Ch 55 King Horik

King Horik sat in the dining hall of his home while surrounded by his advisors.

"My King do not enter into any dealings with that monster!!!....please....I've seen what he did at Östhammar with my own eyes...." One man pleaded King Horik who sat while thinking it over.

"Fuck that, don't tell me you're scared Igga, What can one Earl from Norway do against King Horik!!! We need to join him on his raids!!! You've heard the plunder he gained from the West!!!" Another advisor spoke and shoved the other man.

"Ingerd is right Igga, I heard he took Thousands of pounds of Gold and Silver!!! With sixty Men he defeated an army of five hundred!!!" Another yelled out as his eyes went wild with the thought of so much wealth.

"That's why we shouldn't deal with that Beast!!! The bodies I saw...Men chopped like livestock, piles of legs, ten feet high beside piles of dead babies!!! He is Evil and will bring us great misfortune you idiots!!! My King you must not do it...." Igga pleaded but the King shook his head.

"Thenn Odinson whom the Skalds sing so much about....I need him on my side, He is young now, I must gain his loyalty before his legend grows much more....Surely it would be better to have him on my leash than loose in the world to keep growing his legend." King Horik spoke and his advisors nodded.

"My King Kill that monster before it's too late, it's the only wise thing to do!!!" Igga spoke but Horik held a hand up to quiet him.

"My words are final....Send a messenger to his lodgings inviting him for breakfast." King Horik ordered.

His advisors nodded and one ordered six of their Huscarls to deliver the message.

The six armored men exited the King's abode and headed off to deliver the message after being told where that could find him.

They walked for ten minutes and turned onto the small path which led to where I resided.

"Only I speak, if any of you say anything when we are there i will make you eat only grain for a month." Their captain spoke from under his helmet.

""Yes Sir."" They all responded, all of them had heard the horror stories from Östhammar and the tales of Thenn killing a hundred men on his own.

None wanted to offend such a person when they could get in his good graces, these guards didn't know of their kings nefarious plans after all.

After a few minutes they reached the home and were met by eight fully armored warriors while the rest washed themselves from the nearby well along with the massive Berzerker.

"WHAT DO YOU WANT." Balgrud spoke out and wrung out his Red Beard as he picked up his Warhammer and walked forward as his huge belly jiggled and his cock swayed in the breeze.

The Huscarls didn't take him lightly because he was naked though, all could see the Berzerker tattoos on his chest and shoulders, even if he was a normal man he must've been the size of three or four normal men put together.

The captain of the Huscarls walked forward and spoke.

"We are Huscarls of King Horik Gøttrikson, King of Denmark!!!" The captain spoke proudly but Balgrud snarled.

"YOU COULD BE THE WARRIORS OF THE FROST GIANTS AND ID NOT CARE IN THE LEAST.....WHAT...DO....YOU....WANT..." Balgrud spoke and began stepping closer to the six men who instinctively stepped back in fear and grabbed the hilts of their swords....Balgrud was bored and wanted nothing more than to chop these weak men down.

Floki saw all of this from the cracked doorway and thought of a way to have a bit of fun as he giggled softly....he opened the door and stepped out.

"Hahahah....Balgrud stop intimidating these stupid donkeys, they're liable to piss themselves.... ....hahaha..." Floki giggled and walked out of the front door.

"Who are you calling a stupid donkey skinny man!!!" One of the men from the group yelled and pulled his blade.

Immediately the huge Warhammer was swung hard by Balgrud as he let out a Fearsome Roar.

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" 

*SWISH 

*CRACK 

*SQUELCH 

*THUD 

Before anyone could do anything the man who pulled his sword had his helmet and skull caved and his neck snapped as it flopped around while the man's corpse dropped onto the ground below.

Balgrud smiled and moved forward to bash them to peices as his cock swung heavily with every step.

The captain put his hands up and yelled out. "STOP!!! STOP!!! WE'RE HERE TO DELIVER A MESSAGE TO EARL THENN!!!" The captain yelled in a panic as his men raised their hands as well.

