Family

“I’m pregnant!” Astrid said.

Eiric, now 14, looks at Torsten who is just as surprised.

“Oh my! Congratulations!” Sigrun jumps with Astrid, “How far along are you?”

“Four months.”

“Four months?! Eiric, you’re going to be an older brother.”

“I am, I’m not sure how to be one.”

“Just don’t be as mean as Sigrun and you’ll be great.” Vilgur said.

“What was that?”

“Juist learn from Sigrun of course!”

“Congratulations, Torsten.” Keldan speaks with Torsten as the other four celebrate.

“She’s just been so happy with everything. Do you think it was careless?”

“I think you deserve to be happy as well. Everything is going well. We’ll soon be out of here. But, I think it’s time we involve them as well. They’ve grown stronger.”

“You’re right. I just hoped all would have been done before this. I’m sorry.”

“Hah, no need to apologize. All the people you’ve saved. Everyone here now is grateful to you, soon it will be my honor to say you are part of my family.”

“The honor is mine. I get to call the great warrior Keldan a brother. Those two became inseparable, didn’t they? I’m glad Sigrun is willing to deal with him, he can quite the handful because of his blessing.”

“Please, it’s Sigrun that can be a handful.”

“Hmph, you’re the handful dad!” Sigrun said from across the room, “Eiric, I’d like to cook for everyone today, come buy supplies with me. Vilgur, you’re coming as well.”

“What? Fine!” Vilgur said after a glare from Sigrun.

“Why do I have to be here as well? This is just a date for you two.” Vilgur said. Just ahead of him, Sigrun walks with her arms wrapped around Eiric’s left arm.

“Oh stop being jealous, I’m still your sister. And Eiric is my betrothed, I must let everyone know.”

“Oh, they know.”

“Ah! Young Sigrun and her valiant protectors, what brings you in today?” An older lady waves them over.

“I’m cooking for everyone today. You two, get fresh salmon for dinner.”

“Yes mam!” The two say as they walk further down the merchant street.

The young men are greeted by everyone they pass by. They live in a close-knit community and their efforts, alongside their families, have created an acceptance of demons in the past years. Keldan, for example, is a respected warrior well known for his efforts to help everyone in the village, though, their parents never mention their exploits outside of laughing at their own mistakes.

“Eiric, has Sigrun spoken to you about union yet?”

“Union? Like marriage?”

“Yes. Demon women are married at 16 as their horns grow to full length then. It’s important for them to do a union ritual or their horns make them sick.”

“Hmm, well, she always mentions that we’re going to marry, but never when or anything about the ritual.”

“Ah, that’s like her. She wants it to be your decision. I know Sigrun can be a handful, but she really does care for you.”

“You don’t have to worry, I love Sigrun as well. I hope to get Keldan’s and your blessing as well.”

“Haha, I’d be honored for you to be the one to marry her. I believe father would as well.”

“Then I’ll ask soon. Maybe after mom gives birth.”

“Hey you two! What’s taking so long?” Sigrun pokes both their backs.

“Oh, I was just asking Vilgur for his blessing to marry you.”

“M-marriage! Well, I am going to be 16 next year. Vilgur, did you tell him?”

“I did, why didn’t you?”

“I don’t want him to feel forced of course. It’s his decision. But I would force you too if you tried to run.” Sigrun winks at Eiric.

“Then I’ll surprise you when the time is right. Your horns have become quite beautiful.”

“Ah stop!” Smoke bellows from Sigrun’s ear, the group returning home soon after.

5 Months Later

“Ah, I’m going to be an older sister.” Sigrun skips back and forth next to the river, they wait here as doctors from the kingdom have to come to aid with birth.

“You already are.” Vilgur said.

“An older sister to a cute little girl, not a rascal. Eiric, are you excited?”

“I am. I hope to be a good older brother.”

“I’m sure you will be.”

Vilgur, Eiric, and Sigrun are frozen in place by a sudden arrival. A tall man wearing an expensive tunic and blue and white robe, the colors of the kingdom capital.

