Chapter 81 A Secret Name?

Hours passed and the day was coming to an end but Kattegat hadn't heard of Lagertha yet. There was good news however, Herfjötur was responding to the treatment recommended by Liv.

She came to visit her, something she did often as she thought that this was the only thing she was useful for.

She knew that Kattegat could not afford to lose a woman such as Herfjötur because she was not just a warrior, she was a symbol for the young girls growing up, this prompted Liv to take an active role in her treatment and it was because of her that Herfjötur pulled through.

The worst was over and her condition was stable but she was yet to open her eyes.

Liv did this previously and had left long before Ulrik ventured into the healer's place.

Ulrik was torturing his captive but he was not using physical violence, he watched as she could barely maintain her footing, and each time she slipped, the rope dug into her skin.

It felt like her wrists would be pulled off, it was excruciating.

"Are you ready to talk? I do not plan to kill you, I might leave you for Erik when he returns." Ulrik said this because he knew that Erik would be more than happy to handle things.

"Let me be honest with you, there is no way that you are leaving here alive. You have two choices here, die an honorable death and be granted Valhalla, or die a disgraceful one and be denied it." Ulrik said. He did not try to give her false hope and was blunt about it.

"This struggle is futile, why would you worry about another killing you when I have told you you aren't leaving her alive even if you tell me what I want but I can give you Valhalla…" Ulrik blurted out, he did not try to sugarcoat her situation because he knew she was aware of it as well.

"If I tell you what you want to know, will the execution be swift?" The lady asked but Ulrik shook his head.

"If Valhalla was that simple, everyone would get in. I have chosen the blood eagle for your execution." Ulrik said with a neutral face as he watched her face contort into one of horror, it was like she was screaming with her eyes.

"I am sure you are familiar with the blood eagle, aren't you?" Ulrik asked but regardless of her answer, he planned on explaining it either way.

The Blood Eagle was a ritual where the person to be executed was placed in a prone position, their ribs severed from the spine with a sharp tool, and their lungs pulled through the opening to create a pair of "wings" but there was a catch to this.

The person could only enter Valhalla if they did not show fear or scream when this ritual was ongoing for any sign of despair would deny their soul Valhalla.

This was a fitting punishment for her considering the damage she had done and with the presumed death of Lagertha. This way, it was entirely up to the captive as to if she would enter Valhalla or not.

He watched her face go from horrified to resolute in a short time and he knew at that moment that she had accepted his offer.

Ulrik could have lied and promised her freedom but she would have picked up on his bullshit so there was no point, she had no choice in the matter.

She proceeded to tell Ulrik all she had heard as well as who was responsible for the attack, and the moment he heard the name, his eyes opened wide because he could not believe it.

"What!?" Ulrik shouted but before he could proceed, a warrior came down to announce that Lagertha had returned and Ulrik rushed outside, instructing the warrior that informed him to stay and watch over the lady in captivity.

Lagertha was being supported by the girl that saved her, she had scaly skin and was assisting Lagertha. She could not believe how beautiful the main city was.

The only reason she was let through the barricade was because of Lagertha and this was her first time outside, she got a disdainful look but she was not bothered.

"Lady Lagertha!" Tiril called out in excitement, she ran towards Lagertha with open arms.

But Lagertha gestured for her to stay back because her body still hurt all over and the last thing she needed was pain from an embrace that was not even necessary.

"Who is she?" Tiril asked and Lagertha noticed the girl got nervous with this question.

"This… This is Garda. She is going to be living with me from now on," Lagertha said with a smile, " Garda had momentarily forgotten that she had a name.

"Yes, I am Garda…" She repeated after Lagertha with a smile but the look onTiril's face was full of questions.

"I will answer your questions later but I would have been dead without the girl beside me so treat her with the utmost respect," Lagertha said as the healers took her in.

She had already been informed by the other warriors during her journey here that Herfjötur was alright so she was calm as they took her inside the house that Herfjötur was in and Lagertha heaved the loudest sigh of relief.

Garda was allowed inside as well and she could not believe the structure of this building and the herbs that were placed around it. Garda had an interest in medicine and it was because of this interest that Lagertha was alive.

Lagertha sat on a free bed, she was glad that everything panned out, and then she saw Ulrik.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Lagertha asked Ulrik but Ulrik was relieved that what he heard was true.

"Lagertha! I am glad you are okay but I need you to tell me everything that happened last night!" Ulrik asked with urgency in his voice, what he heard in the dungeon made him uneasy and Lagertha knew something was up and chose to cooperate.