Crackle*
The woods crackled as Magnus threw it to fire with deep thoughts that drew himself from reality.
" Husband, what are you thinking?"
Freyja came out of her room while looking at Magnus who was in deep thought. She knew Magnus had a habit of thinking before the campfire because he always believed fire gave him good ideas.
" About Jarn Bjorn. During the last meeting, he was meeting with other chiefs to discuss something that was hidden from me."
Magnus said calmly, believing Bjorn was hiding something from him. Obviously, it wasn't a good thing since he was regarded as one of the most intelligent people among the chiefs and to Magnus, he was a cunning snake who would devour the entire tribe for his goal.
" Do you think he is planning to attack us?"
Freyja frowned when she heard Bjorn was hiding something from them which meant he was preparing something. The Vikings had a long peace after Magnus became one of the chiefs. He promoted peace and negotiations among the tribes, but there were always a few individuals who saw his policies as thorns in their sides.
Especially Bjorn who adhered militaristic tribe that always started a war among the tribes and other kingdoms to ensure their prosperity.
" I don't know. I hope it isn't another war because I don't want to shed blood but if he threatens our safety, then I will have no choice but to chop his head down."
Magnus shook his head with a sigh as he thought he was imagining things despite his worry. Honestly, when it came to duel and battle, only a few people could match his strength and Bjorn was far from defeating him unless he joined hands with other tribes.
" Other tribes wouldn't sit still if he decided to attack us. At least we might have a few years to plan."
Freyja said with a calm face while reassuring him with her words. Magnus could fully trust his words since she was hailed as the most intelligent woman among the Vikings.
He was lucky to become her husband and he respected her opinions.
" You are right. They aren't ready to fight us now, but we have to prepare for the worst. I might as well start teaching Halfdan seriously."
Magnus decided to listen to her words while confirming it was a good time to teach Halfdan about fighting until the day of their inevitable battle. He knew his son had a knack for fighting from his side and intelligence from his mother, so he was a good material for the future chief position.
Freyja who long noticed his intentions, smiled with a gentle face. In this cold north, only her family mattered to her because she was selfish and greedy, unlike her benevolent look. She was a strong woman who liked her tribe but not to the point of sacrificing them for it.
" He will become a great warrior like you."
Magnus burst with laughter when he heard praise as he hugged her with his thick arms.
3 years have passed since this conversation.
Halfdan was 6 years old youngster. Unlike modern kids who had no muscle and mind, his body was clad with muscle like an adult and he was regarded as the most intelligent person in their tribe after his mother.
" Hey, Halfdan!"
Helena also grew into a beautiful girl that golden blonde hair and blue eyes. Although she had traditional freckles on her face, it gave more charm to her.
" Hey, Halfdan!"
Two boys also grew into big boys. They were already 160 cm tall despite being 8 years old which was unusual. Halfdan linked their growth to their genes since they said their great-grandfathers were the tallest warriors in their timeline even surpassing famous paladins and knights.
" What should we do today?"
Helena asked with amusement, knowing he would come up with great ideas like exercising or learning something together which was fun to her recognition. Although she couldn't do some things due to her limitations, she greatly benefitted from his teaching.
Halfdan was the first person to propose to learn other fighting methods of other kingdoms to Magnus and he was also the first person to improve their literacy which gave them a huge boost compared to other tribes.
Some elders said Halfdan might become a champion like great Sigurd someday due to his intellect.