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bumblesimagines · 1 year

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Under The Moonlight

Part 10

Request: Yes or No

~~~

"Come on, boy. We ought to make a man out of you." His father's voice rang in his ears and he tossed a sword at (Y/N)'s feet. The sword was long, maybe as long as he is at thirteen. (Y/N) knew how to hold a sword. Or rather, He knew how to hold small swords. His father grinned at his hesitance to pick it up, nudging the blade with the tip of his boot. Across from him, Leif smiled at him encouragingly. He held a sword in one hand, nearly as big as the sword their father had given his younger brother. Leif's facial hair had begun growing in, signifying adulthood was just around the corner for the older teen.

Clicking his tongue, Erik raised a scarred brow at him. "Go on, boy. It's better than that flimsy blade your mother got you."

"That dagger has seen more action than you, old man." His mother, Yri Orridottir, chimed in with a small sneer. Her eyes never left Freydis, hands braiding back Freydis's long hair to keep the golden strands out of her face. His sister watched them with twinkling crystal eyes, eager to learn from her brothers and be given the chance to train with them. She'd already been given a knife of her own. It'd only be a matter of time before Erik involved her in the sparring sessions.

"More action than me?" Erik laughed crudely, looking over each of his kids with a smirk. And as if on cue, the piercing wail of Thorvald echoed from their home and Erik's smirk grew. Rare was the day his father acted so freely.

"Go on, min lille kriger." Yri cooed to her son encouragingly, pointedly giving Erik a look. With Yri's permission, (Y/N) reached down to grab the handle of the sword and lifted it, a soft huff escaping him when it promptly slipped from his hands and landed in the thin layer of snow with a soft squish.

"Never held a sword that heavy, aye?" Erik laughed again. "Seems we gotta get you chopping more wood and eating more bears. You'll be of no use without strength, boy, remember that."

"It's not all about strength." Leif chided defensively, frowning at their father. "What use is someone who can't even think straight?"

"Leif's right, old man. Just take a look at yourself." Yri grinned and Erik scowled at her, rolling his dark eyes when Freydis giggled under her breath.

"It's fine." (Y/N) reached down again and picked up the sword, securing both hands around the handle and barely lifting the whole blade off the ground. Erik nodded, resting his fists on his hips and watching his son closely.

(Y/N) cleared his throat and looked up at his brother. Leif smiled at him again and began going through the motions. He thrusted the sword forward and (Y/N) attempted to mimic him, the weight of the sword nearly making him tumble forward. Leif waited for him to regain his posture and grip before holding his sword over his shoulder and bringing it down, cutting through the air. (Y/N) swallowed and glanced at an amused Erik. He lifted the sword as best as he could over his shoulder, bringing it down with ease but he nearly stumbled again.

"We'll work you until you can use this sword with your eyes closed. Now, go on, we ought to finish before Sigrid is done cookin'."

Running a hand over his face, (Y/N) yawned and opened his eyes, limbs stretching out over the cot. He sat up and rubbed his eyes, hearing two familiar voices growing nearer and the distant sound of thunder. With a smile, he swung his legs over the edge of the cot and stood up, walking toward the doorway and looking out at Freydis and Harald as they approached the cabin. Slung over Harald's shoulders was a dead deer. Enough food to last them a couple weeks, maybe more if they were smart about it.

"Good job, Freydis." (Y/N) praised, stepping down the stairs and pressing a kiss to her cheek. She brightened at his words and smirked smugly back at Harald, earning an eye roll from the prince. Ever since Harald's recovery, the two had developed a good friendship. They often bickered like siblings and had developed a game for when they hunted: whoever took down the prey won and the loser always had to carry back the food.

"I shot it first." Harald huffed.

