Chapter Three

                                    

                                          
The trip to Wessex was calm and prosperous, however. We were greeted in Wessex with a warm-welcoming. We rode in on our horse on the fresh gravel. Baldr rode closely behind me on his own stead, carefully supervised by my councilman. He is, after all, the future heir to Kattegat. As well as my pride and joy. My Little Ivar. Little flower petals flew through the sky and people cheered on our welcome. 
	As I arrived at the palace gates, King Alfred stood tall with a wide smile. Alfred still looks the same, maybe he has slightly aged, however. He is not the face I want to see. Hvitserk stands behind him with a big grin on his face. My heart began to flutter then race at the sight of him. He seemed unsteady, eager to hold me I suppose. I was eager to hold him as well. Royal command, however, needs to be addressed. The English costume commands me to address the King formally and then Hvitserk, formally. 
	I slowly got off my horse and walked over to King Alfred. Baldr got off his horse and stood behind me. We both bow our heads to the King. Alfred then bows slightly to me. 
“King Alfred…” I addressed.
“Queen Sigrun! Welcome back to Wessex!” Alfred said, “We are honored you are here!” 
“We are grateful to be here!” I said in my best English.
“A feast is in order for the Viking Queen for a safe passage!” 
A wide smile appeared across my face, it is a custom and I’m happy Alfred is honoring it. 
	I gestured my hand behind me for Baldr to step forward, “You remember my son, Prince Baldr?” 
Alfred smiled gently as he looked down at my son. “Why, yes I do!” “How he has grown!” 
“The image of his father!” I said. 
“I knew your father well, Prince Baldr, he was truly a great man and a great warrior!” 
Baldr’s eyes lit up with excitement. 
“I’m honored that you remember my husband fondly!” Alfred smiled and then turned for me to see Hvitserk standing just inches away from me. 
I sighed quietly. I began to slowly approach him. He is just as handsome as the last time I saw him. Time did not ravage him. His hair was cut very short and slick back. He no longer carries the traditional Viking hair style. He has cut his beard to reveal a clean face. He is wearing a white robe with a Christian cross around his neck. 
Let me hold you. Let me hold you. Let me hold you.
I stopped in front of Hvitserk and suddenly- we embraced. I sighed sharply, gripping his robe. His skin was soft and warm and it melted me. 
“What kept you?” Hvitserk whispered to me.
“Journdgander could never keep me from you!” 
“God has blessed your journey surely,” Hvitserk muttered. I pulled away slightly. I crossed my arms and said,
“It’s nothing short of Oddin’s blessing on our voyage that we arrived safely here!” Baldr broke the tension as he ran up to his Uncle and embraced him. It changes Hvitserk’s mood as he smiles brightly. He pulled Baldr away and glanced at him,
“He’s grown!” 
“He is strong as well!” I remarked.
“Just like his father?” Hvitserk asked.
“Just like his father,” I nodded. 
--
	If it wasn’t for the conserved Christian woman and the all fearing men I swear we were home. We gathered during the night with King Alfred’s men to feast, however. I can honestly say my men were not particularly fond of the atmosphere of the feast. They are bored and they are ready to go home already. Baldr found amusement playing with the other children. King Alfred, Hvitserk and I sat at our own table.