Chapter 5: Bard's Arrival

The morning wind blew lightly through the loose strands of Astrid's hair as washed clothes at the edge of the stream. The sky was a clear blue with not a cloud in the sky. The smooth, running stream water was calming. The world around her was at peace within itself. The birds flew in pairs, returning chirps back and forth as one called out. Astrid longed to be like one of the birds- free with someone to care alongside her. Fish jumped out of the water, returning in as quickly as possible, causing small ripples in the calm, still water. Oleifsborg hadn't changed any since the first time she had arrived. The steep hill was the same rich green, blocking the village away from the waterway. The intimidating longboats were docked along the shoreline, waiting for the next raid.

Just a piece down the river bank was a group of middle-aged women scrubbing their belongs, caught up in talking. Astrid watched the chipper women laugh and chat about the interesting things happening in their lives. As she dunked another dirty tunic into the clear water, her eyes wandered back to the loud women. Taking in each thing they said and done killed her, knowing she would never have the chance to be like them.

Reaching for another article of clothing, Astrid noticed a small, blonde-haired girl, whom Astrid assumed was one of the women's, toddled towards her, clinching a tiny white flower in her hand. The child looked up at Astrid with round, hazel eyes, smiling a genuinely happy smile.

"Hello little girl." Astrid mumbled, smiling back at the child. "I am Astrid."

A confused look came over the girl, who glanced back at the other women then back at Astrid. "I am Eira. My mother is over there." She handed the flower to Astrid. "Why do you work alone?"

Astrid looked down at the fragile white flower that she held in her rough, dirty hand. "Because I am a slave. I am not welcome with the others, Eira." Astrid smiled once again at the child. "Thank you for the flower. It is beautiful."

"No, pretty like you." Eira grinned widely. "You are welcome with me, if you like. I do no not have anyone either. I am six and they are all old."

Astrid laughed at her comment due to the fact that the ladies were not much older than her. She noticed that the women had seen Eira talking with. As a slave Astrid was the lowest on the hierarchy system, meaning that talking to a free person's child or an adult could be punishable however they felt about the slave.

"You should return to your mother, Eira." Astrid said, handing the white flower back to her. "You cannot talk to slaves, it is not socially accepted."

Astrid hastily began putting her freshly washed clothes back into the heavy, woven basket. Eira looked confused and hurt.

"But I like you. You are nice and pretty." Eira shared, shrugging her shoulders. "I do not mind that you are a slave. Sometimes the best people are not the richest."

Astrid felt a tear come to her eye as the child spoke sincere, meaning everything that came from her mouth. "You are a wise child for your age."

Eira walked toward Astrid with open arms, expecting a hug in return. Instead a tall, slender, sandy-brown haired lady jerked Eira up by the neck of the dress she wore. Astrid jumped up from where she sat, taking her hamper into her arms. The lady pulled Astrid by the arm, causing the basket to fall and dump, closer to her. Astrid could see the anger in her electric blue eyes.

"What is your means talking to my child, Slave!?" Her harsh voice shouted, pushing Astrid back onto the ground.

Astrid shook her head as she tried to regain herself to stand back up. "Forgive my lady. I meant nothing by it. I am -" Astrid was cut off by a kick to the stomach, knocking the breath out of her.

"I do not ever want to see you talk to my child or any other child again, Slave!" She shouted again, bringing a forceful kick to Astrid's ribs. "Be thankful I am not getting your master."

As she drew her hand back to smack Astrid, who lay perfectly still on the ground, bracing for impact, but she was caught off guard by something in the distance. She ran from Astrid, taking Eira into her arms as her and the other women ran away, frightened. Astrid sat up for a moment before flopping back down on her back, staring up at the peaceful blue sky, letting out a long, painful sigh. She slowly began to regain strength as she pulled herself from the sandy riverbank. Out in the distance she saw large sails of six boats coming in. Only one of the ships flew the Oliefsborg flag, bright red with three white lines on each side coming from a black circle in the middle, on the end of the boat. The other boats flew a flag unknown to Astrid. She let out a deep groan before she gathered her things once again. She took off in a speed-walk up the dirt path on the hillside.

Astrid ran frantically through the village of slow-moving people to the Earl's longhouse, pushing the large, heavy doors widely open.

"Erick!" Astrid shouted, running through the house searching for Erick.

Erick glanced up from the plate of food that he was eating at the disheveled Astrid. Several days had passed since a small band of men journeyed to negotiate with Bard. No word had came since then, leaving Erick and the others living in suspense.

"What is it Astrid?" Erick asked, pushing himself up out of the chair.

Astrid stood breathing heavily, trying to catch her breath, pointing in the direction to the river. "Ships are coming. One is of your fleet the other five flies an unknown flag."

Erick's eyes grew wide. "My son is coming back to me." A smile crept onto his stern face. "I am not ready for him."

Erick looked Astrid up and down. Her tan and sage green apron dress covered in dust. Her face and arms bruised. "What have you done, Astrid?"

