Free

A wedding turning into a battle, a feast converted to a slaughter, a Viking band on the run.

Julia stood barefoot in the mud in front of the doors of the great hall in Dubh Linn. Through the thin veil that covered her face, she could see Princess Ailbi shivering in the cold spring air. It would soon be warm enough.

The doors opened slowly inwards by somebody not visible from the outside. Torches fluttered in the gloom inside, and between light and shadows there were figures. Unmoving, waiting. Like a gathering of cats waiting for a sparrow. Ailbi took a hesitant step, then another. She straightened her back and strode into the main hall. As terrified and proud as only a princess can be.

Julia followed her. To the left, her Irish companion pulled a foot up from the mud with a squelch. Soon, there were similar noises behind her as ten bridesmaids took their first steps towards the door to Torgils’s great hall.

Inside, Julia felt the warmth from the fireplace and the torches. And the cold from the men waiting for them. The enemy. Fear and anticipation sent a shiver through her body. The sudden movement drew many eyes to her. From behind her veil, Julia studied their faces. Closest to her, farthest from the throne, stood half a dozen tall men with broad shoulders, mighty fists, and golden rings and bracelets. They were veteran warriors, probably of Torgils’s hird.

The bridesmaids were surrounded. They were bait. The trap was set.

'Free' is the third book in the trilogy 'Viking Ventures'. Follow Ulv, Marcus, Julia and the whole band of Viking misfits as they change the course of history. In the epic story of 'Viking Ventures', you will meet real historical figures like Ragnar Lothbrok and Charles the Bald. You will bear witness to the occupation of Dublin and the siege of Paris. You will visit Hedeby and Rouen, and take part in battles, sieges and duels.