"But I killed it!" Freydis called, slipping the bow off her shoulder and stepping inside. Harald set the deer down and sighed as he looked it over the deer. (Y/N) walked toward him and Harald lifted his arm without looking at him, only grinning when (Y/N) settled against his side. It'd been many months since the fall of Kattegat. Harald had gotten his strength back fairly quickly, taking hunting on and adding more space to the cabin for Freydis. His hair had grown and rested gently against the top of his shoulders. (Y/N) had grown to love his soft curls and found himself running his fingers through his hair whenever possible. His beard had grown as well, something he'd taken pride in. Freydis had relatively stayed the same, apart from the small bump that had begun to take shape on her belly. A recent development but an exciting one.

"I should change that dressing." (Y/N) stepped back and turned, only having to stop by the foot of the stairs before Freydis tossed the bandages out to him. Catching them and looking back at Harald, he motioned for him to sit down. Harald sighed and shed his shirt, taking a seat on the bench. He gazed at (Y/N), hands resting on his hips and he leaned in to steal a kiss and then another, and then another. Chuckling softly, (Y/N) gently pushed his shoulder back and lifted his brows at him. Harald stole one last kiss before he lifted his hand to (Y/N)'s shoulder and watched him remove the old bandages. (Y/N) hummed, lightly running his finger close to the wound and studying Harald's face. Harald didn't react to his touch.

"It's not fully healed yet." (Y/N) murmured, nodding to himself. "But it's certainly gotten better."

"Better enough for me to go to Kattegat," Harald said, lifting his gaze and frowning as (Y/N)'s face fell. (Y/N) stared into Harald's eyes and clenched his jaw, shaking his head in disbelief. It'd been a constant battle with Harald ever since they learned that King Canute's father had taken back Kattegat from Jarl Olaf. It was even rumored that Jarl Olaf had only ruled the town for a couple of minutes before fleeing when the ships arrived. "I cannot stay here forever, love. I must meet with Forkbeard and demand what is mine."

"Your agreement was with his son, Harald. Forkbeard will do what he believes is best for his son and his growing empire. If he believes you are not fit for Norway, he will not put you on the throne. We do not know who has allied themselves to Forkbeard. We know nothing about Kattegat!" (Y/N) exclaimed, unable to keep his voice steady. Harald's frown deepened and he gently grabbed his arms to keep him still.

"All the more reason to go. Do you wish to spend the rest of your life out here in the wilderness?"

"I was raised in the wilderness, Harald. What is so wrong about living out here-"

"Because I was meant to be the ruler of Norway! Because my children were meant to be rulers!" Harald raised his voice, irritation lacing his voice. (Y/N) blinked and reeled back, feeling Harald's hold on him loosen slightly. His brows furrowed slightly and his eyes flickered between Harald's brown ones, his words etching themselves into his brain. Harald inhaled deeply and bowed his head. "I shouldn't have raised my voice-"

"Harald, I cannot give you children... I cannot give you princes or princesses." (Y/N) said quietly and Harald nodded, rising to his feet and wrapping his arms around him. (Y/N) remained still, pressing his face into Harald's shoulder as the prince gently stroked the back of his head.

"I know, I know. I just wanted to get a point across. I... I need to go back, my love." Harald whispered, pressing a kiss to his temple and leaning back. Cupping (Y/N)'s face, he stroked his cheek and kissed the bridge of his nose. "And I want you to come with me. Freydis as well. I wouldn't leave her while she's with child and I know you wouldn't either."

"That would be her choice to make." (Y/N) muttered, pulling Harald's hands away and motioning to the bandages. "You should wrap it before the rain falls."

"(Y/N)-"

"I know it's important to you, Harald. I-I need to think about it." (Y/N) rubbed the side of his neck and turned, heading up the stairs and into the cabin. He sighed and plopped down on the cot, leaning his back against the wall and looking at Freydis from the corner of his eye. She continued to churn leaves, only being able to pretend she hadn't eavesdropped for a couple minutes before she tore herself away from the table and walked toward him. She sat down beside him, taking his hand into hers.

"What are you thinking about?"

