Before the storm

Sigrid sat at the back of the boat, the wind tousling her hair.

The splash of the oars disturbed the surface of the water, but the silence between them was heavier than the open sea that surrounded them.

Her gaze flickered between the two. Bjørn, with his stern, serious face, gazed towards the horizon, already distant, as if he were halfway into the war that awaited.

Ragnar was close, but his presence brought her no peace.

She wanted to return to Frosta. Possibly she would see her mother again, even meet her youngest brother.

She felt anxious about what lay ahead. Most likely, her brothers and father had left to support the opposite side.

As the boat drew closer to home, the unease in her stomach tightened like a fist.

Erik waited on the shore, his face dark. "We must leave almost immediately," he said, extending a hand toward Sigrid.

Erik pulled Ragnar aside before approaching Sigrid.

A weighty gaze preceded his important words. He took a breath and lowered his voice. "I am sorry, Sigrid."

"It's not your fault. And... we will marry when he returns."

Erik nodded. "I've decided that Leif will come with us."

Sigrid furrowed her brow. "Leif? Is he ready for war?"

"Leif is tougher than you think," Erik said with a sly smile, but his expression darkened. "Still, he won't survive on this farm if we lose. Ragnar, though-he can twist any situation into his favor."

"That's true." She looked down, trying to hide her irritation.

"I've spoken with Erlend Arneson. If Bjørn doesn't return and the wrong side wins, I fear for you. But Erlend has stayed neutral." His shoulders sagged under the weight of the admission.

Sigrid's brow furrowed. "But you still have more ships, don't you?"

"Many. We will prevail. But we must be ready for anything. Ragnar will get you to safety soon."

The thought of a new king was unbearable-not just for the kingdom, but for the power it would hand to her brother.

A power she feared. She thought of Erik's farm and its healing plants. What was to happen to the people who depend on it?

"So Ragnar agreed to this?"

Erik raised an eyebrow. "Yes, shouldn't he have?"

"I'm unsure," Sigrid said, stopping herself and lowering her gaze. "But is it possible to visit Mama before I leave, if my brother is gone to war?"

"It looks that way, at least. Just promise me one thing, Sigrid-take care of yourself. No matter what happens."

"Wait!" She called as he turned to leave. Before he could respond, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. He stiffened, surprised, but after a moment, his shoulders softened, and he returned the embrace.

As she pulled back, her eyes searched his. A thought struck her, and she hesitated before asking, "Erik... Ragnar thinks you blame him for his mother's death?"

His eyes widened, and he shook his head. "Not at all, but I saw what it did to him, losing her. He became someone else. And maybe... I was too hard on him."

"Then tell him. Before it's too late."

Erik nodded, her words sinking deep.
"You remind me so much of my late wife, he said, his voice barely holding steady. He straightened, as if bracing himself, then turned and stepped away in silence.

Sigrid's gaze shifted to the path where Leif was walking toward her. Without hesitation, she ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck in an unguarded hug.

"Promise me you'll come back," she said.

"I'm scared, Sigrid."

She paused, almost retracting her words. But when she observed his face, she let the words slip out. "You can take Balder. He'll protect you."

"Are you sure?" He asked, astonished.

"Yes. Just promise me one thing: "That you'll bring him back."

"I'll at least do my best," he said with a faint smile.

Those going to war gathered inside for one last meal. Sigrid intently observed Bjørn, memorizing each detail. Following departure, they lingered; a delicate quiet filled the space.

"Remember the full moon," he said with a sly smile.

"No, that's your job. I'd rather remain unaware."

"As you wish," he said, leaning forward to kiss her on the forehead.
"Promise me you'll do as Erik says and go to Erlend. He's a good man."

"I'll attend solely to escape Ragnar; I expect your return."

He took out the box and placed it in her lap. "Keep this somewhere safe, in case you change your mind."

Sigrid stared at the box, her fingers resting on the lid, as if the contents inside weighed heavier than she could bear.

"I must go now, before they grow impatient," he said, a heavy weight etched into his face.

"I'll follow you."

Their walk to the harbor was difficult, and neither could speak, as the sense of separation intensified with each step.

Her heart was heavy as the boat pulled away from the shore, the wood scraping against the dock before it glided into the water. Balder whimpered after her.

A wave of unease washed over her, a feeling that settled in her chest and made it hard to breathe.

She stood on the dock, her gaze fixed on the boat disappearing into the horizon.

Helpless, she watched the distance grow between them, each stroke of the oars a reminder of everything she couldn't control.

"Come, let's go inside," Ragnar commanded.

"I'll stay longer," Sigrid said, refusing to meet his gaze.

