Thank you to all the new followers. I can't believe how much my little story has grown in the past few months! I am so grateful for all of you who follower!

PuffGirl1952 the 2nd - Sorry for the delay I just really wanted to capture this chapter well. So I would love to hear your thoughts once more ;)

Lorelei Candace Black - I'm glad you liked the last chapter, i'm not to sure if she will have Ivar's children. But I won't say never, maybe just not right now. They have lots to do together before they could even consider that!

Shadow spears - Thankyou for your compliment! I am trying to make Kadlin her own character but she certainly pulls from Lagertha. I have really enjoyed creating her! I am so glad you like her ;)

Enjoy this instalment. Please note, some of these scenes are straight out of Season 4, episode 20 and if you have not seen it (for some reason!) and don't want the ending to be spoiled perhaps it is best if you don't read this chapter.

As always I own nothing, I am merely a fan playing with the world created by Michael Hurst.

~MortalMarquess~

Kadlin walked up to where Gier stood. Standing before him, she lifted her dress over her head and stood before the crowd of people in her under garmets. Wearing a plain white shift dress, Kadlin passed her newly acquired gown to one of the woman who stood closest to her. When the woman rasied an eyebrow at her, as if to question why she bothered Kadlin simply shrugged.

"It was a gift from my beloved. I would hate to see it ruined"

Then she turned and looked at the man who was here to be sacrificed to the gods. Sizing him up, he stood much taller than she, Kadlin wasn't sure how she would be able to get a clean cut on the man at his throat. Turning around she saw some bowls upon the tables ready to be used at the feast. Taking one, she placed it on the floor underneath the end of the table.

"Gier, for your actions you have been sentenced to die. It is the will of the gods, and our people that this sacrifice be carried out by my blade. I ask you to lie here, as you prepare to take your final steps towards the gate of Valhalla."

Obeying her words, he walked over to the table and lie down, his head hanging off the edge, exposing his neck. Glancing up Kadlin saw Ivar watching her every move. Yes she had killed before, but never in front of a crowd. She prayed to the gods that she performed well and made Ivar proud. Taking her blade out, she could feel everyone around her stiffen with excitement. The crowd barely spoke a word, let alone move. All eyes we now firmly planted on her. Gier lifted his head and looked at Kadlin, for a split second she saw what she thought may have been a flicker of fear but it left as quickly as it came. Bending down she whispered into his ear.

"I will be eternally grateful for your sacrifice, may you dine with the Gods tonight. Many here do not know your true sacrifice, and for that I will always remember"

Gier smiled a small smile on his lips, closed his eyes and nodded once. Almost as if he didn't trust his own voice to speak. Kadlin knew now that it was time. She lined her blade up against his throat, and glanced past him to make sure the bowl was appropriately placed. With everything ready her eyes met Ivar once more. Watching his chest rise up and down, as he eagerly awaited her to make her sacrifice. Keeping her eye contact on Ivar, she whispered "For you" even though she knew he would never hear her, she hoped he could make the words out on her lips.

Standing at the end of the table, she lifted Gier's head up, placing her blade on his throat. Slicing the blade from one side to the other, deep enough to sever the artery but not enough to take his head off from his shoulders. The sounds of Gier gasping for air, and silently choking filled the quiet space. His hands going limp as they fell off the sides of the table, As the blood that had given Gier life for so many years, flowed freely from his neck, and collected in the bowl at Kadlin's feet. When the blood had stopped flowing, Kadlin picked up the bowl and dipped two fingers inside the warm sticky liquid.

Dragging her two fingers down her chin, to the base line of her collarbone she drew the blood into her skin, her eyes looking only to Ivar. Reaching back into the bowl she covered her hands with the blood of the dead man, Staring only at Ivar as she smeared the blood over her body. Her arms coated, she shrugged her dress off and stood naked in front of the crowd. Dipping her hands once more into the blood, she continued to wipe the blood over her naked body. Her eyes never once leaving Ivar's, as she coated her breasts, imagining that they were Ivar's hands on her rather than her own. Feeling a sense of power, Kadlin continued. It wasn't until she had completed covering herself and the bowl at her feet was empty that she realised she had been singing the entire time. Her lament was not beautiful, but the words she sang felt as if they were directly to and both from the Gods. Kadlin did not know where the song had come from, but it didn't stop her in singing as she performed her ritual.

