Chapter 7: Kattegat

Sunlight crept through the window as he lay in his large bed beside his lovely wife. Their bodies were naked under a fur blanket. He eased close to her. Her skin felt warm next to his. He knew only hours separated him from receiving visitors; he wanted to start his morning off right.

His strong hand caressed her soft skin as he showered kisses down her spine. She hummed. She welcomed mornings with her husband, Jarl Erick. He was a fine specimen of a man. His hair was dark and long. He had a nice beard and mustache cut low. His eyes were soft blue. He had just a tiny scar barely visible on his chin.

His finger plunged in and out of her center. She moaned in delight. He always made her cum hard with his finger before he’d penetrate with his cock. He lifted her leg; wild humping ensued. They groaned and grunted until he exploded and left her pussy messy.

She turned to him, “Good morning, my love,” said his wife, Freja.

“It is indeed a good morning,” he replied just before his lips touched hers. They kissed sweetly. They were lost in each other until...

“Father,” they heard. It was the voice of his oldest son, Soren.

“What is it, son?” he asked.

“Ships are arriving.”

“I thought they weren’t arriving for another hour or so?” said Freja as she left their bed.

“Get the servants to prepare the hall. I’ll be out to greet our guests shortly,” Jarl Erick said to his son.

“Yes, Father,” he said as he hurried away with his orders.

He sat up on the side of the bed. His hand rubbed his chin. Freja was already headed to the room to wash, “It’s time, my love,” she insisted.

He smiled and stood. He yawned and stretched out before preparing himself for the day.

The great hall was prepared quickly with the aid of the servants and Jarl Erick’s many children. He had four children with his wife Freja. Their son Soren was fifteen years old. Their second son, Felix, was thirteen, and their twin daughters, Liva and Sofie were ten.

Jarl Erick also had a second wife, Emma, who bore his infant son, Mikkel.

He sat in his chair next to his wives, Freja and Emma. His children were gathered close by when the men entered the great hall. It was quiet as Jarl Erick looked upon his visitors.

The man spoke, “Are we not welcomed?” he asked jokingly.

“I was expecting someone else today,” he replied.

He smiled, “I am King Knud of York. News has traveled far and wide about all you and your men have done in England. We were hoping to travel with you on this next raid.”

Jarl Erick looked at his wife. She didn’t say anything. He looked at the man who was of medium build. He had sandy blonde hair pulled up in a high man bun. “You are a King of York ... and what exactly would you be expecting from me, Jarl Erick of Kattegat?”

King Knud smiled, “I would just be working with you, of course. I would follow your lead.”

Jarl Erick nodded, “You and your men are welcome to join us. I do have another raiding party that will arrive shortly. Sit, eat, and drink.”

King Knud sat next to one of his men at one of the tables. His eyes couldn’t help but notice Jarl Erick’s beautiful wives. Especially the youngest one, who held a baby boy in her arms. She had golden hair; her eyes shined blue as a clear day’s sky.

The baby became fussy. She stood and excused herself. He took notice of her assets as she walked away. His right-hand man Victor, nudged him, “She has a nice arse.”

He chuckled, “Very nice,” he replied as he looked around the great hall at all Jarl Erick had accomplished.

Food and drinks were brought to their table. As they ate, a note was slipped to Victor. He read it, and then he whispered to King Knud, “Our men will be in the area within the hour.”

He nodded and whispered, “Send word to wait two days. We should be well on our way to England. Too far for them to receive help from anyone.”

Victor stood and left the table.

Emma was in her room with baby Mikkel. He lay sleeping in his crib when Jarl Erick stepped up behind her. His hands rested on her hips. She hummed, “Will I get to feel you tonight before you set sail in the morning?” she asked.

He kissed her neck and lifted her dress, “Why wait for tonight?”

“Ahhhh,” she moaned in utter passion as his cock filled her center, “Erick,” she moaned.

