Vikings One Shot

You cowered behind one arm and held tightly onto your silver cross with a free hand. The axe rose high into the air, it's curved edge cast devilish shadows onto the walls of the farmhouse as it hovered above the Northman's head.

"Finish me then! Do not taunt me!" You peered through shaking fingers. "Well come on then!" You shouted. "What are you waiting-" The wide eyed invader dropped his axe to the floor and rose his dirtied finger to your lips.

"In here." He whispered, dragging you by the loose cloth of your robe further into safety.

"You speak my tongue?" You asked as he clambered to the ground to retrieve his weapon. "How does a savage like you know my language?"

"I should do. I am from around these parts, so I don't see why I would struggle."

"Athelstan?!" You staggered, staring deeply into the sharp eyes and caring eyes that you remembered so fondly from your childhood as his bearded mouth curled into a cautious smile. "Thank the lord, Athelstan it really is you!"

"Keep your voice down. Do you want them to find us? They will have my neck as well as yours."

"After all these years, who would have thought we would meet again like this? Oh well, as well all know the lord works in mysterious ways." Athelstan quickly went through the rooms of the house, extinguishing each flame that lined the wall as he passed it. "I don't think we have time to question why you are part of the raiding party attacking our monastery I am just thankful that it was your hand holding the axe and not somebody else."

"It is a tale far too long to tell. Just hide, do not come out even when you think it is safe, stay tucked away for as long as you can muster, please. Put all of your valuables onto the table, let them take it. There is no good trying to hide them, they are like hounds when it comes to silver and gold." From just outside the house the sound of leather boots on cobbled stone was enough to put fear into the hearts of even the purist. "Quick, hide, please."

He grabbed the handle of his axe and used the blade to quickly sweep the silver platters into his netted sack.

"If they see you, your only choice is to run. Remember... I was never here."

~*~

Written by Aaron.