Come Hell or Valhalla... [The Wolven Lord and AnjelRocker]

[PeggersCove]

Earlier in that day had been perfectly ordinary, it had started off a bit chilly that spring morning as she went about doing the chores on their little plot of land in their small community. Mostly of farmers, there was some clergy that man the church. There was the feeding of the animals, milking of the cows, seeing if the hens laid any eggs… along with getting the grains milled for the baking of bread. There was also the tending to the gardens and crops that they grew. Her husband would need his breakfast to start the day of protecting the land with the Watch. Of course, there were things to fear… the wrath of God being one of the many. There was disease, a bad year for harvest and attack from Invaders.

And yet, Caitriona was quite content with her lot in life as she continued on with the work outside of the house made of a stone foundation, the walls of timber and mud as for the roof, it was thatched. Simple dwellings but even with being the wife of the head Watchman… well, it was not like her house could be of stone. Going inside, she went to the fire place to stoke the flames before she could look in the pot for the food of the day before. It would be pottage for breakfast along with leftover bread from the night before. Her family was a little more prosperous in the village but she still worked all day as her husband did the same with his protection of the village.

There was a bit of bread, cheese and salted pork for his luncheon while she and her son would be content with flat bread on the griddle over the flames of the fire which was in the middle of their one room home. A clean and lovely home that Caitriona took great pride in. The morning went as it usually did, there was a pray and blessing of their food… along with her giving her husband a pouch with his lunch in it. A kiss on her cheek. There was love there… she was lucky to have it in her life. He did not hit her like other husbands tended to… even with their disagreements on manners of the house and family.

Her son would go and play with the other children of the village for most of the day, after his own chores were completed for the day and she would do some visiting of her own with the neighbours and come back to tend their homes. Yes, this was life and she was happy.

And yet, it all changed that afternoon as the sun was low in the sky. Her husband would usually be due to come home but… it all started with a scream as she was outside speaking to Brenda, their next door neighbour. Most sounds of chaos came from the north west of the village as and the blacken smoke. Someone’s home was on fire. That was the first notion but as her son came running to her, as fast as his little legs could take him… His arms outstretched as he said. “Mama…” He was panting as she looked down at the boy who was only six summers. “It’s the northern invaders.” He said probably having heard it from another to repeat the information. Her heart sank as she thought of her husband, Brent.

“Calhoun, go inside…” She said as she was holding him close to her. “It will be quite well.” She said softly trying to comfort her son but truly not knowing what was the truth as she heard more of the sounds of unrest drawing closer to her. Men on horseback… including her husband. “Lord, save us from this raid.” She whispered as her hand went to the cross pendant at her neck. It was only made of wood and a thin rope but it had been blessed by the church.

Caitriona had a look of determination as she thought of protecting her home from these men… well, her son. Her husband would protect the village… Well, that was when she saw the riders coming as large men… Giants. Some on foot, others on horses with torches and blades. “Caitriona! Go Inside!” A bellow came as green eyes went to the right side of her and it was her husband. Sweat dropping from his brow as if he had fought. Most likely. “Inside…” He screamed as she couldn’t… she was frozen there as she could only watch the scene before her like he was in slow motion. Men battling… there was blood. One of the giants grabbing Brenda who had gone to her own home when Calhoun had come to warn her of the invaders and yet, she watched as Brett fell from his mount and onto the ground.

There was combat for moment as he bellowed again that she was to go inside and protect Calhoun. Yes, she knew what she had to do as she did go inside of her home and shut the door. Bolting it locked as she looked around frantically for the blade. It was a dagger that Brent had given her if there was ever a time when he could not protect her or his son. She went for it as Calhoun was over in the corner trying not to cry but she did not blame him. She had tears in her eyes so, fear and anguish for what she thought would happen to her and her family. Once she had the blade in her hand, she thought of the lessons that Brett had given her.

The screams were echoing in her head, the lord would forgive her if she had to kill for the protection of her child… Opening her arms, Calhoun ran to her as he clutched at his mother. “Pray with me…” She whispered to him. “Pray that we will be saved.” Her faith strong as she looked to the door… some light of the afternoon sun coming through as she waited for the hell that was sure to come…

 

[The Wolven Lord]

The sea roiled as waves lapped hungerly against the approaching Snekke class long ship. It's sanguine stripped sail flowed eagerly in the strong breeze. Lightning split the sky with bolts of terrifying power. The ionic cleansing of the air bringing about a sense of change and clarity before a storm of a different nature began.