Speaking with a confidence that she had performed the ceremony well she announced the crowd.

"We pray to the gods that our sacrifice be well received. The blood debt of King Ragnar has been fulfilled may the feast begin"

Striding from her position in front of the high table, she walked back to where Ivar and his brother sat. Eyes followed her as she walked, but she took no notice of them, the only eyes she cared to have for her were now next to her as she took her seat back next to Ivar.

As she sat down, Bjorn stood and announced that the feast would commence, as soon as he finished speaking the crowd seemed to find their voices again as they cheered "Skoll" and the chatter returned. When Bjorn took his seat and turned to talk to Hvisterk, Kadlin turned to Ivar. Before she had time to speak, he spoke to her, his hands finding her own.

"Kadlin, that was"

"Yes?" he seemed to be struggling to find the words he needed.

Shaking his head in response "The hottest fucking thing I have ever seen in my life"

Relief flooded through her body, not knowing wether Ivar would be displeased of her standing naked before everyone. "Are you sure, I didn't upset you. I don't know what came over me, one minute I was there with the knife, the next I was walking back towards you with no clothes on"

"And you think that showing your naked body to every man, woman and child here would displease me?"

"Well yes?" she answered awkwardly, as she shifted away from him slightly.

"But you did it anyway?" he countered her.

Feeling uncomfortable suddenly, Kadlin answered slowly. "Yes, it seems I did. Ivar I am so sorry" she began. Kadlin knew that Ivar did not own her, but she had wanted to make him happy, and like she said only moments before, the whole thing had happened so fast.

"What you just did in front of everyone, is"

"I know and I'm so sorry Ivar, that was not my intention." She said quietly, feeling the power and confidence that had filled her up so much before, leaving her.

"Woman, stop interrupting me". He glared at her, when she nodded he continued. "Now if you would let me speak you would know that yes, I am a little unhappy that everyone here has now seen what is mine. However, you showed everyone here tonight that it does not matter to you. Kadlin the entire time you performed your ritual, your eyes did not leave mine. You showed off your body to everyone, and only had eyes for me. But I want to know, why did you do it? Why did you want to be the one to sacrifice Gier?"

Taking a deep breath she answered quietly, "I wanted you to have what they all had. Everyone here tonight watched those two women with Gier, and to be honest I am surprised that no one else ended up fucking. But I knew it didn't turn you on, I want to be the only one you ever need, I want to give you the pleasure and passion that you deserve Ivar. And I hoped that this would give it to you"

"You have given me more than that Kadlin, You just showed everyone that you want me. You choose me"

Kadlin could feel the blush rising up on her cheeks, as she took his face in her hands. "I do, Ivar. I will always choose you".

Taking his cloak that sat on the back of his chair he handed it to Kadlin. Wrapping it around herself, she was grateful for the warmth. It had started to get colder now that she was not moving around. Moments later a woman appeared at the table, and handed Kadlin back her small clothes, and she stepped down from the table and covered her self in the dress. Amongst a call of boo's as she covered her naked body, simply smiling at them she climbed back up to the table and brought her lips down on to Ivar's. Once again showing everyone that her only interest was him. His hands wandering up and over her body, before she broke away from the kiss and sat back down beside him. Her hands on his leg, as she whispered into his ear "Don't forget this feeling, you will need it later tonight".

"Now, if my brother is quite finished" Bjorn spoke, as the crowd laughed and called out. "We have to decide to where to take our army"

Kadlin sat and listened to them speak, but after a few moments she could not hear them, nor could she see. A vision came slamming in to her and it took all of her self control to keep her face calm so no one else would notice her. Her vison was blurred not clear like they usually were. Sensing something happening that was perhaps different to how it was meant to be, Kadlin calmed herself and tried to peace together what she saw. Blood, pooling at the bottom of the table where she now sat, wine dripped from the table, an axe that looked familiar but she couldn't be sure as it was too blurry to see the carvings clearly.

