The night on Thorfinn's farm was usually quiet, but tonight, the sound of weeping and screams of sadness pierced the stillness. Rebekah, her pregnant form straining with each hurried step, rushed through the longhouse as fast as she could manage. Her heart pounded in her chest, echoing the urgency in the cries that had woken her. She pushed open the door to the main hall, finding Elijah, Blaeja, Helga, and Gyda already gathered, their faces pale with worry, all in their nightwear.
Elijah was the first to speak, his voice tense. "What is happening, Rebekah?"
Rebekah shook her head, her breath coming in short gasps. "I don't know. Hild just suddenly woke and started weeping. She won't stop."
Blaeja looked confused. "Did she say anything before this? Did something happen?"
Helga, clutching her shawl tightly around her shoulders, added, "It's not like Hild to be so distressed. Something must have frightened her."
Gyda, her eyes wide with concern, said, "We should go to her. She might need us."
They all hurried to Hild's room, their footsteps echoing in the silent night. The door was slightly ajar, and inside, the sound of Hild's sobs filled the room. She was curled up on the bed, her body shaking with the intensity of her weeping. Her hands clutched at the blanket as if it were the only thing keeping her anchored to reality.
Rebekah and Gyda climbed onto the bed on either side of her, their hands gentle as they tried to comfort her. "Hild, please tell us what's wrong," Rebekah urged, her voice soft but filled with worry.
Gyda brushed Hild's hair back from her tear-streaked face. "We're here for you. Just tell us what's happened."
Hild's eyes were wide with fear, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She tried to speak, but her voice was choked with sobs. Finally, she managed to whisper, "She's coming."
Elijah, standing at the foot of the bed, exchanged a worried glance with Blaeja. "Who is coming, Hild? Who do you mean?"
Hild could only repeat, "She's coming. She's coming." Her eyes were wild, darting around the room as if she expected someone to appear at any moment. Blaeja stepped closer, her hand resting on Hild's shoulder. "Hild, you need to calm down. We're all here with you. Nothing will happen to you as long as we're here."
But Hild's fear seemed to be beyond their reach. Her body trembled violently, and she clung to Rebekah and Gyda as if her life depended on it. "She's coming," she repeated, her voice rising in pitch. "We're all in danger."
Helga looked at Elijah, her expression desperate. "What do we do? We can't let her stay like this."
Hild's cries grew more desperate, her body writhing as though possessed by a malevolent spirit. Her hands clawed at the bed, her eyes wide with terror, unable to focus on the familiar faces around her. Rebekah and Gyda did their best to comfort her, but their words were lost in the storm of her anguish.
"She's getting worse," Elijah said, his voice strained with worry. "We need to do something now."
Helga, who had been watching with
concern, moved to her bedside and placed her hand on her head. "I have some herbs that might help. Hold her down," she instructed, rushing to her small stash of medicinal plants before coming back inside the room. Elijah, Blaeja, Rebekah, and Gyda moved quickly, their combined strength enough to restrain Hild without hurting her. "Helga, please hurry!" Rebekah pleaded, her face pale with fear.
Helga's hands worked swiftly, grinding and mixing the herbs. The room was filled with the scent of crushed leaves and roots as she added water to create a calming elixir. Her focus was intense, blocking out the sounds around her. "Hold her steady," Helga said, bringing the cup over. "We need to get her to drink this."
With a slight struggle, they managed to tilt Hild's head back and pour the mixture into her mouth. She choked and sputtered at first, but with gentle persistence, they coaxed her to swallow. Gradually, her thrashing subsided, her cries diminishing into soft whimpers. Her breathing slowed, and her body relaxed as the herbs took effect, lulling her into a deep sleep. The room fell silent, the tension dissipating as they watched Hild finally find peace. Rebekah brushed a strand of hair from Hild's damp forehead, her relief palpable.
Blaeja, still holding Hild's hand, looked up at the others. "What did she mean by 'she's coming'?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Elijah shook his head, trying to rationalize the situation. "It could have been a dream, a nightmare it is not uncommon."
Helga frowned, not entirely convinced. "It felt more than that, Elijah. There was real fear in her eyes. We can't dismiss this so easily."
Rebekah nodded in agreement, her face serious. "Hild wouldn't react like this unless there was something truly terrifying," she said as she looked down at Hild's sleeping form.
