Destiny Enslaved (editing)

Part 13

Their reaction was immediate. All shared the same expression of shock- wide eyes, raised eyebrows and parted lips. But they each transformed them and made their feelings apparent.

Vaguely I heard a whispering break out that thankfully wasn't in my head.

But I couldn't focus on it.

I couldn't focus on Helga as she called out ''Floki! You must komme Floki''

I couldn't focus as Finehair sneered at the word before saying ''I'll get your brother.'' Whom I had guessed was Hvitserk. He muttered a parting ''gale kvinnen'' before departing. It made me ask just how big the ship was.

But I couldn't focus on any of it. I could only focus on how Bjorn's Aegean eyes clouded with worry and scepticism. I felt my chest tighten as his eyes tried to burrow into my consciousness to see my motives.

As the thundering of more boots rattled my head against the deck Bjorn's attention was drawn to those coming from ahead of us. A thick and firm arm slid behind my back to circle my waist and lift me. My hips rose to press against his. And I was made very aware of how my own were slightly wider whilst his were considerably more solid and muscled than mine. I felt as muscles pulled and contracted as he brought me with him as he stood. My muscles ached as I heaved my upper body upwards to meet Bjorn's chest. my hair, with its now frizzed curls, came just under his nose.

Curiously I felt his chest expand with a deep intake of breath.

But I had to ignore it as Helga, who had disappeared surprisingly and now rushed back to the young girls' side, was followed by an imposing figure. He was at least 6ft 3'' a little taller than Bjorn who had so far been the tallest pale man I had ever met. I had to turn in Bjorn's grip to face him full on.

But it wasn't just his height which was intimidating. He exuded a deadly and crazed aura as if he wasn't completely anchored on this plain- he reminded me of ... well, me. Or at least the vision I had of myself.

He wore black around his eyes which bled onto his cheeks. His hair was almost completely shaved, except for a knot at the back, revealing strange tattoos on his scalp. His beard was long and unkempt like an after thought he never got around to. He wore a weave armour which freed his body to make its lithesome approach as he moved forward in a predatory manner.

''So!'' he began and the high pitched abrupt edge to his voice startled me. I felt Bjorn's arm, which I thought had fallen away, tighten around my waist in response to my nerves. The man took little note of me.

''This is the girl you picked up Bjorn, hmm?'' his head turned on the question as though trying to bore into Bjorn's eyes for a satisfactory answer.

''Yes Floki'' Bjorn responded simply exaggerating the name – 'Flow –KEY'

''oh Bjorn! When did this little mare cast her spell on you? She is nothing and knows nothing of us- through her to the Draugen!'' he yelled with a fury in his eyes which he now turned on me as though I were a witch casting spells.

''Floki!'' Helga exclaimed from her place next to the still trembling girl. She hid behind her loose walnut hair. Helga's eyes had become bright with anger at the man. '' You are scaring her-'' I presumed she had no care for me and meant only her treasure. ''- she needs peace not you invoking the damned.''

Seemingly admonished Floki angled his head away from Helga glaring under his brows at her. Helga glared in warning before returning to her coos towards the girl.

Floki swung his chin towards Bjorn and continued; the fury diminished in his eyes. ''And what has the little witch been whispering- hm?'' it was at that moment Bjorn recognised the presence of Hvitserk and 'Finehair' who stood behind him. I craned my neck to give them a side glance over Bjorn's shielding shoulder.