Chapter 8

"Wake up, wake up."

I opened my eyes and was met with the forest green eyes of Aela. She was looking down at me from a kneeling position. She had on her armor and weapons in hand, her stalhrim bow radiated a chill that even I could feel. Her being so close I noticed things I hadn't before. She had a light spatter of freckles over the ridge of her nose and under her eyes. A small scar on her upper lip gave her a slightly predatorial look. Her auburn hair tied in a tight braid laying over her shoulder.

"Are you going to stare at me all day, or are you going to get up?" She asked, yet, she never made a move. She continued to stare into my eyes and I hers, but as strange and sudden the moment occurred, it passed swiftly when her eyes seemed to lose interest and she pulled away. Her arm outstretched, offering me a hand. Gripping her hand firmly she pulled me up.

"Is everyone awake?" I asked.

"They are, Jaren says the bandits should be arriving soon."

"Good, let's meet with the others. I want to go over the plan one last time."

As I spoke I put on my various pieces of armor. Once fully armed I and Aela made our way to the main hall where we spotted our group and Jaren and his group. My group seemed relaxed, as if this was just another morning. Jaren's group, to my surprise, had resolution written all over their faces. Seems they have come to grips with the reality of the situation. Good or bad, they were ready no matter the outcome.

They noticed my presence as I stood at the head of the table with Aela at my side. I could feel Floki and Sceolang lurking in the shadows, out of sight but ready to serve as always. I looked each man in the eye, trying to convey my confidence in the battle to come. No one said a word, seeming to wait for me to speak. Speak words of encouragement, bravery or anything to immortalize this moment. Nodding my head I began with a clear voice.

"Yesterday you were mere villagers. Living your lives while not under the best of circumstances, you have lived. And now, you stand as more than simple villagers. More than ordinary men. For it is not ordinary for one to stand up against oppression. Most would meekly comply out of fear. You are among the bravest men I have had the honor of meeting. Not because you are warriors, for you are clearly not. But because you are here, you stand here ready to fight or die. That is brave, you are brave, in-spite of all that you have to lose."

I tried to come up with words that would spark the hearts of these men. From their faces I seem to have accomplished my task. Was it cheesy? Perhaps, but now they go forward relaxed and not tense. Thus, this was a success I am willing to take.

"Aela, I want you in one of the homes ready. I want you to keep your eye out for any scouts that they may have hidden. Take out any you find before they can be put to use." I began giving my orders, starting with the huntress.

"Gentle and Gunnar, you two will be with me. When the time comes, go wild" I looked over to Gunnar and he nodded his understanding. I locked eyes with Gentle for a moment. In that moment much was conveyed and he too nodded his understanding.

"Ivar, I want you in the rear. Do what you can to support, but your priority is the safety of this hall and the woman and children within" He happily nodded, seemingly glad that he wouldn't have to fight in the front, so close to the action.

"Jaren, take whoever usually goes with you to meet them. I want you to bring them as close to the hall as you can. Once the fighting starts I want you to retreat to the hall. If all goes well, we'll be feasting tonight. The rest of you, be ready to help where you can. But as with Ivar, your main priority is the protection of this hall." The men nodded and I was sure they were ready.

"They should be here any minute now. I need to head out to meet them" Jaren said.

"Very well, go and get ready" I said as he and two others went to make their final preparations. As they left, so too did the others. All that was left was my group. I looked at them and smiled, not a brotherly one, a smile of a predator. I bared my teeth to them and they did the same in return, save for Ivar.

"We go to battle, steel will meet flesh and blood will flow." I gripped the table and it creaked under the strain as I leaned forward. Gentle matched my excitement and even Gunnar seemed excited.

"They will taste the smile of my axe! Steel will meet flesh and blood will flow" Gentle spoke, anticipation and barely restrained savagery radiating from him.

"Grrrrrrrr" Gunnar growled and he smiled. His scar gave him a sinister appearance as he did so.

"You can count on me, cousin" Ivar said, staff in hand and a smile on his face.

"So begins the hunt," Aela entoned.

They left for their stations and I made my way to the main door. I had my helmet in hand and sword in hand. Floki and Sceolang at my side, I readied myself for the fight. As I was in the process of centering myself, I heard footsteps approach.

"We are heading out. I must admit, I am afraid. But when I looked at my wife and children, I felt a strength I haven't felt since my younger days."

I looked over and Jaren stood beside me. He looked like a man at peace, ready for whatever lay ahead. Turning back and closing my eyes I took a deep breath. Exhaling, I placed a hand on his shoulder and gave a firm squeeze.

"The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it."

Releasing his shoulder we stood in silence. Eventually I felt him leave and I was alone. This is it, my first fight. I am filled with equal measures of excitement and nervousness. I am ready as I'll ever be, all I can do now is wait. I try to calm my heart, try to reach some measure of peace. Yet my heart won't stop beating, my blood sings in anticipation. This feeling is unlike anything I've felt before. Surely if someone were to look upon me they would see a smile filled with untold ferocity.

Opening my eyes I made my way to the door. Gentle and Gunnar stood on either side and the other men behind them. I stood directly in the center with Floki and Sceolang by my side. They too seemed to anticipate the coming bloodshed. I peered through the crack in the door and waited.

Soon I spotted Jaren, but he was alone. Not only that he seemed bruised and bloodied. His lip was cut and blood trickled from his head covering half his face. I was shocked and confused. What had happened? My answer came in the form of ten men in rugged looking gear. In the hands of two were the severed heads of the men that accompanied Jaren, their faces frozen in pain and terror.

"Shit, this doesn't look good" Gentle said from over my shoulder.

"Oh, Oh no, they killed them," one of the villagers spoke in a shaky voice.

"We have to help him," another said.

"No, we wait and see what happens next. If we rush out they may kill Jaren" I spoke with finality.

One of them walked forward and stood beside Jaren. He walked with a calm swagger that spoke of his confidence in the situation. He was tall, wore dark leathers and had a sword in hand. He had an easy smile on his face as he reached over and forced Jaren to his knees. He grabbed a fistful of his hair and put his sword to Jaren's neck.

"I know you're in there! Come on out and we can talk like civilized folk."

I made no move, waiting to see what he would do. I also needed time to figure out what to do next and go over the possibilities of being able to save Jaren.

"I came here to get what was owed, what was agreed upon. My men and I came here in good faith, and you try to set us up you conniving little shits! You think I wouldn't know! Well I have good friends you know. People I can count on to behave like decent folk. Come on out, bring the foo- I mean our good friend forward."

From the group, shoved forward by the others, emerged a figure. The sight of him made my blood boil with rage. I cursed myself for my failure to remove the possible threat. Behind me I could hear the exclamation of the men. They were shocked, rightfully so.

"NO."

"How could he?"

"That bastard!"

"How long was he one of them?"

"He fooled us all."

Ignoring the others, my attention was entirely focused on the man who stood beside the bandit speaker. My lip curled and I gripped the handle of my sword tightly. Beside the bandit speaker stood Levir, the piece of shit who spoke out the night before. He had a smile on his face that made me want to shove my sword through his gut.

"That little shit," I cursed.