Vikings in Equestria

Two Royal Guards ran through the front doors of the Castle of Princess Twilight Sparkle. They wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the raid on the village. They knew that Luna, Celestia, Cadance, Shining Armor would be here because they had a meeting with Princess Twilight and her friends.

They ran through the hallways until they reached a room in which a meeting had a place. They bursted through the doors, causing everypony in the room to look at them.

"Sorry to interrupt but this is very important.'' A Royal Guard said.

''What is it, my little pony?'' Celestia asked.

''It's Konoritos...'' A Royal Guard tried to say.

''What happened?'' Luna wanted to know.

''It was raided and half of the village burned to ground. Almost everypony that used to live there are dead.'' A Royal Guard finally said, shocking everypony.

''Raided? By who?'' Shining asked.

''We don't know, yet. We're trying to find out from where the monsters that did it came from." A Royal Guard replied, "We'll tell you when will find out who did that."

''I'm hoping that you will find them as fast you can. They have to pay for what they did.'' Rainbow said as she gritted her teeth in anger.

Ragnar was smilling at the sun. He was happy, he had been right all the time. Now he finally had the proof. Ragnar remembered that one of the ponies could understand his language. He stood up and walked among the prisoners, He found the one he was searching for.

''What is your name?'' He asked the pony.

''Myrus.'' Myrus replied.

''I am Ragnar Lothbrok. What was that village called?'' Ragnar asked.

''Konoritos.'' Myrus replied,

''Country?'' Ragnar wanted to know.

''Equestria.'' Myrus replied, ''I was born and raised there before I started traveling. When I was done with traveling I decided to go back there.''

"And why all of you are wearing a strange bracelet with a strange symbol on your hooves? I have noticed it when we loaded you on this boat." Ragnar wanted to to know.

"It's a symbol of our god.'' Myrus replied.

Ragnar nodded as he went to the bow and sat next to Rollo, "We did it, brother. We did it."

"Yes, we did it.'' Rollo sighed, "Let's just hope the Earl sees it that way."

Ragnar could only nod in agreement. After all, the Earl had specifically ordered not to sail west.

''Ragnar!'' Came Myrus voice, ''Come here.''

Ragnar walked among the prisoners, once again until he reached Myrus, ''What is it?''

''It's Ocean Wave.'' Myrus said as he pointed at the pegasi mare which was laying next to him, "I think she's dead.''

Rangar checked Ocean Wave's pulse only to find to that Myrus was right, ''You're right, she's dead.'' He looked at Leif, ''Leif help me with her.''

Leif nodded as he walked up to Ragnar. They picked up the lifeless body of Ocean Wave and throwed her into the water.

The boat lay alongside the pier in the main town of Kattegat. The crew was busy unloading their treasures. Myrus and the other captives were tied together and sitting on the pier.

One of the men who had awaited them on the pier spoke up, "Ragnar Lothbrok! We all know you sailed west and found land and riches as you promised. We salute the bravery of you and those who joined you in this journey." He announced, "Let no one say It could not be done!''

The crowd cheered, Ragnar had spotted one of the men and approached him.

"Knut." He greeted him, "You missed the boat."

"I come here with a message from Earl Haraldson." Knut said, "He want you to come to the great hall."

Earl Haraldson was an old man, sitting in his chair next to his wife Siggy. His first Steward Sveinn, examining the treasures the men had brought into the great hall.

"My lord, it was easy to take all this treasure. The ponies in the village, they had no weapons, they were like babies." Ragnar declared. He pulled the rope he had tied to Myrus, ''This is one of the ponies. We captured several of them to sell as a slaves." He then added, "It must be true. That there must be many villages. And sailing there would benefit us all."

Earl Haraldson cocked an inquiring eyebrow, "How did you find this place of great riches when everyone before you failed?''

"We were more fortunate than others." Ragnar explained, "We had Thor on our side."

"Then you were indeed fortunate." Haraldson agreed, "But you do understand that all this belongs to me - by right."

Ragnar could not believe his ears, "My lord, Floki and I paid for the boat. Surely we are entiteled so some reward. And the crew..."

"You want me to pay you?'' Haraldson interrupted him. He exchanged a quick glance from his wife, then nodded, "Very well, each of you can take one thing from this board."

The crew was standing with their mouths open. They had lost everything they had gained. Ragnar took a quick look around and saw the Earl's household guards standing in the great hall. He decided it was not the time to fight. He walked over to the heap of treasure, grabbing and examining several things, every eye in the hall on him. Finally, he turned to the Earl.

"I will take the pony, for my slave." He said.

Siggy burst in the laughter at the absurdity of his choice. Earl Haraldson almost joined in. Then he caught himself, "Granted."