"That you were right. As always." He breathed out, fingers curling over his knee. "He is a prince who wants to be king. He... He wants power. He wants heirs. I cannot give him what he desires, Freydis. I cannot give him the crown, the kingdom, the heirs. He knows this... He knows he'll have to marry a noble woman who will give him many healthy heirs. She'll give him what he desires. And then he will have no more space for me. That is the reality of our love."

"What is it you truly want, (Y/N)? All these years you have spent doing what we wanted. You came here for me, you went to war for me, you stayed in Kattegat for Leif and I... And I see it in your eyes that despite what you say, you'll follow Harald to Kattegat. Because you are so kind and loving that you forget about yourself. What have you wanted all this time that you've been deprived of?"

The answer came swiftly. It often lingered in his mind and slipped into his dreams, reminding him of everything between him and his desire. "I want to go home. Norway, Kattegat, even this cabin... this isn't my home. Greenland is. I miss the snow and the cold. I miss watching the seals and whales. I even miss catching glimpses of the bears. I miss my mother... I-I want my mother." His eyes easily filled with tears. He had no way of knowing if she even lived. If anything had happened to them while they were away.

"You've sacrificed enough for us. If Harald does not wish to make at least one sacrifice for you..." Freydis trailed off and brought his hand to her lips, kissing the back of his hand and smiling sadly at him. "You should go home, (Y/N)."

"I know... But I must know if Leif is alive and... I want to help Harald achieve his destiny of being a ruler. It is what he's always wanted, all he talks about. I'll help him become king and then, I'll go home. Even if it means leaving Harald behind and never seeing him again." (Y/N) sniffled, feeling Freydis wipe his tears and nod.

"If that is what you want." She rubbed his hand one last time before standing and picking up the empty water bucket. She glanced at him and smiled again before stepping out and heading toward the stream. (Y/N) sighed softly and rose, approaching the doorway and spotting Harald skinning the deer with a concentrated look on his face. He seemed to sense eyes on him and looked up, immediately frowning when he noticed the look on his face. (Y/N) stepped down the stairs and walked toward him.

"I did not mean to make you cry-"

"I will go with you to Kattegat, Harald. I want to find Leif." (Y/N) told him and Harald perked up, smiling widely and closing the distance between them. He brought his lips to (Y/N)'s, a pleased laugh rumbling in his chest.

"I'm glad, (Y/N)." Harald pressed his forehead against (Y/N)'s, eyes closing. "When I am king, you will be my advisor. We'll rule Norway together."

(Y/N) tried not to show how his heart cracked.

➸ ➸ ➸ ➸ ➸ ➸

The journey to Kattegat would be a rather long one. The horses they had taken had been traded in a village for supplies thus forcing them to walk to the town on foot and carry bags worth of belongings. (Y/N) kept his mind on Leif and Liv, praying that they'd both gotten out of Kattegat safe and sound. Perhaps they had even settled down somewhere and begun a good life of their own. (Y/N)'s lips quirked at the idea of his brother becoming a father.

(Y/N) adjusted his bow and gazed out at the calm river, waiting for Freydis and Harald to finish filling their flasks with water. His sister had decided to join them on their journey with unexpected yet welcomed determination. The sound of crunching twigs pulled his attention to the family passing behind them. A couple and their young daughter. They appeared to be in a hurry, only sparing them glances as they breezed by them. The little girl turned to look at them in surprise and then in awe at the sight of Freydis, excitedly turning to tug on her mother's blue sleeve.

"Mother, it's her!" She pointed out but her mother paid no mind to her words and pulled her along faster, causing the little girl to drop something in the trail. Freydis glanced back at the two men and stood, tucking her flask away and nodded toward the couple. She walked forward toward the trail and picked up a small wooden totem in the shape of an eagle. The Allfather's symbol. Freydis didn't hesitate on following the family, even when her brother and Harald exchanged looks. They followed the couple to a small beach where rowboats waited for the small group of people. The girl glanced back at them and smiled widely, rushing toward Freydis.

