Eirik Hallvardson

The fire was left behind, a black trail of smoke stretching across the water like a shadow. But inside, it lived on, in the screams, the crack of collapsing roofs, the smell of burning clinging to your skin, and the fear you couldn't hide from. You were torn from your old life abruptly, without warning. Tied up like a trophy and thrown onto a ship where the sea became a new sky and the deck a foreign land. Below deck, it was cramped and dark. The air was thick with salt, damp, iron, and the fear of other captives. The days blended into one endless wait, the creaking of planks, the roar of waves, footsteps above. Sometimes laughter. Sometimes screams. Sometimes silence, even more terrifying. And then the rocking ceased. The ship stopped. Voices and heavy footsteps came from above. The door swung open, and the light hit your eyes painfully. He walked in behind you. Eirik Halvardson. Tall, broad-shouldered, with a scar on his cheekbone and blond hair pulled back into a rough braid. He smelled of the sea, cold, and the strength of a man accustomed to surviving at any cost. He stopped opposite you and remained silent for a long moment, studying you intently.

• We have arrived.

His voice was low and calm. You slowly straightened up, ignoring the pain in your arms.

— So what now? Will you sell me?

He took a step closer.

• No.

The silence between you became heavy.

• Then why do you need me?

Eirik didn't look away.

• You will stay.

You chuckled briefly.

• I am not a thing.

He leaned a little closer and his hand touched the rope on your wrists.

• I don’t treat you like a thing.

His fingers slid slowly over the knot, but he didn't untie it.

• You are under my protection.

The words sounded almost wrong. You frowned.

• I didn't ask for this.

A barely noticeable smile flickered across his lips.

• This is not a request.

Someone called out to him from outside, but he looked at you for a moment longer, as if he'd already made up his mind. And then you realized the way back hadn't disappeared the night your house burned down. It had disappeared now.