Rule of the Shieldmaiden

by Jaime Loughran

  “He needs to sever the bishop’s head from his shoulders.” Skathi muttered.

  Thora let out a short laugh at the abrupt change in subject. “Yes, he does, and since that lines up perfectly with my plan to go after Donnchadh, I think it’s a goal we can work toward soon.”

  Skathi tilted her head. “Have you decided on when to attack now that you have alliances and a larger fighting force of your own?”

  Thora shook her head. “I’m not sure what to do. There’s still so much that needs to be done around here. The town is growing faster than I ever imagined it would. If I turn my attention to launching an attack that could turn into an all-out war before the town is settled, I may lose the goodwill of the people. On the other hand, we do have many here that are ready to fight. Combining them with the men of the three jarls, well, it would make an army large enough to flatten Kincora in a single attack. Winning against the high king might raise my reputation as jarl. It’s hard to see a reason not to start taking steps toward the attack, with that being the case.”

  Skathi nodded. “If you’re going to make it a priority now that Galinn is back, you should speak to Bjorn and Beri first. They may be able to help you figure out where the people would stand in all this.”

  Thora eyed Skathi, knowing she was right. Asking the people to take on the very enemy that had knocked them down to the low point they only recently started to overcome was a lot. Beri had worked closely with many of the villagers, as had Bjorn. She trusted them to know how people would feel about the possibility of war. “I’ll do that.”

  “There’s something else you should consider, Thora.” Skathi shook her head as if a thought was bothering her. “Even if the majority of the people support a war, it’s unrealistic to think everyone will.” Skathi put her hands up. “So, the question is not ‘will the people be supportive of the war effort’, but rather if you’ll be able to live with those who don’t.”

  “If we think that way, Donnchadh wins because I won’t move against him out of concern for upsetting some of the people here. That would mean we’d continue to live our lives in fear of the man launching an attack or raid against us.” Thora tapped the table as she tried to figure out how to put her jumbled thoughts into words. “Our biggest problem in the past was Odinkar using the king’s army to take out his enemies. While Odinkar is gone and that’s no longer a concern, we are still a threat unless we agree to join the king. I don’t want to do that. If we can get rid of him, maybe we could clear the way for a man who won’t be so against the Norse presence. Maybe we could find a way to live in peace.” Thora hadn’t realized how badly she’d wanted peace until now. Her desire for vengeance morphed into a desire for a peaceful way of life. One where her people could raise their families without fear of Irish attacks.

  “Peace?” Skathi smiled as she rose to throw a log on the fire before returning to her seat at the table. “Now that would be a nice change. At least you’ve managed to achieve that within the village.”

  Thora’s smile faltered as Ulf’s betrayal came crashing through to the front of her mind. “Um, well, Ulf is doing everything he can to oust me. Galinn overheard him trying to convince Thorston I have to go.”

  Skathi’s jaw dropped, and then she snapped it closed. “Based on what? He’d have to have some kind of seed of discontent to sow.”

  “Galinn’s past. I guess he’s trying to say I care more for Galinn than the village, and I’d put them at risk by bringing a known killer here.” Thora shrugged.

  Skathi pounded the table with her fists. “He stood up for Galinn! He helped convince the people to let Galinn come back.” She pushed back a braid that came around her shoulder.

  “I know, and I guess he plans to tell people I asked him to do that, and told him a bunch of lies to make him agree.”

  “Oh, I could kill that man!” Skathi shook her head furiously, causing her braided hair to whip back and forth.

  “I’ll work it out. I doubt he’s going to get far with his plans to overthrow me. He could have openly challenged me, and he probably would win, but that’s not what he’s doing. He’s trying to get support.”

  “Maybe he’s worried his rule would be challenged if he did beat you because of the vast difference between your sizes and experience levels. It wouldn’t be a fair fight. Not exactly, anyway.”

  “I killed Odinkar in a fair fight, but I see your point. Me beating Odinkar is different than a seasoned warrior defeating me.”

  “It would be a hollow victory.” Skathi nodded.

