Chapter Eighteen: Battles

                                    

                                          
Everyone woke up early one morning. There was excitement and nervousness that no one could shake. 
                          
I could tell something big would happen, something monumental. I only hoped that everyone would come back in one piece. 
                          
I watched as the warriors ate something and drank. I knew that night would be filled with laughter and partying. 
                          
I smiled at Ivar. He glared at me as if I was a villain. What could he be possibly angry about now? I walked over to him while he got in his chariot and put on his helmet. 
                          
"Good luck, Prince Ivar." I smiled. 
                          
"You were in Sigurd's tent for a long time." He growled. 
                          
I rolled my eyes at him. "I had to tell him something. Nothing intimate happened." 
                          
"What did you tell him? Huh?" 
                          
"Nothing that concerns you. You should just focus on winning." I replied roughly. 
                          
"Hedwig!" I heard Sigurd call. I turned around to see him jogging over to me. He took my hand and kissed it. "Just for good luck." He gave me a smirk.
                          
"You will not need it. May the gods be with you on the battlefield, especially Odin." I grinned. "I know he is watching from his throne." 
                          
"When we capture King Aelle, we want you to join us." Sigurd stated. 
                          
I reluctantly nodded my head. I don't think I'm ready to see blood spill, but I know it's well deserved. 
                          
The men and women left for battle. I watched the long trail of armor leave our camp. I knew they would be okay, but it was still quite a sight to see them all leaving with pure confidence and certainty that they will have the king's head. 
                          
I helped prepare meals for when they return. Housewives, thralls and daughters help cook up a meal. I watched as children ran around. 
                          
"They are cute, aren't they?" Idun asked me as she stroked her stomach. 
                          
"I guess so. It won't be long and your little one will be causing trouble." I smirk. 
                          
"My mother said I was a good baby, I hope for the same." 
                          
"The apple could always fall far from the tree." I stated with a shrug. 
                          
"You've always been a pessimist." She sighed irritably. 
                          
"I say realist." I corrected. 
                          
She rolled her eyes at me. She looked down at the carrots I was cutting and took a small piece. "Tyr was very confident when he left. I hope his cockiness isn't his downfall. I swear, he has never doubted anything." 
                          
"I think this battle will be a success, it's the others I'm not sure about." She gave me a confused look. "Knowing the sons of Ragnar, they will want to attack King Ecbert for giving their father to King Aelle. They will storm Wessex after the battle here is finished." 
                          
"I don't think this wondering around will be good for my little boy." She replied, staring at her large stomach. 
                          
"Knowing the men, it won't be long until we take a moment to breathe. They will want to fill their belly with booze eventually." 
                          
Idun chuckled. "Yes, that I do know." 
                          
"I warned Sigurd of his fate." I said weakly.
                          
Idun's eyes grew wide. "You did? Will the gods be angry?" 
                          
"I don't think so." 
                          
"How did he take it?"
                          
"He is supposed to die soon, so we shall see if he takes my warning to heart." I sighed.