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“And it's a shame that I have been born into the wrong time. I wish I were born a hundred years ago so I could take part in all the famous raids and fight the beasts that wreck ships who dare to face the ocean's horizon. Then I could be in Valhalla now.”

Erik clasped Egon's shoulder. “I would not be so hasty to enter the great halls. There is still plenty of life for you to live yet in this realm. Try and soothe your soul, Egon. This is where you were meant to be. This is where the Fates have placed you, for better or worse.”

“Then I must have done something to make them angry,” Egon muttered. Erik just laughed, which made Egon scowl all the more. Erik just didn't seem to understand how deeply this life affected Egon.

“I have a task for you that might help to lift your spirits,” Erik said.

Egon turned to his brother, tilting his head slightly as he listened.

“There was a raid to a nearby village recently. Highlanders were taken prisoner, and there don't seem to have been many survivors. I think it would be a good idea for you to go to other nearby villages and reassure them that they can count on our protection,” Erik said.

Egon groaned and rolled his eyes. “Are you serious? By Odin's beard, please tell me that you aren't serious. How can you expect me to do this? If they can't protect themselves, then they deserve to be raided. If their warriors aren't strong enough to defeat Vikings, then they forfeit their village. That is the natural order of things.”

“You know things are not that simple,” Erik said. “Father made a promise a long time ago, and it is up to us to help him keep that promise.”

“He should never have made that promise to begin with,” Egon grunted.

“Would you have preferred him to leave these people vulnerable? Don't forget that they are our people too. We share their blood as much as we share the blood of Vikings,” Erik said.

Egon ran his hand through his hair, pressing his lips together in a snarl. “Viking blood is thicker,” he said.

“It all spills the same. Just because the Highlanders do not have the same prowess in battle as Vikings do doesn't mean they deserve to be slaughtered or raided constantly. Father made the decision he thought was best to ensure the future of everyone here. You've heard Mother speak about how scared she was when the raids happened. Do you really want that to happen to others? We are not brutes. If we can protect people, then it is our responsibility to do so. We are the ones who have the strength to help them. It is our duty to ensure that they remain safe. Any blood that is spilled is on our hands.”

Egon grumbled, even though he could see the wisdom in what Erik was saying. It had been drilled into him enough over the years by his family. When some Vikings raided they did so purely for supplies and the thrill of it, while others sought to spread destruction and fear.

“I don't know why that means we can't continue to raid, though. I would not attack anyone without cause, and it might do us well to travel down the coast to see what we can pillage from towns. You know that I wouldn't be cruel. I wouldn't take any prisoners. I just don't see why we have to give up our raiding ways. We may not live in Norway any longer, but we are still Vikings. Raiding is in our blood.”

“At the moment, the only thing you need to concern yourself with is protecting the nearby villages from other Vikings who aren't so discreet with their intentions. If the Highlanders don't believe that we can protect them then they're liable to think that we are colluding with the other Vikings, and they might come to try and destroy everything we have built. None of us want that, so it is up to you to go and state our case.”

Egon thought for a moment, and then he frowned. “If this task is of such importance, then why would you send me? You have always been better in these matters.”

“Because you are a formidable warrior. But if we are going to lead our people together, then you are going to need to improve your skills as a leader and peacemaker as well. This is a chance for you to prove to everyone that you are more than a warrior. I have vouched for you with Father. Please, don't let me down. This is important. We cannot always dream about the life we want to live. We must focus on the life that is in front of us. I know you would much rather charge into battle, but that is not the world we have been born into. Please, Egon, you can still accomplish a lot in your life. Just try this—for me.”

Egon hated the way that Erik could play on his emotions. Sadly, he had to admit that Erik was right. Without a war to fight, Egon was mostly useless, and it didn't seem as though there was going to be a war anytime soon. He wasn't the type of man to want to brood around for the rest of his days. At least this would give him the opportunity to get away from home for a little while, and perhaps he might come across some trouble along the way. When he agreed, Erik looked relieved.

“Does Father have any idea who led this raid? Is there anyone I should be looking out for?” Egon asked.

“Father has his suspicions, but he cannot confirm anything yet. Keep your eyes peeled. If you discover anything you think we should know, then return, and we will discuss the matter. Your primary task is to remind the Highlanders that we are not savages. Some of them find it easy to forget all we have done for them over the past couple of decades. Take a band of four men with you. Perhaps including a couple of Highlanders would allow your visits to go a little more smoothly,” Erik said with a twinkle in his eye.

Egon cursed in his native Norse tongue and once again wondered what the gods would make of his life. He always thought glory would be easier to obtain.