———————————————————-
Thorfinn moved carefully through the forest surrounding Kattegat, his eyes scanning the ground and the underbrush for the specific herbs he needed. The trees loomed tall around him, their branches creating a canopy that filtered the sunlight into a soft, green glow. He bent down and picked a small plant with delicate purple flowers.
"What's this one for?" Thyri asked, her voice curious. She had been making every attempt to speak with him in the past few days, trying to understand the man who had captivated her attention.
"This is Belladonna," Thorfinn replied, tucking the plant into his satchel. "It's poisonous. In small amounts, it can slow the heart and cause confusion."
Thyri's eyes widened. "And you plan to use it on the Leviathan?"
Thorfinn shook his head, moving to another spot where he spotted a cluster of small, white flowers. "Yes if I can trick it into eating a bundle it may slow the beast down, make it weaker." He plucked the flowers and held them up for her to see. "These are valerian roots. They have a calming effect, can sedate even the most restless creature."
"Do you think it will be enough?" Thyri asked, her brow furrowed with concern.
Thorfinn sighed, placing the valerian in his bag. "No, it won't. But it will give me a fighting chance, slow it down enough for me to strike a fatal blow."
They continued through the forest, Thorfinn explaining the properties of each herb he collected. He found foxglove, which could slow the heartbeat, and monkshood, another potent poison. Thyri listened intently, her respect for Thorfinn growing as she realized how much he knew.
"Where did you learn all this?" she asked as they paused by a stream, Thorfinn kneeling to gather some watercress.
"From the West," Thorfinn said simply. "I spent time with a healer there. They taught me which plants could heal and which could harm."
Thyri nodded, impressed. "You are a man of many talents, Thorfinn."
Thorfinn continued to pick the herbs, carefully placing each one into a small leather pouch. Thyri watched him with interest, her eyes following his precise movements. After a moment of silence, Thorfinn glanced up at her and asked, "And what about you, Thyri? What are your likes?"
Thyri smiled softly, leaning against a nearby tree. "I grew up in Kattegat, as you know. My childhood was mostly filled with lessons on how to be a desirable wife, I used to resent my brother Magnus for being able to have such freedom, being able to have fun with his friends and do whatever he wished. I was never allowed to pursue my interests as much as I'd like."
She paused, looking at the horizon as if lost in her memories. "I have always loved music and dancing. Whenever there was a feast, I would be the first to join in the songs and the dances, something which my father has forbidden now. There's something about the movement that makes me feel alive. I also love riding through the forest. The feeling of freedom when the wind rushes past you, it's unlike anything else."
Thorfinn smiled at her words, enjoying the glimpse into her world. "You mentioned your brother, Magnus. I take it you two are not very close?"
Thyri sighed, her expression darkening slightly. "Magnus... he was kinder when we were children. We used to play together and explore the woods around Kattegat. But as he grew older, something changed. He became more ambitious and more ruthless. I suppose the expectations placed upon him as the Jarl's son were too much. It's hard to see the brother I once knew in the man he's become."
Thorfinn nodded, understanding the burden of expectations all too well. "I grew up with Bjorn and Gyda, Ragnar's children. They were like siblings to me. We would train together, laugh together, and dream about our future. But as we grew, things became more complicated." He paused, his thoughts drifting to Gyda. He remembered the way she teased him, bending over to pick something up and casting him a playful glance. It made him wonder if their relationship had ever been truly sibling-like, or if there had always been something more simmering beneath the surface.
Shaking off the thought, he focused back on Thyri. "I suppose we all change as we grow older. Sometimes, we become what we never thought we would."
Thyri nodded, her eyes softening as she listened. "It's true. I just wish things could be simpler sometimes. That we could hold on to those moments of innocence."
Thorfinn smiled, his hands continuing their work with the herbs. "What kind of music do you enjoy?"
Thyri's face brightened at the change of topic. "I love the traditional songs, the ones that tell stories of old heroes and great battles. But I also enjoy softer melodies, the ones that speak of love and longing. There's a beauty in the simple tunes that can tug at your heartstrings."
Thorfinn nodded, appreciating her passion. "And dancing? Do you have a favourite dance?"
Thyri laughed lightly. "Oh, I enjoy them all. But if I had to choose, I would say the circle dances we do during festivals."
Thorfinn's smile widened. "I can see why you love it. I always had fun at those dances."
