Realistic or Modern Age of Vikings (Always Accepting!)

[Sharkiee]

She scoffed at him, who is the monk to know where this god was, "where is he?" she frowned, looking around to prove her point, "your lord won't help me" she sighed. It felt as though they had been waiting forever, the sound of the alarm bells rang loud ahead of her, making her heart race. When she saw the smoke she knew the time was coming, she awaited for Agnar to command the army forward.


@The Elusive Shadow

 

[TwistedDreams]

Agnar waited as the alarm bells of the town started to ring and before long a blazing fire appeared in the town. He readied his shield, keeping his gaze on the town as he raised his sword up in the air "ATTACK!" He yelled, leading the charge as his army flowed over the hill letting out a deafening roar. Taking the town would be easy, facing Earl Hakon's army once he learned of the attack would be the hard part.


@Ruckingdom293 @Sharkiee @The Elusive Shadow

 

[Sharkiee]

((@Kencen))

 

[northguy]

(New post in accordance to @JacobLoL )


As the Earl grabbed Azura's chin, Aron simply grimaced. He stood there with the spears pointed at him from the irregularly paranoid earl.

 

[John Raptorfist]

Post change)


"Of course I will." Magnus said in reply to the earl. Magnus strolled slowly over to Azura, his boots clicking against the wooden floorboards. "Don't speak to Earl Hakon that way, whore!" He hissed sending his boot down, and grinding his heel into her fingers. Taking a step back, the swede grimaced at her. He was getting impatient. "My earl, I cannot stress this enough, we must move before your people begin to doubt you as their rightful ruler."


@DarknessSpirit @Ruckingdom293

 

[Kencen]

Leiknir roared as the charge began! He ran ahead, hungering to strike the first blow. An axe in each hand, Leiknir charged at a pair of patrolmen, who just stared at him, stupefied. He threw an axe as they stared at the overwhelming force following in his wake. The axe struck one of the men; Leiknir heard the satisfying -THUNK- as it sunk into the man’s forehead. He crumpled to the ground as Leiknir grinned, setting his eyes, filled with a sick glee, on the now-dead soldier’s partner. The man finally braced himself, drawing an axe and readying his shield.


“Sh-Shield wall!” The man called, but it was far too late. Leiknir, having drawn his own shield, slammed his shield into that of the lone soldier, knocking him to the side. Leiknir’s axe found its way into the man’s neck, and the man just stared at him, his widened eyes growing weaker by the second. Leiknir kicked him down to pull back his axe, and the man was dead before he hit the ground. Leiknir recovered his thrown axe, sliding it into his belt, and scanned the battlefield. By then the rest of Agnar’s men had arrived, and the battle was well on its way.


Leiknir locked eyes with one of Hakon’s men, a large blonde man, about Leiknir’s size. They both grinned, and the two charged each other, all thoughts of the battle leaving Leiknir’s head. He’d found a strong opponent! None of the admittedly few Saxons he’d fought in Mercia had been a good match for him, each one falling in mere seconds. He was ravenous, starved for a worthy foe. And he had found one!


With a powerful strike, Leiknir’s axe slammed into the man’s shield. They both pulled, but the axe was lodged in good, not budging despite their efforts. The man twisted his arm and wrenched the weapon out of Leiknir’s grasp, throwing the splintered shield away, the axe with it. Leiknir saw blood slowly trickling out of the man’s forearm; his strike had cut him! It wasn’t particularly deep, though.


The Viking, now wielding his axe with both hands, charged the now-unarmed Leiknir, the axe coming in fast on Leiknir’s left side. He blocked with his own shield, and it held the strike back, barely. The axe did not stick in his shield, but the strike formed several cracks on it, a few pieces splintering off entirely.. The man kicked Leiknir in the abdomen then, knocking him to the ground. The man stood over him, raising his axe over his head, intent on finishing Leiknir off then and there. Naturally, Leiknir had other plans.


As the strike came down, Leiknir knocked it to the side with his shield, simultaneously pulling his second axe from his belt. The shield shattered, roughly a third of it breaking off the top, as the axe bit into Leiknir’s left shoulder. Leiknir snarled in pain and anger, as he chopped at the man’s leg. The man fell to the ground as his left leg was cut, dropping his axe. He flailed his leg, writhing in pain, causing Leiknir to lose his own axe as well. Leiknir rolled onto him, slamming his fist into the man’s face. He spit blood into Leiknir’s face, a few teeth coming out as well. The man punched Leiknir in the gut, and pushed him off.