"You're her, aren't you?" She asked excitedly, stopping in front of Freydis. Her parents quickly caught up to her, pulling her against them protectively but they remained silent, exchanging looks.

"Who?" Freydis inquired softly.

"Freydis! Keeper of the Faith!" The little girl smiled widely, practically trembling with happiness.

Freydis pursed her lips, eyes flickering up to a man near the water who watched them. "I don't know what you mean."

"I saw your shield test in Kattegat. I recognize your sword! You've come to help us, haven't you?" She gazed up at her hopefully. Her parents grimaced at her words and looked at each other, a certain sadness in their eyes.

"No, I am sorry." Freydis crouched down and handed the totem back to the little girl. "You are mistaken."

"Come, we must hurry to the boats." The girl's mother urged, rubbing her shoulders comfortingly.

Stepping forward, Harald asked, "Where are you going?"

"Our village was destroyed by Kare before the fall of Kattegat. And now the Christian Jarls will not let us rebuild. We are going to find a new home." The mother explained, affectionately tucking a strand of hair behind her daughter's ear and smiling down at her. (Y/N) frowned, looking back at the rowboats. Harald seemed to share his thoughts.

"Those boats aren't seaworthy." Harald pointed out. "If there's a storm you'll drown in open water."

"We heard there are ships waiting for us out there." The father said, placing a hand on his wife's back. "They'll take us to a new Uppsala across the sea. A place called Jomsborg."

"Come quickly! You'll miss the tide!" The man from before shouted and the parents quickly ushered their daughter forward, heading toward the boats and securing a spot for themselves. Freydis stared after them, her eyes had lightened up at the sound of a new Uppsala. She lingered behind, watching the boats be pushed out into the water before joining the men again. (Y/N) didn't miss the way the strange man continued to stare at them until he disappeared from view.

"A new Uppsala," Freydis repeated softly, a smile toying at her lips. But a sad glint appeared in her eyes and she glanced back at the trail over her shoulder. "I'd like to see it. I'd like to help those people."

"Maybe you will." (Y/N) placed his hands on her shoulder, giving it a small squeeze.

When night fell, they set up shelter and settled in once the sky darkened. But even when Harald pulled him flush against his chest and nuzzled into his shoulder, (Y/N) couldn't find sleep. Harald believed they'd be together, even in court. He believed (Y/N) had accepted the role of advisor. It kept him up knowing he'd have to be the one to break Harald's heart. He knew he could simply get on a boat and leave once Harald got the crown, but he doubted Harald wouldn't search for him night and day. And before he knew it, the sun had risen and they continued forward. They followed the river that led back to Kattegat until they heard the distant sounds of battle ahead. They each grabbed an arrow and prepared their bows, quickening their pace.

And (Y/N) saw him.

His beloved older brother.

"Leif?" (Y/N) breathed and Freydis gasped. Leif turned around to look at them, nearly unrecognizable from his long hair and thick beard. He stared at them in surprise before his features surprisingly hardened. It was then when (Y/N) took note of the person missing, the one person who stuck to Leif's side like bees to honey. Liv. (Y/N) understood the coldness Leif had toward them, the way he looked around for more threats like a paranoid man. A grieving man ignoring his pain.

"We need to move. These people were coming for you." He revealed, motioning to the bodies around him. "Olaf is not far behind," Leif added and began moving forward, brushing past his siblings without even hugging them. (Y/N) pressed his lips together and swallowed, tucking his arrow and bow away before walking alongside Freydis and up the mountain, away from Kattegat. Leif's head snapped around every so often and he'd quietly mutter to himself as if he were speaking to someone they couldn't see. It made (Y/N)'s heart grow heavy.

"Why were you returning to Kattegat?" Leif asked though he made a point of looking back at Harald. He still knew his siblings too well.

"To see Forkbeard and inform him of Canute's promise to me," Harald answered.

