Viking Voices Read Online Free Page B

First he forces Ivarr back and the king must know that this is the defining moment of his life. He must win this fight, and he must kill Ragnald to retain his crown or he will certainly be killed himself. He gains huge energy from his desperation too, and finally shows the aggression and determination that we always wanted from him, hitting out at Ragnald and striking the side of his head. Surprised by this sudden and unexpected discovery of courage and fortitude by someone who he has always thought of as a coward and a weakling, Ragnald recoils, stumbles and takes a faltering step backwards.
    This is not what is expected and the crowd gasps aloud, giving great encouragement to Ivarr who bounds forward to attack with new confidence. His moment of triumph is short-lived though, as Ragnald has instantly recovered both his poise and his wits. He is able to counter Ivarr’s thrusts, and there are several of them, and when they relent for a moment he makes a thrust of his own, drawing blood from a shallow wound on the king’s right arm.
    Ivarr charges Ragnald again but this time he is ready and moves nimbly out of the way and the king falls humiliatingly flat on his face. He is up again immediately, behaving as though nothing has happened. Nevertheless it is clear to us that Ivarr is not anything like as agile as his opponent and so he is trying to compensate with sheer brute force and desperation. It is not effective this time, as Ragnald moves aside, and slashes at his adversary. This time he opens a deep gash, slicing through the muscle of the bicep. It looks bloody and painful though not too dramatic at first, but in fact, this proves to be the decisive blow.
    The king is disabled, unable to hold his sword or defend himself effectively and soon we can all see that his moment has come. I can see that realisation appear in horror in Ivarr’s eyes, now wide open. He can only hope for pity from his opponent but Ragnald has a warrior’s instincts and spirit, he feels no pity and has no hesitation. He smites Ivarr a terrible blow across his head with both hands on his longsword, knocking him out cold.
    Another swift brutal thrust to the throat and then we can all hear the king’s last gurgle, his blood forming a fine red mist as it sprays out, then it runs thick, red and hot across the earth, and the fight is over.
    It is a great entertainment for the crowd, a hugely dramatic spectacle and with a popular outcome. All of the crowd cheer loudly, enjoying the moment since no one pities Ivarr. We all feel that he had let us all down very badly, and a defeated king is a useless king. Those who have great power and enjoy the great wealth and privileges that goes with it must accept the great consequences if they fail. Ivarr has failed completely, so he has had to face the final consequence as he deserved to. Tyr’s judgement has been just.
    Perhaps alone in this crowd I look towards Ivarr’s queen, Thora and their small children, and feel concerned for their fate. While I have no feeling for Ivarr, it’s hard on the family to see their husband or father killed in front of them, and they have little prospect now as their wealth and privilege has also just died in front of their eyes. Both of the children are extremely distressed and crying, clinging onto their mother, who comforts them though she must know that there will be no likelihood of sympathy, and little help, for her from any of the assembled people.
    In complete contrast Ragnald turns to stand in triumph to accept the acclaim of his people, grabbing his personal banner with its red and gold colouring in the shape of a boar’s head and waving it aloft. He shouts a tribute to Tyr, to show his gratitude to that god. Clearly he believes that he is now the unchallengeable King of the Dyflinn Norse, even though he will be king in exile. He enjoys his moment and embraces the acclaim, turning around with his arms held high, gloating like a hero, a man