“What is your name?” Leiknir asked, breathing raggedly, as the man rolled onto him, punching Leiknir’s face, just below the eye.


“I am Egil, son of Halvar!” He punched Leiknir’s face again, this time breaking his nose. “And you?!” He demanded, taking the same haggard breaths as Leiknir.


“Leiknir, son of Steinar!” Leiknir shouted, fighting through the pain, then quickly headbutted Egil, his forehead slamming into Egil’s nose. Leiknir tried to push him off, but Egil tried to jam his fingers into the gash on Leiknir’s shoulder. Leiknir wailed in pain, then flailed his legs, kicking at the man’s leg injury. Egil cried out, and Leiknir managed to knock him away with another punch to the face. Leiknir struggled to his knees and thrust himself towards Egil again. He knelt above Egil, and grabbed for his throat. Leiknir tightened his grip, watching Egil sputter as the life in his eyes diminished. “I look forward to feasting with you in Valhalla, Egil son of Halvar,” Leiknir said, breathing heavily. He could have sworn he saw a small smile creep onto Egil’s face, before the light in his eyes was finally extinguished.


Leiknir retrieved his axes, along with Egil’s, and walked unsteadily back towards their base camp. He clutched at his shoulder with his right hand, his left limply holding onto Egil’s axe.


“Healer!” He shouted, looking around. His vision was getting a little fuzzy, so he couldn’t really see anyone. “I need a healer!” He shouted again, before he stumbled, landing on his knees.


@Sharkiee

 

[Sharkiee]

<p>Astrid cursed, running to Lekinir's side, throwing down her shield and sword, she had not brought any of her gear with her, as she was here against Agnar's orders. She held him steady seeing the gash in his shoulder, "okay hold on" she muttered tearing long pieces of cloth off the hem of her skirt. "We need to get you to the healers" she looked around, hoping Agnar had not seen or heard him. She made a quick bandage, keeping the blood at bay til they made it back to their camp.</p>


<p>


<a contenteditable="false" rel="external nofollow" href="https://www.rpnation.com/profile/35548-kencen/" data-mentionid="35548">@Kencen</a></p>


<p>


<a contenteditable="false" rel="external nofollow" href="https://www.rpnation.com/profile/6627-jacoblol/" data-mentionid="6627">@JacobLoL</a></p>

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azura had pulled her head away instantly from the Earls grasp, stareing fearlessly, and angrily at him. Azura's eyes only flared up at Magnus's grimace after he had stepped on her fingers. It was the kind of glare that said "Don't push your luck". Azura stood up, stretching her fingers out, it hasn't hurt that much. But Azura was now only a couple steps away from walking out, and from the noise outside, Agnar was attacking. By now Azura just wanted a ride off this stupid continent. She stole a glance back at Aron, more like a criticizing glare. This was his plan? Really? She looked ahead, shaking her head slightly and looking irritated, folding her arms of her chest she sighed but remained quiet.

 

[Kencen]

Leiknir could have sworn he heard Astrid’s voice. That couldn’t be right, could it? He’d heard that Agnar had ordered her to stay in Egersund. Still, he let the mystery woman guide him to the other healers. He gritted his teeth as they applied a salve to the cut in his shoulder, and gave a sharp cry when they set his broken nose. He hyperventilated for a few seconds, but was able to calm himself down. He’d kept his eyes clenched shut the whole time, so he’d never actually seen Astrid. Everything since the fight with Egil ended was just a blur to him, and he sighed, wondering if the skirmish was over yet. He had only slain three of their enemies, but he was confident Egil would have slaughtered several of their men before someone brought him down, so he was satisfied. He lay back, and waited.

 

[TwistedDreams]

Agnar charged into the village followed closely by his men, he could see that in front of him the vastly outnumbered defenders were trying to form a shield wall. He sped up, charging with his shield in front of him right into the half formed formation, scattering it. Suddenly an axe narrowly missed his eye, he turned spotting a bearded viking swingly wildly at him, he parried the next strike with his sword, smashing the rim of his shield into the face of the man before plunging his sword into his stomach. The defenders were slaughtered, outnumbered by more then ten to one.


