It was a dire night, the winds howled like wolves on this chosen night. Hersir Ulf a brute man of no more than 33 in age was in the river washing away the blood of the enemies he slayed hours earlier. He had long, wavy black hair, lightly tanned skin and a build that made many of woman swoon.
A man of his own mind. Ulf did not take kindly to orders but he was selected at 17 by the High King Bjorn to be his hersir. His welding of his sword was almost majestic. He was a warrior to be reckoned with. Men high and low feared to be at the receiving end of his blade.
Born a bastard he had no one but the Vikings to teach and care for him. He was found by the High King's maiden as a babe. Starving and barely alive. Forgotten by a young mother, impregnated by a radningar during a raid of her homeland. Keeping his seed would mean dishonor to her family.
No woman had ever caught Ulf's attention until the day of talks. His King's enemy from the West, High Lord Rune had his newly wed wife Asta by his side at the battlefield. She was young and full of beauty. Far too beautiful for the likes of Rune.
Ulf was almost distracted by her presence. The wind carried her scent of amber and vanilla to him during the negotiations. She smelt just as she appeared. She had yet to lie with her newly wed husband for he had to leave to war shortly after marriage.
Ulf had heard the rumors but could not believe she had yet to be ploughed by a warrior like Rune. There was to be another talk the next full moon. Asta would be there in her finest of cloth undoubtedly. Ulf had bedded many of women. All with beauty but none like Asta.
He reasoned with himself to not kill Rune and take Asta for himself before she was defiled by Rune. Bjorn forbid it but words would never stop him from doing as he pleased. A woman like Asta needed to be bred and cherished.
Nevertheless, there was still a storm brewing between the two houses. If talks would not bring peace the war would continue on. Ulf would not have the time nor strength to bed Asta.
"My bruv! You were a sight on the field today eh!" bellowed Bjorn.
"I will not be taunted by you King." chuckled Ulf as he sat at the Great Hall table adjacent from the king.
"I am glad to see you well Ulf. Have some food. You must be famished dear." said High Queen Astrid.
"Thank you sweet queen." Ulf smiled gently while grabbing bread.
"Have you thought of taking a wife to breed? You need a son my boy." said Bjorn while stuffing meat in his mouth.
Ulf hated when the king brought up a family. It was an irritant for him. Either way he had to sit through the conversations without peace for a while.
"My King I do not wish to be bothered with the likes of a wife, I have too much to care for as is." said Ulf sourly.
"Sweet Ulf, don't speak that way. You will find someone soon enough. There are many waiting to be by your side." said Queen Astrid.
As the three continued eating Thane Knud came barreling through the Great Hall doors.
"High King Rune is here my King. Shall I let him pass?" asked Knud breathing heavily.
"By the Gods Knud, I nearly shat myself with your entry!" said Bjorn holding his chest.
"Let him pass, it is time Ulf." said Bjorn adjusting in his chair.
Ulf looked displeased at the thought of negotiations starting so early but he had no choice but be prepared for if the talks went south. He had his sword cleaned and sharpened right before he came to the Great Hall. He still had a taste for blood and violence. He loved the feel and weight of sword whilst in battle.
He had very little time to continue to fantasize when King Rune and the gorgeous Asta by his side came through the doors. She looked even more beautiful tonight. Her skin glistened by the fire. She had a beautiful blue gown on that was decorated with gold embellishments and gold clamps throughout her waist length fish tail braid with loose curls framing her face.
Her brown eyes were warm and welcoming. Her full lips were enough to make a man go mad. Her breasts were perky and large even though she had a small frame. Her skin was a beautiful caramel tone. She was from the Southern lands.
All it's inhabitants were beautiful. Even the men were a sight to behold. Peaceful people with a love of nature. They were kind and naïve. Their lands taken by Vikings many moons ago.
Asta was a gift from the ambassador there. A wager of peace. She had no choice in the matter. She was too precious to be manhandled the way Rune usually liked to do. Her beauty captivated Rune so much so he was almost afraid of her.
He was afraid to touch her for he did not want her frame to be stretched by the possibility of impregnating her. She was too much of a rarity to ruin so soon. But he had began to get impatient with his own fears.
Asta was a kind woman. Even so she was a woman now and women have desires. Her desires were Ulf. She had just aged to 19 that summer. She was shaken by Ulf's swordsmanship on the battlefield. She had found herself wet while watching him.
Ulf looked even more striking to her after battle. He stood at least 6ft 4in tall. He was chiseled like that of a Greek God. His masculine features and battle scars made him more handsome. He was a real warrior and man.
"Please sit Rune, we have much to discuss." said Bjorn holding out his hand gesturing them to sit.
Ase smiled politely and met eyes with Ulf. She blushed from his flustering. Ulf could feel his cheeks become flush with embarrassment. They all sat down and drinks were brought to them by the house maidens.
"How was your trip here dear Queen Asta?" asked Astrid.
"It was rather peaceful Queen Astrid. The scenery was colorful. We do not have such sights in Martkwin Islands. Only beaches and water." said Asta politely.
"Now Rune we both suffered great loss do you agree?" asked Bjorn swiftly.
"Yes Bjorn, I concur. I had just discussed with my Thane Njal gathering more men should be top priority. Granted we are in of no need as of now." said Rune backpedaling.
With the talks about to begin Ase interrupted.
"I hate to interrupt my King but I wish to walk King Bjorn's garden. I hear they are most beautiful at nightfall." asked Asta quietly.
"Of course my love. That is if King Bjorn allows it." replied Rune with a confused look.
"My home is your home tonight Queen Asta." said King Bjorn.
"Ulf will you please escort the Queen through the gardens? And take her to the willows they are quiet peaceful this time of year." said Queen Astrid softly.
"As you wish my Queen." said Ulf as he stood.
Him and Asta headed to the doors. Asta smiling as she turned away from her King. She was grateful that Queen Astrid would suggest Ulf's company. Ulf held the door for Asta. Breathing in her sweet scent.
They headed through the courtyard towards the garden in silence. The cool air and scent of honeysuckles filled the air. Asta's eyes sparkled in the moonlight. Ulf was taken by her untouched beauty.
"You are a fierce warrior Hersir Ulf. Any man shall be terrified to be on the opposing side of your sword shall they not?" she said while looking up at him.
"Queen you are too kind. I am but a man with swordsmanship nothing more." said Ulf humbly.
"Don't play coy with me, you are a real man. Not like my husband. He sits behind his Hersir Toke and gets fat whilst he batters his body for him. He has always been a coward." she said with a look of hatred on her face.