  Thora nodded. “Then it makes sense he’d try to get the support of the village before doing it. Then, he wouldn’t have to worry about anyone challenging him because they thought he won due to his unfair advantages.”

  “I don’t think he has an easy road ahead of him in trying to sway the hearts and minds of people around here against you.”

  “No, he doesn’t. And he won’t after I make a few announcements during the next gathering. I plan to call him out without calling him out directly. I’ll give everyone a chance to air their grievances about Galinn being back. If he chooses not to speak then, it will cast doubt on him in the minds of any he talks to after. That’s the hope anyway.”

  “You’ll speak to Bjorn and Beri before making the announcement?”

  “Of course! I wouldn’t do something so bold without talking to my two main advisers beforehand.” Thora smiled as she silently thanked the gods for those two. Both had been instrumental in making the transition from Odinkar’s rule to hers almost seamless. Bjorn and Beri had been extremely helpful by offering their input and supporting her decisions for all to see. They also took the lead in carrying out instructions she gave, especially when it came to the fortifications, so the rest of the villagers would follow. And follow they did. As the villagers began to see the benefits her decisions brought to them, they began to trust her more. They relied less on waiting to see if Bjorn and Beri supported a decision or instruction and more on their own experiences with Thora’s leadership. Thora didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize that fragile trust, so she had no intention of changing how things were done, even if she was gaining more confidence in her own ability to lead.

  CHAPTER 22

  “I can’t believe she turned me down.” Galinn murmured as he ran the brush along Brandr’s back and down his side. “Can you believe that?”

  Brandr nickered.

  “You agree with her?” Galinn patted his horse’s withers. “I suppose she is right to be cautious in this decision. I haven’t exactly shown myself to be reliable to her. As much as I’d like to marry her, I think I’m alright with waiting. It’ll give me a chance to prove myself to her. That, after all, is what she needs, right?”

  Brandr looked back at him and nudged Galinn’s hip with his muzzle.

  “There you are!” Beri strode into the newly built stable with a wide grin, ducking his head to get through the doorway. “I see Brandr is enjoying his new home.”

  “Aye, he’s king of the castle here.” Galinn smiled as he finished grooming Brandr and then led him into a stall. Galinn eyed Beri. This was the first time he’d seen him in the four days he’d been back. Was he here to take Galinn to task for having to be dragged back? “How’s the harvest coming?”

  Beri’s grin widened. “Very well! The stores will be filled for winter. How are you finding things now that you’re back?”

  Galinn set the brush on the shelf. Did he tell Beri of the failed proposal? “It’s taking some getting used to, but it seems to be going well. Thora usually keeps me busy with all sorts of tasks, but staying busy is good.”

  Beri chuckled. “Aye, she’s good at keeping us all busy, but that’s how we get the work done.”

  “That it does.” Galinn shifted his weight from one leg to the other and folded his arms over his chest. Why was Beri here? Even if it was good to see him, Beri wasn’t much for “just checking in”.

  Beri’s eyes darted around the stable as if he were trying to loo
k anywhere but at Galinn. He cleared his throat. “I heard about how you had to be brought back.”

  Galinn’s face heated, but he said nothing. Best to let Beri have his say and get it over with.

  Beri nodded. “You don’t want to talk about it. Got it. I didn’t come to talk to you about that anyway. There is something else I need to talk to you about, but I need to know if I can trust you. How you came to be here doesn’t inspire much trust.”

  Galinn dropped his arms to his side, relieved Beri said what he meant rather than circling around the issue. “I had reasons for not wanting to be here. The main being to protect Thora from the damage I anticipated would be done to her reputation and credibility when everyone found out about my attack on the village. Regardless of how I came to be here, I’m here now and am fully committed to supporting Thora.”

  Beri studied him as he seemed to weigh the truth of his words. After a few moments, he nodded. “Alright. I’m choosing to trust you.” Beri glared his warning at him. “Don’t mess it up.”

