Chapter 180: Into the Dragons Den

Gunnar stood at the back of the hill at an opening in the window. Looking around and seeing a lack of people he took a deep breath. Pulling up his wool mask and hood, he ran up the hill as fast as he could. He needed to be quick, knowing if even one person saw him, he was dead.

Clinging to the wooden walls he peeked in, and seeing the room empty he quietly climbed through. An air of warmth attacked him as he did and made him want to pull down the mask, but he brushed off the thought. It was a small room with a single bed and not wasting time he looked through the drawers to find anything to point at whose room it was.

’Nothing.’Clicking his tongue he could only be disappointed, only finding a few parchments, clothing, and small trinkets. He could tell a woman was staying in it but knew it couldn’t be Helga’s. It lacked both the majesty he knew she would have for herself. Going to the door, he pulled it slightly looking down the corridor. There was a noticeable lack of guards and he sighed in relief before letting himself out.

’That way will take me to the main hall.’Not having a death wish, Gunnar walked the opposite way, deeper into the residence. He knew at least two people would be in there. His footsteps echoed throughout the halls and he suppressed the urge to click his tongue. He was never one for stealth finding it harder than fighting an actual war.

Checking a few doors he felt himself getting annoyed. They were either empty or were used as storage for weaponry or treasure. It was risky to go deeper but having got this far Gunnar didn’t want to leave empty-handed. At the intersection ahead he stopped and looked down the right corridor. Their he saw a large guard who was unmoving.

Within a second his head snapped left and Gunnar pulled himself back, taking a couple of deep breaths.’What insane senses.’Gunnar remained unmoving but not hearing the towering man’s footsteps coming to investigate he knew that he was safe. He knew his journey was over here, but he couldn’t help but smile knowing it was an amazing find.

’Something is in there. Something incredibly important.’He could tell just from the fraction he was able to look at the man that he was a skilled warrior, someone who you would take to war. The fact Helga left him behind showed the importance of whatever he guarded.

’It can’t be the regent. He has left.’Gunnar fell into thought but smiled.’The children. It can’t be anything else surely.’It made him wonder. What was down at the other end? Turning back he went into one of the storage rooms. The goods taken from the great raid had many things and looking around he found what he wanted.

Despite the dust and filth that had built up on it, he could still see the reflection in the mirror. Taking it back, he placed it in the opposite on the wall.’One guard. But nothing like the other one. Maybe the Regents residence.’

’Creak.’ Gunnar froze. His eyes darted down the other end of the corridor as he heard someone approaching.

"Do you really need so many guards for me? I can’t even eat in peace." Brede’s voice boomed as he mocked the two who were escorting him. They scoffed at his words. Reacting quickly, Gunnar threw himself in one of the side rooms. Not seeing a window to escape from he clicked his tongue and tried to hide himself.

"You don’t put this many on Frida. What’s the diff.." Brede’s endless chattering was stopped by the raise of a hand from one of the guards who saw the mirror on the floor. Reaching for his weapon he looked around and the old man smiled seeing the wariness on his face.

"Oi. Have you two seen anything." The black cloak shouted down the corridor at the two guards. The behemoth guarding the two children looked at him and grunted before reaching behind his back and pulling out his large axe.

"Stand here." The guard didn’t hesitate to follow the man’s order and took his place in front of the door. Despite not having to follow him, the overwhelming dread the man imposed with his presence alone was enough to make anyone meekly follow him.

Brede looked at him and even he shrunk his head back. He knew he could deal with the guards placed on him, but the man before him now was something else. It made him wonder how Helga was able to get such a warrior under her.

Looking down at the mirror, he walked to one of the storage rooms and threw the door open. With a quick glance, he stepped out and went to the next. Gunnar didn’t dare breathe. Clutching the small dagger on his waist he pulled it close to his chest. Even if he was caught he wouldn’t go without a fight.

He heard the loud footsteps get closer to his room and grabbing a piece of fabric he threw it over himself. Crouching he made himself as small as he could to try and blend in with the other items. It was a weak disguise but he knew that he had nothing else.