Balgrud stopped and snarled at the group of men angry that he didn't get to bash their heads in.

"THE BOSS IS BUSY WITH HIS WOMAN.... WAIT OR LEAVE." Balgrud spoke coldly and the Captain nodded. 

"I will wait." The captain spoke then whispered to his men to drag their friend out of there.

Two of his warriors grabbed the body as a peice of brain fell onto the ground below....they both walked on down the small trail toward the Kings lodgings in shame.

"Will I be allowed inside?" The Captain asked.

Balgrud scratched his head for a few moments as if thinking about it, then he turned to Floki who was staring at the body as it was carried away.

"Oh....ahahaha...No....Thenn has orders that none is to disturb him until he's done with Jarra....hahaha....don't worry though, I'll bring the three of you some mead...." Floki spoke with a smile then scurried off inside.

The rest of my men secretly snickered under their helmets and the ones who were naked turned away to hide their smiles.

Everyone knew not to take a drink from Floki when he had that look on his face.

After a few minutes Floki slinked back out with a pitcher of Mead in one hand, and a stack of wooden cups in the other.

The Huscarls took the cups as they eyed Balgrud nervously, all knew the reputation of Berzerkers.....all Berzerkers were feared but one as large as Balgrud was terrifying.

As they were busy worried about Balgrud, Floki was pouring their cups full with a wicked grin on his face then watched in amusement as the men sipped the mead.

Two of them furrowed their brows at the taste as my men did their best to keep themselves from bursting out in laughter at his 'prank'.

Floki saw that they stared strangely at the drink so he spoke. "That mead was given to us by the Priests, it has special ingredients so don't waste a drop."

He spoke and stared at them as if urging them to drink up.

The men nodded and drank an entire cup before Floki refilled them and watched as they drank it all again.

One Huscarl burped. "Tastes Funny....I wonder what those Preists used to make it..." he spoke as my men chortled quietly in the distance.

Before long one of our slaves walked out.

"Floki, Lord Thenn is finally out of his room."

The slave spoke and Floki nodded.

"Aye, I'll go see if he wants visitors....hahaha.." Floki laughed loudly and scurried off into the home.

A few moments later a slave walked out and spoke "Sirs, Lord Thenn is getting dressed, But you may enter into the common area." She spoke and immediately my warriors escorted the three scared Huscarls inside....They felt as if they were walking into the lions den.

Balgrud wandered off to don his armor and get ready for whatever happened next.

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(Ten minutes later)

I walked out of the room after dressing myself, Jarra was splayed out on the bed with drool dripping from her face and cum guahiok out of her pussy and asshole.

"Stay in bed." I ordered and she moaned out in response.

I placed on my helmet and bear cloak then walked out slowly to the common area.

I immediately spotted the three men. "What is your message?" I asked as I walked closer and closer.

I could see two of the men beginning to tremble but the captain stood firm.

"King Horik Gøttrikson Of Denmark invited you to break your fast with him.... although we are a few hours late..." He spoke.

"Very well....I was getting a bit hungry, Balgrud and nine of you follow me." I spoke to my men and soon we walked out of the lodgings.

I spotted the blood trail and clumps of brains on the floor immediately. 

"What is this." I asked and Balgrud responded.

"ONE OF THESE CUNTS DREW A SWORD AT FLOKI SO I BASHED HIS LITTLE HEAD IN." He spoke proudly.

"Good....Good." I spoke and I saw the anger in the three Huscarls but none said a word.

We walked out down the trail and before long we stood before the huge cabin of King Horik, my lodgings here were better...

We walked inside and immediately I sensed the anger and tension in the air....The Huscarls were like a family and Balgrud had bashed the head of one of them.

But that was of little importance....

We were led inside to the common area and a Steward of the King approached us.

"Earl Thenn, King Horik Invites you to dine privately with him in his study." The man spoke with a bow.

"Will we be alone or with someone else?" I asked the man.