Ragnar tied a rope loosely around Myrus neck. Then he distributed and two of them began to walk. Myrus knew what was going on. He knew that he belonged to this man, from now.

"Where are going? I thought you lived in this village." He asked in confusion as they walked out of this village.

"I live in the farm which is not far from this village.'' Ragnar replied.

Not long after that they reached Ragnar's farm. They saw a young girl named Gyda who was sitting outside the farm house. She was cleaning a fish and was fully concentrated on her task. Ragnar neared himself silently and tied the rope which was holding Myrus to one of the fence posts. Then he stopped quietly behind his daughter. Suddenly he made a noise like geese and Gyda jumped into his arms.

''Father!" She exclaimed.

Lagertha and Bjorn had heard her from inside and quickly joined her. Ragnar was hugged by his son and passionately kissed by his wife.

''So, where is all the treasure you promised?" Lagertha asked teasingly.

''The Earl took it all from himself.'' Ragnar grumbled, "But it was there."

"I don't believe you.'' She teased him.

"You ought to believe me." Ragnar said, "This land happened to be inhabited by talking ponies. This is a pony from the village we raided." He showed them his prisoner, "Althought he is stranger, the pony can speak our language."

Ragnar and Lagertha had disappeared into the house and the children had been left alone with Myrus who thought for a moment about escaping, but the though was not so appealing itself. She decided that he will stay here and hopefully someday he will return to Equestria.

In the meantime, Gyda had asked Myrus a question, "Which god do you like best?''

''There is only one god.'' Myrus replied as she showed her his bracelet, ''And his name is Kholat."

When the night has come Myrus was laying awake, frightened. He could hear Ragnar and Lagertha in bed, behind the next room. Their moaning and groaning filled the dimly lit house.

In the next morning Myrus was quickly put to work, which seemed to never end on this farm. Finally he was allowed to take a break at noon. He was gived a portion of soup which fortunely wasn't made of fishes because Lagertha knew that ponies don't eat meat.

In the evening, Ragnar assembled Myrus in the main room of the house.

''I'm curious about Equestria.'' Ragnar said to his slave, ''Has it only two princesses?"

''No. There's one more princess in Equestria. Her name is Twilight Sparkle and she is a princess of friendship. Also there is one more princess. Her name is Cadance and she rules in Crystal Empire.'' Myrus replied, ''All of them are good and powerful."

"If they are so powerful, why did their soldiers not protect your village?'' Ragnar wanted to know. Myrus looked at him in suprise.

"Before you came, there was no need to protect us.'' Myrus replied, "We lived in peace.''

''I would like to learn some words in your language." Ragnar said.

The days went by in the usual way the farm was run. Ragnar learnt his words in Equestrian language. In between Myrus took care of the fields and the animals and Myrus slowly found himself into his new role.

One day has passed since everypony in Equestria found out about what happened in Konoritos. There was a ceremony in the church of the god Kholat so the souls of the death could rest in peace.

And now the princesses, The Elements of Harmony and Shining Armor were in the throne room in Canterlot, waiting for the same Royal Guard who informed them about what happened in Konoritos.

''What have you and the others find out about the raid in Konoritos?'' Luna asked as the Royal Guard for which they've been waiting for walked into the throne room.

''We have found traces. A lot of them. We came to conclusion that they belong to bi-pedal creatures because all of them seemed to done by two hooves or whatever they have. We also find out that they are not from Equestria. We searched the area around Konoritos and found no traces there but we found something else. We found a lot of traces on the beach and also a big trace of a boat..."

''Wait. Are you trying to say that they...'' Twilight interrupted.

''Yes. We were wrong. There are lands on the sea and these lands are inhabited by bi-pedal creatures which are raiding the other lands.'' A Royal Guard finished, "Also they are using swords and axes as their weapons."

''We can't let another raids happen. We have to sent at least several Royal Guards to each small village in Equestria." Shining said.

"I agree with you prince. They can be a great danger to Equestria and Crystal Emipire which had to be elimated as fast is possible." A Royal Guard agreed with a nod.

''What's your name?'' Shining asked.

''Wall Calm. My name is Wall Calm.'' Wall Calm replied.

Several weeks later, Ragnar took Myrus to a meeting with Earl Haraldson. They entered the great hall where the Earl was busy inventoring the treasure he had and distributing the payments among the household warriors.

"Come." Svein, the steward, commanded.

Ragnar walked in front of the Earl, pulling the rope Myrus was tied to behind him. He pushed the pony to the floor where he remained kneeling.

''Ragnar Lothbrok. How do you find your new slave?" Haraldson asked.

"I find him very useful." Ragnar replied, "And I hope you will agree. I have spoken of great lenght with my slave. He has traveled far and he told me a lot of about his country and the country not far from Equestria."