“Oh! They’re housing demons here as well. I’m sure that is the work of Torsten, isn’t it. Well, I’m not here to collect demons, I have no personal issues with them either. I’m here for you, Eiric, son of Torsten the heretic.”

The younglings, still frozen in fear by the magic surrounding the stranger, watch as the man approaches Eiric.

“Don’t worry. If you say you had nothing to do with your father’s actions you may receive a lighter sentence, hard labor is better than death in my opinion. You can still dream at night after all. Hmm, but that may be difficult. This whole village is filled with heretics. I guess that means I have to collect you two as well. Hm?” The man blocks a sword swing from Keldan, “The great warrior Keldan, so they’re your children.”

‘You three, go to Eiric’s house immediately!”

“Yes sir!” Awoken by Keldan’s order, the younglings run away. Despite worrying about Keldan, the three have been trained never to question such an order.

Inside Eiric’s house, the doctor from the kingdom is tied up and sitting in a corner.

“Oh! You three are ok, thank goodness. Sigrun, Vilgur, don’t worry about your dad, no one from the kingdom could kill him alone. And he’ll have backup soon. Now would you like to meet the newest member of our family?”

“Dad, is everything ok?” Eiric said.

“I’m sorry, son, we’re under attack as of now. But we can focus on that soon. Follow me.”

Inside the master bedroom, Astrid holds a baby girl in her arms. “Everyone, meet Eydis.”

Eiric stands closest to Astrid. Eydis only whimpers. On her arm are small blue rune letters.

“She’s blessed. Normally that would be the cause of this ruckus, but we never imagined this day would come. Torsten, it is time.”

“It is. You three, pay close attention. Your parents are the leaders of the revolutionaries. I’m sure you’ve always wondered why you live inside these walls, and why you need permission to leave amongst many other rules. We aim to free our people from this, not just here but every village under these rules. Also, we aim to stop the kidnapping of blessed children. Normally, Eydis would be taken from us and to the kingdom out of fear of the blessed losing control. We aim to keep children with their families, but also to help them remain themselves. Sigrun, I’m sorry for using your blessing all this time without telling you more, you’ve been of great help to us. As we speak, a large army from the kingdom surrounds our camp to take us in. But don’t worry, we will protect everyone. I’ve already ordered the preparations, you’ll be going to village northwest from here, the other villages will now begin to revolt and move to this village where a stronghold will be created. Now that the kingdom is aware of our efforts, we must move our plans forward. Eiric, I know this is a lot to ask for, but would you escort our people to this village? Your mother will be with you, but most of our soldiers will be needed here to hold off the kingdom, and possibly at the other villages as well. You’re strong, can you do this?”

“Of course. But, shouldn’t I stay to help as well?”

“No. They’ve brought some troublesome people, you three are not ready for such a battle yet. Astrid, I’m sorry my love.”

“Don’t apologize. Just make sure you all return, we need you.”

“Do you believe we’ll allow anyone to escape, Torsten the heretic.”

“Dad!” Eiric lunges forward, deflecting the sword strike aimed at his father’s heart.

“That’s my boy, Prir gust.” Three runes appear behind Torsten, a gust destroys the house and sends the attacker flying into the wall of the village, “He’ll be back. Eiric, Sigrun, Vilgur, take care of everyone who can’t fight. I believe in you.”

“Can you stand?” Sigrun rushes over to Astrid and helps her out of bed.

“Dad.”

“Eiric. You don’t understand how proud I am of you. Your talented but humble, strong but kind, I haven’t worried that you would change since the day we found out about your blessing. It is time, my son, you must protect them.”

“I will. I promise.”

Eiric and the others leave for the northern end of the village where a secret exit exists, Torsten smiling as they leave.

“Now then, you dared to attack my family. How many pieces would you like your body in?” Torsten said.

“Torsten the heretic, I will be the one to bring you in.”

“You’re welcome to try.”