As the defenders started to flee, Agnar saw up ahead that a man was rallying them "Kill the Earl!" the man yelled, charging towards him with what remained of the towns defenders. Agnar was thrown back, hitting the ground hard from the charge. A man stood above him, raising his axe and bringing it down fast towards his head, but before it reached him he was stabbed through the heart by one of Agnar's men. Agnar pushed himself to his feet, turning to fight one of the defenders, the blonde haired man swung his axe at Agnar, Agnar raised his shield in time to block the attack, before plunging his sword through the man's eye.


The attack one the town had been short and successful and all defenders had been slain before they could flee. "Victory!" Agnar yelled, his men cheered fiercly in response.

 

[Sharkiee]

She stayed close to Lekinir, making sure she helped as much as she could, if she was here she was not out fighting, and at risk of being spotted. She rested her hand on his good shoulder leaning close, "I know you recognize my voice" she spoke quietly in his ear, "help me on my mission by not mentioning this to Agnar" she squeezed his shoulder tightly, she knew his men were loyal to him, but she had some hope these men were to her too.


@Kencen

 

[Kencen]

“So that truly was you,” Leiknir mused, opening his eyes slightly. Seeing how serious she looked, he agreed. “I understand. I will not tell the Earl that you are here. If he asks, though, I can not lie to him. I am told I am a terrible liar; they say it shows on my face.” He heard the Earl’s shout of victory, and the warriors’ cheers, and he sighed, wishing he could join them. “What exactly are you doing out here, anyway? I heard that Earl Agnar wanted you to stay.” He glanced at Astrid, curiously.


@Sharkiee

 

[Sharkiee]

A wave of relief flooded her when he agreed, the sounds of cheering and victory sounded around her, "to be honest, I have yet to figure it out, the gods sent me visions in my dream" she spoke calmly, making sure it was only him who listened, she failed to mention that the monk had joined her in the journey. She stared at him, her face grim "something is going to happen in this war, but the gods tease me" she sighed, "when Agnar told me to stay I knew I couldn't" she straightened herself looking down at the blonde warrior, "promise me, this is between you and i" she spoke firmly, pleaing with her eyes.


@Kencen

 

[Kencen]

“Of course,” Leiknir said, her eyes showing how serious this was to her. If she truly believed the gods had sent her a message, he did not want to get in her way. “If you see more visions, tell me. I will try to help you if I can. But for now, you should probably hide. Maybe wear a disguise or somesuch. The less people who see you, the better.” Leiknir looked towards the others who had stayed in the camp. They were mostly just the few other healers from Egersund, all of whom were busy treating other wounded men. “I will recover, Astrid. I already feel a little better. You should go now.” He smiled weakly at her, sighed, and relaxed, looking up at the clouds.


@Sharkiee

 

[Ruckingdom293]

Inghard cleaved another of the defenders with his axe, having bashed him into the wall of a house with his shield. The man fell to the floor, limp. Those who did not flee were being rounded up, having been forced to surrender. In the courtyard, some people who looked like free folk, their ragged tunics covered in blood and scorch marks, dragged and bearded man with a shaved head before them, throwing him to Inghard's feet.


Inghard looked at him, then at the two townsmen. "Who is this man?"


"Hakon's cousin. He has ruled here as governor. A worse, more despicable man than Hakon himself," he said. Inghard crouched down so he could look the man in the eye. "Your name?" He asked.


"Halfdan..." he hissed.


Inghard smiled, "Good." He said, before standing and raising his axe high, bringing it down on the mans skull, killing him quickly. He breathed in, exhilarated by their victory, and made his way over to Agnar.


XXX


Hakon frowned at Magnus. "I have made my decision. We ride tomorrow at first light, when my army stands ready."

 

[Sharkiee]

She nodded at him, grabbing a gambeson that lay near by. Astrid smiled at him, mouthing a thank you at him before pulling the large padding over her head, tucking her hair to the side, braiding it quickly. She must have looked a little foolish as she trotted off to join a group of people, finally coming back to Pierre's side.