"And what would we care about their customs?'' Siggy asked.

"Well, for example he has told me about the town in which a student of princess Twilight Sparkle used to live before she became her student."

"NO!" Myrus interrupted, "I was lying! There is nothing!"

''You see, this town is cleary worth a visit." Ragnar finished.

"I could go there myself." Haraldson said.

''Yes, you could but why put yourself at risk. Why not choose someone who has more experience with this journey. Someone who is more expendable?"

Earl Haraldson seemed to think but Ragnar was not ready to give up.

"Give us back our boat. We will raid the town and all the riches we bring back will be yours to do as you please."

"Very well. I sanction another raid." Haraldson agreed, "On one condition. A warrior I trust will go with you. Knut!''

Knut stepped forward from the shades in the back of the hall, "Don't worry Lord Haraldson. I will take good care of your interests."

Ragnar nodded agreement and left the hall. The Earl looked after him.

"He has found a new way to navigate the sea. Find out what is it." He ordered.

On their way back to the farm, they passed several of the ponies who had been executed. Myrus looked at them in sadness.

He refused to follow Ragnar who impatiently looked back. He was he was looking at the ponies. He picked his knife, approaching his slave. He hold the knife to the pony's throat, ready to cut it. Myrus refused to move, almost if he preferred death. Ragnar thought for a moment, then cut the rope which was holding Myrus instead.

"Run if you want." He told him.

Myrus blinked at the unforeseen possibility. Then he stood up and followed Ragnar. They had reached the farm, soon enough. The news were suprising to the others.

"I have the Earl's permission for another raid.'' Ragnar announced at the dining table, "I want to leave as soon is possible."

"And how soon is that?'' Lagertha wanted to know.

"Tommorow.'' Ragnar replied.

"Then we will sacrifice to Thor, so he may grant you a safe passage.'' Lagertha stated.

"Are you not coming?" Ragnar smiled.

"But the farm, the children." Lagertha said.

"Bjorn is still too young, although he can help on the farm." Ragnar said.

"But who is to be in charge?'' Bjorn asked.

"I will leave the pony with the key," Ragnar decided, "He is a bery responsible being."

"Father! You cannot place the slave above me! I am your son!'' Bjorn argued.

"I don't regard him as a slave." Ragnar said, "What do you think Gyda?"

"I don't mind." Gyda replied, "I like the pony."

"The it is decided." Ragnar announced as he left the room.

Lagertha looked deeply into Myrus eyes, "If any harm befalls my children, I will tear the lungs out of your body, pony."

The set sail in a warm summer rain. Shortly after, they had reached the open sea and even the last clouds dispersed. The journey was uneventful, this time they knew how long the journey would take.

They finally reached the shoreline of Equestria. They waded to the beach where Vigi pointed out. A group of Royal Guards which were placed there by Celestia and Luna to protect the village's from the raids of the creatures from the sea. The Vikings walked carefully closer.

"Good day." The leader of the Equestrian's soldiers greeted the, "I am the sheriff here. Who are you?"

"We're Northmen." Ragnar replied in Equestrian.

"Traders?" The Sheriff wanted to know.

"Yes, we're traders.'' Ragnar agreed.

''If you want to trade, you have to meet our princesses Celestia and Luna." The Sheriff announced.

"What is he saying?'' Rollo wanted to know.

"He wants us to meet their princesses." Ragnar translated.

"That's a trap.'' Rollo stated.

"I am with Rollo. I say we kill them and be done with it." Erik agreed.

"I am with Rollo too.'' Juta agreed too.

"We will come with you." Ragnar told the Sheriff in Equestrian.

The Sheriff had not missed the discusion between the Northmen warriors. As he received an angry look from Rollo he asked, "What is his problem?"

"He doesn't trust you." Ragnar replied.

The Sheriff thought about it for a minute. If he had to force them to come with him, it would end in battle, where there are more enemies than friends. If he just let them go, he disrespected his orders. Then he found a solution. He took the heavy chain with the medallion who identified him as the sheriff and handed it to Rollo.

Rollo seemed to be a little satisfied and encouraged this would not be a trap. Then Floki came forward from the back of the group. His target was a bracelet with the symbol of Kholat. He grabbed it and pulled. The Eqeuestrian warrior, startled by the attack, drew his sword immediately, everypony was armed and the Northmen began to cut the Royal Guards one by one.

"Friends! In the name of Kholat!" The Sheriff tried to call his men back to order but the battle was already underway. It was quickly decided. Most of Royal Guards were cut down immadiately. He and the other one tried to made their way away from them. Ragnar ran after the first one and tackled him into the ground. The he looked up and saw the Sheriff had escaped.

Ragnar sighed in frustation. The would soon knew about the attack and respond.