Tyranny of Steel

When Berengar awoke the next day, he found himself once more in the hidden valley where the clan of Vikings continued to follow their old traditions. He lied in the arms of Brynhildr, who pressed his head into her hefty bosom. The Valkyrie was still asleep, and did not dare let go of the man she had found herself intertwined with by virtue of fate.

A memory flashed in Berengar's minds, as he enjoyed the substantial, yet soft mounds that he used as a pillow. The night before, he had gotten into a conversation with Odin, who said something that forever changed his perspective on the woman in his arms, and her young daughter.

"So Brynhildr has told you about her history with the mortal realm? I was a bit surprised that she was so willing to be honest about her past. What she doesn't know is that the trauma she suffered is exactly the reason I sacrificed so much to bring you into this world.

Normally, I would have waited an additional few centuries before a more suitable host was available for your spirit to inhabit. After all, the original Berengar of this world was just barely a viable candidate. Preferably, I would have bided my time until after the enlightenment before I summoned you into this world.

However, Loki's actions were so reprehensible that I felt compelled to deal him a mortal blow as swiftly as possible. Thus, in retaliation for his attack on Brynhildr, I summoned you, so that you may dismantle everything he has built over this past millennium. And what a marvelous job you have done in this regard!

While you were building an empire and enjoying your life to the fullest extent, Brynhildr and her daughter were suffering in a remote corner of the world. You could say that your fates are intertwined with one another. I'm just glad the woman has moved past her trauma, and found a man she loves. I give the two of you my blessing, so don't go breaking her heart!"

These words repeated themselves in Berengar's mind as he reflected on everything he had been through over the past fourteen years. While he was thinking about these matters, a scream filled the longhouse, which startled Berengar and caused Brynhildr to awaken from her slumber.

"Mother, what the hell? Why is Berengar in your bed? You barely even know the man!"

Lying on the bed were the naked figures of Berengar and Brynhildr, though the sensitive areas of their bodies were covered by a reindeer fur blanket. Standing opposite to them was the young girl Siv, who was furious at what she was witnessing.

The voluptuous Valkyrie raised from the bed, and in doing so exposed her breasts as she wiped her eyes in an attempt to combat her groggy state. The act of which caused Siv to look away in embarassment.

It was only after a few seconds passed did Brynhildr realize she was back at home. When she did so, she wore a warm smile on her pretty face before kissing Berengar on the lips, all while acting as if it were the most natural scenario in the world.

"Siv, say hello to your new father, Odin himself has approved of our union. Which means, as far as I am concerned, we are now husband and wife."

Berengar was stunned when he heard this news, and gazed upon the mature beauty with an incredulous look in his mismatched eyes. Married? Since when? Why didn't anybody tell him about this? Is that what that old bastard meant by giving his blessing? In this moment, Berengar could only imagine Odin looking down upon him and laughing at his current state.

He had initially intended to keep Brynhildr and Siv in this secluded village as a secret from his wives, and only visit them once every three months. However, judging by how the Valkyrie was clinging to him at this very moment, such an outcome now seemed like a distant dream.

The word father, visibly upset the teenage girl, who was well aware just how big of a piece of shit her biological father truly was. In her naivety she had gone to find Erik, because her mother would never speak of who he was, only to find herself in an abusive environment. One she had no chance of escaping from.

If not for Berengar, she likely would still be living in that tiny hovel, eating from the scraps, and wearing old worn out clothing passed down from another family member. Thus, after simmering for a few moments, Siv calmed herself down, as she began to question just what her mother had done the night before.

"Yesterday, when you told me that you would be visiting Valhalla, I never expected that you would bring a man home. Much less get married in my absence. You've known this man, for what, three days? Four? I just can't fathom why you would do such a thing!"

Brynhildr did not feel like explaining herself to her daughter. Even though she didn't know the specific details regarding how her fate was tied to Berengar, she had felt the connection in the depths of her soul from the moment she first came into contact with him.

Four days were more than enough for her to fall in love, especially after witnessing the lengths the man was willing to go to just to prove himself worthy of a declining pantheon of long forgotten deities.

Brynhildr simply responded to her daughter's questions with a vague comment while dressing herself in front of Berengar and Siv, who were watching the woman with multiple questions in their minds.