As they walked through the forest, Thorfinn and Thyri continued their conversation, their laughter mingling with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls. The setting sun cast long shadows on the forest floor, and Thyri found herself stepping closer to Thorfinn, feeling a growing sense of comfort in his presence. They had been talking about their childhoods, their families, and the things they enjoyed. With each step, the distance between them seemed to lessen, both physically and emotionally. Thorfinn's hands moved deftly among the foliage, picking herbs with practised ease, while Thyri watched sometimes helping him.
"Tell me more about the world you've read about," Thyri said, her eyes sparkling with interest.
Thorfinn smiled, his thoughts drifting to the stories and knowledge he had gathered over the years. "There's so much out there beyond our lands, places that our people have only heard whispers of," he began, his tone thoughtful.
"Like what?" Thyri asked, genuinely curious.
"The Great Empire," Thorfinn said, pausing to pick a cluster of dark leaves. "The Romans, they built an empire that spanned across vast territories. Their cities were marvels of architecture and engineering, sadly it did not last and only one great city from the empire remains, though still people call it the greatest city to ever exist."
Thyri stepped closer, her shoulder brushing against his. "What was the greatest city called?"
"Constantinople," Thorfinn replied, his eyes lighting up with fascination. "They say it's the greatest city to ever exist. Massive walls, grand palaces, and more gold than a person can see in their lifetime. It's a place of immense wealth and knowledge."
Thyri listened intently, picturing the city in her mind. "It sounds like a dream. Do you think you'll ever see it?"
Thorfinn's gaze grew distant for a moment. "I hope so. I've only read about these wonders, but someday, I want to see them with my own eyes. To walk the streets of Constantinople, to stand before the great walls of the empire. It's a dream I hold close."
Thyri smiled at his words, feeling a sense of adventure spark within her. "Maybe you'll get there sooner than you think."
Thorfinn chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I've learned much from the books and scrolls I've come across, but there's still so much I don't know. The world is much larger than I thought and filled with mysteries." They continued to walk, the conversation flowing easily between them. Thyri found herself opening up more, sharing her thoughts and dreams. "I've always wanted to travel too," she admitted. "Not just to escape my father's plans, but to truly see the world, like I am traversing the branches of Yggdrasil ."
Thorfinn nodded, understanding her longing. "There's so much to learn out there. So many different worlds. Our world is just a small part of something much bigger."
Thyri's footsteps fell in sync with Thorfinn's, and she found herself walking so close that their arms occasionally brushed. She felt a sense of connection with him that she hadn't felt with anyone else. "Do you ever feel like our lives here are... limited?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Sometimes," Thorfinn admitted. "But I also believe that we can shape our destinies."
Thyri looked at him, her heart swelling. "You really think so?"
"I do," Thorfinn said, meeting her gaze. "We have the power to choose our paths. It might not be easy, but it's possible."
...
As the twilight deepened, Thorfinn and Thyri made their way back through the forest toward Kattegat. Their conversation had wound down into a comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts. The sounds of the night forest—chirping crickets and the rustle of leaves—created a serene backdrop to their quiet walk. The path began to widen, signalling the edge of the forest and the return to the village.
Before they left the shelter of the trees, Thyri slowed her pace and turned to face Thorfinn. Her kind smile was illuminated by the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the canopy. She brushed her hand gently against his, a touch that conveyed more than words could.
"Thank you for today," Thyri said, her voice soft and sincere. "You've given me much to think about."
Thorfinn returned her smile, feeling a warmth spread through him. "It was my pleasure. Remember what we talked about. Your fate is yours to shape."
Thyri nodded, her eyes shining with gratitude and determination. "I will. Safe travels, Thorfinn. May the gods watch over you."
"And you as well, Thyri," Thorfinn replied.
With a final, lingering look, Thyri turned and walked toward the village, disappearing into the shadows of the trees. Thorfinn watched her go, a small smile on his lips, before he turned and headed back to Rollo's home. As Thorfinn entered the house, he found Rollo, Ragnar, Lagertha, Floki, and the others gathered around the fire pit. The air was thick with the smell of burning wood and the earthy aroma of herbs.
Ragnar raised his mug in greeting. "Thorfinn, come join us," he called out, a welcoming grin on his face.