Coming back into the present, Kadlin was able to catch some of the conversation between Ivar and Ubbe.

"You can't lead the army Ivar" Ubbe told him.

"I don't want to lead the army Ubbe, what I am saying is that those who wish to raid and go on adventure, then I will lead them" he answered to Ubbe. Kadlin took his hand, trying to get his attention subtly. "You can put on a apron and settle down" he smirked to Ubbe.

Hvisterk was next to add his opinion "We should stake claim here"

"Ah" called Ivar "That does not sound like the Hvisterk I know, the Hvitserk I know loves to raid"

"Ivar" Kadlin started quietly, but not as calmly as she planned.

Not seeming to hear her, Ivar pulled himself up out of his chair, and propped himself up at the edge of the table.

"Ivar" Kadlin tried again, but Ivar had stared speaking, the urgency to speak to him seemed to be growing. She needed to talk to him, something did not feel right.

"So, who among you will fight, for the love of battle, for the love of fame and the love of Odin?" Ivar roared to crowd before him, passion shining in his eyes.

The crowd below cheered, as Ivar called out to them. Kadlin knew he was born for this, and it seemed the army knew it too as they cheered for him as he then sat back down and picked up some of the food that had now been served before them.

"Don't do this Ivar, we need to stick together. We are the son's of Ragnar, all of us. Besides, I'm sure your pretty woman doesn't want you dying in battle. Although if you do she could come and be with a real man"

Kadlin felt Ivar stiffen at the last comment, "Frankly Sigurd I don't care what you say, my "Woman" as you put her is free to make her own choices. And as we all saw before, she made her choice. It was me, in case that tiny detail slipped your mind. And, I would not even piss down your throat even, if your lungs were on fire" Ivar spat at his brother.

"Maybe that's because your not really even a man are you boneless. Don't you ever think, Kadlin is going to get bored of you, I mean last I heard your prick doesn't even work" Sigurd continued to taunt him.

"Sigurd, Shut up" Kadlin spat at him. "Ubbe, if you wouldn't mind"

Kadlin hoped that Ubbe would somehow interview and then she would be able to calm Ivar down, the tension that now sat between everyone was growing unbearable. Ubbe rolled his eyes, and sat forward in his chair, "Sigurd" he started to say as Kadlin turned to speak to Ivar.

"Ivar, I need to speak with you, but firstly you need to calm down. Getting pissed off will not help" Kadlin tried to get him to listen once more. Looking around to the other brothers, wondering if perhaps she was not saying it loud enough, but without Ivar having a chance to listen to her Bjorn spoke.

"So, who is going to stay and farm" Bjorn asked to everyone.

Kadlin was glad for the interruption, hopefully it gave Ivar a chance to calm down. As King Harald decided that even though he would have liked to stay, he admitted that he had other plans. To many peoples surprise his brother stood up and announced that he wanted to raid with Bjorn, to see the Mediterranean"

Bjorn was clearly excited at this turn at events, as he jumped down of their table and stood before everyone. "It seems that the only thing that kept the son's of Ragnar together, was the death of their father" as embraced King Harald with a clap on the back.

"No, Bjorn. It is you who does not wish to keep the army together" Ivar called out. "It is you ,who wants to go away to sunny places. Every one else can follow me" Ivar said, with passion, anger and confidence. As he spoke, Kadlin saw who he was. He was a true leader, and she was proud to see it happening and him asserting himself as someone to be reckoned with.

The next few moments happened so quickly, Kadlin didn't think she could have prevented the events from unfolding, even though she tried.

Sigurd stood suddenly "I do not want to follow you Ivar. You are crazy. You have the mind of a child"

"And all you do is play MUSIC Sigurd" Ivar said through gritted teeth and a face filled with anger.

"I'm just as much a son as Ragnar as you are" Sigurd commented back,as he took a mouthful of his drink.

Kadlin felt hot, uncomfortable and dizzy, "Sigurd, sit down. Please let us enjoy our meal and the victory that your father is finally avenged"

Ivar seemed not to hear her, as he continued on with his attack of words at Sigurd. "I'm not sure, as far as I remember Ragnar didn't play, and he certainly didn't offer his ass to other men"

"Ivar, Enough" Kadlin spoke, not friendly or with affection but clearly. Hoping to finally get through to him.