"You just need to know that he and I were fated to be together. Let us leave it at that. Now, who wants breakfast?"

Without waiting for a response, the woman ran off to the kitchen area of the longhouse, where Siv was quick to follow, all while unleashing a torrent of questions which her mother refused to answer.

As for Berengar, he got dressed in his clothes before sitting down at the table, waiting for his breakfast. His mind was filled with thoughts regarding how he would handle his relationship with Brynhildr.

'As far as German law is concerned, Brynhildr is not my wife, and I only have one slot left, which should be reserved for an important political marriage. However, the relationship between us surely isn't as shallow as the ones I have with Tlexictli, Anggraini, Priya, and Khorijin. Which means she will probably fall on the same level as Henrietta. As in, she is my wife in everything but name.'

Very quickly, Berengar was able to deduce where Brynhildr would fall in his harem's hierarchy. The only question he was unsure of was how his wives and lovers would react to him bringing another woman into their home.

Brynhildr could tell there was a bit of unease in Berengar's mind regarding their recent union, and thus when the woman set down his food at the table, she climbed into his lap, and whispered something in his ear.

"I know you have many beautiful women by your side. If my daughter and I are a burden to you, we can remain here in Iceland. Your wives will never have to know about us. All I ask is that you visit us a few times a year. I promise you I will do everything I can during your visits to make you happy. What do you think?"

Berengar gazed upon the mature beauty with a hint of shock in his mismatched eyes. He could tell by the expression on Brynhildr's gorgeous face that she actually did not want to leave the village behind, and had similar thoughts to himself regarding their relationship.

This left the man smiling as he nodded his head in agreement with the words his newest 'wife' had spoken. In doing so, he released the woman from any worries she might have about being dragged away from her home.

"I think that's a wonderful idea. I just have one question. You're immortal, right? So when I finally perish from this world, will you be able to join me in the afterlife?"

This comment caused the woman to giggle as she nodded her head before responding.

"I'm a Valkyrie. It's my job to ferry the souls of the valiant dead into Valhalla's gates. You should know that I have the means to traverse through the various planes of existence. I will have no problems getting into whatever little slice of heaven Odin cooks up for you and your family.

When you and my children finally pass from this world, I will have nothing left to bind me here, naturally I will come to live with you then. However, I have a question for you as well. Just how will you explain my existence to your many lovers when I suddenly appear in your afterlife claiming to be your wife?"

Berengar could only imagine the fury Linde would have if he kept Brynhildr's existence a secret from the woman. Linde knew everything there was to know about her man, any and all secrets were strictly taboo in their relationship.

If Linde were to only find out about Berengar's little dalliance in Iceland after her death, she was likely never to forgive him. An eternity with a pissed off Linde was the worst hell that Berengar could imagine.

This caused a shiver to go down the man's spine as he gazed up at his newest 'wife' and immediately decided that he would inform his other wives of her existence the moment he returned home. Upon seeing the newfound resolve in the mismatched eyes of her 'husband', Brynhildr smiled before asking another question which plagued her mind.

"Now that you have passed your trials, and learned of the reason behind your existance, what do you plan to do?"

There was not the slightest bit of hesitation in Berengar's voice, as he wrapped his arms around his bride, and told her the words she wanted to hear most.

"I will bring Erik to justice for the crimes he has committed against you and your daughter. Then, I will establish Iceland as a protectorate under my dominion. Where I will reside here for some time, ensuring that the revival of the Germanic faith is a smooth process. Only after I have set Iceland upon this path will I return home, and in doing so, put an end to my rivals in the East. But first, I think I need to give you a son..."

The Valkyrie's cheeks flushed red when she heard this shameless remark. As for Siv, she was in the middle of eating when she heard Berengar's words. The teenage girl nearly choked on her eggs when she learned that she would be getting a little brother soon. Her mother's response was even more shocking.

"I don't doubt your ability. After all, Freyja long ago blessed you with the ability to conceive a son as your firstborn child with any women you share your bed with. In fact, I look forward to experiencing this gift myself!"

Siv could only respond in disgust, as she stood up from her seat and took her meal outside, no longer willing to gaze upon her mother and her shameful behavior. With his trials completed, Berengar intended to do exactly as he said he would. Thus, in the coming days, Erik's slave empire was about to come crumbling down.