Chapter 30: Decisions and news
Chapter 30: Decisions and news
When Max arrived with his father, he gave him a hug, and after this, Kassia and Helmi congratulated him on his victory.
As he kissed Kassia, he could see some warriors emerging from the crowd, taking with them a woman and three children.
The Warriors’ leader brought the woman he was dragging to his knees in front of Sven and Einar.
While his other companions left the three children on the ground.
“Jarl Sven and Herald Einar, these people are Ivar’s family.
According to the sacred laws, the winner must decide the fate of the loser’s family. “
Max looked at the woman and the children, but as his eyes roamed the little family, one of the children with tears in his eyes glared at Max.
With enough curiosity, Max squatted in front of the boy, “Little boy, you hate me for killing your father.”
The boy nodded, “I want revenge for you killed my Father.”
Max stroked his chin as he smiled. “You must know that your dad lost in a fair battle; I didn’t have a superior weapon than his; if I had died, my family would be in the same position as you.”
Max’s hand fluttered the boy’s hair, who didn’t seem to understand his words very well. “If it’s hard for you to understand what I said, just answer honestly; what do you think your father would have done to my family if I had died?”
The boy with some snot on his face looked at Einar seriously. “He would have killed them; my father always told me that there is no better enemy than a dead one.”
Max gently pointed to the boy’s family. “Look at your family and tell me what you think I’ll do with it.”
The little boy’s face was deformed as tears spilled from his eyes. “You are going to kill them, and you are going to kill me.”
Max shook his head, “If I wanted to kill you or your family, I would have already done it.
As a leader and herald of Odin, I must care for my people.
But I am also committed to eliminating any threats that could endanger everyone around me. “
The boy watched as Einar showed him two fingers. “You have two options before you.
The first is that you can keep holding on to the idea of revenge, but that would make you a threat, and you will die.
But because you would be betraying your family and your people, you will be condemned to be nowhere.
A place where there is only darkness. “
Max lowered one of his fingers and began to wipe the boy’s tears. “The second is that you can move on with your life and if in the future you show that you are a valuable member of our tribe.
I promise I will give you your father’s position as a member of the Thing.
But regardless of the option you choose, your family will not suffer from your decision. “
The boy lowered his head and made a small fist, which he clenched. “If I accept the second option, what happens to my father’s body.”
Max smiled. “He will be buried, and because he died in battle, his soul is in Valhalla.
But you will have to recover his honor and that of your family, for this you will have to work more than other children. “
Hearing these words, the child’s hand returned to normal, “I am willing to accept the second option.”
Max nodded and got up. “Father, you have heard the child, and I think you know my answer.
I respect the sacred laws but consider leaving Ivar’s family intact, as rivalry should not affect the family of the other.
As for the woman, she could work with Felipa by becoming a nurse; she will be able to feed her children. For the children, they will receive an education with Aila. “
Sven stroked his beard and looked at his son with some surprise; Max, who noticed his father’s gaze, just patted him on the shoulder. “Being a leader means being bloodthirsty when necessary and being benevolent when required.
If the boy had continued his revenge attempt, I would have killed him; I will not create a threat to our family or town in the future. “
Sven proudly looked at the warriors and pointed to the woman on the ground. “You can let them go, and you woman should start preparing your things because from now on, you will help Felipa.”
Laura smiled as she watched Einar enter the great room, “I told you, Daven, Papa Einar wouldn’t kill that family.”
Daven just scratched his head and sighed, “I guess you were right, but I think we should go back as Aila may be looking for us.”
Laura scratched her nose and took Daven by the hand.
At night Max, who was sleeping, frowned when he could see Erika, who was sitting on a small chair.
When he got closer to see her more closely, he was afraid when he realized that he could not remember his daughter’s face.
This caused Max to wake up, very carefully moved the arms of Kassia and Helmi to be able to get out of bed.
After getting up, he walked to the cupboard from where he took a jug from which a green drink was served in a wooden cup.
With some sadness and illuminated only by the moonlight coming through the open wooden window, he began to drink the green substance in his glass while gazing at the moon.
The strong taste of the alcohol, together with Wormwood and Anis combination, caused Max to lose himself in his memories.
His little moment of solitude only lasted a few minutes before he could feel the warm hands of Kassia, who put a small blanket on his back.
“Again, with nightmares, Max?”
Max, who held Kassia’s delicate fingers, nodded. “Today, I dreamed of Erika again and, and …
I couldn’t remember my own daughter’s face. “
Kassia rested her head on Max’s shoulder, and while hugging his hand, she looked at the moon. “Max, it’s normal for us to forget about people’s faces.
We only know that they existed because of their legacy and the memories they left in us. “
Max could feel how Kassia squeezed his arm, so with some care, he kissed her forehead, “Is something wrong, Kassia.”
Kassia bit her lip and turned to see Max. “Max, I think Helmi and I are pregnant.
We have had a delay in our menstrual cycle; if this continues until the next month, then it could confirm that we are pregnant … “
Max, from the shock, threw down his glass while feeling a lot of emotions.