This is the closest I’ll ever get to perfection because perfection would be us finally being a family, living in peace and harmony.
But I remind myself this is the reason I do this.
I kiss Sune on the forehead before bidding him farewell.
I leave my sons with a bittersweet happiness in my heart. “Until I see you again,” I say under my breath.
I round the corner as I make my way back to Emeline and bump into Ulf. It’s apparent he knows what Loki said.
“The gods are not always right,” he states, tying his long hair back, ready for battle.
“They are rarely wrong, either, my friend. Look after my family when I cannot.”
“You do not need to ask,” he says with conviction. “They will be safe. I will protect them with my life. But that will not be necessary because you will live to see another day.”
We both know that is not true, but we humor one another nonetheless.
“If you do not, then I vow to keep Emeline warm at night.”
In response, I punch him in the chin, splitting his lip open.
He laughs, wiping the blood away with the back of his hand. “Works a charm.”
What better way to ensure my survival than threatening to bed Emeline in my absence? In his warped way, these are Ulf’s words of encouragement.
I’m going to miss this arsehole.
We walk in silence, the reality of what awaits us becoming real. And as Emeline, amidst swinging a sword, comes into view, both Ulf and I inhale deeply.
It’s time.
She’s attempting last-minute training with the men. Pushing them into formation and teaching them the proper way to use their shields and swords. It’s a technique she learned from fighting alongside Danes.
She is a vision as she fights with precision. But it’s all in vain.
“I do not think we have ever gone into battle with the odds so against us,” I say to Ulf as our eyes are still glued to Emeline.
“That has never stopped us in the past. We can always forfeit this fight. Go back home.”
But I shake my head. “We are not cowards. We do not run. I accept whatever fate the gods deliver.”
“Good, because for a moment there, I thought you had misplaced your balls.”
I chuckle.
Aedan walks over, battle-ready. “The men are as ready as they’ll ever be.”
Sigrith holds my sons’ hands, standing atop the hill. A beautiful parting vision with the sun beaming down behind them, they appear like a true gift from the gods.
Emeline sees them, and I suspect she will say goodbye. But I am surprised when she does not. She instead walks over, nothing but worry plaguing her. I kiss her forehead and take her hand, leading her to our horses.
There is no room for goodbyes because Emeline refuses to accept it. We all know our places, so it’s time to attack.
We both mount them, and I cluck my tongue.
We ride toward the palace and hope we don’t encounter trouble along the way.
The ride is long, and we’re both tired.