" Thor is pleased with us! Listen to how he works his anvil! The god's are with us today! "

The giant warriors aboard the ship roared in agreement thrusting fist and axe into the sky. Not all of them were men, about a quarter were women who stood nearly six feet tall. In the Norse Germanic pagan society, women were equal to men and were not denied the chance to find glory on the battlefield. To the Danes, raiding was not a matter of evil or good. Like wolves of the sea, they were hunting the easy prey of the fertile west so their people might prosper. The foolish Christians left many coastal villages unprotected and stockpiled riches in their dead god's temples guarded by strange robed men.

Leif stood at the bow of the ship near the wooden carving of a great Raven, a symbol of Odin. The skies wept cold tears of joy upon his face as he closed his eyes and prepared himself for what lie ahead. The men rowed at a steady pace, great oars dipping into the water propelling the slender but strong vessel forward towards the beachhead of North Umbria. The steady beat of drums maintained their rhythm and also put them all into a trance. His long blonde hair was in stark contrast to his dark brown beard which both reached his broad chest. The chainmail and fur armor he wore was more than capable of stopping the cold and a blade to a degree. However it was the Northmans uncanny natural resilience is what made them legendary.

The men and women began to sing as they felt Odin's presence amongst them.

When you stand by the Gate of Death

And you have to tear free

I shall follow you

across the Resounding Bridge with my song

Cattle die, kinsman die

You yourself will die

I know one that never dies

The reputation of those who died.

The Snekke crashed into the sand, the loose earth folding before the might of their construct. All fifty raiders grabbed their great circular wooden shields off the sides of the boat, and leapt over the side with sword and axe in hand. Leif stood before them, his glacier blue eyes alive with the might of the gods.

" Fight as if it were your last! The All Father is with us! Our families at home await our triumphant return just as much as our ancestors look forward to sharing ale with us in Valhalla! Show no fear to these Westerners as they are but frightened deer before us! Protect the brother beside you and fight with honor!"

With that Leif started slapping the head of his axe against the metal dome which rested in the center of his shield. When the other Norse men did the same, it created an intimidating beat of war. They approached the village in a shield wall formation, in five columns.
The men in front carried pilums to skirmish with, while the hirdman made up the middle. A few huscarls who joined them took up the flank of the brigade, each of them holding a two handed Dane axe, capable of crushing through both shield and armor alike.

The distant bell of alarm began to sound. No doubt they were spotted before reaching the shore. Sure enough, the first wave of defenders were ready to meet them just beyond the beach head. The midgets of Britain had superior steel this much was known, but they lacked the strength and spirit of the Northman. The Vikings like wolves of the sea, could smell the fear in the air.

Leif roared to his comrades " SHIELD WALL". The hirdman and axe warband infantry raised their shields in a defensive link that protected them from the volley of arrows that came their way. They laughed as the puny projectiles thudded into the great oaken barriers. The Danish marauders responded by unleashing a barrage of thrown javelins as they advanced quickly. Much heavier than arrows, the pilums pierced both armor and weighed down shields making them less effective. A handful of the English fell as a result, but they held the line as the Norse warriors charged. The impact of the two line infantry smashing together was deafening. Axe and sword were raised and brought down with great fury. For a moment the defenders seemed to be holding the line. But like true predators, the northern tribesman encircled their prey. The Huscarls bit into the flanks, crushing men beneath their heavy war axes. The English began to waver as more of their men fell before the giants. Only a minute of furious fighting lasted until they lost half their men, and they began to route. The raiders showed no mercy, throwing both spear and axe into the backs of those who turn and ran. Only a handful escaped back to the village.

Axe and sword slapped the centers of their shields, as they marched to the beat once more descending upon the straw and wooden houses of the simple farming community. Civilians were not typically spared. They were put to the sword. The men began to ransack the houses. Taking whatever they wished, and razing everything behind them with torches. The ultimate goal however was the Church on the hillside overlooking the ocean. In there would be the greatest treasures of gold and silver.

The remaining defenders seemed to be rallying in the center of the town. Their captain was attempting to make a last stand against these invaders who seemed to be inspired by the devil himself. The two opposing forces faced off admist the burning settlement. Blood and smoke thick in the air. The Northern barbarians roared like lions at the English, thudding their shields like men possessed. Leif charged forward with axe raised high, and his brothers followed him closely behind...

 

[PeggersCove]

As they sat there praying, something dawned on her, perhaps… they ought to make a run for the church. After all, it was the holiest place in the village. And the building was of stone so it would not be set ablaze. There was a chance of survival there instead of sitting by the fire like sitting ducks. Awaiting when the men of the north would come after them. Well, it was then that she smelled something burning and it seemed that they had no choice. Caitriona looked up to see that the roof had caught on fire and being that it was straw and wood, It was lighting quickly. Her heart stopped as she rose and picked up Calhoun, he was crying now out of fear. He was only a child after all as she held him and made a run for the door of the hut. Her dagger in hand in case she had to defend herself.

