WRATH OF THE NORTH [BJÖRN IRONSIDE]

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Björn and Vál barely took a rest, neither one of them getting tired. They had walked long into the night before they quickly fixed a place for them to sleep so they could sleep for a few hours then they were back on their feet again. Váls eyes had constantly roamed the forest, partly looking for animals so they could eat but also out of curiosity. It felt odd that there wasn't any traces of the amount of snow that covered the mountains. Here only a thin layer of snow covered the ground.

"We're getting close," Björn said and she only nodded. The wind blew, snow fell slowly and she was rather thankful for her hood that almost covered her whole face. Even Björn had his hood on even if it wasn't that extremely cold.

"So I'm going to meet your mother?" Vál said, it felt surreal to meet someones mother. Through out their walk to his village she had both been excited and nervous. She had questioned her decision. Björn seemed pleased with her being here with him.

"Yes, don't worry about her. My mother likes strong women and I would be very surprised if she didn't like you," He said and she chuckled. Björn raised his brow and looked at her.

"It sounds like we're getting married." She said as she laughed. "However if she's only half as fierce as you have told me I think we might get along," She added and Björn laughed after rolling his eyes. Soon they stood on a hill, a village laying before them. Vál saw men and women working around the animals, some fighting. She took a deep breath before looking a Björn who didn't look back, instead he started to walk towards the village.

The sand crunched under her feet as she followed Björn. He walked way a head of her which she didn't mind. She could feel eyes resting upon her frame as they walked closer to one of the buildings. She looked up slightly to see Björn walking inside a cabin and she followed. Before she entered she stopped outside, eavesdropping.

"Björn," A female voice said before it got quiet.

"Lagertha," Björn said. "Kalf. Erlendur."

"The word spread that you left for the wilderness, why if I may ask?" A man spoke. Vál licked her lips as she listened for his answer.

"To find someone," Björn simply said.

"Who?" The same man asked.

"Myself," Björn answered before silence engulfed them.

"Why are you just standing there, give Ragnar Lothbroks son something to drink. We need to celebrate," The man said and the sound of someone walking around was heard. Vál got tired of standing outside and decided to walk enter. It didn't sound like she would be disturbing something important.

Eyes widen which made Björn turn around slightly, spotting Vál by the entrance still with the hoodie covering her face. She stepped inside and he could feel everyone tense in the room. He saw his mother in the corner of his eyes, she didn't seem nervous but rather shocked.