"It's too late for that. Forkbeard has left Kattegat and named his grandson the new King of Norway." His words made Harald abruptly stop and (Y/N) almost ran into his back, stumbling back slightly. (Y/N) pressed his hand against Harald's back and stepped around him, seeing the disbelief on his face.

"Svein? Canute's son?"

"Yes." Leif stopped and turned to look at him, frown only deepening. "And made Olaf his protector."

"Then why are we going this way? I must go back and confront my brother!"

"Those men back there were bounty hunters, Harald. Olaf has placed a price on your head and Freydis's and (Y/N)'s. Nowhere is safe for you now." Harald swallowed and looked away from Leif, his jaw clenching and unclenching. Feeling (Y/N)'s hand rub his back, he sighed heavily and moved forward, solemnly following the siblings. They continued up and around the mountains, hoping to put as much distance between themselves and Jarl Olaf as possible. After nearly half an hour of walking, Leif allowed them to rest and took a seat on a small boulder, eyes still scoping the area for danger.

"I missed you." (Y/N) muttered, leaning his quiver against the boulder and dancing his fingers along the top of Leif's messy hair. Leif grunted softly and stared forward, even as Freydis sat beside him and looked him over.

"You've changed, Leif," Freydis said quietly and Leif frowned.

"Nothing's changed."

"Yes, it has. There's a look in your eyes. A coldness... I've seen it before... with Father, but never with you." Freydis reached down, running her fingertips along the side of his face. Leif lowered his gaze to the grass and sighed in defeat. But before they could continue speaking, Harald approached them, his eyes lit up. (Y/N) almost grimaced. Harald had a new plan.

"We go to Novgorod!"

"Novgorod? The Rus?" Freydis scoffed softly, leaning back to stare at Harald with a frown.

"My uncle is the ruler there. I'll explain to him that Forkbeard is an oathbreaker." Harald explained but Freydis merely rolled her eyes. "He will support my cause."

"Novgorod is a long journey." Leif pointed out and (Y/N) nodded. He knew little of Novgorod apart from the fact it shared a similar climate to Greenland. He'd heard the city was decently sized and well-populated. Mainly known for its trade, similar to Kattegat. But as much as (Y/N) missed seeing snow and the feel of cold nipping his skin, he didn't favor the idea of visiting a foreign land.

"What other choice do we have? A life on the run?" Harald frowned, pleadingly looking at Leif and (Y/N). "If I have any chance of taking what's rightfully mine, I must go to Novgorod and raise my own army to fight Olaf!"

Before Leif could respond, a voice called out and they turned. A young man approached them quickly, wearing black clothes and a black cloak. He appeared rather young with bright blue eyes and short blonde hair. He had the beginnings of a beard settling on his face and a pretty smile. However, despite having greeted Leif specifically, Leif rose to his feet angrily and slipped his dagger out, grabbing the young man by the collar and slamming him against the ground. "Wait! I'm a friend!"

"I know this man from Kattegat." Leif held the blade to his neck, glaring down at him as he struggled. The three cautiously approached them, peering down at the man. "He asked me questions about you." Leif glanced up at Freydis and she frowned.

"My name is Jorundr! I am a Jomsviking!"

"What is that?" Freydis asked, glancing between the men with furrowed brows.

"Pirates," Harald answered bitterly. "Ocean thieves."

"We're believers in the Old Ways. Please, I am here to help you, but if you wish to survive you must come with me!" Jorundr said, trying to push Leif's hand away but Leif proved stronger than him. In his desperate attempts at breaking free, the sleeve of his black tunic slid down and Freydis blinked, leaning down to grab his wrist and look at the ink on his arm.

"What is this?"

"The Skuld's Net. The Web of Fate." He grunted out, wincing as the blade lightly dug into his throat.

"I've seen this mark before," Freydis told them, pressing her hand to Leif's chest and nodding to him. Hesitantly, Leif removed the blade and backed off, glancing at (Y/N) in confusion as Freydis helped Jorundr to his feet. Holding his hand, she raised a brow at him, a knowing look in her eyes. "I believe he is here for a reason."

