897AD
Off the shores of Cardigan Bay, a longship can be seen coming towards the shoreline, it rocks and sways to the rhythm of the sea's waves. These Vikingr that are aboard the boat are hungry for riches and thirsty for blood, as they come closer to the shore of the bay in Wales the leader of the raid party known as Ulf the Merciless goes to the head of the boat to look at the land. It was a long journey they had made from Vestfold, Norway and they were finally ready to start their mission that was placed upon them by King Harald Fairhair of Norway, he wants more land and even more riches. Ceredigion, Wales is the only kingdom that has been untouched by forces of Vikings and battle all together. Due to it being a small kingdom Harald did not see it as having much of profit for him, until recently, the kingdom has expanded in trading and selling to merchants. Once Harald called upon Ulf and his men from Vestfold Ulf was itching for adventure and knew that he would not fail.
Once the boat reached the shore and the Vikings exit the boat, Ulf has a moment to look around the desolate beach and take in the sight. The skies are gray, and the seagulls fly away from the beach as a camp was set up. "I am surprised these Welsh have not sent an army to push us out and send us home. I was really hoping for that drengr." A familiar voice said behind him bringing Ulf out of his thoughts. He chuckled lightly and faced his friend Sigurd. "Maybe brother, it is because we chose to come by sea and not by land like they would have expected." He replied as Sigurd simply smirked and shrugged before turning away. "We will make camp here, then in the morning we will go to Cilgerran Castle and the king should know of our presence by then." Ulf shouted for all his men to hear, he stood with pride and he was not the only one that was itching for battle if it came down to that.
Meanwhile, further into Ceredigion and inside Cilgerran Castle, the king sat on his throne staring at the letter that he had received from the King of Norway, and he knew what that meant for him and his kingdom and family. 'But why now?' He thought. "My love, you worry me. What has you so caught up?" A familiar soft voice, one that he loved and enjoyed to hear broke him out of his trance. He looked into the hazel eyes he loves and adores. "Nothing you need to worry yourself with darling. Just more demands of lords and such." He replied as he smiled at his wife and put the letter down. The queen wanted to push the issue further due to her not believing his words, but she knew no good would come of it. "Very well, let us join the children for dinner." She smiled back at him as he placed a chaste kiss on her knuckles.