Fate Rebellion

On their way to the royal hall, Rurik learned he'd been out for two hours, during which Eilin had apparently been unconscious as well. Still, they hadn't taken any chances and locked her in a guarded room. 

Meanwhile, his father was deliberating with his closest allies on next steps. After all, if Eilin was a witch and this was an attempt on Rurik's life, that meant her father may have entered open rebellion. This was a delicate situation. 

As soon as Rurik came within earshot of the hall, he heard his father's thundering voice. "By Thor's hammer, I swear, if my Gothi is not here by the next strike of the oars, I'll have him exiled!" 

"Please, calm your anger, my King!" came one attempt at a soothing voice by one of Harald's advisors. "The honoured Gothi was outside of the city, gathering materials for a sacrifice. We have already dispatched some men to get him!" 

Rurik nodded inwardly as a plan was quickly forming in his mind. Not only did he want to secure Eilin's safety, he also wanted to lay the groundwork for allowing her to come with them to England, and give himself some more leverage in the eyes of the people. 

If all went according to plan, this whole thing might benefit him in multiple ways. 

'Time to profit of their superstition,' he grinned inwardly as he stormed through the hall's doors, Elisiv and Maria on his heels. 

"Who da— Rurik!" Harald exclaimed, first furiously, then joyfully when he saw who it was. Yet, his joyful expression quickly made way for a cautious one. "Are you alright, son? How do you feel…?" 

Inwardly, Rurik rolled his eyes, but outwardly he looked solemn, "I'm fine, Father. I understand your suspicions, but I promise you, Eilin is not a witch! She's far more than that!" 

Harald narrowed his eyes, "Then what is she, my son? I do hope you have an explanation for what happened, but it needs to be a good one. And no matter what, I'll have the Gothi perform his rituals to ensure you are not bewitched!" 

The royal hall was a long a classic Viking longhouse. In the middle was a long, troth-like fire, softly crackling to provide warmth. At the end was a large throne in front of some thick curtains that led to the King's bed chambers, and in front of it were various seating places that held his council. 

Rurik, Maria, and Elisiv came in from the side, and now Rurik made his way to his father's throne. "Of course, Father. As well you should," he nodded seriously. 

Most of the advisors looked at Rurik with respect, even those that belonged to those supporting Magnus. No matter what, Rurik's achievements were impressive, especially in Viking culture. His extraordinary intelligence and maturity were well known among them, but it was his victory against the wolves that brough him the most credit. 

When he reached his father's throne, he went down on one knee as a sign of respect, before standing up again. "But I promise you, Eilin is not a witch!" 

"Then why did you faint, Rurik…?" Harald asked, cautiously. Despite his relief Rurik appeared to be fine, in his mind there was still a chance Rurik was now acting according to the witch's wishes. 

"Because in that moment, my fate became intertwined with hers, and her true spirit awakened!" Rurik exclaimed, full of conviction and religious fervour. "While unconscious, I had a vision of the all-father! He told me I have a great destiny, but I will need a protector to see it through!" 

Some scepticism arose, of course, but none of them could deny that Rurik's achievements were impressive for his age. Combined with his status as Harald's son… the idea Rurik possessed a great destiny was not hard to swallow—at least, not for superstitious people who attach a great importance to fate, as most Vikings were. 

He puffed out his chest as if in pride, "In his great wisdom, the almighty Odin saw fit to aid me! He placed the soul of one of his Valkyries into a mortal woman, and bade her to become my shieldmaiden! Eilin is that woman!" 

A great wave of shock passed through the hall. Even those among them who'd already converted to Christianity felt their souls stir. Harald, Maria, and Elisiv also looked at Rurik in awe. 

Meanwhile, Rurik was enjoying his manipulation, almost feeling like he was back in his previous life, weaving a web of intrigue and crime, even though that was usually Luna's job. 

He couldn't help also chuckling a little at heir gullibility. To be fair, grandstanding like this was an honoured tradition among Vikings. 

"Rurik…" Harald muttered with wide eyes. "If— If that is true, then that is wonderful news, but… we have to be sure! It could have been an illusion, conjured by the wi— I mean, Eilin." 

If Eilin truly was a Valkyrie in mortal form, he wouldn't dare to call her witch. Either way, their mutual fainting had to be explained by something, and Harald would much rather believe a Valkyrie had descended to serve his son, than that a witch tried to enchant him, and one of his closest allies was in rebellion. 

"I understand," Rurik nodded seriously, as if truly sympathizing with his father's difficulties. "So, let us wait for the Gothi to determine my situation, before I prove Eilin's status by giving her a test, before you, your council, and the Gothi!" 

Unwilling to possibly defy the will of the all-father, Harald accepted, and Rurik explained the test he had in mind. 

* * * 

Not much later, the Gothi arrived and was floored by the situation he found. Suddenly, he understood why the Gods had bade him to perform a ritual today and became filled with religious fervour. 

Naturally, Rurik called bullshit in his head, but he appreciated the help. 

Soon enough, the Gothi had performed his rituals, sacrificing a sheep in the process, and then declared Rurik free from any outside influence. 

Inwardly, Rurik felt a hint of relief at that news. To be honest, this Gothi had been a wildcard in his plans. Obviously, he wasn't being controlled by anyone, but he didn't believe that had any real bearing on the Gothi's determination—which might have been anything. 

Fortunately, everything went according to plan so far. 

After Rurik had been declared clean, it was time to test Eilin. Fortunately, she had awoken in the meantime, so Harald had ordered some men to fetch her—respectfully. 

While they waited, Rurik was forced to worry a little. The next part of his plans depended on whether Eilin truly had her memories back. 

Soon, however, he had his answer. A young, female voice drifted over from beyond the hall, "By Odin, are your feet frozen to the floor, or what?! Move faster, and show me to my Master!" 

Moments later, the doors flew open again, and a pale, freckled, ginger-haired firebrand stormed inside. "Was it these doors?" she exclaimed, only to quickly notice the various, solemn gazes pointed at her. "Ah, looks like we're in the right place!" 

Behind her, two miserable looking warriors quickly entered and bowed to the various Lords. Clearly, the young, unarmoured Eilin had been too fast for them. 

Yet, no matter where she looked, Eilin couldn't see her Master. She quickly stomped forward, refusing to lower her gaze for the various men that were staring at her with mixed gazes. 

"You!" she exclaimed while pointing at Harald with narrowed eyes. "Where is my Master?! Don't you dare obstruct me…!"