Destiny Enslaved (editing)

Part 29

I stood abruptly making me the focal point of the group as I had intended. I fixed my gaze on Hvitserk for a long moment in which he submitted to me by looking away as a chastised child. Then I began to calmly and mindfully stride at full height toward the entrance of the tent. The men tried to hide their intrigue at my sudden exit but I noticed their secretive glances as they whispered. Harold laughed to himself almost but I saw that knowing look again shared with Halfdan.

I had also noticed something interesting. A pale broad woman with ashen blonde hair and green eyes sat close to Finehair. the only woman in the tent she had masculine yet beautiful features.

I reached the exit before Finehair spoke to my back.

''Bjorn! Where are you going?'' he called with a hearty and jovial tone which irked me.

But I didn't let it show instead I turned to address him- he would have wanted me to skulk away but this was part of my plan.

All eyes were on me. I met each of them briefly and each turned away when confronted- but not Finehair. No, he locked eyes with me and refused to back down as he waited for some feeble lie to come from me which would sow further doubt into the minds of my men.

But as I said this was my plan – or at least the beginning.

''I'm taking Fell and two others to help me-'' Harold was just itching to close the trap for me to say that I was going to protect the girl from him. But she wasn't a girl not here- she was mine and that was all that mattered.

''whatever could you need help with Bjorn, what could be so urgent?'' he interrupted making his face portray concern but I could see the minute smile twitching under the surface.

''as I was saying- Fell bring two others I have a job for you-'' I met Fells greying eyes and with a nod I knew he understood.

Harold snickered before interrupting again. ''but what job Bjorn? You trust us, don't you? We are your men –'' he turned to the group waving his fist as he said '' we are Vikings!'' which though irrelevant made the men cheer in assent.

I waited calmly for them to quiet. It didn't take long once they noticed my unamused stare directed toward Harold. Hvitserk avoided meeting my gaze- it didn't matter, he knew that I would be having words with him later.

''I am setting a guard'' I said in an emotionless tone.

''hmmm'' was all Finehair replied but it spoke volumes as men gave each other nervous and questioning glances,

''I am going to guard my property-'' Finehair smiled at the ground in victory but that was before I added in a light and joking tone ''Someone has to protect your men from the scary witch.'' I smiled broadly as many joined in my teasing- those that didn't were under Finehair's command. Satisfied by the grim look Harold was shooting me I turned and walked out.

A few moments later Fell came followed by Tori- I had expected him- and the tall blonde woman who introduced herself as Magda. I had hoped for her.

Whilst I had been observing her in the tent I had noticed some very telling displays of disgust and loathing whenever Finehair spoke. She had been seated close to him and yet she seemed to abhor the man. I would have to ask her why one day but for now I was happy to see that Fell had been convinced to bring her as she was the only woman amongst us and she seemed to be favoured by Finehair.

She was a spy.

That was fine for now. But I had decided to take the risk that I could use her to my own ends.