Ascension by Kevin D. Miller

Author:Kevin D. Miller
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bifrost Books

CHAPTER 18

The barest whisper of canvas parting woke Leif from his nightmare addled sleep. As he struggled to free himself from sleep’s embrace, he was momentarily confused as to why the door to the Skogur Borg’s sleeping quarters had been replaced by a tent flap. Then the events of the past few days slammed home. Fearing his unannounced guest may be an assassin, Leif curled his hand around the axe he tucked beneath the balled-up cloak he was using as a pillow.

Knowing he may be seconds away from getting his throat cut, Leif worked hard to keep his breathing even, as if still asleep. When he sensed his intruder was close enough, Leif kicked out, flinging the light sheet toward his unknown assailant. Jumping to his feet, Leif sprang forward but stopped when he spotted the lightening blue eyes of Lagertha staring at him through the gloom of his tent. She had an amused smile on her face.

Leif glared at his fellow Berserker as he once again felt his stomach twist into knots at the nearness of Lagertha. He felt so drawn to her. Yet interwoven into the allure was a desire for violence. He felt the compulsion of the Berserker to fight and to prove he was the superior warrior. It was very confusing. With axe in hand, he felt the Berserker pushing to bury his blade deep into her chest, but he held back. Not only would that defeat the very purpose of finding her, but she was an enigma to him. From her glowing eyes, she was clearly berserked, but she was also in complete control. One doesn’t attack a foe he doesn’t understand. That is a quick way to end up six feet under.

“So are we going to fight it out, or would you mind putting those away,” Lagertha said into the tension filled silence.

To Leif’s chagrin, it took more effort than he would have liked to stand down. “Sorry about that,” Leif said.

“No offense taken. You are a warrior in an unfamiliar camp. I would expect no less of a fellow Berserker,” Lagertha said with a wave of her hand. “Now come. We shall eat a quick breakfast before I test you.” She exited his tent. Snatching up his rumpled shirt, Leif followed.

Cold morning dew sparkled on the green forest floor. Leif pulled on his shirt and hurried after Lagertha. Though the mist was swirling through the air, obscuring much of his view of the camp, he could hear the familiar chorus of sounds he associated with a large group of people getting ready for the day. Much of the camp seemed engaged in their morning chores.

Next to the large rock outcropping that acted as a natural barrier for one side of the camp, an army of cook fires and boiling stewpots waited to feed the hungry camp. To the right of the cooking area, Leif saw the large bonfire from last night. Dozens of occupied tree stumps dotted the area. Tribe men and women chatted while eating their morning meal.

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