Vikings in Equestria

Ragnar and Myrus had returned from the fishing trip in the morning. Now Myrus was cleaning the fish, while Ragnar was lying on his bed, staring into the candle next to him.

"May I ask you something?" Myrus began.

"What is it?" Ragnar wanted to know.

"Am I still your slave?" Myrus replied.

"Does it matter?" Ragnar said.

"It matter because I've noticed that in"your country" slaves are often treated worse than animals." Myrus explained.

"Do I treat you like an animal?" Ragnar asked.

"That's not my point." Myrus continued, "Legally you could beat me to death...a man can rape his female slave but not a free woman."

"What about Equestria or Crystal Empire. Do they have slavery?" Ragnar wanted to know.

"No. Everypony are free in those countries.'' Myrus replied, "Now I hope that you will answer to my question."

"It's true, that we distinguish between those captured in battle and our free men and women." Ragnar admitted, "It's just they way it is. And why do you say ''your country''? You live here now and you never tried to escape."

"I think about escaping less every day, Even if I could." Myrus said, "But I would like to be free again."

When Ragnar said nothing, Myrus changed the topic.

"What are you preparing for?'' He asked.

"What do you mean?" Ragnar replied.

"I've watched you." Myrus told him, "You have made yourself very strong."

"Perharps not strong enough." Ragnar admitted.

"What do they gods say?'' Myrus smiled. Ragnar sat up, annoyed.

"What do you know about our gods, pony?" Ragnar shot back, "Now finish the fish, in silence."

In the main town of Kattegat, there was a lot of activity in the great hall. The warriors sworn to Earl Haraldson were redying themselves for battle. Axes and swords were sharpened, the spearheads were aligned to fit perfectly straight. Everyone was wearing a leather jacket, some even had chainmail.

Finally, the Earl joined his warriors. He was also wearing his leather jacket, covered with segments of chainmail. One of his warriors had prepared his sword. He handed it to the Earl who looked at it for a moment before he sheated it. Then he left the great hall in silence, his warriors following him.

In the smaller village where Ragnar's farm was standing, the day was slow. Lagertha and Myrus worked together on lunch, Gyda was feeding the goats, Bjorn was helping an old man with the repairs on the fishing boats.

Ragnar was away in the woods, hunting. He had spent all morning searching for a target. He looked down and saw a stag's dung. As experienced hunter, Ragnar immediately recognized it as fresh. He looked up and carefully walked on.

A few arrows flew through the air and the old man next to Bjorn fell on the ground. Bjorn looked at him and the arrow sticking in his chest. While the other villagers ran to the man's aid, which was futile since he already was dead. Bjorn looked up.

At the edge of the village, there was a small shield wall, the shield showing the black and red emblem of Earl Haraldson. Behind the shield wall, several men including the Earl were on horseback. Bjorn hesitated for a second, then started to run.

The riders charged forward, cutting down the fleeing villagers, men, women and children alike. The Earl stayed back and stated towards Svein, "Let a man who is descendant from the gods, learn that he is a human after all."

Lagertha looked up from the carrots she was cutting when she heard the scream. A female scream, one of those she had often before. But never before had she been on the defender's side.

"Myrus." She ordered, "Get Bjorn."

Myrus quickly left the room. Gyda entered the house through the back door.

"What's happening?" She asked.

"We're under attack." Bjorn called as the made through the door. Lagertha handed her knife to Gyda as Myrus picked up one of Ragnar's axes with his magic while Bjorn drew the knife he always carried on his belt. Lagertha herself picked up her sheild which was hanging on the wall and undsheathed her sword.

"What should we do?" Bjorn asked, "Should we run?"

"No, your father will be back. We'll stay." Lagertha replied as she stepped forward in front of the group.

"But there are so many." Bjorn said.

"Stay strong." Lagertha ordered.

