Skaei dug into the food but her body language showed Tyr that she did not trust him.

She trusted him enough to feed, Tyr remembered the traditions that Skol had the savages indulge in.

That was cannibalism, Tyr noticed that she enjoyed the food and by the way she salivated, it must have been a while since she has eaten meat.

Unbeknownst to most, only a few were aware that they were being fed human meat, Tyr had preserved some of the corpses on the battlefield because he knew that hunger would devastate them otherwise but he only fed the new additions this serving.

They had enough for themselves and with some of them falling tonight, this created abundance.

"Skaei, you must be a strong maiden if you could injure the Mad Hound and Kolbeinn.." Tyr said, sitting opposite her.

"Maiden?" Skaei questioned with a raised brow, she did not see any difference between her and the men that fought with her.

"You are a woman, are you not? Do not tell me you think you are a man.." Tyr said; he had on a goofy smile. There was something innocent in his eyes that made Skaei doubt he was the one that killed Sturla.

"Stop playing games with me and tell me what you want.." Skaei barked, she was in no mood for chit-chat, understandably so.

"I want you, Skaei.." Tyr said, the look in his eyes changing into one of determination.

Skaei misinterpreted what he meant by this, she assumed once again that he wanted to rape her.

"I would rather die than be raped by a kid!" Skaei barked but Tyr's puzzled look soon turned into laughter.

"I have no interest in such things, I want you not for your body because I know you are more than that. I want you for your strength, Sturla is dead and Sighvatur would soon follow.." Tyr proposed, he was mature for his age as he weaved his words carefully.

But Skaei just started laughing, she could not believe Tyr's arrogance just because he took down Sturla, even though she doubted that he was the one that did.

"You think Sturla is the pillar of this army! You have only angered Sighvatur, you do not know the hell that awaits you!" Skaei threatened him but Tyr was unmoved.

He has been told this all his life, and he has proven time and time again that there was no one he could not cut down, no one!

"Sighvatur is an old fool, the Sturlungar clan will be disposed of after they have been used by Kjell.." Tyr said, and this name piqued her interest.

"How do you know that name?" Skaei questioned, Tyr should not be aware of their assistance or presence.

It was also clear that they had not made contact with Tyr or they would be informed.

"How do you think I made it to the backlines?" Tyr asked her, and Skaei fell silent.

"Kjell helped me, he had no intention of upholding your deal and that is why he allowed me through on the condition that I kill Sturla.." Tyr was being honest with her but Skaei was finding it hard to believe.

"Think about it.. I am sure you will find your answer. I have no reason to kill you for you're not my enemy. Kjell and the others are, we do not need to direct our rage amongst ourselves but towards them.." Tyr said as Skaei had finished eating and just stared at him.

"I will give you the night to think it over. If you do not want to join our cause, I will let you and your men go." Tyr said and Skaei was surprised because why would he let them go?

"Are you messing with me!?" Skaei wanted to test this guarantee because this could very well be a trap.

"No, but I only ask that you consider my offer.." Tyr said firmly, he had trusting eyes that forced Skaei to take his word for it.

historical

"Fine, you have my word.." Skaei reluctantly said and Tyr smiled at her as he clapped his hands.

Forcing men to enter the house to take her away and in cake Gudrun like a substitution.

"Hey, you.." Tyr said, gesturing for her to come to sit beside him.

Gudrun did just that, but she had just finished crying.

Tyr knew she was scared of her father dying.

"I know it is hard but I am here to tell you that you are not alone. I am here either you Gudrun like I always have.

Tyr reassured her but the tears did not stop running down her cheeks, she was frightened and no one could blame her.

"Tyr.. I cannot lose him.." Gudrun tearfully declared, clutching his clothes and Tyr soon lifted her face and looked her right in the eyes.

"If you lose him, I will take his place in your life. I am not leaving your side, not now or ever..." Tyr had yet to see Kolbeinn or how he was doing.

But he had heard that his injuries were severe, and the likelihood of him making it out alive was slim but not zero.

Gudrun could feel her heartbeat, she wanted to kiss Tyr but she did not want to make the first move because if he did not reciprocate, then that would potentially ruin the night.

She was beginning to think Tyr did not see her in the same light as she did him and tried looking away but Tyr held her jaw.

"You know.. I have never kissed anyone before.." Tyr said, and Gudrun immediately knew what was happening but before her brain could process it, Tyr gently planted his lips on hers, they were cold.

And sought shelter on hers, Tyr slowly withdrew and said in a soft tone while caressing her cheek.

"You never have to fear for anything nor want, because if your father died, the people will look up to you, to us to lead them.." Tyr said and Gudrun wiped the tears from her eyes and nodded.

"You are right.. Thank you, Tyr!" Gudrun's mood lifted as she rested on his legs.

Tyr's face contorted into something so deformed that it would have its place in a horror movie.

Everything was moving according to

the plan and the final battle drew near.