The door swung open and the air felt colder. Seconds which felt like hours passed. "The little rat is gone." The man’s deep voice spoke once more. Hearing him leave Gunnar let out a little sigh.

Brede was paying close attention to every room the guard had entered. He couldn’t believe someone was so daring to come here. But in doing so he saw an interesting sight. A slight movement in the fabric of one of the rooms. It was so subtle that had he not been paying close attention he would have missed it, but considering the circumstances he was sure someone was there.

"Do your jobs." The man said before returning to the children’s door, becoming a statue once more. The black cloaks looked at each other before one ran off to go to the town and inform Ivar. Brede felt his back get pushed being forced back to his room, but he didn’t care, his mind remembering his talk with Sven.

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’When you are there, Frida is your top priority. Ensure she is safe, no matter the cost.’

’You don’t need to ask me to do something so simple. I watch the girl grow, yo think I will let her suffer.’

’No. But if things go the way they do, it may be inevitable. That’s why I need you to do something for me. I don’t plan to be under that demon brother. We both know that there are those who oppose her. See if you can get in touch with them.’

’It’s risky. Even Frida could get caught up in it.’

’We don’t have much of a choice. Our lives depend on her whims Brede. We have to be ready when she decides we are not wanted anymore. When that happens Frida will die either way. Just please try for me. It is the only way I can think to protect my people and family.’

’I’ll try. But if it puts her in danger, forget it.’

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He remembered Sven’s nod at his words, but never did he think such an opportunity would fall in front of him. Looking at his door, he did wonder how he would be able to get the chance to pay the visitor a visit.

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Brede knocked on the door and waited a couple of seconds for a response. Not hearing one he gently opened the door and poked his head out. At the end of the corridor, he saw a guard on the children’s door. It wasn’t the usual one instead being a smaller man. He gave one look and Brede just watched. He didn’t say anything but he knew that if he got close, the man wouldn’t hesitate to cut him down.

"I’m hungry. I’m sure you don’t mind." Brede called out but the guard remained unmoving and unspeaking, only watching him. Taking it as permission, he walked out and made his footsteps noticeable when before stopping and quietly walking back.

Opening the door he saw the unmoving cloth and pulled it before jumping back. Gunnar stabbed forward but missed the air. In a quick motion, Brede3 placed a finger over his lips and raised his other hand to show he wasn’t a threat. A crooked smile spread on his lips, unable to believe what he was seeing.

"I cant believe someone is crazy enough to come here." He was whispering and it was then Gunnar realised it wasn’t an enemy.

"Who are you?" Asking the question, he got a smile in reply.

"Brede. Guardian of Jarl Sven’s daughter during her time here."

"Jarl Sven. The one in the west." He got a nod in reply, but Brede raised his finger to stop him from talking.

"I don’t have much time so I will be quick with you. Whatever you wish to do here, you’re going about wrong."

"I know. Can you help me?"

To his desperate voice, Brede could only blankly stare, weighing up the options. "Who are you first."

"Gunnar. Warrior of Knut and his the new true king Rolf." It got a smile from Brede who went ahh.

"So one of his kin lived." Looking to the door he nodded. "I will try. Come."

Getting up he poked his head out the door and saw it was clear. "How did you get in."

"Through a window on the back. I was in a women’s room."

"Frida," Brede said quietly. Leaving the room, Brede led him down to Frida’s room. Giving it a gentle knock he waited for a second, for it to open to a tired Frida.

Before she could talk, Brede shushed her and let himself in along with Gunnar. "Get out." Gunnar nodded and gave a silent thanks before climbing out. Frida watched in confusion at everything going on but once again before she could talk, Brede spoke.

"Sorry. Just pretend you saw nothing and go back to bed." He smiled letting himself out and going back to his room. Frida looked at the closed door before the window. SHe didn’t know what to make of it and wondered who Brede was getting involved with.