Chapter 18: New Sword Arm!

"Your mothers taught you well," the goddess said. "Though I suppose you've forgotten much already."

"What do you want with us?" Yngvar asked.

"That depends upon how cooperative you can be. I don't mind telling you that I will enjoy this task immensely. Though I suppose we should start with introductions. My name is Valgerd Sigrúardssonna. This land belongs to my husband, Sigurd Jarl. He rules here now, since his father died recently. As for myself, I have no husband or children. Perhaps someday I'll find such a match. Until then, I lead a solitary life serving my people and those whom they entrust to my care. That includes you two."

Valgerd turned away and began walking deeper into the cave. Her companions remained where they stood, staring wide eyed at their new surroundings. They wore expressions ranging from horror to awe. Even Yngvar felt the same way. What was a woman doing wandering alone in a place like this? Especially one so beautiful.

They followed Valgerd along the narrow path until they reached another large cavern. This room held dozens of tables arranged around the perimeter. Some benches filled the center. Candles flickered everywhere, casting shadows across the stone floor. Men sat at the tables eating bowls of porridge. All were huddled together in groups chatting quietly among themselves. Each table held four men seated side by side. Others served food and drinks. Everyone seemed intent on ignoring the newcomers.

Valgerd led them directly to the largest table in the middle. It seated twelve. Five men sat facing outward while seven others faced inward. The five at the outer edges of the table wore mail shirts as if ready to go out onto the battlefield. They carried spears leaning against the wall behind them. None offered glances to their captors.

In contrast, the innermost ring of men greeted Valgerd warmly. One even threw his bowl of stew at her feet.

"My dear sister-wife! We feared you lost to our enemies."

She smiled at the speaker, whose gray beard spilled over the edge of his plate. The rest of the men cheered and raised cups of ale.

"Sigurd has been generous with me. But it's time I returned home."

The other men grumbled complaints about missing meals or needing more ale. Yet none challenged her statement.

Valgerd waited patiently for silence, which came slowly. Only when everyone showed signs of slumber did she speak again.

"When King Hakon sent these Norsemen to help with trade, he expected something in return. Instead, he gets nothing but trouble. Can you imagine what would happen if word spread that all the trading ships had vanished? And the crews too. No wonder he wants them dead. Now he knows why he didn't get anything in return. So he sends me instead. To make sure everything goes smoothly. Again, I ask: Can you imagine what happens next?"

No one spoke, though some nodded or shook heads. Finally, one man leaned forward with a cup in hand. A yellowish liquid dripped down his chin as he tilted his face upward.

"I'm sorry. You just seem so…well, not exactly right. Not entirely human. Are you really a Valkyrie?"

His question earned him a slap to his ear from Valgerd. She stood straight and tall before him, her black hair flowing gently behind her back.

"A Valkyrie? Don't be ridiculous. Valkyries are warriors who serve Odin himself. I am merely a servant to the gods."

"But you look like a warrior," someone else said, raising his voice above the others'.

This comment elicited louder protests. Valgerd's expression darkened. She stared at the man for several moments before turning on her heel.

"Enough talk. Come eat your breakfast."

As soon as Valgerd left, the group burst into chatter. Once done with their meal, each man took turns speaking with Yngvar and Gyna. Their names were Thorfast, Alasdair, Brandr, Einar, and Harald. The last three shared an interest in weapons training. They invited both Yngvar and Gyna to join them. Both declined, saying they had duties elsewhere.

Yngvar spent the day learning more about the king and his plans. Unfortunately, much of what he heard only confirmed his own suspicions. He learned that King Hakon's brother Erik ruled Norway now. His cousin Sweyn lived in Denmark, having seized power after his uncle abdicated. There was still a strong bond between the brothers, despite their different realms. However, Erik wanted no part of Sigvaldi's schemes. Whatever those may have been.

Sweyn apparently also knew of Ulfrik Ormsson and sought alliance with him. Of course, he could never trust such an oath given without guarantees. At least he seemed willing to send aid to any ally of Ulfrik's.

Afterward, Yngvar joined Bjorn and Leiknir Gunnar to train with swords. As promised, they met up every morning for practice. Today was the first day since leaving Jarl Sigrún's hall.

Bjarni and Kjartan arrived late as well. By then Yngvar was already sweating under his armor. With two dozen men gathered, the air grew thick with sweat and oiled leather. The sun blazed overhead, making the stones beneath their feet feel cooler than usual.

Kjartan gave a long sigh once he finished stretching. "We should've come here sooner."

Leiknir laughed. "You know we couldn't leave this place alone. All of us were busy getting ourselves settled."

They all chuckled together.

"So how is my new sword arm doing?" Kjartan asked.

Bjorn answered with a smile. "Better than yours. It feels good to use a real blade again. Besides, I don't need another shield anymore."

He held out his arms, showing off his bare chest. Bjorn's skin was tanned dark brown by the summer sun. Unlike most of the others, he wore no shirt under his mail coat. Like his father, he preferred to fight naked except for his helmet. His scars glistened white against his brown body.

"Well, let's see what you can do today. How many times will you miss my head?"

Everyone laughed, including Bjorn. Though he had grown taller and stronger over the years, he remained as fast as ever. That speed made even his mistakes entertaining.

Once everyone found a spot along the wall, Yngvar worked alongside the rest of the crew. They practiced footwork and blocking techniques until the heat began to take its toll. When it became obvious that none of them would reach the end of the training area, Yngvar called for a break.

The afternoon passed uneventfully. Bjorn continued to impress as did Alasdair. Even Leif hoped to learn enough to survive combat. These four formed the core of Yngvar's defense. If anything happened to these four men, he would lose heart.

When evening came, the other crews departed. Only Leif and the four named Bjorn stayed behind. The remaining men were assigned to guard duty around the camp while the women prepared dinner.

Gyna sat beside Yngvar as she chopped vegetables into stew.