"You trust this man?" (Y/N) asked and Harald frowned, subtly pulling (Y/N) closer and eyeing Jorundr.

Freydis nodded, releasing his hand. "Lead the way."

Jorundr turned and led them west toward the coast. He proved to be quick on his feet, although he occasionally stumbled slightly while going downhill. He had a cheerful demeanor and seemed most interested in Freydis, often glancing back at her excitedly and eyeing the sword she'd been given at the old Uppsala. He took them into the forest and down a trail between large thickets until a beach full of people came into view.

"Are all these people believers in the Old Ways?"

"Yes, refugees from the purge by the Christians," Jorundr answered Freydis, trekking further onto the beach. (Y/N) felt the droplets on his face carried by the wind and tasted the salt on his tongue. It'd been too long since he'd stepped foot on a beach, let alone seen the ocean up close again. Though it appeared rather obscured by the fog hanging over the water. The wall of brush kept both them and their enemies hidden, (Y/N) noted. They'd be trapped between water and forest if attacked.

"If Olaf finds us here-"

"Our boats will reach you first." Jorundr dismissed with a shake of his head.

Leif frowned, watching Jorundr approach the water. "Not in this fog. No one sails in this weather."

"We do! We know the ways of the fog and tides here! Wait for us!" Jorundr called and with that, he stepped into the water and disappeared into the fog. Shaking his head, Harald turned to face the siblings, a hard look on his face as he regarded them.

"We cannot stay here. It's far too dangerous." Harald voiced.

"I will not leave these people. If this is where I am to make my last stand... so be it." Freydis said and turned to look at him, shrugging her shoulders lightly. (Y/N) didn't need to think twice, stepping forward and standing beside his sister in support. A small smile appeared on Leif's face and he nodded, standing with them too. When the three looked at Harald expectantly, he sighed and slumped his shoulders.

"Greenlanders.." He muttered and chuckled. "You don't make it easy."

"You're one to talk." (Y/N) responded, watching a grin spread across Harald's face. Freydis hummed softly and turned toward the people on the beach, approaching them and beginning to coax them toward the brush so they could remain out of sight. The men joined her, encouraging them and leading them to the trail where they'd sit and wait for Jorundr to return. Freydis made sure to answer questions and reassure the people of their safety while Leif sat and stared out at the ocean, quietly speaking to himself again. (Y/N) watched him and felt Freydis brush her hand against his shoulder, giving him a comforting look and walking toward Leif to speak with him. (Y/N) sighed and walked forward to another secluded spot, sitting down on the smooth rocks and looking at the birds flying overhead.

"You must be pleased to be reunited with your brother," Harald spoke quietly, sitting down beside him and smiling. (Y/N) gave him a tight-lipped smile and nodded, fingers lightly scratching the side of his neck. Harald gazed at him, gently bumping their shoulders together. "I know you agreed to go to Kattegat with me, but I believe you will like Novgorod. It is an incredible place and-"

"It's not that, Harald. I..." (Y/N) bit the inside of his cheek and squeezed his eyes closed.

"What is it, love?" Harald asked softly, resting his hand over (Y/N)'s and watching him worriedly. Sighing, (Y/N) opened his eyes and smiled at him again, looking over his lightly tanned face. Strands of blonde and brown rested messily through his tied-back hair and his eyes looked light brown in the lighting. His beautiful, stubborn prince. (Y/N) sharply inhaled. A time would come when he'd have to refer to him as just his friend.

"Before I left Greenland, my mother told me that... Sometimes people are destined to walk the same path together and sometimes that path splits so they must part ways. She said that even if it hurts, you must walk down your own path and allow the other person to walk down theirs. Because that's just how life is." Confusion spread across Harald's features, eyes flickering between (Y/N)'s. But (Y/N) could see the recognition and understanding. Harald just didn't want to admit it to himself. "Harald, you believe your path leads you to be a king, and if it does, then that means we will have to part ways. When you are King, you will have to marry a beautiful noblewoman and she will give you as many heirs as you desire. She will be deserving of your love. And I will not take that from her or any children she gives you."