@The Elusive Shadow

 

[John Raptorfist]

"Alright, my earl." Magnus droned to Hakon. He we was getting rather tired of being so polite. The fire crackled and the swede felt like urging the man forward again, but he didn't want to anger this man. Not yet, anyway. Tapping his foot againsit the creaky floorboards, Magnus almost felt like just leaving this hall and trying his luck fighting Agnar himself. But, so was the way of diplomacy...he guessed. Agnar and his men must've already fallen upon the other town, so it would only be a matter of time before the came here.

 

[Ruckingdom293]

Hakon let out a soft sigh through his nose, moving away from the outspoken slaves and draping his arms over Magnus' shoulder. "But," he said, becoming much calmer. "In the mean time, you are my honored guest. I will permit you to stay in my hall, eat and drink to your hearts contents," he said, and then smirked, patting him on the chest. "I'll even let you have first pick of my slaves tonight," he practically sang.


He led him over to the hearth, sitting him down and removing his arm from Magnus. "I am not completely without gratitude for the information you have brought me. I assure you, my threats are not personal, but a precaution any wise earl must take in these turbulent times. Soon, you will be an earl in your own right, and you will understand, yes?" He said. He looked over at his guards. "Take these hostages to the prison. Treat them well, as they are our honored guests companions," he said.


"Now where is the salted pork! I have tired of politics!" he barked, much to the joy of the soldiers remaining in the longhouse.

 

[TwistedDreams]

Agnar watched as Inghard killed Earl Hakon's cousin, Halfdan, he wasnt sure if this was the best way to handle things but then again keeping prisoners alive hadnt worked out to well for him. He approached Inghard "So, you are the new Earl of Hagevik, like i promised" He started, his thoughts turning to the battle that would surely happen the next day "Consilidate your forces, we will need every man we can spare to face Earl Hakon's army tomorrow".

TIME SKIP TO NEXT DAY, MORNING (

@Ruckingdom293 @Kencen @Sharkiee @DarknessSpirit @John Raptorfist @The Elusive Shadow )​

 

[Ruckingdom293]

The next morning, the town of Hagevik was buzzing with activity. Men and women alike trained in the yard, many being taught by soldiers of Earl Agnar, now commonly referred to as a 'Jarl' due to his elevated social status. It was only natural, now that Inghard was a sworn vassal of Agnars.


Inghard himself walked among the men and women. He could see that some of them remembered how to use a weapon and shield, but being forbidden from training for two years has made their bodies slower than their instincts. It was tragic, considering many of the warriors who would be outdone in the coming hours were capable of so much more.


Still, if the Gods will it, those who emerge victorious will take their arms across the sea, with Agnar. When this was all over, and Hagevik safely free from tyranny, they would attain glory. This dream kept the soldiers and citizens of the town in high spirits.


He made his way over to Agnar and the command tent, sitting down at a seat across from him. "Any word from the scouts?"


XXXXX


They had left Bersig two hours ago, and still had some time to go on the river. Hakon's fleet of longships carried his entire army down the fjord. Hagevik was not yet in sight, but any scouts they had roaming the riverbank would spot them sooner or later. Agnar would have plenty of time to prepare his defenses.


Hakon stood on the prow of the ship, staring out over the river, before turning back to Magnus, who was on his own ship. He had enjoyed Magnus' company, he was a funny man, and proving to be a good friend. But even the most deceptive of rats could be the greatest companion with a belly full of ale. The next few hours would prove if Magnus was really all he claimed he was.


"Tell me, Magnus, why did you and Agnar fall out?" he asked, unable to hide his curiosity any longer.


@JacobLoL @John Raptorfist @DarknessSpirit @Kencen @The Elusive Shadow @Sharkiee

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azura had been complaining the whole night in the prison. Azura was very much annoyed at Aron and his great planning skills. Azura had probably annoyed the gaurds the entire night, pestering them just because she was bored, and now once again, even as they traveled on the river, Azura was deadly bored.

 

[Sharkiee]

Astrid had avoided all celebrations that night, hiding out in an empty cottage, her nerves were getting to her. Sleep did not come that night as she tossed and turned on the straw bed she had made, what had she gotten herself into, maybe Agnar was right in telling her to stay home.


Now she stood with the other woman, watching as they trained the people of the village. She kept her head low, hoping she was not recognized by any one, it was too late to turn back.

