After practicing and training his body all Spring and Summer. Winter was approaching very quickly. The Jarl, Svygard Bjornsson had sent an envoy to request the customary 5 ships and at least 100 able-bodied men. Any person over 16 who wanted to go on a raid, could. Man or Woman, no one was left out in the North, as women had equal rights as men.
When wedding a woman of the North, the man must provide a good sum of money in case his wife divorced him, or if he died in a legal dispute.
Knowing that Winter is on the horizon, Jon worked harder than before, where as he used to only worry about his physical training, now Jon was observing his opponent. He watched the footwork of his opponent, while also learning the steps and different strikes he had seen while sparring with Gu.
Today would be the last time Gu could teach Jon as they both had to prepare to go on the raid. Knowing this, Jon was determined to finally beat the old master. Starting in sparring positions. they began to fight for the last time this year.
Carefully observing the steps and body language of his opponent, Jon was formulating a plan quickly as he began to anticipate his opponent's moves. As Gu started to swing the spear overhead, Jon held the spear in front of him, tightly holding onto the spear. Seeing this, Gu pressed his advantage. Rushing up, Jon remained calm and did not extend his arms to attack Gu.
Gu stepped forward and swung the spear hard at Jon's face. Jon widened his grip on the spear, turned it while stepping into the strike, he completely blocked the strike. Even if Gu wanted to withdraw his spear, he could not as Jon stepped into his strike and was now close enough to kiss the old man on the cheek. Instantly circling around behind the old man, Jon smacked him on the back with the shaft of his spear, knocking master Gu off balance.
Catching himself faster than Jon anticipated, Jon stepped back, knowing he could never underestimate his opponent. As soon as Gu caught himself he spun around and stabbed the spear at where Jon used to be. Surprise was still on Gu's face when Jon was standing just off line of Gu's thrust, and poked him lightly in the chest with the tip of his spear.
"It seems I have taught you all I can my young student. You have made an old man proud today. In these next few months, we will be going into battle, always think of your opponent as someone who is better than you, do not mistake fear for weakness. Fear goes hand in hand with caution, fear will keep you on your toes. Do not let fear consume you, for it should be watered down with proper skill, courage and anticipation. The lesson is now over. You beat me today, so you owe no fee for the week. Goodbye Jon Berskaggr, I will see you on the ships!" Gu smiled, turned and walked away.
The weeks went past and Jon used this time to meditate on his knowledge and be with his family. He would not see his sisters again until next Spring, if he made it back. Jon also used this time to pay his respects to the Gods, placing flowers, spices and fresh meat on the altar, he beckoned the Gods to accept his offering and bless him in battle. Jon felt no different after this, but was happy he had the chance to do that.
In the last week he was in town, Jon decided to go to the local artist after scavenging up a pile of wood from the white oak. He wanted to get a tattoo for Woden, choosing the symbol of the 3 horns of wisdom. In the story, Woden is tasked with drinking all of the ale from 3 bottomless ale horns in exchange for wisdom, art, and his spear, Gungnir. As one knew this task was impossible, the horns only filled up with ale as fast as one drank it down.
Woden actually drank the ale so fast, that the 3 horns had not one to fill up before he emptied them, thus gaining immense wisdom, fine artworks and his iconic golden spear, Gungnir. Jon felt this symbol was fitting for him and would like to have it become part of him. After burning all the wood and collecting the ash, Jon made his way to the artist.
Jon only explained what he wanted as the symbol was widely known. He laid down and let the man cut the mixture of ash and water into his skin. Making no noises or faces at the pain, Jon sat through the ordeal and after it was finished, he looked down at the beautiful work on his forearm. He was impressed and gave the man a few gold coins for his troubles.
Jon's tattoo healed fast and was fully healed before the ships were starting to fill with men.
As the time to leave was upon them, Jon stood on the beach as he did every year, except this time he was standing shoulder to shoulder with his father and across from his mother. Lagertha was especially upset this year as her only son was going to risk his life for gold. Jon hugged them and said his goodbyes. For the first time in his life, he walked onto the ship with his father, bow in hand, quiver on his back and sword at his side.
As his father had found a place to sit, Jon sat directly next to him. Jon did not personally know any other person on this boat, he had only seen a few passing by them in town. A loud horn blew and signaled to the other ships as they blew their horns in response. For the first time ever, Jon was leaving his childhood home.