needed here. Building alliances, making connections -- King Hoffer would be a grand ally when I returned, just as King Widukind would be.

"After everything, I'm still a boy that doesn't want to leave his mother's skirts, huh?" I asked the wind, looking down upon my army. A good number of them were clad in the new riveted chainmail, having taken to wearing it at nearly all times as a mark of pride. With a small huff, I shook my head and began to make my way down to the docks. They couldn't leave without me, but it wouldn't do any good to be late. It was as I descended that I saw a number of people waiting for me.

Jill and Morrigan. Morrigan leaned against a tree, her arms crossed, and wore an annoyed frown. Jill, however, stood straight and dignified. I was seeing a change in her over the past half year. Something that Mother was drawing out. "Siegfried," Jill greeted me, meeting my gaze. "I am here to inform you that I shall be accompanying you in this journey."

That wasn't really a question. Or even a request. My gaze slid to Morrigan, who rolled her eyes up to the sky, seemingly annoyed that she was here at all. Moral support? "Why do you want to come?" I asked her, tilting my head to the side. Jill was the odd one out in that regard -- Morrigan had to come because of her nature, and the debt that existed between us. Astrid wanted to come because of the adventure. Jill, however, didn't readily have a reason to come.

"Experience," Jill answered, having an answer prepared. "You have mercenary and mercantile experience, but you possess little in the way of diplomacy. I do, both because of my upbringing and my additional training over the past half year." She reasoned and, I could admit, that was a credible argument. "Additionally, three or five years from now is entirely too long for a betrothal. The two-year one we have now is questionable given our age. It would shame me to continue to wait for you."

There was a brief pause. "And I would like to go," she tacked on, making a small admission.

"Very well," I agreed and that seemed to bring her up short.

"That's it?!" I heard Astrid announce herself, stepping out from around a tree. An ambush, it would seem, in case I argued against the idea. "You told me no a dozen times before I got you to say yes!" She thundered, looking thoroughly annoyed with me. I had finally said yes to her request to join, despite my reservations. Partly because I'm certain that she would have snuck aboard, and partly because… well… Mother tricked me, it would seem. It was a lot harder to say no in the marriage bed.

"You didn't make an argument for it. You just said that you were going because you wanted to go," I pointed out, and I very much got the impression that Astrid didn't particularly care for that distinction. "And Jill isn't a combatant. She won't be in danger when we do eventually find a fight. You would be." I also saw that she didn't care for that point either, but at least it struck a mark because her face twisted like she bit into something bitter.

"What a glorious waste of time. See, fool? T'is unbecoming to simply assume rejection," Morrigan sighed at Jill, who still hadn't wiped the surprise off of her face. I glanced between the three of them, idly considering what I had signed myself up for -- Jill, Morrigan, and Astrid only got along when they were teaming up on me. Or, rather, Morrigan and Astrid fought like two cats in a bag, while Jill caught stray comments and arguments when she tried to mediate.

Jill shot Morrigan an annoyed look, "Most men would refuse such a request." She pointed out, and I knew that was true. I had heard more than one remark that I gave them too much freedom and allowed them to argue back too much. I didn't have an issue with disciplining my men, but… I looked between them for a moment -- all three of them were independent women. Astrid and Morrigan in particular clung to that independence. I don't think I could take it away without them hating me for it.

"I'm glad you're all getting along, even if it is at my expense," I told them, and Jill flashed a pleased smile while Morrigan and Astrid glared at each other, then at me.

"Me? Get along with this boorish oaf?" Morrigan rebuked, turning her nose up at Astrid.

"Boorish? I'll show you boorish, leech," Astrid shot back with little hesitation. And if I ever felt like they were going to overwhelm me, I could just do that and they'd be too busy fighting amongst themselves to team up against me.

Jill sent me a knowing smile, "I'll give instructions to have my luggage carried to your ship." She informed, and Morrigan and Astrid followed and argued behind her, trading sharp remarks and insults that had the people they passed by looking twice, expecting a fight. I simply shook my head, not dissatisfied with the turn of events as I continued heading down to the docks. I thought Jill should stay because Astrid was going to stay, and it would be better for them both.