 

[Kencen]

Leiknir had spent the previous evening fraternizing with the village girls. He did not have much luck, perhaps due to the large bandage on his nose, or the bruises marring his face. He was sore all over anyway, so he went to bed early, foregoing any alcohol. He figured his head would hurt enough in the morning even without it, and he didn’t want to have to fight with a hangover.


He was right, of course; Leiknir woke up in the morning to a fair amount of pain. He was pleased to note that he had actually slept through the night, though. He went outside to find some food, hoping to eat a good breakfast and have time for it to settle before the battle. The cut on his shoulder was only superficial, really. He had full mobility, though it was still quite painful. He figured he’d stick to his shield for the day, fighting with the shieldwall rather than rushing ahead. During the raid, or the skirmish the day before, when his side had such an overwhelming advantage, he felt confident going ahead alone. In a battle where they would, at best, be evenly matched, he begrudgingly admitted that they had to fight smarter. Of course, then it occurred to him that he did not have a shield; it had been shattered during his fight with Egil, as had Egil’s shield.


Leiknir found a replacement shield to his liking, ate breakfast, then headed to the command tent. He could see Inghard- Earl Inghard, he supposed he was called now- talking to Earl- Jarl Agnar. Gods, this title stuff is confusing, he thought, looking at them. He hung back, as they seemed to be in the middle of a discussion.

 

[John Raptorfist]

Magnus followed Hakon as he was lead around, listening to his words. The swedes expression lit up when the earl offered a pick of one of his slaves. Mead, food and sex would have to sate Magnus's imapatenice tonight, and that's exactly what he planned on doing. Magnus laughed and raised a mug to the earl. from there, he couldn't quite remember the rest of the night.


Magnus awoke in some cellar in the back of Earl Hakon's longhouse. The entire place smelled of sawdust and hay, because that's exactly what Magnus was lying in. He couldn't even remember how he got there. Magnus's throat was parched and his head throbbed, but alas! A flagon lay beside him! Picking the cup up and holding it to his lips, Magnus expected the sweet brew to quench his thirst instantly. Nothing. With a muttering curse, the swede tossed the cup across the empty room, it bounced off the wall and rolled forward a bit, but nothing much else. That was when his arm touched something warm, Magnus practically jumped out of his skin at this point, the touch had startled him. He remembered Hakon telling him something about his slaves, this must've been one of them. She had thick black hair and fair skin, and she was fast asleep. Magnus got to a standing position as quietly as he could, his headache intensifying. Quickly slipping out of that cellar, Magnus was met with a bustle of activity. People carried weapons, and talked amongst each other of war. Wiping the sleep from his eyes, Magnus went in search of the earl. He found the earl outside at the shipyard, preparing for launch. The swede hastily donned a mail hauberk, a round shield and a short sword to accompany his seax. "I'm ready when you are." Magnus, said still rather groggily.


The riverbank was fairly sandy and summer foliage cast its shadow over the green-blue water. Magnus had always felt uncomfortable when traversing these narrow rivers, for it brought back memories of the days in Rus, the ambush, watching his father's life slip from his eyes as a Russian arrow had pierced his throat. The swede found himself just staring at the water as it calmly flowed past, almost seeming to part itself when the prow of the longship sliced through it. That was when Hakon's voice broke his serenity. "Huh? Oh, Agnar and I? It's a complicated story, friend. To be brief, it was a girl." He was quiet for a moment before continuing. "She has the beauty of a Valkyrie. Eyes like dark brown stones, polished in a gentle stream...her hair was the color of the finest red pine. Heh...here I go rambling. Both Agnar and I had feelings for her, but she chose Agnar because he was the rich earl, and I the humble warrior. I just didn't want to ordered around by a man who'd constantly remind me of where I went wrong."


@Ruckingdom293

 

[Ruckingdom293]

Hakon nodded in understanding. "Ah, women, those fair creatures who bring misery and joy with the same hand," he said softly. "I share your pain, friend. Perhaps, if she is truly worthy of your esteem, then she will chose you after you have proven that you are mightier than Agnar." He sent him a small smile from his position on the prow, before casting his eyes over to the trio on a boat opposite them.


"And your companions?" he said distastefully. He had not forgotten how those women had spoken to him, and it was only his respect for law and another man's property that he did not have them branded then and there. "How did they come to share in Agnar's ire?"


@John Raptorfist