Thorfinn settled down next to them, accepting a mug of ale from Rollo. He took a long drink, the bitter liquid warming his throat. The group fell into a comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts about the coming day. Floki broke the silence. "Tomorrow, you'll face the unknown, Thorfinn. But the gods favour the brave, and you have proven yourself to be one of the bravest."
Rollo nodded in agreement, his expression serious. "We'll be praying to the gods tonight, asking them to watch over you."
Thorfinn looked around at his companions, feeling a deep sense of loyalty. "Thank you, all of you," he said, his voice steady.
Ragnar lifted his mug again. "To Thorfinn, may he return victorious and with the heart of the Leviathan!"
The night was filled with laughter, stories, and the clinking of mugs as Thorfinn and his companions drank and celebrated together. They shared tales of past battles, made jests at each other's expense, and toasted to Thorfinn's success. As the hours passed, the energy began to wind down. One by one, the revellers succumbed to their fatigue, stretching out on the benches or simply nodding off where they sat. Thorfinn watched them with a fond smile, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for their friendship and support.
When the last of his companions had drifted off to sleep, Thorfinn quietly rose from his seat. He didn't like goodbyes —they always made leaving harder. Moving silently, he gathered his belongings and slipped out of the house, careful not to wake anyone. The cool night air greeted him as he made his way toward the harbour. The sky was just beginning to lighten, the first hints of dawn peeking over the horizon. Thorfinn arrived at the dock as the sun began to crest, casting a golden hue over the water. His ship, still old and rickety, looked somewhat sturdier thanks to Floki's repairs. He had worked tirelessly to improve it, doing everything he could to make it seaworthy.
Thorfinn approached the boat, running his fingers over the runes he had carved into the hull. He had learned the hard way that too many runes could destabilize the object they were meant to protect, especially one as old as this ship. He had managed to carve only a few: one of strength and one of protection. He hoped they would be enough.
Untying the boat from the dock, he pushed it away and jumped aboard. His muscles strained slightly as he began to row, the boat cutting through the still water. The rhythmic motion of rowing helped clear his mind, and after half an hour of hard work, he was far enough from the shore to let down the sail. The wind filled the sail, and Thorfinn felt a thrill of excitement as it billowed out, propelling the boat forward. He wasn't much of a sailor, but he knew enough to get by. As the boat moved north, into the unknown, Thorfinn took a deep breath, feeling the salty air fill his lungs. He was ready for whatever lay ahead, his determination unwavering, he had gotten this far and he wouldn't allow anything to get in his way.
...
A week at sea had taken its toll on Thorfinn. The further north he travelled, the more the elements conspired against him. The cold was a constant, unforgiving presence. It bit into his skin, numbing his fingers and toes, making every movement a struggle. His breath misted in the frigid air, each exhale a reminder of just how cold it was.
The sea itself was a living beast, growing more hostile with each passing day. The waves had grown larger and larger, towering over his small boat like dark, looming giants. They crashed against the hull with a force that made the entire vessel shudder. Thorfinn had to brace himself constantly, muscles straining as he fought to keep the boat steady. Every wave threatened to overturn him, to send him tumbling into the icy depths below.
The wind was a relentless companion, howling around him and tearing at his sails. It whipped through his clothes, stealing any warmth he managed to find. He pulled his cloak tighter around himself, but it offered little protection against the bitter chill. His hands, raw and blistered from gripping the oars and ropes, felt like they belonged to someone else.
As he looked out over the endless expanse of the sea, doubt crept into his mind. The leviathan was a formidable beast, but the journey itself was proving to be just as deadly. He wondered if he would even make it to the creature's lair before the sea claimed him. Each wave that crashed against his boat seemed to mock his efforts, reminding him of the thin line between survival and disaster.
...
Thorfinn clung to the side of the boat as a massive wave crashed over him, drenching him in icy seawater. He sputtered, shaking his head to clear the salt from his eyes, his fingers white-knuckled on the wood. The boat rocked violently, and for a moment, he felt as if it might capsize. "Is that all you've got, you old hag?" he shouted into the wind, his voice barely carrying over the roar of the sea. "You think you can stop me?"
He laughed, a wild, desperate sound, as another wave slammed into the side of the boat. The force of it nearly ripped him from the ship, but he held on, muscles straining. His breath came in ragged gasps, the cold biting deeper with each passing minute. "Come on then!" he taunted, his voice hoarse. "I've faced worse than you!"