  Galinn stomach tightened at the thought of what Beri would do if he were betrayed. Galinn hoped he’d never find out. He nodded.

  “I overheard Ulf talking to Thorston. He wants to overthrow Thora.”

  Galinn couldn’t believe his ears. “You must have heard the same conversation I did!”

  Beri’s brow creased and he looked down. “I’m not sure how that’s possible when I heard it a few moments ago, and you were here. You knew?”

  He nodded. “So, Ulf is still trying to convince Thorston to go along with him? The conversation I overheard earlier ended when Ulf got frustrated and punched Thorston because he was arguing with Ulf.”

  “That punch may have changed his mind. Thorston sounded as if he was going along with his older brother.” Beri spit the words out like poison.

  Galinn closed Brandr’s stall door and ran a hand down his face. “That’s not good.”

  “No, it’s not. What do we do about it? We should find Bjorn and tell Thora.” Beri turned to leave the stables, but stopped when he looked back and saw Galinn hadn’t moved. “Are you coming?”

  Galinn shook his head. “Thora knows, and I’m not sure this new information about Thorston warrants disturbing her right now. She and I suspected Ulf would try to gain support by talking to whoever would listen.”

  Beri leaned against the doorway. “What about Bjorn? Does he know?”

  “Not unless he’s been to see Thora since I left her earlier this morning.”

  “I’ll find him and tell him.”

  Galinn nodded and walked to the doorway Beri stood in moments before and watched as he vanished around a corner. Galinn scanned the area as people went about their day to day business, wondering who among them would smile in Thora’s face while stabbing her in the back. As if in answer, Ulf turned a corner and walked down a path to where a handful of villagers gathered in front of Beri’s blacksmith shop. Cheers of greeting rose up when they saw him coming. The warm welcome set Galinn’s teeth on edge. Would they be so welcoming if they knew he was planning to betray Thora? Or, did they greet him so warmly because they knew of his plan and supported him? Galinn’s stomach knotted at the thought.

  An inkling of an idea took shape in the back of his mind, and before he’d given it much thought, he had walked the short distance to the small gathering.

  “Ulf! I’ve been looking for you!” Galinn plastered a smile on his lips and clapped the man on his shoulder. He smiled and nodded a greeting to everyone else gathered around, but he didn’t take note of who was there.

  “You were looking for me? Why?” Ulf glanced around as if looking for a way out.

  Galinn’s eyes narrowed, but he kept his smile in place. “Why? To thank you! Thora told me how you shocked her when you spoke up for me when she told everyone of my past. I really appreciate your help.”

  Ulf cleared his throat, ran his hand through his brown hair, and his eyes flickered over the people standing closest to him. “Oh? Yes, well…er…Happy to help.”

  “Truly, that was a wonderful thing you did, and without anyone having to ask you to do it. I’m curious though. Why would you speak up for me on your accord? It’s not as if we know each other that well. Did you know my father? Is that it?”

  Ulf’s normally hulking size dwindled before Galinn’s eyes. With Ulf looking as if he wanted to be swallowed up by the earth, Galinn almost felt sorry for putting him on the spot. “Your father?” Ulf looked up to the sky before bringing his gaze back to Galinn’s. “Oh, yes! You’re father. I did know him.”

  “And that’s why you took it upon yourself to speak on my behalf the way you did?” Galinn made sure to press the issue.

  Ulf glared at Galinn and something flashed behind his brown eyes. “I knew your father, but that wasn’t why I spoke up for you.”

  Galinn cocked his head. “No?”

  Ulf shook his head. “I spoke up for you because Thora asked me to.”

  Galinn chuckled, not at all surprised Ulf would choose to press his lie. “Thora asked you to? And what did she say to convince you?”

  “Yes, Ulf. What was it I said to convince you? I’m rather curious of your answer myself, seeing as how I don’t recall asking you to begin with.” Thora stepped around from the side of the blacksmith shop and stood with her hands on her hips.

  Ulf shrunk as the people with him began to murmur.

