Chapter 29. Viking

AURELIA

It had been many years since I last saw the halls of Swede. As I gazed upon the Baltic land at the darkest hours of midnight, goose pimples traversed my skin. I had traveled non-stop for three weeks to reach here, barely eating or drinking anything. I lost my way several times due to the Roman soldiers who kept trailing and pursuing me. I even had to let go of my horse.

At this moment, I stood in front of a pitched fence from where I could see the entire townlet. Graelf, my homeland. The yellow lamps hanging on lampposts by the streets and in front of some houses created a yellow pattern on the horizon, like fireflies of the night.

I inhaled deeply as a whiff of air swept by. The smell of curry spice graced my nostrils, a testament to some cooking going on nearby. I could also vaguely hear the sound of beating drums and harpsichords in the distance. Something was going on in the locale; I could tell from the empty streets.

I looked up and noticed the