Ragnar was closing in on the stag. He could see in the distance and carefully approached, the bow in his hand, yet not drawn. Suddenly the stag looked up and ran. Ragnar was frustated and tried to follow it. He had barely made a few steps, when he felt that he should return to the village at once.

Ragnar sprinted along the path in the woods, his anxiety growing every second. He finally stopped and listened. He could hear the familiar, distinctive sound of battle. The swords and axes, clashing against shields and humans, together with the screams of the wounded and frightened civilians created a distinctive sound. Ragnar realized that someone was attacking his village. He ran home even faster than before.

When he emerged from the woods, he stopped and took in the scenery. Sevearl houses were already burning, their staw covered roofs an easy target for the torches carried by the attackers. Some of the attackers, were riding on the horses, others were on foot and finished the villagers off.

One of the attackers was standing close to Ragnar, his back a perfect target. Ragnar drew an arrow from his quiver and put it on bowstring. He drew and loosened his arrow. It hits its target straight in the middle of man's back. Rangar was quickly running past him and drew axe from his belt.

Behind a small hedge, one of the attackers was sitting on his horse. Ragnar took careful aim, then jumped as high he could. He grabbed the man on his shoulder and brought him down the horse. He finished the rider quickly off with an axe chop to the head.

Ragnar came back to his feet and continued to run, cutting down the next attacker. When he had finished him, he saw the next one running right at him. Ragnar quickly aimed, then sent his axe flying. The axehead buried itself in the attackers chest and the man went down.

Continuing his way through the village. Ragnar encountered three attackers at once. The first went down after a hit with the axe to this throat. The second one came from the side and his sword connected with Ragnar's thigh. A sharp pain shot through Ragnar's leg. His hand was touching the thigh, feeling for injures. He looked down when he felt something wet on his fingers. Ragnar was bleeding.

The other two attackers decided it was a moment to finish their attack. They both lunged forward, Ragnar was just barely able to black their blows with his axe. Then he hit them in chest and both attackers went down.

Ragnar ducked into the bushes around the farmhouse. He carefully looked around, before he starlthily tried to make his way into the house. He had almost reached the door, when he was hit in the back of his shoulder with an arrow. He looked around who had shot him and saw Svein. The Earl's steward, standing there with the bow in his hand. Ragnar broke the tail of the arrow off and pulled the tip out of his shoulder.

Then he opened the door of his house. Everyone looked at him and caught him failing.

"You're hurt." Lagertha stated.

"It is time to go, now." Ragnar said. Lagetha nodded with tears in her eyes and began to uncover a portion of the floor. Underneath the floor, the house had a hidden exit, an underground tunnel.

"I don't want to go without you father!" Bjorn protested.

"I will be right behind you." Ragnar said.

Lagertha went into the tunnel first, followed by Gyda, Bjorn and Myrus. Ragnar stayed behind and quickly covered the hole. Then he took a moment to collect his breath.

"Ragnar! Come out! This house is surrounded!" Svein called from the outside. Ragnar took his axe back into his hand and opened the door.

The Earl, Svein and the rest of warriors were standing in front of Ragnar. He stumbled forward, barely able to walk straight. He dropped on his knees and put the axe down of the Earl's feet.

"You accept that you are a criminal?" Haraldson asked triumphantly, "That you are worthly only death and defeat?"

"I accept my fate." Ragnar replied, "Let me speak with my god."

The Earl nodded and stepped back.

"Odin." Ragnar prayed, "Lords of Lords...help me!''

Ragnar quickly grabbed his axe and jumped on his feet. The first of the warriors was struck down by his fist, the second one receive a thrown axe to his chest. Ragnar had leaped up on the horse standing next to him and was quickly riding away.

"Bring him back alive." Haraldson ordered his men, "Burn the house!"

Lagertha, Myrus, Gyda and Bjorn left the tunnel. They hid behind bushed and carefully made their way to the beach. At the beach, all of them hopped into the fishing boat. They all lay flat in the boat, drifting along the fjord, hoping anyone who saw them would just think that the boat had been lost in the attack.

