WRATH OF THE NORTH [BJÖRN IRONSIDE]

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

As their large ships sailed across the never ending ocean, awaiting to step onto their own land so they could meet their longing families neither one of them new what happened behind the high walls of Paris. As Ragnar had his eyes closed, being on the brim of dreaming and being awake, pleased to know that his close ones were safe he didn't know how his brother stood on his knee and swore loyalty to the Frankish crown in the change of a titel and a lady by his side. However the promise to protect Paris against future attacks from his own brother with his northmen were cutting deep wounds onto the believed strong family band. Only a small string holding the ends together without their knowledge.

A chill ran down Ragnars back as a harsh wind crashed down however he didn't know why. Vál stirred in her sleep as the boat wobbled, grabbing onto the edge but her back was still resting against Björn's chest who were deep asleep with an arm placed around her waist. Her eyes barely opened but she soon closed them fully again as the waves rocked her to sleep after nuzzling her head into Björn's chest. The clouds were hovering above them on the ocean but sun shined over Paris but clouds were visible at the horizon; revealing the gray day ahead of them.

They had been on the boats for a couple of days. When Vál opened her eyes again the sun had risen behind the thick clouds. She sat up and stretched her sore limbs. Björn's hand was protectively wrapped around her waist, his hand squeezing her waist when she had moved. She looked around them, still only ocean visible. She rested her elbow on the edge of the boat and let out a sigh. The majority of the people on the boat still slept, accept for the ones steering the heavy boat. She looked at the boat floating next to theirs, Harald and Halfdan slept in the back of it. Her mind clouded with confusion.

Vál still didn't know what she thought about them. She still loathed how they thought women were supposed to be treated. Not that anything they had done before said differently. She had seen how they dragged slaves in Kattegat after countless of cups with mead to their homes. However these women where pleading for their lives and they both kept pushing her. Then they disobeyed Rollo with her, saving lives in the matter. It felt like they listened and didn't diminish her idea. She had even saved Halfdan's life, something she thought she'd never do. She had even gotten a thank you which she never thought she'd get from them. They looked harmless asleep on the boat, she wondered if the gods could keep them asleep when not battling for their own sake.

"What are you thinking?" Björn asked, his voice low and raspy from sleeping. She turned to look at him, she hadn't noticed that he'd woken up. Björn had removed his arm and looked her in the eyes as she turned to look at him.

"Nothing to exciting, only how long the travel is when the battle is so short." Vál lied, not wanting to discuss her thoughts on the brothers even if she knew Björn agreed on most of it. Björn only chuckled.

"What did you think?" Björn asked and she frowned before understanding.

"Different from what I expected." She said truthfully and he frowned.