A Dance With Death- The Shield Maiden

Chapter Seven Freya 875AD

I don't know why I ran, like a coward. I don't know why I helped him. I feel like I don't know myself anymore. I was always so sure of myself, I have always known what I wanted and why I wanted to do something.

But now, I was not so sure, not sure at all. Why did I care, what this man thought of me? My actions were justified, if I had not defended myself, those men would have killed me.

So why did I help him try to save his life? I could not answer that question, a question about my own actions. I let out a long sigh, I had long since slowed this magnificent horse to a walk. He was a great mount, that at least I was sure on.

How strange to have such a conflicted mind. I tried to shake the feeling away, I could see the camp ahead and I needed to be on my game.

I heard the shout, that a rider was approaching and raised a hand and called that it was only me. I wondered into camp on a loose rein, ignoring the questions that were asked of me. It was only the usual, 'Where have you been' and 'where did I get such a fine horse.' I didn't have the energy to answer.

The horse grunted in surprise, as his rein was yanked, pulling the bit harshly in his mouth. I whipped my head round and looked down, on the person holding the rein.

"How dare you!" I growled at the bearded face of Bjoin. He was a tall and ferocious fighter, with a mean streak, that nobody liked to be on the receiving end off.

"Don't ignore me woman." he snapped back at me. My eyes narrowed, as my temper flared. I whipped the knife out, that I kept in sheathed in my boot and held it to his eye, grabbing a hold of his beard with my other hand.

The horse shifted nervously underneath me and I pulled Bjoin along by his beard, until he settled and stood quietly again. I heard laughter and cat calls, from the crowd that had gathered around us.

"Let go of me woman." He snapped at me. I could tell his words were all bluster, he was not so confident, with a knife at his eye.

"Speak to me with more respect, or you will be forever known as Bjoin one eye." I growled at him, nicking him just under his eye, before releasing him.

He puffed his chest out and drew himself to his full height, but sat atop such a large horse, I still looked down on him. Which did make a nice change, since I spent so much time looking up at everyone.

I raised an eyebrow in challenge, as he spluttered trying to think of something to say. finally he turned on his heel and stormed off, laughter and jeering, following him.

"You best sleep with one eye open, little sister." My brother Erik chuckled.

"I already do, brother." I laughed, but it was forced, as my words were true. I never slept soundly, not even in mine own home.

The crowd dispersed and I jumped down from the horses back. I still hadn't decided on a name, but since I could not even work out my own actions lately, it was hardly a surprise.

I slept poorly that night, my dreams plagued by the dead soldiers and that strange man I could not stop thinking about. My curiosity burned, I needed to see him again, to speak with him and learn about this land.

I loved adventure and I hated not knowing about the things I have encountered in this land. The strange man, may hold the information I want.