Ragnar was riding like he had never ridden before. He rode into the woods, hoping to distract his pursuers. Once he could not see them anymore, he dismounted from his horse. He slapped it on the back and the horse quickly galloped along the path. The followed the traces of the horse, riding past Ragnar.

Ragnar was running along the river, through the water. He tried to distract the dogs, in case they would use some. Suddenly, he heard voices behind him. He looked back and saw two of the Earl's warriors close in on him. He stumbled through the water, weaker with every step. Ha ran across the fields until he finally arrived at the cliffs above the fjord.

Ragnar looked back for the last time. He saw two warriors approach him. They had their swords drawn, ready to kill. In this moment Ragnar wounds were too much for him. His eyes closed and fell.

At the bottom of the cliff, his family and Myrus in the fishing boat saw him stand on the top of the cliff. When he fell, he somehow did not hit the cliffs instead fell right into the water. They stood up in the boat, looking for any sign that he was coming back to the surface. There was just water.

Myrus dived headlong in the water, and went under. A few seconds passed and he came back up, in his arms the lifeless body of Ragnar Lothbrok.

"Father!" Gyda cried.

"Is he dead?'' Bjorn asked.

Myrus swan to the boat and the others worked hard to pull Ragnar's body in.

Myrus was rowing the boat, while Lagertha was trying to save Ragnar. She had ripped strips of her dress sleeves. She was covered in blood as Bjorn and Gyda jumped out the beach. They ran all the way up to the hut.

"Floki!" The shouted, "FLOKI!"

The doors of hut opened and a naked woman stepped into the sun.

"Who are you two?" She asked.

"We must speak with Floki." Bjorn replied, "Is he here?''

"Helga. Who it is?" Floki said as he stepped out of they hut, with only pants on, "Bjorn? Gyda?" He asked in confusion.

"Out father is dying." Gyda tried to explain. Floki followed them to the beach.

Myrus magic and Floki were carrying Ragnar. Lagertha and the children followed them,

"Helga. Get the garlic and the sage! We will make a paste to heal his wounds." Floki announced, "But first we have to clean them, and the only way them is with fire."

The great hall was filled with people for the feast. To most it would have seemed as just another feast in the hall but the Earl was especially happy. This might be the day of his victory over Ragnar Lothbrok.

The Earl's daughter Thyri, was sitting next to her father, chatting with one of her friends.

Suddenly the room went quiet. A stranger had entered the hall. He was an old man, round from many years of feasting and drinking. He had a red face as if he was very appreciative of a cup of Ale. He approached the Earl's table.

"We must welcome our guest." Haraldson said.

"You could have told me that we were excepting a guest." Siggy told her husband.

"This Earl Bjarni.'' Haraldson intruduced his guest, "He is a svear. These are my wife Siggy and my daughter, Thyri."

Earl Bjarni eyed Thyri carefully, "You were right. She is pretty."

"Feast with us." Haraldson invited him, "Sit over there, than you can get to known each other better."

Earl Bjarni sat on the chair, next to Thyri.

"Forgive me, my love." Siggy said, "But why should they get to know each other better?"

"Because they're getting married." Haraldson explained.

The reaction was obvious. Siggy's face fell and Thyri turned towards her father.

"It's arranged." Haraldson stated.

"Don't worry my dear child." Bjarni said to Thyri, "I will make you a good husband and you will provide me with many sons." He said, "The wedding will be later this year, when I will return, laden with gifts" He announced, "In the meantime I hope you will accept this as a token of my affection." He said as he pulled a golden right out of one of his pockets. When Thyri refused to answer, he gently took the hand and placed the ring on her finger.

"What do you say Thyri?" Haraldson wanted to know.

"Thank you, Lord...you are...very kind." Thyri replied.

The blade was glowing red in the dark Floki's hut. Floki held it, judging the heat by it's color. He decided it was right. Floki went to where Ragnar was lying lifeless on the floor.

