032

I threw the body on a small cart. If I knew what it would be used for, I would have made it bigger.

- Well, that was the last one. I am about to throw the table away and there is only the floor left to clean.

- Ulf.

- Yes? Found a tooth and a piece of bone.

- You don't have to clean up, I'll do it. Take a rest or take a bath or take a rest in the bath.

- So let's do some cleaning together, and then we'll have a bath together.

It didn't take long to clean it up, a little scratching of dried blood in some places and one big urine stain. I've been to parties that ended with more damage.

We heated the water on the stove and filled the tub. I submerged immediately, I wanted to wash off the remains of the fight as soon as possible. Lagrtha sat across from me and soaped her naked body. I took a piece of rag, soaked it in water and placed it over my eyes. Immediately I felt blissful, the warmth of the water spread over my muscles, the fatigue slowly faded away. I was lost in my thoughts and didn't even notice when I first started humming and then singing.

"... Tomorrow will take us away

Far from home

No one will ever know our names

But the bards' songs will remain

Tomorrow all will be known

And you're not alone

So don't be afraid

In the dark and cold ..."

- Ulf, what is this language?

I took the rags out of my eyes and looked at Lagerth, I was so relaxed I started singing in English, not that it mattered, but now I have to come up with a convenient lie.

- My mother taught me this language when I was a child, I do not know what lands he comes from.

- I didn't know you could sing, what is this song about?

I translated the lyrics, and while it didn't sound that good anymore, it was still singable.

- Do you know any other songs?

I've known a lot of them, but I'm not going to sing Crazy Train or Sad But True. I thought for a long time and the only thing that came to mind was one song. I pulled Lagerth to me, she leaned against my body and I wrapped my arms around her waist... and placed my hand on her breast...

"Fire, fire dragon fire

Searing words of ancient ire

Wake, wake from the grave

Rise to set the world aflame

Night, night, endless night

Terror is the only light

Bane, bane rage untamed

Darkness dwells in age-old blame"

I only sang the beginning, because although I knew the rest of the text, I couldn't translate it.

- Ulf, everyone dreams of fame and wealth, most men go to raids ...

- You ask why I don't go on raids with others?

- You are strong, you fight well, better than most people I know.

- People will remember who killed the dragon or who killed the snake? If I wasn't here, you might already be dead or rap_ed ... take care of your own home first, then think about other things. If you hadn't been in danger, I wouldn't have done anything.

- I understand.

- As for fame, our people will be back in a few months and will boast that they attacked this settlement or killed so many warriors. I, without moving from Kattegat, killed over 30 enemies, saved Jarl's daughter-in-law and his granddaughter, and the settlement from being burnt... of course with your help. If I am to risk my life, it is not for a handful of trinkets, but for something valuable ... like you.

Lagertha turned and kissed me, looked down.

- Ulf, I think the water is getting cold ...

Such an insult, I couldn't forgive her ... two hours later we left the tub ... and Lagertha had to clean up the water we spilled as punishment... and the rest of the punishment will be in the bedroom.

I got dressed and went upstairs to Mira's room to see how she was doing. When I opened the door, she was asleep. I came closer, shone the lamp over her face, the bruise was nasty ... it didn't look like it had come from a punch, but rather a kick as she lay down. I decided to prepare some herbal ointments and compresses. I don't know how much they will help, but they certainly won't hurt.

The next day, I started working on the new table when a few people from the area came to thank me for saving them. Not all norsmen were warriors, most of them were breeders and farmers who engaged in combat occasionally. I refused to accept the gifts, explaining that others might need them more. I didn't do it out of the goodness of my heart, just when someone gives you something, then they may expect something in return, I would certainly expect it.

And I was right, though only partially. I was asked to help rebuild a few houses. All I had to do was provide them with wood, boards and doors, of course for a fee and I agreed, it was not a big problem, I will make money from it, although not much, but I will also help people in the area in some way and maybe I will benefit from it someday.

Siggy also showed up for the same purpose.

- Ulf, thank you for saving my daughter and me.

- You do not have to thank, unfortunately I could not save your sons. How are you doing?

- I have to be strong until my husband and Jarl come back from the east. The entire Kattegat is on my shoulders. Ulf, Jarl and my husband will definitely need someone like you ...

- No, I like you, but let's finish this conversation. I will not become anyone's man, I am the helm, sailor and ship for myself.

I said goodbye to Siggy and went back to making a new table, hoping no one would disturb me anymore.