Thread: A Viking's Tale (Charon & ScarletAngel)

The men rowed effortlessly from the docks and into the fjord but only until they could raise sail. The wind caught the five ships, breathing life into them and they surged forward slicing through the dark water. Orm loved the feel of the ocean spray and the towering snowcapped mountains on either side of them as he stood in the bow of the ship. As he moved aft, he touched the silver hammer pendant which hung from a cord around his neck and offered a silent prayer to the gods for both a quick passage and that their endeavor would find success. Before long they left the high mountains of the fjord and into the open sea. The gods heard his prayer and sent strong winds to speed their voyage the seas smooth and glass, and all too soon the island emerald green with its rocky coasthove into view. Olm checked the sky, a few hours until dark to be sure and then signaled his fleet to slow. They followed his course, taking care to stay far offshore and not be spotted by passing vessels. Only when the sun had finally gone to rest beyond the edge of the world did they turn inland. The moon was high when they dropped sail and picked up their oars again, the men pulling hard against them. Another hour of rowing and they were now headed up the mouth of a great river, slipping silently through deep green pastures ,the only sound their oars lapping at the water and the occasional bleating of sheep. The boats ran aground on the muddy banks and the Vikings, fully armed and armored clambered over the sides and waded ashore. The keep was a few hours march from where theyd come ashore, as Orm had wanted it. Orm leapt over the side and waded ashore to meet his captains. After they greeted one another he gave his orders. Any man who stops to pillage, loot or rape is to be instantly struck down. Am I understood? The captains nodded their understanding. We need to surprise the keep I will not have that ruined by some idiot who cant keep his cock in his pants a few hours longer. Again they nodded. Orm moved on to give the order which he knew would be the hardest for his men to keep. The village IS NOT to be sacked, but put anyone who resists to the sword. Once we have the keep, your men are welcome to its cellar and all that it holds. A guard of 50 men will remain with me and you will be free to range wherever youd like- other villages lay nearby. I will need you and all of your men back by nightfall, should someone be foolish enough to come to his aid. It was a near impossible order to execute. The mere sight of valuables, women or alcohol would spurn the men into a bloody frenzy. But they had their orders. As you command, my lord. Jorund was the first to reply and the others quickly followed suit. Then lets have them and make St. Rose howl. Orm left the captains and waded into the Viking horde. There were perhaps 200 of them. Some would stay with the boats to be brought upriver once the fighting was done, but he would still march with a force well over 150 he intended to crush the Earl and his guard. He slid his shield across his back and donned a polished steel helm with bronze filigree- the helm of the Jarl over his head. He was well over six feet tall with eyes of ice blue and a strong build. He kept his blonde hair long and in a single braid which reached the middle of his back. His beard, which he normally let hang naturally, was now braided in two spikes, capped with silver beads which jutted from his chin- a sinister look which kept it out of the way for the upcoming fight. Around his neck he wore a thick torc also of silver, each end a dragons head. He was well ready and eager for what was to come.