Kadlin looked from Hvisterk to Ubbe who were still sat with her at the table, they were much more used to the two younger brother's and their squabbles than she was but even she admitted that Ubbe looked to be looking at Ivar with concern, and worry perhaps Kadlin thought. Bjorn still walked around the table where King Harald and his brother sat, eating his apple watching the events unfold in front of him.

"You make me laugh Ivar, just like you do when you crawl around like a baby"

The rage escaping from Ivar, Kadlin was surprised people that were seated tables away didn't feel the heat from him. "Shut your mouth" he yelled at him.

"Enough" Bjorn called, as he continued to bite his apple.

"This does not concern you Bjorn" as Ivar slammed his hand down on table.

"What's the matter Ivar you can't take it?" Sigurd continued.

Kadlin grabbed Ubbe by the arm. "Ubbe please". Ivar wasn't listening to her, he needed to stop. She needed him to calm down, before things got even more out of control.

"Ivar, don't listen to him" Ubbe spoke calmly, trying to get through to him. Kadlin knew it wasn't enough, Ivar was still seething.

Once again, Sigurd continued. "It must be hard for you now, that your mummy is dead. Knowing that she is the only one who ever really loved you. That woman beside you, she doesn't love you. She will never love you. What she feels its pity. Pity that no one else could love you" Sigurd picked up is drink and brought the mug to his lips.

"Ivar, Ivar" Ubbe tried again.

Suddenly the axe that was in Ivar's hand looked familiar. "Ivar NO!" she called. It was too late, Ivar threw his axe with a vicious anger towards the end of the table, where it buried itself in Sigurds chest. The force of the throw, stumbling Sigurd from his feet.

Hvisterk who sat next to Sigurd, stared on in shock, as the crowd below gasped and went quiet from what was unfolding before their eyes. Ivar's eyes went wide, as he realised what he had done. Sigurd took step by step towards Ivar, as he pulled the axe cleanly from his chest and raised it up before Ivar.

Ubbe, Hvisterk watched in horror as the blood dripped down from Sigurd. Kadlin, rose quickly from her chair and tried to get to Sigurd, before she could make it to him though he dropped to the floor, at Ivars feet. She reached him moments after Sigurds head hit the floor and was suddenly surrounded by Ubbe and Hvisterk, as they tried desperately to see if Sigurd was alive.

"No, NO" Ubbe grunted as he turned Sigurd over and looked into his younger brother's cold dead eyes. His snake eye forever looking up at the world that would continue on, even now that he had left it. Kadlin closed his eyes, as she finally turned to Ivar.

Not thinking she had ever seen the look on his face before, but it was the look of shock, sadness, disbelief and regret. For a brief second she could have sworn she saw his eyes water, before once again the look of anger returned.

As the blood pooled at their feet, the wine dripped from the discarded and knocked over mugs of ale, Kadlin realised that she had known it was coming. She just didn't think that Ivar would have killed his own brother, she was certain that because the vision was blurry that perhaps it was changing and wouldn't come to pass. Now, she was left with the realisation that perhaps its was different before, and due to all the taunts Sigurd has bestowed upon Ivar, fate had changed.

Perhaps now the visions she had seen, would not come to pass. Staring up at Ivar, she wondered what would happen now, for she truly did not know. Only time would tell what would become of them after the events had just unravelled.

Time as in, perhaps November 29th when Vikings returns to the history channel! I am so excited for it to return to our screens, have you seen all the trailers? Now that SDCC has been and gone there are more trailers, and I am super eager to see where this season takes our favourite Vikings!

Would love as always to hear everyone's thoughts on the above chapter, It was a little challenging to write as I really wanted to depict those scenes and make you feel as if you were watching the episode only with Kadlin seated there beside them all , so I hope I was able to do the scene's justice.

For now, I might leave my story here. I have really enjoyed writing and playing around with the world that the History Channel have created. Thank you for joining me along the ride, until next season.

SKOLL!

~MortalMarquess~