If they believed differently? Well, I suppose we would see.

The docks itself were crowded. The single dock wasn't enough to house all of our ships, so fourteen of them had been pulled up to the beach. They were loaded, and ready to be pushed off. The town was seeing us off and at the helm of it all, I saw my family. Mother held herself together well, and I realized that she was wearing the expression I always saw when she was seeing my father and brothers off. That expression softened when she saw me approach. Solveig and Helga did too, stepping forward and wrapping their arms around me. Solveig in particular was difficult to hug, her belly rounded.

"A shame you can't stay to meet your nephew," Solvieg muttered in my ear as I hugged my sisters. It was a shame.

"I'll meet them soon enough," I reassured her, taking a step back. She smiled softly. Another reason to want to stay. By the time I returned, the babes would be walking around and talking. Arne would be halfway to a man grown, or near enough. The family would grow and I would not be here to see it. But I couldn't delay, regardless of how much I might want to. I was already cutting it too close -- it could be weeks of travel, and winter was just around the corner. "I'll return with enough gifts to make up for the lost years."

"I'll hold that to you," Helga said, letting go with some reluctance. Halfdan thumped me on the shoulder, our farewells already said, leaving me to turn to Haldur. He met my gaze, his expression guarded and unreadable.

However, that faded away with a small sigh. "Don't tarry too long, baby brother," he said as we embraced for the first time in what seemed like years. "Or I'll take Horrik's head without you." Neither of us wanted to part on poor terms, despite the simmering anger between us. It was a gesture that reassured me more than I liked to admit. Because, even now, I heard my mother's voice in my ear.

"I won't keep you waiting too long," I promised, letting go of my brother and finally turning to Mother.

She said nothing to me. Just as she never said anything to father when he set out to raid. She simply reached out and squeezed my hand, her gaze conveying the message -- 'come back to me.' I gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and nodded -- I would come back. I would return more glorious than ever. Wiser too, I hoped.

There was nothing left to say, for better or worse. At least, so I believed until Hoffer the Heir approached me. He held out a hand that I clasped forearms with, "Wolf-Kissed -- it has been an honor to fight beside you. You have made my father a king. I would see this debt repaid to you, if you would allow it. I wish to accompany you on this great adventure."

I think everyone was asking me at the very last minute because they knew I would have a much harder time thinking of reasons to say no. "It would be an honor to have you join us," I replied, caught a little flat footed, but Hoffer just grinned away. He was a good warrior. And with him, he brought a hundred men. "Would you not be needed here, though?"

"I have enough brothers to take my place, and my family is stronger than ever. Either I shall return greater, or one of my brothers will take my place as heir," he shrugged before he smiled, "And I still owe you that tale of my family." True enough I suppose. Hoffer made his own goodbyes with his family, which delayed us a bit, but within the hour and with another ship added to our fleet, we set sail.

It was unbecoming, but I kept my eyes on the island until it faded from view, trying to see my family for as long as I could. It was only when we were well on our way that a small sigh ended up escaping me. I was committed to this path, but that did not make it any easier.

Time did soothe the ache, I found, as we sailed off to Saxony. We sailed by Denmark, I did see the occasional rider that poked his head out from between trees or tall grass to watch our journey. And it would seem that they were preparing for our disembarkment. It was amusing enough to think of the messages that were being delivered to Horrik and Thorfinn, but I decided it was unwise to land for a variety of reasons -- chief among them all was my vow. I had yet to kill the wolf that had kissed me upon my neck.

We continued on to Saxony, sailing to where we had departed, and I saw a great number of changes. The dock was completely full of ships, and there were dozens more upon the beach. I quickly counted them out even as I heard a horn blowing from the town, announcing our arrival -- sixty ships. More than what I had asked for. A curious thing, I decided, sailing for the docks while I saw men gathering to greet us.

