Chapter 169: A Step Closer to God

"The young ones are growing well my lord." An Ancient One spoke with a kind voice as he looked down at the two children in their cots. Helag stood over his shoulder watching them. Her eyes focused on Astrid who looked up at her with clear eyes, smiling and reaching out. reaching out she grabbed her hand, applying a little pressure, making the baby girl’s eyes tear up. "It would be best not to be too forceful whilst they are young. Th..."

The Ancient One shut up from Helga’s hard glare. "They are my children." She spoke with a cold dismissal over Astrid’s cries. Only after a few seconds did she let go and finally turn to Balder. Much like Astrid he reached out, but Helga only looked before turning away and clicking her tongue. "I must leave soon," Helga said walking away, not giving any more attention to her children.

’They are too weak. Nothing like the champions of old.’It was annoying. She had attained such height yet her children seemed like normal mortals. Tales of the past had told of the Champions of the Gods in their infancy. Leading wars and slaying beasts as young as five. Yet looking at her own she couldn’t see it.

’No.’Helga cleared her mind as she walked out the main door. She overlooked her capital at the distant port.’There is still time for them to grow. They are still babes for now.’She calmed her mind. It sounded right to her.’They will join us in the Pantheon. It’s impossible not to when carrying both our blood.’Her mind trailed to Alfred. She could still vividly remember his face. His deep blue eyes rivalled her own. He claimed to be blessed and she was sure he carried the blood of old.

If even he couldn’t give her strong children then no one could.’I must calm myself. The war won’t wait.’She pulled herself together and turned back, heading deeper into her residents. Opening two wide doors she saw all the Jarl’s underneath her, waiting in silence.

Her eyes scanned them. All looked towards her in anticipation causing a smile. It was something she needed to make herself feel better. "Everyone," Helga spoke powerfully as she took to the head of the room. "The war to subjugate our home will be a long affair, and whilst I would hope that they open their eyes and realize the truth that stands before them, many are too foolish and arrogant."

"But I am not a cruel God. I will offer a chance. Send word to all the Kings and Jarls of the land. Bend the knee to me and they shall be spared." Her commanding voice got nods from those around and Helga smiled seeing them. "All the warriors under my banner have been summoned. The Jarl’s of the west will be the easiest target. Their lands are small and weak."

"It will also force a large border between the two kings who border my North. Dealy all offers to those two until we get a response from the Western Jarls. Only when they have been subjugated can we shall we head Noth. Any complaints." Helga looked around the room at the shaking heads.

"Good. You. Send my offer" Pointing to a random Jarl whose name she forgot she turned and left. It wasn’t her job to plan every aspect of her conquest.

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Ivar watched as Helga’s back became smaller and took a deep breath. Getting up he quickly followed behind her. She paused and turned looking at him. Throwing himself to the ground in respect. "My Lord," Ivar spoke respectfully, not daring to look up until granted.

Helga looked at him for a couple of seconds, feeling she remembered him. It was times like this when she missed having Halfdan near her. He remembered everything, even the most insignificant person. Shaking her head to not get lost in thought it finally clicked. "Ivar was it?" The memories of the storehouse burning and the screams from inside rushed back. he was one of the few to pass her test perfectly.

"Yes, My Lord." Ivar tried to hide his smile but was unable to, his voice showing his obvious happiness.

"What is it? Surely you aren’t wasting my time."

"Of course not." Ivar went silent for a second trying to think how to phrase what he wanted to say. "My Lord. As you know many unbelievers still exist. Then exists those who are too stupid to understand it even when given the chance. I have an idea how to deal with this." It spiked her interest. With a raised eyebrow she ordered him to continue.

"You need a force under you. One where only the true faithful exist. One to do your bidding and enforce your will." Ivar only then raised his head to look at Helga. He knew he hadn’t been allowed to yet by her, but he had to see for himself if she was interested. Before she could hide it.

"Come with me." Helga turned around and walked off with Ivar springing up and quickly following behind. The wave of happiness that rushed through him was divine and he knew that if he played his card right he could get closer to her; witness her glory from closer. "Wait outside." Helga gave the order to her two guards before leading Ivar into a separate room. "Explain."

"Of course." Ivar was quick. "Your lands are filled with many who are true believers. They can see the truth that stares them in the face. But just as they exist, those who do not are prevalent. For now, this is fine, but when war comes, I fear they will sabotage your campaign."

"Traitor?" Her voice cut in with a deep anger and Ivar could only give a meek nod.

"They toe the line because you are here, but when you are gone, I fear what they will do." Ivar paused and stared deep into her eyes. "If you allow it, I will make it so this doesn’t happen. An army, without allegiance to anything but you. One whose faith is unquestioning."

Helga watched him. It was an interesting proposal. She knew not all the people truly believed in her and with Ivar reinforcing her belief in traitors exiting Helga felt compelled to accept any proposal that would get rid of them.

"You can find people who will deal with this issue for me? No matter what it entails?" To Ivar, it was a seductive voice, one which tempered him to accept anything if it meant being closer to his God.

"Without a doubt." She heard the conviction in his voice that didn’t carry a speck of doubt and it made her smile.

"Good. Make this for me. You have a week. Once you do, I will give them the first test to make sure they are truly loyal to me." The sadistic desire behind her words wasn’t masked as her face split into a smile and her imagination ran wild, deciding what to do.

Ivar didn’t even acknowledge it, only bowing deeper after receiving the order.