She opened it to see the brutality outside of her home. People ran as giants chased them with axes… their armour and massive furs making them look like demons as she did not think, she could not think… The young mother only ran as fast as she could. She knew that her husband was most likely dead… there were a few dead bodies that she passed. Her hope for survival was what carried her up the hill. Her shoes slipping in the mud of the path up to the church. It was a stone church, a small one but one that had been built over a century before. Her son was looking over her shoulder as the destruction that was happening. “Mama…Mama…” He started screaming. “Papa… is…” And then, she stopped and turned. Thinking that she might turn to salt like Lot’s wife did but she had to look at the destruction.

Looking back, she saw the smoke coming from the many burning homes… bodies… and people running up the hill… villagers trying to get to the safety of the church but she saw something that she did not want to see. And that was her husband being cut down by a beast of a man. She turned her son’s face away. “Do not look, my son… believe that we will live.” She whispered but her heart was pounding as she could only turn and try to finish up the crest of the hill to the church. The priest was hurrying his people into the church before the last possible moment before the church doors were shut and bolted. Groups of men, women and children from the village were in the church praying for salvation but this cursed moment. The echoes of screams and death coming from the village were friends, family and neighbours were meeting their maker.

She closed her eyes as she held her son to her bosom, the prayers would reach their lord… she only had to believe. However, her ears were listening as well for the other parts of this raid. Would they attack the church… well, they were pagans and did not understand this sacred place of worship. At least, if they were to perish then it would be in the arms of God. However, nothing could prepare her for what was to happen next. There was the booming thunder and the lightening that came with it… and it was as if they all knew that the Vikings were closing in on them. A few of the villagers were crying, praying… but she held the dagger in her hands, tight because she was not going to go without at least trying to fight these men off.

She knew that her husband was dead but she did not want her son to die… if anything, she was fighting for the child in her arms… but what she did not know was that she was also fighting for a child inside of her as well.

The boom of the door startled the entire church as they all knew that the invaders had arrived… the sound was one of their weapons… axes or swords trying to break away the wood of the door. And then, there was the pounding of them trying to break the door of the church open… Caitriona did not think that she had ever been so afraid in her life then that moment.

 

[The Wolven Lord]

The cries of wounded echoed throughout the morning mist as blood and smoke filled the air. The settlements defense were decimated or routed. Mixed among the dead were a few giants who Odin had deemed worthy of joining him in Valhalla. They were truly the fortunate ones, to drink in their Lords hall with their ancestors. To serve in His army against the Jotunn menace which threatens not only Midgard but Asgard as well.

The huscarls had already began working on the cathedrals wooden doors. Much like the steady rhythm learned from rowing oars, the men in unison hacked away with their great axes. Slowly the wood began to yield, splintering and weakening before their onslaught. The bearded giants clad in chain and fur did not show any hint of exhaustion. Even after sailing a great distance across the ocean, then immediately entering combat against fresh defenders.

Thor worked his anvil overhead as lightning split the sky. It was at this moment the doors to the house of the Christian God collapsed before the pagan marauders. The warriors possessed by their dark Germanic faith entered the church, axe and sword in hand. The sanctity of this place failing to have any meaning to them. Like wolves from the sea, they gathered at the entrance. Before them, lie the herd. All the sheep dogs were dead. Monks, women, and the elderly cowered before them. Some began to pray to their God in the Roman tongue. The sons and daughters of Odin watched in silence, the candlelight from within the cathedral casting an eerie shadow over the oculars of their steel helmets.

Leif the raid leader stepped past the marauder and shield maidens who stood at the doors entrance. The man was big even for a Northman. He dwarved the giant men and women who stood beside him. For a moment he said nothing. His eyes trained on the mass of people before him. Behind the villagers, he could see golden objects decorating their altars. Cups and crosses adorned with gems and silver. Leif chuckled..pointing to the riches with his Dane axe, speaking to his warriors in their barbaric language..

"Behold the greed of the dead God. His followers must surrender their wealth to him. "

Leif approached a large wooden depicture of Jesus Christ being crucified upon the wall. The skinny bearded man in apparent agony looked devilish to him. The Nordic pagan believed this new emerging faith to be a spiritual sickness, devoid of any real substance, powered by greed. He heard the sound of ravens crowing in his mind. Whether it was real or imaginary, he questioned it not and took it for a sign from the All Father. He raised his large one sided axe and brought it down upon the wooden Jesus, splitting the cross and savior in two with one strike. The wooden remains clatter to the floor.

