"I'm Arne, Golm's son."

Sophia raised her right eyebrow. "Oh, a pleasure to meet you, Arne. Sorry, I don't know who Golm is. Is your father the leader of this city?"

"Indeed. Forgive me for the intrusion. I was about to practice my swordplay but heard the commotion here. I see that Ragnar's wife was not very merciful. I see that she does not have a liking toward you."

"Obvious, isn't it?" Sophia could still feel the pain and blood in her body. 

She overlooked that Arne walked toward her. "She hit you roughly. You're in pain."

"It's alright. I can heal myself; I can also ask Maja for help."

"You don't seem to complain as much. I can see that you do not like Lagertha either. You try to hide it."

Sophia sighed. "I don't like her training methods, that's all. I know she did this to vent her dislike toward me. However, I need to go through with this. I must be prepared for the worst if we are ever attacked again. Lagertha would be the least of my problems."

Arne raised an eyebrow. He couldn't deny that he was impressed with her train of thought. "You know, I can help better your training. Lagertha does not like training other women that Ragnar is interested in."

The young woman blushed. "Ragnar is married."

"My father has a mistress; she was a gift from my mother. My mother cannot keep up with my father's desires, so she gave him his mistress." Sophia felt disgusted. She was not used to it, and it was a Viking custom. Arne noticed Sophia's expression. "I see that you don't approve."

"Who am I to judge? No matter what I say, one will stick to what benefits them. It's a waste of time."

Arne let out a whistle. "By the gods, you do not hold your tongue. I can see why Ragnar has you among his people. I hear that you're a healer."

"I guess you can say that."

"I also heard from Ragnar's people of a woman who held an axe and helped protect the village. You are the woman, I presume." 

Sophia sighed as she stretched her right arm out, giving her a slight cracking noise. "I guess people like to talk. Besides, I'm not the only one who fought."

"Forgive me; I didn't ask you for your name."

"Sophia."

Arne chuckled. "Just Sophia?"

"Well, Ragnar gave me a last name. I'm Sophia Ironside."

"Ironside, eh? Intriguing last name. Now that we are better acquainted. I want to give you a proposition. I can help train you."

Sophia looked cautious. "You, train me? Why? We don't know each other fully well."

"You interest me. Besides, Lagertha will not fully train you. I can help you more than she can."

The young woman looked thoughtful. She thought it would be an excellent opportunity to gain more experience and practice. All Lagertha did was beat her up and not train her sword movements. There was a possibility that Lagertha wasn't going to teach her everything. Arne was willing to train her even more. She wanted to see and learn different fighting styles. "I-I will accept your proposal. However, something tells me that you want something in return."

Arne let out an amused smile. "An intelligent woman. I thought I'd seen everything. Well, I would like more of your company."

Sophia crossed her arms. "My company. Elaborate."

"My, my, you have a judgmental mind."

"It's called being cautious."

"I want your company, to speak to you, to get to know you. You have my interest."

Sophia rolled her eyes. "So you want to know me until you get bored. Well, don't expect more from me. I'm not afraid to give you a piece of my mind if you try to do something I can't entirely agree with."

Arne chuckled again. "What kind of man do you think I am?"

Sophia slowly walked back to the city but stopped next to Arne. "Just a man."

"Well, rest well. I shall gather you from your quarters tonight, and we will begin training."

"Oh, joy." Sophia went on her way while Arne watched her.

 He let out a short laugh. "This will be fun."

Sophia eventually made it to the city, where she walked by many people. She saw Ragnar cleaning his sword as she approached her new home. Ragnar looked up and saw Sophia; she looked beaten up. He let out a long sigh as he went toward her. Sophia stopped in her tracks. "Lagertha didn't go easy on you."

"Glad you could tell."

"I know she is difficult to be with, but she will eventually open up to you. You need to gain her trust."

"I don't even think she wants my trust. She hates me." Sophia looked at Ragnar. "Is that why you put me with her? To ease her hatred for me."

"Yes and no. My wife may be a talented warrior, but she must let go of her childish feelings for the battle that will soon arrive. I know you will want to fight if the time calls for it. You two need to work together."

Sophia let out a huff. "Well, hopefully, I'm not too damaged for her to put those feelings aside. The upside is that Arne would help me with some of my training."

This caught Ragnar by surprise. "What?"

"Arne saw what happened. He wants to help me with some of my training; I agreed. It would be nice to get more help." Sophia was about to walk away, but Ragnar grabbed her arm. 

"I said that my wife would train you."

"You did, but what's wrong with asking for more guidance?" Sophia's expression became serious. Ragnar, please don't put me into more trouble."

Ragnar raised an eyebrow. "Meaning?"

"Please don't make rash decisions, for there could be consequences, even for me. Please excuse me; I need to go to Maja and Estrid." Sophia got her arm free; Ragnar watched as she walked away. He bit his lower lip as he continued to clean his sword.