After the incident with Wojciech, Boleslaw's father, I was able to relax a bit as I took on the role of his nurse while he recovered from what I suspected was a heart attack. Unfortunately, instead of being seen as a healer, I was labeled a witch. They believed I had brought Wojciech back to life by sharing my spirit with him.
I had been staying at their house for a second week now, but today Arne was supposed to pick me up and take me to my people. The thought of that prospect scared me a bit.
I had packed my belongings already. In my bag, I managed to fit my Egyptian wedding dress, Michael's jacket with all its gadgets and the eggs. I had been gifted the dress I was currently wearing, which kept me warm. I took a final look at the room where I had felt safe and closed the door behind me.
I gave the cook instructions regarding Wojciech's diet. They were quite puzzled by the idea of salad, fruits, and vegetables since most people here primarily ate meat, dairy, honey, and beer. I ordered for him to have fish at least twice a week instead of pork, along with whatever greens they could find. Hopefully, this would grant him a few more years of life.
After bidding farewell and expressing gratitude to the household for their care, I mounted a horse and left with Arne. As we reached the gates, Boleslaw joined us on his horse and said, "I decided to take you myself to your people. Wouldn't want you to get lost or something on your way." I smiled at him, and we rode mostly in silence.
We joined a large group of men outside the city and traveled through the countryside all day, only making short stops to eat. In the evening, we set up camp somewhere in the middle of a forest. I noticed I was the only woman in the group, and some men gave me disgusting looks. I slept between Arne and Boleslaw, feeling their protective presence and knowing they were trying to keep my identity hidden. I felt safe.
We continued our journey for four days. Fortunately, on the next few nights, we were able to sleep in various towns and villages, enjoying the luxury of baths and comfortable beds.
As we moved further away from Gniezno, the hope of seeing Michael and my family again began to fade. I knew that Michael could be anywhere in the world, at any time, but how would he know where to find me if I kept moving?
I tried to push these thoughts aside, reminding myself that for now, I needed to focus on surviving each day, and hopefully, tomorrow would bring an opportunity to return home.
On the fifth day, we arrived in a town filled with soldiers. I was surprised to see that both men and women served in this army. It dawned on me that this was the Viking army—the Varangians—supposedly my people.
It seemed my time had run out.
We were directed to meet with the leader here and inform him of our arrival. Boleslaw and Arne hoped my father would be here, and they mentioned that they would ask around for him.
As they went off to talk with other men, I decided to have a drink and sit down to gather my thoughts.
What would I say? Would they kill me if they discovered that my father wasn't one of them and didn't actually exist? I resolved to stick to my lies: we had traveled together, he was taken by his enemy, and now he was likely dead. I should express my desire to return to my home. Lost in my thoughts, I was interrupted by a woman who sat next to me and started talking.
"The last few battles weren't too bad, were they?" she says, scanning me from head to toe.
"I wouldn't know; I've just arrived here," I reply.
"Where are you from?"
"Gniezno."
"Are you a Polish lady?"
"No... I am... Bethania. Nice to meet you."
"So, are you here to join us in our raid?"
"I don't think I would be of any use. I'm not skilled with a sword."
"You don't look like a warrior, but I didn't want to assume. Women these days are not always what they appear to be... So, what are you doing here?"
"I am... looking for my father..."
"Who is your father?"
"It's... complicated..."
"Is he a warrior?"
"I suppose," I say, and she grunts before asking, "I have been here since we arrived from our homeland. I would know if your father was with us. What is his name?"
"Michael."
She ponders for a moment, studying me, then says, "No, I haven't heard that name here. Why would he be here?"
"I was traveling with him to the celebrations in Gniezno. We were attacked by a wild beast in the forest, and we got separated while trying to escape. Luckily, some Polan men found me and helped me, but I haven't heard from my father since. The men who helped me didn't know what to do with me. They assumed I was a Varangian, so they brought me here to my people, hoping I could get assistance or find a way back home."
"You don't seem thrilled to be among your people. Do you have enemies here?"
"I suppose you could say that..."
"I'm Frida, second daughter of Leif, jarl of the Tiruer tribe and a shieldmaiden. If you'd like, you can stay with me and my people."
"Really?" I couldn't believe that this stranger would offer me an escape like this.
"What would you like in return?" I asked cautiously.
"What are you able to offer?"
I wasn't quite sure. What could I offer to a Viking princess?
"I suppose I have some healing abilities, and I speak many languages," I replied uncertainly.
"Sounds like you have some useful talents after all. Is that your companions?" She points at Boleslaw and Arne, who are now approaching us.
"Yes, they're the ones who brought me here."
"Bethania, are you okay?" Boleslaw asks, eyeing Frida suspiciously.
"Yes, thank you. What have you found out?"
"They haven't heard of your father. There are more soldiers in nearby settlements and outside the city. The king has his camp there with his personal army and advisors. Maybe he would be there?" Boleslaw suggests.
"I don't think it's a good idea to travel this evening," Frida interjects. Everyone's attention turns to her.
"Tomorrow at dawn, we are going to attack the palace of the local prince. The king is making final preparations for the battle. If you were to leave now, you would reach his camp in the middle of the night. It wouldn't be wise to disturb him right before the battle," Frida explains. She pauses, looking at all of us, then continues, "You can stay the night with my people if you want. I am Frida, the second daughter of Leif, jarl of the Tiruer tribe and a shield-maiden."
We agreed, and Frida led us to her tribe. The representation of her tribe was small, and the men and women present didn't appear to be seasoned warriors. Most of them were skinny and short, lacking the typical stature of experienced fighters.
As I conversed with Frida, I realized her strong desire to prove herself. This battle would be her first, and she was determined to honorably represent her tribe. Recognizing the limited size of her group, she carefully observed every arrival, hoping to recruit and encourage others to join her ranks. She knew she needed more manpower to bolster her forces.
After sharing a meal, we settled down for sleep.
I wake up abruptly to the sound of loud banging and screams. Disoriented, I scan my surroundings and spot Frida, vigorously banging pots and shouting to rouse everyone. It's still dark, and the biting cold penetrates the air. Wrapping the blanket around me, I rise from my slumber. Boleslaw and Arne are already awake, having packed their belongings. I hurriedly gather my things, eager to catch up with them.
"I'll go and retrieve the horses," Boleslaw declares.
"I'll assist you," Arne offers, and they both set off to fetch the horses.
They return swiftly, and we join the ranks of the army, blending in with the rest. Before I know it, we find ourselves surrounding a small town, preparing for the imminent attack.