"His Advisor Ingerd shall join you." He spoke.

"Very well, Balgrud with me...You eat with a King today." I spoke and saw the nervousness in the stewards face....he was ordered to bring me alone, but the giant Berzerker didn't give him a chance to speak.

"GOOD!!! IM FUCKING STARVING!!! THEY BETTER SERVE ENOUGH CHICKEN!!!" He spoke loudly and followed behind me as I was led to a different room.

The door was opened and we walked in slowly as King Horik and Ingerds eyes widened upon seeing the two collosal armored men walk into the room.

I immediately looked at King Horik and was greatly unimpressed....he was short, and fattening, his aura was not like a King should be.

He stood up and walked toward me with the fakest smile I'd ever seen.... Reminded me of Sven.

"Ha! Ha! Ha! You must be Thenn Odinson!!!

I must tell you it is my privilege and pleasure to clap eyes on you!!!"

He spoke happily and walked over to me, I felt Balgrud tense up as if about to throw him across the room.

I raised a hand subtly and he calmed down.

"Your reputation goes ahead of you Thenn!!!"

He spoke and brought me into a quick hug as he patted my back, I only stared at him through my veiled helmet and I could see that he didn't expect me to act this coldly.

"All the Salds sing is of you nowadays!!! You were the first to sail west, Rob, and Plunder Gold and Glory beyond belief....They even sing that you stole the Kings Wife and Daughter from under his nose and killed a hundred men by yourself!!!"

King Horik spoke excitedly as if trying to butter me up by making me feel good, I only continued staring at him through my helmet.

"In fact, I can hardly believe my eyes that you are standing right here in front of me.

Please, please sit and enjoy the wonderful meal my servants have prepared both you and your famous Berzerker!!!"

Horik spoke and sat down as Balgrud waited for orders.

I gave a gesture with my hand and we soon both sat.

Balgrud immediately shoved an entire buttered roll into his mouth and grabbed a whole chicken from a platter and proceeded to rip into it as if it were the last food on earth.

King Horik stared at me as I slowly unclasped my engraved veiled helmet....I could see the angst in his eyes as he waited patiently to see my face.

I finally lifted off my helmet and he stared directly into my famous Milky Eye.

"Ahhh...I see the tales ring true, born blessed by Odin himself....Is it true that your Father gave you away for a few silvers the day of your birth?" Horik asked curiously and sipped on his cup 

Instead of responding, I slowly brought a cup to my lips and sniffed the drink deeply before setting it down....it was fancy southern wine which I really disliked.

"It is true.....Do you have any Milk?" I asked the King, immediately his advisor rang a small bell as a slave Woman walked in and bowed.

"Bring pitchers of Milk for the Earl." Ingerd ordered and the slave nodded before running off.

"And I've heard of you Horik, The Travelers and storytellers which often come to Kattegat have described how you came to your throne by defeating, one by one, the six uncles that killed your father."

I spoke and moved a slab of marbled meat onto my fancy plate.

"Not just my father, my mother, and all my sisters and brothers." He spoke with a solemn smile.

"But those sad tales are not what I called you here for...."

He spoke and his advisor nodded before looking over at Balgrud who had finished all the buns, Candied yams, Goat ribs, Parsnip and pork stew, roasted chickens, and hard-boiled eggs.... 

The slave Woman ran in and served me a tall glass of Milk before the advisor motioned her over, he whispered to her but I heard it clear as day.

"Tell the kitchen to make enough food for fifteen people just in case, and tell them to do it quickly." He spoke and the slave nodded vigorously before scurrying away.

I brought the glass of Milk to my lips and drank deeply before turning to Horik. 

"Then what did you invite me for King Horik?" I asked him coldly and finished my glass completely.

"I invited you to ask for your oath of fealty." He spoke proudly but I heard a growl come out of Balgrud immediately as he chewed angrily and gripped his tankard so hard that it shattered and spilled mead all over the table.