Long after the boat's disappearance, she remained seated, her gaze fixed on the horizon. The waves swallowed the last traces of Bjørn.

The shadow of evening crept over the fjord before Thora appeared, her silhouette outlined against the pale light. "He'll come back."

"I know." Sigrid took a deep breath, as if to hold back tears. "I'll just miss him."

Thora sighed, her gaze drifting across the water. "I know that feeling."

Sigrid turned toward her, studying her face in the dim light.

"I have to say, I'm surprised you came with us."

Thora let out a low, almost bitter laugh.

"You think I'd stay behind with Ivar? Sure, he flirted-but he would never have wanted me. I'm just a servant."

"Thora, most men would desire you. And you're not just a servant-you're my sister now."

"Sigrid... You really don't know how the world works, do you?"
She paused, then added more gently, "But I love you like a sister too, Sigrid."

They both shifted, a little uncomfortable at the confession, laughing softly before Thora met her gaze again.

"But why didn't you want to stay behind? Then we wouldn't be stuck here with Ragnar."

"Truthfully, it's better than being with Kristin. And apparently, Ragnar is taking us to Erlend."

Sigrid smiled but shifted into the conversation. "But you must miss your mother. If it's safe... would you want to come with me to see her?"

Thora jumped with excitement.

"Then we'll leave tomorrow."

Thora's joy was a rare spark of light in an otherwise heavy evening.

When they entered the farmstead, everything felt different. The house, once filled with voices and life, now seemed cold and empty.

The timber walls, once a source of comfort, now exuded a cold and unwelcoming aura. The house felt profoundly empty, a lonely echo remaining.

Ragnar sat in their father's chair, as if he were already the master of the house.

"That's out of the question," he said when Sigrid told him about her plan.

"But Erik said my father and brothers had left," she pressed.

"Yes, but I can't be certain. It's too dangerous."

"And you're planning to take us to Erlend Arneson?" She studied him.

"Why wouldn't I?" He said with a smug smile.

"Well, you seemed rather reluctant the last time."

"Well, this time it's different, Sigrid. I'm engaged myself now."

"You're...?"

"Yes, to Gerd."

She paused, her gaze fixed on him in disbelief. He wasn't marrying Gudrun-the beautiful and outgoing one-but Gerd, the quiet shadow who had always lingered just behind her.

"So, while I was away, you and Gerd...?"

"Yes, just like you and Bjørn. I knew it would happen."

"You assumed!" She pointed a stern finger at him but composed herself. "Apologies, Ragnar. Of course, congratulations."

He mumbled something under his breath, surprised by her reaction. "I need to go out tomorrow. But promise me one thing, Sigrid. Do nothing foolish."

She nodded, offering only a curt, "I promise. Goodnight."

"What did he say?" Thora asked, her eyes gleaming, already wrapped in her blanket.

"Nothing important," Sigrid replied, then added in a near whisper, "We're sneaking out tomorrow."

Thora laughed, the sound light and almost disbelieving. "We are?" She asked, a big smile spreading across her face before she closed her eyes.

●●●

They reached the riverbank. The silhouette of the farm was visible in the distance. Sigrid's eyes darting, scanning for danger.

Though it had been so long since she'd left, everything felt unchanged, as though nothing had happened at all.

"I'll check first," Thora said in a low, determined voice. "If I don't come back, run!"

Sigrid had no time to protest before Thora crossed the stream, her steps quick as she disappeared into the gray fog.

"Thora!" Sigrid called, but only the echo answered. Thora was gone, swallowed by the thick air.

Sigrid crouched low behind the bushes, her breath shallow, her hands trembling against her knees. Every rustle of the wind made her flinch. The day grew increasingly long.

But Thora never returned.

She knew she couldn't wait any longer. Steeling herself, she crept toward the farm, moving lightly and deliberately, like a shadow.

Through the window, she saw no movement inside. Her heart thundered as she opened the door.

She froze, holding her breath. The strange silence was suffocating, unnatural.

"Thora?"

But there was no answer.

She took a step, then another-no voices, no movement. Not a soul to see or hear. It felt like everyone had gone off to war.

She climbed the stairs and opened the door to her room.

The loud shriek of the creaking hinges startled her so badly she stumbled backward. Heart racing, she closed the door and moved on to Åsmund's room.

Just as she reached out to push the door open, she felt it-ice-cold fingers wrapping around her waist.

Before she could scream, a rough hand clamped down over her mouth.

Her muffled cry stuck in her throat as she kicked and struggled, but the surrounding arms were relentless, dragging her backward into the suffocating dark.

●●●