In the group huddle on the male side of the river, 5 men lounged about laughing as they discussed strategy and bickered amongst themselves.
"…I threw her away and then caught this bastard Finan ducked in a corner watching everything," Ragnar grinned as he grabbed Finan into a headlock.
Harald roared with laughter, "These teenage boys are an insatiably curious bunch. I remember when I was a kid, we'd try and hide next to the river bend and catch a glimpse of the women."
He guffawed as he slapped Finan round the back, "It is a character-building sight, let me tell you! Gives you something to work towards obtaining."
Finan cheekily grinned, "You should have seen Ragnar defuse the situation with Erika."
Ragnar pummeled Finan around the head, "At least this time, I was able to defuse the situation fast enough." He grinned as he thought about his previous life.
Finan held the back of his head, eyes wide in happiness as he tried to make sense of the scene, "I think I understood what Ragnar did there. Instead of using logic to explain the situation to an emotional creature, he too converted to using emotional triggers."
Ragnar turned to look Finan in the eye, "You are mighty smart for such a young lad, you know that, right? Being able to guess, just from the first interaction I've shown you."
He rested his arms on the Irish boy, "I think you'll be perfect for the sword, Finan. Just wait till we start putting some food in you, get you on a surplus and after a couple months of training, you'll look like a completely new person."
Marquise coughed, before preaching to the men before him, "It is in my humble opinion that a smart lad should be shown the way of the spear. It'll give them longevity on the battlefield and help them gain experience from a distance during their most vulnerable initial months."
Thorkell roared in disapproval, "You lads are all fools. A Viking warrior needs a massive axe by his side to command his peoples' respect. Finan knows that the axe is the most interesting weapon, ain't it?" He glared at the child, demanding an answer.
Ragnar guarded Finan against his brother, "Stay back, you muscle headed beast. Don't poison the smart lad with your brain dead thought process."
Thorkell raised his fist in warning, "Call me brain dead, and I'll beat the shit out of you, brother."
He then pointed at the older spearman as he spat, "Starting with this heathen first."
Ragnar chuckled gazed on unperturbed, "If you honestly think I can't take you by now, then you've proved me right."
Finan gulped as he stared at the three men, all waiting for an answer as to which weapon to pick before a cough broke out.
The soft cough broke everyone's attention as they turned to look at Harald, "Right, enough washing ourselves, everyone out. Let us host the Saturday feast and discuss our action plan to travel to the Duke's castle."
They all rose out of the water in unison, nodding before they changed into new clothes brought by the servants.
————————————————————————————————
The feast was in full swing by sunset, with distinguished warriors from across the Barony attending to show loyalty to the new Lord. Including many vagabond mercenary men, gathering under the call of the Lord's banner. Many had heard that Harald was a man without peer, excluding his sons, and hoped to latch on to the rising stars.
A wide variety of food lay neatly on the tables, ready for consumption, with large torches illuminating the extravagant great hall of the Baron. For all of his misgivings, the previous Baron had done one good thing to spend money on his estate, for it was one of the best Manors in the Dukal territory.
"All hail the lord Harald!" A loud horn broke out as silence descended on the room. All mercenaries and warriors turned towards the side door with an abated breath. Men having heard legends sung of the esteemed family, while women heard of the guile and beauty of the three men that lead it.
The doors burst open by one of the guards, holding the Sigvald's family banner as Harald strode through first, his hand on the hilt of his sword, as his cool emerald eyes pierced through the room.
Behind him stood the enormous figure of Ragnar, who was absolutely fascinated by the current events. He had never been to a feast in his life, and this illustrious occasion was a sight to behold. Yet Ragnar had greater plans, intending to convert the Manor into a grand castle worthy of a future king, but for now, such a dream would take a huge lump sum that they didn't have.
The guests looked upon the Baron's entourage and gulped in fear. Three absolutely massive figures took up the entire width of the great hall, as they were flanked by the beautiful Eve and the grumpy Erika.
The two beautiful women were beside Ragnar as a statement to the men that he had claimed the two as his prize and spoke to cement the rumors surrounding his achievements in battle.
Harald slowly unsheathed his sword so as not to alarm anyone and began an opening speech, "10 years ago, I landed on this beach, my father having just died spending the majority of his life trying to turn our fortune around, from being outcast for not leading ourselves to our death."
Harald's gaze turned deathly harsh, "I took on all that pressure, with young Ragnar and Thorkell by my side, for 10 Years! I have laid my life bare, in service to these lands, for the betterment of its people and for what? To see my Lord betray us to the Christians?"
He raised his sword up high, a rising crescendo for his speech, "I will not stand by such folly. Mark my words, men, great things are being set in motion as we speak, and there is glory to be hand for all of us. We will remain Norsemen for eternity, and to Valhalla, we shall go."
"So, let me allow you to enjoy yourselves for one night before we march towards Duke's castle on the morrow. LET THE FEAST BEGIN!" Harald roared as he brought his sword down into the wood, splitting it apart to the manic cheering of the crowd.
-----------------------------------------------
I'd like to once again thank the over 30 discord members that decided to join me on this journey and become a part of the community! The server is constantly being updated by professionals, including the levelling system and tiered roles, I sit in my voice chats with readers while writing the chapters.
If you're interested in becoming more involved, and seeing pictures of our characters, then consider joining the discord community! https://discord.gg/3EycXNtPfB