"(Y/N)..."

"I want to help you." (Y/N) gently held Harald's hands between his, giving it a soft squeeze. His soft eyes stared at the prince hopefully. "But I need you to understand that I will not be yours forever and you will not be mine forever. I need you to promise you will let me go once you've fulfilled your destiny. Promise me you'll try to be happy."

"I cannot promise you that. You are my happiness, (Y/N). I love you. I will not leave your side again." Harald asserted with a shake of his head.

"You know you'll have to, Harald. A Christian court will not allow a Pagan by their king's side. You will have to make the choice eventually but I am not asking you to make it now." (Y/N) brought his hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to the back of it. Harald swallowed thickly and shook his head again, hand squeezing around his.

"We can be happy together in court, (Y/N). I will ensure your happiness. You will have everything you desire. I will prove it to you." Harald vowed, kissing his forehead and squeezing his hands before he rose to his feet. (Y/N)'s lips parted but Harald stepped away, returning to the others. Pursing his lips, (Y/N) sighed and looked back up at the birds, whispering a plea for guidance to his Gods before he stood and followed Harald back.

As he stopped beside his brother, he heard the faint shouting of a man. "They're coming!" The voice grew closer and the people scrambled to their feet, running back out toward the beach when Leif instructed them. They ran blindly toward the water until they could go no further, huddling together and crying out in a panic. (Y/N) turned his head, spotting Olaf's men closing in on either side of the beach, keeping them pinned as more men descended down the trail. Slipping an arrow out from his quiver and readying it, he jogged toward the group of people and stood between Leif and Harald. Olaf appeared from the trail, accompanied by a blonde teenager. The new King of Norway, (Y/N) assumed. Another child sitting on a throne.

"Kill them all!" Olaf roared and his men began rushing toward them only to skid to a stop and stare fearfully at the sky. Turning his head, (Y/N) spotted two massive fireballs soaring through the sky. They landed between them and Olaf's men, erupting as soon as they made contact with the ground and keeping the two groups apart. More and more fireballs flew through the sky as Jorundr reappeared through the fog on a boat.

"To the boats!" Harald shouted, sheathing his sword and grabbing (Y/N)'s arm, pulling him along into the water and toward one of the awaiting boats. Leif and Freydis followed them, climbing on the boat and looking back at the fire. The other people were quickly helped onboard and the boats were pushed back out into the ocean, floating away from the enraged Olaf. The boats moved through the fog until a larger ship came into view. Jorundr reached out and a man onboard grabbed his arm, pulling the boat closer to the ship. Leif placed his hands on the side of the ship to keep the boat steady, watching the people climb onboard and be given supplies.

"We have come for you, Freydis," Jorundr said once he stepped onto the ship and turned to face her. "Join us in Jomsborg." Freydis looked over the boat and at the people that had been saved, the relief on their faces nearly bringing her to tears. She exhaled shakily and turned to her brothers, smiling sadly at them. Leaning over to (Y/N), she sweetly kissed his forehead and briefly held Leif's arm.

"I will miss you, brothers. You will never be far from my heart." She whispered and sniffled, lifting her gaze onto Harald. "Take care of them," Freydis added and when Harald nodded, she turned back to the ship and stepped onboard. The three men watched the ship until it disappeared into the fog, a bittersweet feeling clinging to the air. (Y/N) looked down at Leif when his brother sat down and hummed when Leif grabbed an oar.

"Novgorod is east," Leif said, giving the two a small grin. "And I have no intention of rowing all the way there myself."

Chuckling softly, (Y/N) turned to look at Harald, mustering a smile for him. "Come on, Prince of Norway. It's about time you do some work."

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