The Story of Brae Lothbrok

We went back to Kattegat. Upon arriving, all the armies were assembled, accordingly. Each group had their own station in Kattegat and each exchanged trading stations and created allience for when this is all over. There were flags of many backgrounds, designs, and colors. All of them in which represented their country and what the country stood for. 

I made my way through the vast variety as I looked for one group I hoped would not be here. "Where is she?" Ingrid asked, grabbing my arm.
"Thankfully not here..." I said.
"I know she would come..." She said.
"I pray for Ubbe and Little Ivar's sake, she will not..." I said, looking over to Ingrid, she nodded while giving me a soft smile.
"What about Lilja?" Ingrid asked.
I sighed sharply thinking of my only child for the first time, "She will stay in Kattegat." 
"You might want to tell her that..." Ingrid said, looking forward.

My daughter. My Lilja. My Only Child approached us in full armor. Her face was painted blue and red. The colors of Ivar and Hvitserk. Her hair was stringed with an orange leaf which was Sif's favorite color. Her face read: battle ready and fearless. My daughter is fearless and while I would allow her to join me on anything else, this is one journey I simply cannot allow her.

"My beautiful daughter, what are you doing?" I asked approaching her.
"I'm joining you and the army, I heard many other children are joining as well..." she nodded.
"Many of those children are young adults, you are yet to reach my hip," I said, looking down at her.
"Papa, I will do this, whether you like it or not," she gritted, walking passed me. Ingrid apporached me as she chuckled,
"Certainly a little spit fire..." 
"Yes," I sighed, "She gets that from her mother..." 
"That determination is you..." Ingrid said.

We did not have a great feast that we would normally have before a fight. Instead, many armies did things in their own tradition. Either by scarificing an animal or praying to their Gods. We had a small dinner in the Great Hall with Ingrid and Lilja. It seemed right to do. Too much nose would make me feel anxious before the night. Once Lilja was done with her food, she went to play with the other children while the day is still burning. My own child has convinced me to let her go with us the following day.

We will sail out to The Black Sea as Arthur calls it and surround all areas where the Giants won't have an escape. They are stationed around those areas and with an army as large as ours, I feel confident that our efforts will succeed. 

I sighed, "If only Ivar were alive to see this..." 

"He would most certainly be proud..." Ingrid said, reaching out to hold my hand. I gripped her hand firmily, as she did not fight to let go. Our fingers intertwined; they danced with one another as they tried to express their deepest affections.

"Are you afraid?" She whispered.
"The only fear I have is losing you and Lilja..." I whispered back. She leaned over and took my fingers and pressed them to her lips. It sent chills down my spine as I gripped my spoon in my hand. My breathing intensified. I looked up to see she was looking at me tenderly.
"Do not fear death..." She whispered. I leaned in closer to her,
"If you are waiting on the other side, death is now consider another part of life." 
"Brae I do love you," Ingrid said.
"You love me?" I asked softly, my eyes widened. "I've always loved you." I leaned over and kissed her softly, as she leaned in more kissing me back.

The animal inside me began to rise. It is something I haven't felt since Sif died. The feel became mutual as Ingrid climbed ontop of me. We panted removing our clothes as we craved each other. We both gasped as it became the first time we showed that we loved each other. Eventually, we made our way in the long house. It began to rain as we admit our love in the eyes of Thor. Freya please bless us with a child. She will be by Queen and I will be her King. Once again, I will be KIng of Kattegat. I'm home again. Ingrid fell asleep in my arms as the sheets were drapped around her naked body. Once in awhile, I would caress her face and gently glide my fingers down her arm. I've never loved another human being as much as I love her.

"My Queen."

--

The next day Kattegat had a different feel. Instead of the same old tradings and deals being made, everyone was concentrated, fearless, and fearful. There will be many leaders, but I will be the alafa male of the army. I retired my axe and took up Ivar's sword and Hvitserk's shield. I could feel the presence as I got ready. I then got down on one knee and laid my head on the sword, asking Ragnar, Ivar, Hvitserk, Sigurd, Bjorn, and even the great Lagertha, as well as Odin for a successful battle. I've never battled giants like this before, and not knowing what to expect or do is unsettling. 

"My father's and AllFather..." I said in Norse, "My uncles and my loved ones...watch over my family...protect us for whatever may come. Make our deaths swift and honorable." 

The day was grey and foggy, it will make it hard for us to see as we travel. Because of this, we sent scouts ahead to guide our way by birdcall. To my surpise, everyone wanted to be blessed by scared blood, it was honorable to see King Arthur experince my religion. We set sail early in the morning. Lilja and Ingrid are in one boat with me. King Arthur follows in rank with several other boats. The Great Pharaoh in his large golden boat driven by his slaves. Many of his soilders followed in behind him in a triangle form. 

I looked over to my daughter who kept looking out to sea with confidence. I have my faith in her. She is strong and fearless, and she will make me proud. She is truly a Lothbrok. Ingrid stood close behind me. Her face is soft and warm and her eyes twinkled with love for me. While my family had some secuirty to them, I could not settle my nerves.

We made it to the Black Sea; it is surrounded by many lands that soilders are currently hiding in. Every kingdom has the latest warfare technology that will give us an advantage. It added on to my security up till now. It was quiet, too quiet, all that could be heard was the driplets of water.

"Brae, call them out," Ingrid whispered. I stepped foward on the bowl of the boat. I leaned forward and shouted,
"King Erik...." my voice echoed. "This is Brae Lothbrok, I'm here with the world's largest army to let you know you will not take our lands and our lives without a fight!" I screamed. Everyone joined in as they cheered. It was so loud and fierce that the water vibrated. 

Among the horizon of white fog and grey skies came black shadows of giants. Some people gasped and others jumped ship. I became increasingly uneasy as the Kings begged them to stand their ground. A thud hit the boat as I turned swiftly to see one of Paraoph's soldiers mangled and without a head. I gulped as more came flying for every direction. Lilja ducked underneth the ledge of the boat as she crushed her eyes shut so she would not traumatize herself. 

The bodies stopped flying and we all realized those were our scouts and a good majority of our army. We became increasingly short handed and victory would not be on our side. I did not know what to do as everyone seemed to be looking at me. My ears filled with the whimpers of my child as my fatherly instincts kicked in.

I rushed over and grabbed Lilja and gripped her to my chest. "Shh, shh, it's alright," I said, hysterically.
"Lord Odin will protect us, no matter what..." Lilja was inconsolable as I tried deserpately to calm her down. The sound of giant footsteps began to vibrate the waters, causing some boats to float back and hitting other boats. I looked over to Ingrid who did not show an ounce of fear, but concern for Lilja. She apporached me and gripped my arm as she laid her head on me. She has accepted her fate.
"Lord Odin will be waiting for us..." I said, gripping my two girls to me.

"LOOK!" Someone shouted as we looked to our right among the horizon came a huge stream of other boats. They waved several flags over each one. They all indicated the flags of Ragnar, Ivar, and Hvitserk. 

"Mother?"