King Widukind stood at the end of the dock, and he seemed more alive than I had ever seen him. It wasn't until then that I saw how heavy of a burden the war had been, because he almost seemed like a different person. His dark hair still held a hint of gray and white, and wrinkles still gathered at his eyes, but they seemed smoothed away. He stood taller, his belly a bit rounder, and his arms thicker. He was dressed in a richly dyed green and white tunic, dark brown trousers, and wide fur boots -- upon his head was a golden crown that had been marked with green and red gemstones.

"Wolf-Kissed! We feared you wouldn't arrive," King Widukind greeted me warmly as I got off the ship at the very end of the dock. We clasped hands and I found that even his grip was firmer.

"King Widukind. You seem to be in good health. I'm glad to see it," I replied, my gaze flickering out to see a few other familiar faces. Jarl Aldmund and Hyrpa were the two foremost Jarls, likely elevated due to their victory over King Charlemagne.

"I have good reason to be! The peace has held," King Widukind said, answering a question that he knew I had. "There is the occasional border skirmish, but it's less than even what we experienced before the war." I suspected that was a result of the war -- in the invasion, a number of villages on both sides had been depopulated. Meaning that if there was going to be raiding, both sides had to venture far deeper into the nation to find wealth. Which was not ideal. "Come -- let us walk while our men organize things." Meaning that he wanted to speak in private.

I sent a nod at Thorkell and followed King Widukind, "it is a relief to hear that the peace has held. For Saxony, at least. What of Holland?"

"Functionally independent, but formally under the rule of Ageres," King Widukind began. "King Charlemagne does not dare to invade the territory as Holland and Saxony are staunch allies. It would only be natural to defend them as their king is a long-standing guest." I resisted the urge to snort at that -- Ageres was functionally a puppet, and it was King Widukind who had a hand up his ass, making Holland an extension of his realm in practice but not in theory. "The rebellion that we cultivated triggered not long after you left for Norway -- when King Charlemagne went to invade the Muslims, a number of his Jarls refused the call."

That was… honestly a little annoying. Now they rebelled? "Sounds like he has greater issues than Saxony." Which is likely why the peace held.

"He will crush the rebellion," King Widukind agreed. "And he will likely be stronger for it. I have kept a close ear to Francia. Rebellious lords have had their lands and noble titles revoked -- all men over ten are executed while the women are put in the service of their God. The lands go to the crown because of it. Perhaps the rebellions would be more of a threat if they were coordinated, but they have been crushed one after another."

I nodded in agreement, "He would turn that problem into an opportunity." It would be a dangerous game, but King Charlemagne was an expert player. It might take a year or two, but I suspected that he would find himself with more power than he had before the rebellion.

"He will. Perhaps the peace will not hold then, but for now, we have years to prepare. Such as forging alliances with our neighbors up north," he remarked lightly. "You created a king."

I nodded, "It was part of my wife's dowry." And, for a moment, I think it was the first time I had seen King Widukind ever struck speechless. "I have spoken to him about you. He seemed open to the idea of alliance, but I decided to leave the details of it between you. I am not a king yet."

King Widukind let out a scoff, "Merely a kingmaker. I shall send an envoy to King Hoffer to discuss terms. We do possess a common friend… as well as a common enemy now." That caught my attention, my gaze snapping to King Widukind as we made our way down the docks, a small contingent of soldiers trailing behind us.

"Horrik," I summarized, wondering what could have made him an enemy of King Widukind. We were allies, true, but that did not make Widukind Horrik's enemy.

"My payment to you has not been missed by the king of Denmark. My spies tell me that he assumes that the fleet is meant to sail past the Danevirke and attack him directly. Some months ago, raiders ventured out to burn a few ships and managed to destroy eight of them. I commissioned more to replace them, and to ensure that we had the agreed upon amount. Sixty ships, though the last ten do not possess any cargo." Meaning that I had a fleet of seventy-six ships. That was… almost too much, honestly. I had over a thousand men, but each ship needed at least a dozen men to row it. Ideally, there would be at least thirty men to each boat to ensure proper rest.