I rasied a hand for him to calm down but his face was completely Red as he thought of ripping both of the men before us to shreds.

I could see both of them tense up immediately....it was a good idea to bring my half mad bear to negotiatons to keep them on edge.

"Now....Why would I do that?" I asked and slowly poured myself another glass of milk.

"You would have the support of my entire Kingdom, not just here but abroad as well....with us working together the advances on The West would be monumental!!!" He spoke excitedly with a smile as if that would convince me.

"Now that I am a Noble, I will not bend the knee to may man who can't defeat me....and with all due respect King Horik, I'd cut you in half before you could blink."

I spoke coldly and I saw his face change into a mixture of surprise and anger.

He stood up to yell at me but before he could open his mouth my blade was at his throat before he knew what had happened.

Horik looked down at the long razor sharp sword pressed softly against his throat and raised his hands.

I pulled my sword away and smiled softly. "What did I tell you Horik...Before you could blink...." I spoke with a smirk.

"AHAHAHHHAHAHHA!!! You're even more fearsome than the Skalds sang!!!" He yelled out and raised a toast as his advisor watched on nervously.

"I will never bend the knee but I am willing to form an alliance of sorts, I would need certain assurances though." I spoke and he turned to his advisor who nodded subtly.

"Very well, let's talk business." He spoke loudly and we both sat down and began hammering out our deal.

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"SIXTY PERCENT!!!! YOURE FUCKING MAD!!! ILL DO TWENTY BECAUSE IM GENROUS!!!" 

"No I don't have any daughters for you to marry!!!" 

"Alright I can settle at forty..." 

"Yes I'll let you be in command when you wish to be, I swear it..." 

"Any Princess or Queen....fine you'll have first pick if we run across any." 

"So there's a bigger and richer kingdom called Frankia.....And your First Wife told you about it?"

"Seems like a good idea, but let's raids the West first since I heard there are more kingdoms." 

"We will see when summer comes Thenn..."

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"Ingerd do we have any issues with this deal?" King Horik finally asked his advisor.

I saw malevolent smile on the advisors face....in his mind we could sign whatever deal I wanted since he'd have me killed once my usefulness was over.

I played a hard bargain and wringed out every single concession I could from him until we finished.

"Oh, about that Huscarl that Balgrud killed?" I asked as we were saying our goodbyes.

"Don't worry about it, my men told me he drew steel first....your Berzerker is innocent of any crime." King Horik spoke with a smile but I could see his anger clear as day.

"AWWW... CAN'T I AT LEAST GET A TRIAL BY COMBAT...." Balgrud spoke sadly and I saw Horik and Ingerd scowl at him for a second.

Soon I walked out of the Kings Abode and headed back to my hall while Horik and Ingerd stayed seated.

Horik grew more and more Red before throwing everything off the table in a fit of rage.

"GODS DAMN YOU THENN ODINSON!!!! HALF BLIND BASTARD POINTS A SWORD AT MY THROAT!!!! ILL HAVE MY FUCKING VENGANCE!!!!" Horik roared out in anger and slammed his meaty fists on the table as he seethed in rage.

"My King, please calm down..... we'll dispose of him when the time is right, for now we must use him....it doesn't matter how much wealth he keeps from the raids since we will take it all back once he's dead."

Ingerd spoke and patted the outraged King on his shoulder as Horik slowly calmed down.

Eventually Horik stood up and wiped the sweat from his forehead and sweeoed back his long hair.

"Fine.....Fine.....you're right, i let my emotions get the better of me... We'll use him for as long as we need."

Horik spoke and sat down as Ingerd poured him a new chalice of Mead...

Soon after I walked up to the sacred Grove around the Temple and laid down Svein, the fat bald steward of Earl Haraldson.

Several people watched as my dagger sliced across his fat throat smoothly and let his blood pour into the roots of a nearby tree.

After his body went limp I roped his legs around a tree and hung him high as he swayed in the wind perfectly.

He was a shit man and deserved worse, but this would have to be enough.

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