Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Ivar

That morning, we all sat down for breakfast at the dining room. My Papa was seated at the high chair, and my Mama sat next to him. I looked around, searching for Ragnar, but he wasn't present. I was sure he didn't show up for breakfast because of my Mama, but I didn't dare ask.

The door opened, and I snapped my head to see two maids walk in with a wooden tray carrying breakfast.

They set the plates down, and the maids began to serve us. One of the maids walked to my side and placed two slices of Bale bread on my plate. She spread cheese on the bread before adding some slices of meat on my plate. Setting the Alehorn next to me, she poured ale into my cup. (Alehorns are the cups Vikings drink from, crafted from animal horns. Ale is called beer in Viking culture, though it is brewed from yeast."

She bowed her head before leaving. Once the food was served, I closed my eyes and prayed to the gods to bless the food. Opening my eyes, I waited for my father, the chieftain, to take his first bite before I ate. In my tribe, it is a tradition that the Elders must eat before anyone else. It is an act of respect.

"How fare is the courtship with your suitor's been going?" Mama asked.

I was halfway through drinking when I heard her, and I set the horn on the table. I slowly turned to her. Did Mama have to remind me of this while Papa was present?

"I told you, Mama, none of the men has hold my interest."

"You are not interested, or you do not want to be wed?" Mama asked.

"Very soon, you will grow so old that no man would want to court you," Papa said.

I swallowed hard.

"Did I ever tell you the tale of how I met your Papa?" Mama asked.

"Nay," I shook my head, taking a big bite of the bread and cheese and chewing.

"I was the daughter of a blacksmith from a neighboring village, and your Papa always came my Papa for the mending of his boat," she began.

I looked at her, taking a sip of my ale.

"He used to jest about taking me as his wife, to which I hated him for, but my Papa thought well of him, so I held my tongue," she said. "I did not see your Papa for some time, and when he appeared two winters later, he came for my hand in marriage."

"To win my hand in marriage, my Papa set two giant hounds, as was the tradition of my tribe," she continued.

"He strangled one of the hounds with his bare hands and killed the second by tearing its jaw apart," she said with a tight smile. "Thus, he pleased my Papa even more."

"You should sought a husband, Ivar," Papa said.

"I shall," I said. "When the right time has come."

"When is the right time?" Mama narrowed her eyes at me. "We have waited for four winters, still, you give us naught but promises."

"You cannot force me to marry" I said. "I would not be wed to a man I will come to regret later."

"There is naught to regret, my girl," she said. "There are fine men in this land; why would you rue marrying any of them?"

"One question for you, Mama," I said. "Do you ever regret wedding Papa?"

Silence fell between us. She looked at me with parted lips, clearly not expecting this question.

"Ivar—"

"Tell me, Mama… do you love him?"

"Enough!" Papa yelled, and we turned to him. "If by the end of winter you haven't wed, I shall arrange a man for you to marry, and there will be no refusal from you this time."

"I heard," I said, losing my appetite instantly. I took a sip of ale before standing up.

"Where do you go?"

"To my chamber," I replied. "I have work that awaits me there."

Upon reaching my room, I found Ailis already making the mat. The mat was hung on the wall with the threads hanging out.

When she heard my footsteps, she turned toward me and quickly bowed her head.

"My Lady," she said with a smile.

I stood beside her, and together we continued making the mats.

Ailis was a slave my father had bought from the black market after a raid in the east. She was one of the most beautiful servants in this house. She had fair skin and freckles on her upper cheeks, which was very uncommon for women in my tribe.

"Someday I wish to travel north with Uncle Ragnar," I said.

"You know naught of what stays there. Your Papa has visited there twice, and it twas long before your birth."

"That changes not my wish to go there," I said. "And though Uncle Ragnar speaks only little of that place, I have heard tales about North."

"What tales?"

"There is gold, silver, fine houses built from stone," I said. "They say the roads are fine, and the people dress well."

"Who told you such tales?"

"The guards," I replied. "They plan on traveling north, but have no ships to carry them."

"And you believe them?" Ailis asked. "If what you speak are true, surely your uncle would tell the chieftain."

"But what if he hides it from my Papa, for fear of him claiming the lands?" I asked. "I dream of the north, Ailis. I saw mountains and high houses in my mind's eye. I tell you, Ailis, the place is beautiful."

"Those are but untrue stories, my Lady. You cannot believe until you see it."

"That is why I wish to sail there with Ragnar," I said, turning to the door. I contemplated going to his room, but what if he rejects me?

My heart sank.