Festivities were happening right outside the door, but they were engrossed in humping. They heard a throat clear. He turned. His eyes met Freja’s. “Jarl Sigurd’s ships are arriving,” she said before she left.

He humped a few more strokes and gasped. He kissed her neck, “Ummm, I love you, Emma.”

She turned to him and smiled, “Go and receive your guests. I’m going to clean myself before returning.”

He stroked her chin with his finger before adjusting his cock back into his pants.

A plethora of ships lined the docks. Sven looked at Jarl Sigurd, “Looks as if Jarl Erick already has guests.”

He looked at the flags that flew on the mass of the ship. Suddenly, he felt uneasy, “Looks like you’re right.”

After they secured the boats, Jarl Sigurd and his men marched onward until they landed at the main hall. The majority of them were an attractive bunch. Many of the women both single and otherwise involved couldn’t help but notice the men.

Jarl Sigurd stepped into the entrance. The room went silent. Jarl Erick rose to his feet and started toward him. “Welcome back to Kattegat,” he said cheerfully. When he stopped in front of him, they shook hands and then hugged.

“Thanks for having me and my men back.” He looked around, “I see you have invited others.”

“Ah, yes, he arrived moments earlier. A King.” He paused and looked around. There he stood.

“King Knud,” Jarl Sigurd said with some reservation.

“You two know each other,” Erick asked.

“I don’t believe we’ve ever met,” said King Knud as he stretched out his hand.

Jarl Sigurd looked at it for several moments before shaking it, “We’ve never met formally. But you knew my father, Harald.”

“Ah, yes, a fine man. We went on several raids. You had to be barely seven or eight years old then.”

Sigurd nodded, “I was eight. Too young to go with my father and brothers when he accompanied you to raid in Germany. My father and brothers never returned.”

“Yes, well, I lost a lot of great men on that raid. Your father and two older brothers were among many. I barely escaped with my life.”

It was awkward until a beautiful servant girl walked up with a pitcher, “Lords, may I offer you some ale?” she asked sweetly.

King Knud smiled, “Yes,”

“I know you and your men must be tired; sit and drink,” Jarl Erick insisted as he patted his friend’s back.

They walked toward the main table where Jarl Erick’s family and closest friends sat and ate. After he greeted the wives and spoke to the children, Sigurd sat across from Erick. The beautiful servant girl nearly dropped the food in front of Sigurd.

She apologized profusely. He reassured her it was fine. Jarl Erick smiled, “I think she wants to bed you.”

Sigurd grinned, “She’s beautiful indeed.”

“When do you plan to take a wife? Have children”

“I was married before I left.”

Erick’s eyes widened, “Congratulations.”

“It was sudden, but I think it’s going to work out. At least that’s what the seer says.”

“Do you not love her?”

He sighed. He saw the way Erick was with his wives and children. He longed to have something genuine like what he admired, “I’m sure in time, I will.”

Erick took a deep breath. He saw how Sigurd looked over at King Knud. He had never heard Sigurd mention Knud before. He was surprised at the perceived animosity Sigurd displayed moments before. “How long have you known King Knud?”

“I knew him before he named himself King. He was a Jarl when he asked my father to join him on a raid. The first two times, everything was great. They returned with so much coin and gold, that I could bathe in it. Then my father noticed how Knud would look at my mother. He challenged him on the matter. Of course, he denied it.”

Erick rubbed his beard, “You never told me.”

Sigurd shook his head, “I thought I’d never see that man again. My father and brothers went to raid with him. And that was the last time I, my sister and my mother ever saw them.”

“I am very sorry my friend. If having King Knud—”

“No. I’m fine. I would just caution you to watch all that you have around him.”

Erick looked over at King Knud who had his horn raised in the air, “Skol.”

“Skol,” Erick replied.

Ife, Northwest, Africa

Before the morning meal, Enofe made sure to leave. His wife questioned why he was leaving so early. He informed her that he had business to take care of. Since his father was well, he no longer had to meet at the square where members of the community brought issues to be decided upon.