Thread: Waging War Against the Heavens (Alvis and xanaphia)

The longship came close to a landing site, and of all things, it looked like there had been a stone pier built on it. The ship came to a halt easily, and the men were in ready motion. As they moved off, there was a loud rattling as a huge chain came up, and went tight just above the waterline. A harbour chain. Nothing was getting past that without coming to a dead stop. These Northmen had not been here long enough to have established all of this, some of it had to have been put in place by someone else. As they moved up a set of cared stone steps, there were stakes set up. On them were skulls, each of them still wearing the helmet from a hoplite. Here adn there were the broken remnants of a shield, showing that this place had not been surrendered, but fought over fiercely. The top of the steps gave way to a more open area. There had been a small complex of buildings, but now ony two stood. One looked as though it had been a temple to the Greek Pantheon, though now large fires burned before it in bronze bowls. The other structure looked as though it had been built here by the new owners. Thatching on the roof, and carved symbols on the wooden doors were written in the runic script of the Northmen. All of the men were heading for that destination, and pushed the doors open. There were more men within, many of them seeming to be working on honing straight edged swords or axes. When they reached the middle of the hall, activity had stopped, and all eyes were on the raiders and the woman among them. On a raised dais sat a man. He was not the largest in the hall, but he sat in an oversized throne, and idly toyed with a horn that was chased with silver. When he looked at Althaea, his eyes flashed with a moment of curiosity. His eyes were a very light brown, so much so they almost seemed gold. The man stood up, and spread his arms. My brothers! I welcome you all back to our home, and see you return laden with plunder and glory. Though I must as your raid leader what my standing orders are on prisoners? His voice wasn't loud, but it carried easily, filling the room. Thorkell stepped forward. To bring none back my jarl. Thorkell responded. Ah, good, then I did convey my wishes. And yet this woman stands before us! Yes my jarl- Was she simply so desirable that you had to bring her back? No my jarl- Then why have you violated my orders? Answer me quickly and effectively now, else I will have you stripped of rank and beaten within an inch of your life. The woman will be passed from warrior to warrior until she can no longer draw breath. She was claimed to be a Seer! And the city did lay claim to one! Taking such from them is a heavy blow, but if we could turn such to our advantage... Thorkell left the implication hang in the air. The jarl was silent. You presume very much Thorkell. Very much indeed. The jarl said in a softer, quiet tone. And rightly so. So be it. The Seer will prove herself before the day is out, or she will pray to whatever god she feels might grant her mercy. For we certainly shall not. Canute nodded as teh jarl finished speaking, and looked to Althaea. The jarl is in a generous mood. If you manage to prove your talents he has decided not to have the men rape you to death. He informed with with a light tone in Greek. Canute seemed unbothered by the whole thing.