"Give it to me." Lagertha asked him. He handed her the blade, "I dedicate this blade to the godness, to Freyja. Wisdom might you give us, and healing hands while we live."

"Hail to the Aesir!" Bjorn said.

"Please Freyja! Save my father!" Gyda begged.

Lagertha pressed the red glowing blade on Ragnar's wounds. A smell of burnt flesh filled the room.

"There is a reason for every matter under the sun. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted. A time to kill and a time to kill." Myrus said, "Kholat, my god. Don't let this man die."

Ragnar groaned as Floki started filling the wounds with the paste he had made of the herbs.

They had been in Floki's hut for weeks now and winter was setting in. Myrus realized it had been already a long time since the Northmen raided his village. Considering that he might very well have ended up in the slaver's bay, he thought himself lucky, even hiding in Floki's hut. He could only hope that the winter was going to be a short one. After all, Floki's supplies were highly limited. And there was four extra persons and a pony living in the household.

Bjorn was outside the hut, chopping firewood, when a man approached him. He was wearing the hood of his cloak, covering his face. He had a bow in his hand and carried two throwing axes on his belt. He also had two dead rabbits dangling from his belt.

"Is it true? Is he here?'' He asked.

When they entered the hut, Floki looked up, "Thornstein!"

Thornstein pulled his hood down and stepped next to Ragnar, lying in his bed.

"Ragnar, my friend.'' He greeted him, "How are you?"

"Save me from these people." Ragnar smiled.

"He is still very weak." Gyda explained, "But his wounds begun to heal."

"He's alive." Lagertha said, "Thank to Floki's magic."

"How did you know I was here?" Ragnar wanted to know.

"I didn't."Thornstein replied, "It was Rollo who said it. If you were alive, you might be here."

"Then why he did not come by himself?" Ragnar asked.

"He thought he may be followed." Thornstein explained, "It is no secret that all crew are being watched. But I made sure no one was following me."

The celebrations in the great hall was right underway. Earl Haraldson's gaze set upon his daughter in her white dress, whirling around on the dancefloor with her new husband.

Rollo entered the room. Snowflakes were coming in with him through the open door. Nearly everyone in the hall recognized him. Looks were cast in his direction as he made his way through the crowd. Alothough she was dancing, Thyri's eyes followed him. Then Earl's Haraldson eyes caught him. He stood up and met Rollo halfway.

"I don't remember inviting you to my daughter's wedding." He said.

"Oh, I had assumed you had forgotten to do so." Rollo replied, "I came anyway."

"That could have been you, dancing with my daughter." Haraldson reminded him.

"I know. I often think about it. Still I was not fated to marry your daughter." Rollo said, "Maybe that old man was."

"What do you want?" Haraldson asked, impatiently.

"We need to talk." Rollo declared.

"Later." Haraldson said.

Haraldson returned to his table. After a short moment, Svein called the room to silence.

"It is time for the husband and wife to go to matrimonial chamber." Haraldson announced. Most of the guest cheered loudly.

The freshly wed couple left the room, followed by many of the guests. Haraldson went over to Rollo.

"What do you want to talk about?" He asked.

"I want no more thugs like these two following me around." Rollo replied, "It's a waste of everyone time."

"Oh I disagree." Haraldson said, "If you lead them to Ragnar Lothbrok it will be time well spent."

"Ragnar is dead." Rollo stated.

"Are you sure?" Haraldson asked, "Will you swear that on your arm ring?"

"I cannot swear to it, because I haven't seen the body." Rollo said, "But it has been weeks, since I last heard from him. And he is my brother. I am sure with my heart. He is dead."

"But you could I trust you since you have betrayed me before." Haraldson doubted him.

"I haven't betrayed you." Rollo said, "I was telling the truth. Would you trust a man who is telling the truth?"

"And what is the truth?" Haraldson demanded to know.

"The truth is, you run everything here. You own the ships, you decide we raid. I need to be a part of that." Rollo argued, "I was born to do that."