  “Nothing to say? I’m disappointed, Ulf. I was so curious about what it was I said. Since you’re speechless, I can only assume my memory is correct and you and I never had any such conversation. So go on, tell Galinn why you chose to speak up for him.”

  Ulf’s face grew red and his mouth moved as if he was going to say something, but no words came out.

  “By now, I’m sure you’ve realized I am aware of the discord you’re trying to sow within the town. This wasn’t how I planned to handle this, but I cannot allow you to spread your lies to these good people.” She motioned toward the growing crowd. “You will stop trying to turn people against me by claiming I somehow coerced you into speaking up for Galinn. You will stop with the implications that I care more for him than for the people here. You will fall in line, or you will leave.” Thora punctuated her words with steps closer to Ulf until he was forced to take steps backward.

  The murmur grew until Thora held up her hand to ask for silence. “I am not forcing Ulf to leave, and I want to make that clear. Word of how he was attempting to wrong me got back to me, and I am giving him the chance to change his behavior. Ulf, you are valued member of this village. Your help in building the defenses and homes is immeasurable. I would like you to stay.”

  Galinn resisted the urge to beam with pride as he watched her handle the situation, and saw how the people before her hung on her every word. He didn’t know Thora was around when he came over to talk to Ulf, but it seemed to be working out quite nicely. Thora addressed the issue of Ulf’s lies in front of enough people that if he continued, he wasn’t likely to get far in persuading anyone.

  “You don’t care about any of us. You brought the man responsible for several deaths back here to live with us as if nothing had happened. Not to mention your focus has been revenge against the high king and bishop. How is that not selfish?” Ulf demanded. Galinn noted a couple of heads nodded within the crowd.

  Thora turned to the crowd. “If there is anyone else here who feels this way, please don’t hesitate to speak up.”

  Ulf smirked as he watched her wait for a reply. No one spoke. His lips shifted into a snarl. “I can’t be the only one who feels this way! Speak up, you cowards!”

  “I have something to say,” called a voice from the back. When she made her way to the front, Thora smiled at her.

  “Helga, please. Tell me.” Thora smiled.

  “Oh, it’s not for you, Thora. It’s for him.” The older woman pointed at Ulf. “In the attack that Galinn led, I lost my husband and my grandson, but I do not blame him. I hold Odinkar and the king to blame. Ga
linn was used as a tool, and that attack would have happened with or without him. He had no idea he was attacking his old village, right?” She looked to Galinn for confirmation. He nodded. “And when he found out, he took steps to make things right. Look around you, Ulf. He’s done a lot to help us get on our feet. As for Thora caring more about him, all you have to do is look around you once again to see that isn’t true. She’s a young leader, yes, but she has done so much to prove her worth, and that doesn’t include being selfish. Galinn should be here. After what Odinkar and Garmund did to him as a child? We should be doing everything we can to make things right with him. That’s what Thora is doing. She’s looking after our people.”

  Thora put a hand on the old woman’s shoulder as most of the heads in the crowd nodded. “Thank you, Helga. I’m glad you see things as they really are.”

  Ulf waved a dismissive hand. “You just want the power that being jarl brings. You don’t care one bit for these people.”

  Thora’s hand slid from Helga’s shoulder and Galinn’s rage threatened to blow at seeing her disappointed expression. “I think you accuse me of your own faults, Ulf. You, with your secretive attempts to undermine my rule. Working to cast enough doubt for you to take power from me, but what have you done for these people? You realize I was being kind in my praises of you before. Galinn designed the defenses, and you put in almost as much effort as anyone else in building them and the houses. Yet that help came after your house was finished. What have you sacrificed for these people? What would you do as jarl that’s different from what I’m doing? You were a supporter of Odinkar, even after the truth about him came to light. You were willing to overlook the slaughters of his own people, orchestrated by his own hand. Is that the kind of jarl you would be?”

  Various shouts came from the crowd, pointing out Ulf’s shortcomings. Galinn could no longer understand what was being said because people were shouting over each other. With each second, Ulf’s face grew darker, until he stormed off.