Sophia couldn't sleep throughout the night since she didn't want to risk waking up late. She was nervous when the time came to go to the village. It made her wonder if she and the others could stop the attack and, more importantly, know who the traitor was. While lying on her cot, she heard Estrid's soft snores. Maja was quiet, but she was sound asleep. Suddenly, Maja began to speak in her sleep. "Prophecy. Prophecy."

This caught her interest as she silently sat up, looking at the older woman. "Blood. Please don't cry. Prophecy." Sophia wondered if Maja was having a nightmare but didn't want to risk waking her up. Suddenly, there was a slight noise outside the house. The curtains were moved out of the way as Ragnar was seen. They looked at one another and nodded; it was time to leave. Ragnar waited outside while Sophia dressed and packed her sword, food, herbs, and other materials she might need for the trip. Ragnar told her it could take a day to arrive, so it was best to make haste.  

Once ready, she was about to exit but felt a firm grip on her right arm. The contact was sudden, and she saw that Maja was the one who grabbed her arm. However, Maja looked straight ahead and looked half-asleep. Sophia tried to get her arm free, but the grip tightened. The older woman then slowly turned and looked at Sophia; her eyes were half-opened but white. "What? Maja, what is-?"

"Hear my words, young healer, for I have a prophecy. Blood will be spilled, and lives will be lost in your name. However, through blood and loss, three great Kings will be born. Their names will be remembered throughout history and lore." Maja's grip suddenly lessened, and she slowly drifted back down to her cot and slept. 

Sophia felt her heart pounding in anticipation and shock; the action was sudden. She stood before Maja, watching her sleep but eventually leaving the house. Maja suddenly opened her eyes while lying on her side. "The gods have spoken through me. It is her prophecy. She is the one who will bring about our future Kings."

Meanwhile, Ragnar had about twenty Vikings and shieldmaidens traveling with him to their allied village. They all brought their weapons and shields, food, and other materials. They waited for Sophia outside the village with their horses. Ragnar wondered if the young woman changed her mind. He suddenly saw her running toward the group with her belongings. "You're late. I thought you had a change of heart." He got off his horse and assisted Sophia in tying her things to the horse saddle.

"Sorry about that. It's just that...never mind. We need to go before everyone wakes up." She was assisted to get on her horse. Ragnar got on his and ordered everyone to move forward. The horses galloped away into the darkness, not knowing they were constantly watched.

The group rode through many grassy hills, rivers, and lakes until morning rose. They rested by a lake to let the horse rest and eat while the group drank water and ale and ate breakfast of bread, honey, and caught fish. Ragnar noticed how quiet Sophia was throughout the travel, and she hadn't tried to talk to him. He didn't want to pressure her to speak until they reached their destination. They eventually packed their belongings and got on the road again until dusk. Ragnar motioned out his hand as he stopped; everyone did the same. "We will make camp here. By tomorrow morning, we will arrive at our destination. Remember, there will be a possible attack, so we must prepare ourselves."

Everyone nodded as they got off their horses and prepared for camp. Sophia was helping other shieldmaidens get some firewood and make a fire. With the food everyone brought, they began to cook soup. Ragnar watched as he helped the men prepare cots and cut some meat they had brought. Eventually, they came together as they helped each other cook the meat and soup. When completed, they all served themselves their dinner. Ragnar and Sophia sat next to one another. It irked the Viking that Sophia hadn't spoken much throughout their travels. "Are you enjoying the travel? It's been a while since we all have done such a thing."

This got her out of her daze. "Huh? Sorry, what was that?"

"You have been silent throughout our travels. What is on your mind?'

Everyone in the group eyed her with curiosity. No one wanted to say it, but word spread about Ragnar's divorce that Sophia may have caused it. Some say that the grief of Fridleif's death may have been the cause. Sophia didn't want to say what was on her mind with the others around, but they all traveled far, knowing that they would have to fight and die to protect their allies. They deserved to know. "Do you remember Maja?"

"The healer? Did she find out that you snuck away?"

"I-I don't know. When I was about to leave, she seemed to be half awake. She spoke her in her sleep. Something about a prophecy."

This caught everyone's attention. "Really? What did she say?"

"I-I don't remember everything, but she mentioned something about two Kings being born and that their names will be remembered in history and lore." Sophia lied about not remembering what Maja said. What bothered her the most was that many lives would die because of her. What did Maja mean? Was it because of Itzvar or something else?"

"The woman is old and frail; she might have strange dreams, Sophia." Ragnar took a bite of pork and took a sip of his soup. 

Sophia looked at her reflection in the soup. Maja may have just been dreaming, but her words seemed too convincing. She couldn't help but feel that more tragedy was about to come.