I woke up the next morning, to the chilling air that was creeping inside. Even with the blanket on my naked body I was freezing. I look to my left to see Halfdan still a asleep. I turn over and look at him. I place my hand on his chest, making it move up and down. He is so beautiful. Halfdan then starts to groan.

"why are you up so early Alca?" He grabs my hand and places it on his face. He is so warm and so I scoot closer to him. "You are leaving tomorrow and so is my fun, so we need to do the most of it." I then start to straddle him and place my hands on both sides of his head. His hands go to my back and then down to my butt. We start to kiss very slowly, but Halfdan breaks it.

"Why don't you go to England with us. Fight beside Geir and me, be with me." I start to laugh and climb off of him. I get out of the bed and start putting on my clothes. Halfdan sitting up and watching my every move. "Halfdan as much as I want to go I can't. I can't fight anymore. The gods cursed me Halfdan!" He climbs out and put pants on. he then comes over very close to me.

"Maybe the gods didn't curse you, but are guiding you along the way." While Halfdan is trying to find his shirt i walk outside. The sun blinding my eyes. I see black spots everywhere and i started to feel dizzy. I hand was placed on my shoulder steading me. "Alca are you okay?" I turn around to halfdan. "I want to fight Halfdan, I want to fight so bad. Everyday I just want to pick up my sword and kill all the men in Wessex, but I can't. I have a son Halfdan, a living breathing boy. If even as much slay a man I'm afraid he will die. I'm afraid Ashletoe will die. They are the only good things I have and I can't lose them."

He sighed. I couldn't look at him. The disappointment is surely there. "Just promise me one thing Alca." I nodded my head, "Wait for me." I was confused. "Halfdan You know I will always be there." "I know, but I am not coming home after the war. I want to be my own man, not one who follows in another person shadow. I want to be worthy of you." I knew what this meant. It meant I wouldn't see him for years. It meant when he meant wait, he meant for a long time. I knew where he was going, "You are going with Bjorn aren't you?"

He placed his hand on the side of my head and leaned his forehead onto mine. " I am alca, don't be mad." A tear slipped down my cheek and he wipes it away with his thumb. "I am not mad, just don't forget about me, that's all I ask." He starts to laugh and we both start walking to go to the grand hall where everyone else is. "trust me Alca no one can forget you."

We walk into the hall where everyone is celebrating for the war. So many people were there. Halfdan touched my arm, making look at him. He nods his head towards his brother and nod back, saying it was okay. I look around the room, trying to find Geir. He had a cup in his hand and was talking with Bjorn. I walk over towards the two, Geir's back facing me and bjorn making direct eye contact.

"Alca, great to see you." "It is isn't it Bjorn. Can I talk to my son for a minute?" He smirked, probably thinking Geir was in trouble. "Mom don't try and talk me out of going." I smile at him so big. " I would never talk you out of this. I am excited for you. Your first war." He places the cup down. "Calm down mom, it's not a big deal." "I know, i just need you to be careful." I lean closer to geir, "Harald knows you are his nephew and Halfdan son. I am not afraid for your life, but be careful around them." He nods his head. He is so much taller than me now and beautiful. Shouts and whistles were everywhere and people started leaving the hall to go to the boats.

I was going to walk out there as well but geir grabs my arm, "why can't we tell halfdan he is my father. He won't leave you, He is too in love with you and everyone sees it." We start walking together , his arm draped across my shoulders and mine on his back. "I will answer that when you get home.." We are at the boats and Ivar is sitting there looking at me. I turn to Geir and give him a very long hug. He squeezes me very tight. I look around and everyone is looking at us. "I want you to take this Geir with you." I pull out my sword and hand it to him. He looks at me wide eyes and has the biggest grin on his face. " You are giving me YOUR sword?" " I do not need it anymore. May it protect." He holds the sword and starts walking away. He then stops and turns around, He comes back up to me and gives me one last hug. "Be safe mother, may you be a warrior in your own way."

"You too Geir," I then whisper in his ear "and when in doubt stay close to Ivar."