"I noticed that he had men watching the shore," I remarked, coming to a stop. "Has he prepared for an invasion?"

"Aye. Two thousand men at the Danevirke. Another two thousand in his capital with another thousand scattered about for quick response. Five thousand men in total, but a good half of them are Swedes," King Widukind explained. Five thousand men. A testament to the fact that Horrik's power had swelled.

A slow smile tugged at my lips, "I have no intention of invading yet. And I apologize for the trouble I have inadvertently caused you," I told King Widukind, who did seem surprised with my decision. "May I ask how many men will be joining me in my journey?"

"Seven hundred. Most of them are the second and third sons of my nobility. They are eager to earn glory and riches by following you," he answered. Meaning, all together, I had… two thousand and one hundred warriors. Closer to two thousand and two hundred counting the camp followers. And seventy-six ships. "Our warriors can be mustered. I can bring you two thousand warriors if you wish to march."

I shook my head, "No. I have something better in mind."

When I told him, King Widukind laughed louder and longer than I had ever heard from him.

…

A day was spent feasting and celebrating our departure, another day was spent organizing everything while taking stock. King Widukind had been generous with the goods in my hold -- there was beer, wool, pelts, tapestries, weapons, foodstuffs such as salt, cheeses, and grains. The more valuable goods had come from the raiding and plundering in Francia -- weapons, pigments, candlesticks, and even gemstones. All of it was divided up between my ships, and on the third day, we set sail. The wind was at our backs, a strong current carrying us forward, and we hovered near the shore of Denmark.

The Danevirke was an ancient fortification, to my knowledge. So old that no one knew who built it or who it was built to protect us from. It was a tall wall made out of dirt and wood with deep trenches before it that would stagger any army that tried to cross it. The two thousand men that were stationed there didn’t dare leave such an important fortification, but with each passing day, I saw the number of people following us grew.

We could have made the trip in a day, but we continued at a leisurely pace, jeering at those on land. It was the next morning when I started seeing familiar territory. It was tempting to sail upriver to see my family home, but that was too close for comfort. Instead, we sailed around the tip of Denmark before sweeping east, still following the shoreline. A few brave men tried firing arrows at us, but that shortly stopped when I started shooting back, with greater effect.

It was noon when I saw it. Alabu. The capital of Denmark and the home of my most hated enemy.

There was a point in time when I thought that it was the greatest city in the world -- back when a small farm was the only thing that I had ever known. Now I saw it with more worldly eyes. The buildings were low and staggered things made out of wood and mud, the roads made out of mud, and a wooden palisade around the city itself. I could see the longhouse from where we sailed, as well as the dock, which had a good twenty ships bobbing in the sea. The only people on the streets were warriors -- hiding behind a shield wall and a barricade on the beach.

I searched them in silence and I could feel the tension in the air. It just about snapped when I finally found them. Horrik and Thorfinn.

They stood on the palisade, wearing armor and carrying weapons. Both of them had their helms off, allowing me to see their faces. Thorfinn was missing an eye, and it gave me no small amount of pleasure to see that it was an ugly scar. Two of them -- one that took his eye, and the other was a deep slash that clipped his eyebrow and went down to his cheekbone. His dark hair was pulled back, a short beard hanging from his cheeks…

He looked a lot like Horrik, I thought to myself, and despite the distance, I felt our eyes meet. His dark blue eyes met mine, his lips thin and his expression severe. I could see the trap that he was trying to lure me into. The beached ships would make landing more difficult than normal, and if I had to guess, the ships themselves would be loaded up with pitch -- a damning maneuver, but when I outnumbered his fleet so badly, it would be his best option.

I lifted a hand and drew a line over my throat with a thumb, and I knew he saw the action when his scowl intensified. I watched on as his scowl slowly became confused, then baffled as my fleet kept sailing by.

I laughed as I turned away from him, looking forward instead of back. He and Thorfinn both had their chosen day, and they would die at my hands, but today was not that day.

For I was off to Miklagard. The greatest city in the world.