"Well, you need to understand that it will take time to earn my trust." Haraldson replied, "And I give my trust not easy. But you can stay here, eat at my expense, work on my boats, prepare for the season. And then, we will see. Agreed?"

"Agreed." Rollo smiled.

On the cold evenings, now that winter was close, it had become a custom in Floki's hut to share the stories about gods. Myrus was eager to ask for stories which he eagerly listened. He heard about the gods and their halls and how the Equis which was called Earth by the humans was created from the body of the giant Ymir. How Odin hanged himself and how he sacrificed his eye for knowledge. How Thor fished the serpent Yormungandr and how Tyr sacrificed his arms as bait to capture cruel Fenrir.

In the meantime Ragnar's health was improwing, alothough Lagertha still would not let him get up from his bed for longer periodes.

In Kattegat, Rollo made sure no one was following. He looked around once more and entered the door of a small house. Inside a woman was waiting for him. She came out of shadows and kissed Rollo.

"Siggy." He sighed as they broke apart.

"I've come to warn you." She replied, "You must leave at once, my husband hates you."

"He has shown me nothing but respect since I got here.'' Rollo replied.

"Rollo, believe me, go!" Siggy urged him before she kissed him gently goodbye.

Later that day Rollo was wandering around the streets of Kattegat. A big man stepped into his way, holding a club in his hand. Rollo stepped into his tracks. Behind him several others closed in. The started hitting him with their clubs. Rollo fought back with his fists, leaving bruises and broken bones on his attackers but eventually he had to give up. The world went black.

Rollo awoke when a bucket of cold water was splashed over his face. He needed a few seconds to realize his situation. His hest was bare, his hands and wrists were cuffed to a table which was standing in the back of Kattegat great hall. Standing next to him were Svein, Haraldson, Siggy and several of the Earl's warriors.

"Where is Ragnar Lothbrok?" Haraldson asked.

"He is dead." Rollo replied.

"Are you sure?" Haraldson wanted to know, "You said that you always told the truth."

Rollo refused to answer.

"You seem to have a little problem opening your mouth." Haraldson said in mock of concern, "Perharps can I help you out."

Svein drew a dagger and handed it to Haraldson. The Earl took it and neared Rollo's face. The blood started streaming as the blade cut deeply into the prisoner's face.

In Floki's hut Gyda was watching her mother change the bandages on her father's back.

"When will he be better?" The little girl asked.

"It is taking too long already." Ragnar complained.

"In a few weeks' time. Your father wounds will have healed." Lagertha explained. "If he is careful."

"You must have patience, father." Bjorn added.

"You must have patience, father." Ragnar mocked, "Shut up."

It was when Floki bursted through the doors of his hut with Thornstein who was completely went and shivering from cold.

"I found him wandering around the marshes." Floki explained.

"I was lost." Thornstein told them.

Bjorn made room next to the fire, so Thornstein could warm himself up. After a few minutes, he began to talk.

"I was visited in great secrecy by Earl's Haraldson wife, Siggy." He said, "She told me that her husband had played a trick on Rollo and imprisoned him. He tried to find out where you are. Then he tortured him. She is sure her husband mean to kill Rollo, because he will in now way admit where you are."

"He tortured my brother?" Ragnar asked, earning a nod from Thornstein.

"It's a trap for you Ragnar." Floki warned.

Ragnar stood up from the fire, his mind in deep thoughts. He opened the door and looked out into rain for several minutes. He tried to raise his wounded arm as high he could, without pain. The he made his decision.

"Floki." He began, "I have another favor to ask you."

"Yes Ragnar?" Floki wanted to know.

''I want you to go into Kattegat." Ragnar explained, "I want you to ask for a meeting with Earl Haraldson. And when you meet him, challenge him to a personal battle with me. Tell him if he refuses, shame will stalk him for the rest of his life and Odin will never permit him into Valhalla."