Astrid began wiping the grime that had settled upon her face and arms. "I got into a scuffle with a lady beside the river but I did not fight back, sire."

Erick stared at her displeased in silence, studying Astrid. "As long as you did not fight back I have no problem with you." Erick stated, pointing at Knute. "Take him with you to the markets. We will have a feast when my son arrives."

Knute stood from the bench of the table, stretching his arms upward before walking passed Astrid, showing no emotion. No words had been spoken between them since they had kissed, which left a nervous knot in the pit of her stomach. He grasped the long, thin handled of the bentwood basket that sat beside the rounded wooded doors, slinging it over his left shoulder.

Knute walked over to Astrid, offering her his free arm. "Shall we go?"

Astrid nodded as she slipped her arm around his muscular bicep. She reached her left arm around, attempting to take the

"I shall carry this. You have already been through enough it appears." Knute said, flashing smile to Astrid as he took her by the arm.

They strolled down the small village paths, passing many little markets of fresh produce, cloth, and iron makers. Astrid felt a slight bit of happiness grow inside her as she shared a walk with Knute. Soon the happy feelings departed her once again as she remembered what Erick had said. It might not be that bad for Knute is a fine man, Astrid thought to herself as she studied his actions, walking arm in arm.

Knute wondered over to a market that sAstrid spotted Eira standing beside the blacksmith shop, looking puzzled at the things around her. She hurriedly rushed to her side where she hunkered down to be on the same eye level.

"What is wrong, Eira?" Astrid asked, taking the child's small hands into hers.

Tears began welling up into Eira's, once bright, eyes as her lip started quivering.

"My mother has left me." Eira cried. "Please help me!"

Astrid looked around uncertain on what she should do. There was no one around who seemed to care that the child was distressed.

"I will help you the best I can." Astrid stated, wiping the tears away from Eira's face.

Eira wrapped her small arms around Astrid's legs, bringing back the memories of Aida as she patted her soft curls.

"You will be fine. I promise we will find your mother." Astrid assured, lifting Eira into her arms.

Astrid looked around searching for Knute who had wondered away, but he was no where to be found. She began walking down the dirt streets, her eyes exploring the world around in high hopes to find her fellow friend Knute. Off in the distance Astrid caught a glimpse of the tall slender lady who was Eira's mother. She sat Eira down and slowly began making her way to the lady nervously. The scene from the river appeared into her mind, leaving her with an uneasy feeling of returning the child.

Astrid eased up behind her, placing her hand lightly on the lady's back, causing her to turn around. She glared at Astrid with cold, beady eyes and pursed lips hatefully. Her stare moved from Astrid's down to Eira, who was smiling happily and contented.

"My baby!" The lady cried out, pulling Eira close to her bosom. She looked up at Astrid with the same sour look. "Why do you have my child!?" She stood straight up, arching her shoulders.

Astrid held her ground, not moving no matter how close the lady came to her. "My lady, I found Eira alone and crying, looking for you. I brought her here to you unharmed, that is all." Astrid stated clearly, turning to walk away.

"Do not turn your back on me." She called out. "I am Porrun, slave."

Astrid turned to face Porrun, bowing respectfully to her.

"Forgive me, Porrun. I meant no disrespect by it." Astrid spoke. "I have returned your child and that is all I came to do. I do not want any trouble."

Porrun's face was the same cold, stern face it was at the beginning. "Thank you." She mumbled as a tiny grin crept upon her face.

Astrid returned the response with a smile and a nod. She turned to walk away, glancing around from Knute but there was still no sign of him.

As Astrid walked down the paths she rubbernecked, Not paying attention she ran into a strong-built man.

"Forgive me sire, I did not mean to. I-" Astrid began but was cut off by the man.

He stood strong and tall, his white fur, covered shoulders arched back and poised. He wore a long red cape which swept the ground. His black tunic was covered with a chainmail vest, which stopped at the waistline of his black animal hid trousers. He wore a pair of soft leather boots that came up mid-calf of his leg. He had shoulder length, golden blonde hair and ice blue eyes that resembled pools of water.

"You are fine, lady." He spoke clearly and smooth. "I am Bard, Jarl of Lundr. Who might you be?"

Astrid glared at him with a blank expression on her face, taken by this handsome noble man that stood in front of her. "Astrid. My name is Astrid. I work for-" her voice drifted off.

Bard tilted his head, raising the right corner of his mouth into a cocky smile. "Astrid, it is a pleasure to meet you." He said, taking her by the hand and placing a soft kiss upon the top.

Astrid felt her cheeks begin to grow hot as their eyes met. "It is a pleasure to meet you to, sire."

"Who do you work for again?" He asked, crossing his arms over his face.

"I work for your father." Astrid paused, closing her eyes. "I am a slave."

-Sorry for the delayed update! I've had some complications with technology. Anyway, vote & comment, please. Feedback makes my day, lovely readers. I hope you all have a wonderful day! 😄😄