Thorfinn moved to adjust the sail, his movements quick and precise despite the slippery deck. The wind caught it, and the boat surged forward, cutting through the waves. He braced himself against the mast, shouting curses at the stormy sky.
"You won't take me today!" he yelled, a fierce grin on his face.
Another wave crashed over the bow, nearly knocking him off his feet. He laughed again, the sound edged with madness. Thorfinn thought of Rebekah and the promise he had made. The thought of her and the life they could build together was enough to keep him going, but the worry gnawed at him. The sea was vast and uncaring, and he was just a small figure battling against its might.
"Rebekah," he muttered, gripping the oar tightly. "I'll make it back to you. I swear it."
The storm's fury intensified, the wind howling even louder as lightning split the sky with blinding flashes. Thunder rolled in a continuous, deafening roar, as if Thor himself was bellowing in anger. Rain pounded down relentlessly, turning the deck into a slick, treacherous battlefield. The boat pitched violently, and Thorfinn was thrown against the mast, the impact knocking the breath out of him. He struggled to tie up the sails, fingers numb and clumsy from the cold. Each knot was a battle, every movement a desperate bid for survival. The boat lurched again, and Thorfinn lost his footing, tumbling across the deck. A massive wave crashed over the side, sweeping him off his feet and almost overboard.
For a terrifying moment, he was airborne, suspended above the raging sea. He managed to grab a rope at the last second, the rough fibres cutting into his hands as he clung on for dear life. Gritting his teeth, he pulled himself back onto the deck, muscles straining with the effort.
He fought his way to the mast, securing the sail with trembling hands. The wind tore at the canvas, the boat groaning under the strain. The runes he had carved into the hull glowed faintly, their magic struggling against the overwhelming power of the storm. Thorfinn knew they wouldn't hold forever. The wood was old, the enchantments weak. If the storm didn't let up soon, the ship would splinter into pieces. Another bolt of lightning lit up the sky, illuminating the wild, frothing sea. The wind screamed in his ears, the rain lashing at his face. Thorfinn felt a moment of despair as he looked at the churning waves, wondering if he would survive this ordeal.
"Is this your test, Thor?" he shouted again, his voice barely audible over the storm. "Do you seek to break me?"
He stumbled as the boat pitched again, his grip tightening on the mast. The creaking of the wood grew louder, each groan a reminder of how close the boat was to breaking apart. Thorfinn gritted his teeth, his determination hardening.
"I will not break," he vowed, securing the last of the ropes. Lightning illuminated the stormy sky, casting short flashes over the sea. Amidst the crashing waves, Thorfinn's eyes widened as he spotted a massive shadow moving beneath the water. Each flash of lightning revealed more of the colossal figure, a body so vast it seemed like Kattegat itself could be built on its back. The sheer size of the creature sent a chill of fear rushing through Thorfinn's heart.
But he couldn't afford to succumb to fear. Gritting his teeth, he grabbed a harpoon and moved to the stern of the ship, determined to face the leviathan. Another flash of lightning revealed the creature turning, and with its turn, a massive wave surged toward Thorfinn's small vessel. The flap of the leviathan's tail sent relentless waves crashing against the boat. Thorfinn's grip on the harpoon slipped as he tumbled backwards, the force of the wave knocking him off balance. He struggled to regain his footing, but the monstrous wave loomed over him, slamming into the ship with the force of a thunderclap. The boat groaned under the impact before capsizing, tossing Thorfinn into the churning sea.
The icy water enveloped him, and he fought to keep his head above the surface. His arms flailed, trying to grasp onto anything to stay afloat. Another wave crashed over him, and his head struck something hard. Pain exploded in his skull, and the world spun around him. Darkness closed in, and the last thing he saw was the shadow of the leviathan moving through the water before he blacked out.
(AN: So The Hunt has Begun and Thorfinn has caught his first glimpse of the Leviathan. How is he gonna kill such a colossal creature, well it looks like just a flap of its tail sent him to the depths. Pretty crazy stuff right, I'll probably try to post the next chapter either later today or early tomorrow. Anyway I hope you enjoyed the chapter.)
(Probably gonna be a bit of a while before I post again I've only got 2 more chapters in advance and I need to make a backlog again with summer here and work getting busier.)
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