" Take what you can carry. Do what you will with them. Raze everything behind us."

The sea wolves roared and descended upon the cowering villagers. Some brought down axe and sword upon the robed men. Others made grabs for the women, peeling their children off them so they might plunder the treasures of flesh. Some simply pushed the villagers out of their way, instead opting to began filling bags full of coin and other golden treasures.

A particularly nasty looking Viking grabbed Caitriona by the sleeve, his other hand gripping a hand axe which he held menacingly before her. A wicked grin matched the lust filled eyes of this blonde bearded demon. He began to pull her away from her son, attempting to abduct her admist the chaos for no doubt some sort of craven physical torture...

 

[PeggersCove]

The pounding of the door, the axes being swung against the heavy wood... it was a nightmare for those in the church as the Norse men hacked their way through the church's door. Children screamed, women weeped, and Caitriona tried to pray but the splintering of the wood distracted her. It took five minutes before the door burst open. There was nothing to protect them but God. To add to the horror, there was a bolt of lightening and the crash of thunder. People were convinced that the end had come... the day of reckoning.

Caitriona was trying with all her might to be brave, her son in her arms. Neither of them could look away as the giant men and women entered the House of God. People of the village were weeping, the young and old as the men of the cloth were praying for salvation from the terror. However, Caitriona did not consider herself courageous... she only knew that she had to be, only for her son.

Her grey eyes were on the leader of the men as he entered and looked around, most of the other beasts of men and women laughing as another flash of lightening lit the sky. He was larger than the other men and women... he stepped towards the alter as her eyes were only on him because he was so... daunting. He did not looked to the people in the church. Perhaps, they only wanted the riches? Perhaps, they would leave the villagers alone? There was some hope as she was sitting between one of the pews on the ground. The giant walked passed her and her son, he pointed the large ax at the alter before saying something in his own language.

Caitriona looked to the alter with the gold and treasures that was for the ceremonies of God. Well, it would be awful if they took them but, would she be entirely upset? Would God be upset with them? He was looking at the cross with their lord and saviour on it before he lifted the massive ax. The next few moments were surreal as the ax split the object in half as it fell to the ground. Jesus was split in half as believers screamed at the horror of it.

She could not believe it, she could not feel in those moment as his voice boomed, as if they shook the walls of the stone church. Those words seemed to inspire the men and women of the raiders. They acted on it as they went for their plunder. Screams echoing along with the grunts and groans of death every which way. Caitriona thought that she had to escape from the church. It was no longer safe for her and her son... but there seemed to be no escape. One of the giants came towards her, licking his lips with a look that told her exactly what he wanted.

Her sleeve ripped as she tried to pull away with all of her might. “Calhoun...” She said to her son as she put him down. Perhaps, there was still a chance for his escape. Would he be able to survive without her? He was still so young. That was her motivation as she spat at the grinning buffoon. He certainly did not like that as he slapped her across the face as if to break her spirit. It hurt... she could feel the sting of his hand on her cheek... her nose was probably broken. There was a cry of agony that escaped her lips as she was trying to swallow the pain. He had slammed her down on the ground, his hands gripping her dress to lift the skirts and get to the raping that he wanted to do so badly. She knew that she had to kill this man if she was going to survive this. He ripped her dress, he was also trying to get his cock out. This gave time to locate the dagger on her.

When he was back down, his cock out as he rubbed himself a few times. Her breathing was ragged as she gripped the blade as she thought of the lesson that her husband had given her about defending herself. It had been a long time but she did remember it as she looked up at him with grey eyes and he grinned down at her before looking back down at his cock... and that is when she struck with no mercy.

Her blade sank into his neck as he roared as she was trying to decapitate the beast of a man. The blood sprayed from the artery in the neck as she knew that she was covered in his blood but she did not care. He was going to die and she was going to survive. Yes, the lord said 'Thou shall not kill.' However, if she confessed her sin and that she was protecting her son... well, perhaps she would need to say some prayer and she could handle that.

The body slumped on top of her as she tried to get him off of her. “Mama...” Calhoun said as he was at her side. “I'm alive...” She whispered as she could feel the blood all over her... It was disgusting as she crawled and tried to get away and yet, hell was still going on around her. She pulled the dagger from the Norseman's neck as she looked around for a moment. Would she have to fight another? Well, she was going to try if this was the case... Another one of the raiders saw what she had down as he said something to one of the other fellow invaders and she shielded her son. “I will kill you too as this one.” She said boldly as she glared and pointed to the dead man with her small dagger.