Chapter 3 Viking Encounter

King Erik had been delighted to receive the letter of introduction from Lord Locksley. He was greatly encouraged. If a noble couple had found their way to Grunwald, perhaps there are others. He decided to visit a great ship he had seen docked.
Queen Matilda was most eager to join her husband on his great explore. Erik didn't want her to come along. He feared their might be only skeletons, or worse, dead bodies. The few servants that survived the plague did a great job cleaning and restoring the castle and a few other buildings, but it was unlikely they bothered with the ships. He also didn't want to frighten Matilda with the idea.
Erik gazed at his lovely wife. Did she sway just a little as she stood? He could pretend he didn't think it was due to being so excited to go. He hated to disappoint her.
"My lovely Queen, you seem a bit unsteady on your feet. Perhaps you should rest." Matilda's face fell. "Or perhaps the fresh air will do you some good."
What was he doing? Would that sparkle in her eyes be there after seeing half rotted bodies?
As they arrived at the ship, Matilda held his arm tightly.
"Erik...", she said softly. "I'm not feeling so well... Would it be rude of me to leave after greeting..."
"Not at all." Erik was relieved.
There seemed to be more than a ship here. The buildings he saw were built around trees, which was likely why he hadn't noticed them from a distance. He found the design quite clever.
They were soon greeted by a booming voice.
"I am Lord Sven Lionheart, who might you be?" It was more a challenge than a question. King Erik looked up to see a viking up a flight of wooden stairs, clearly an advantage.
Before he could stop her, Matilda rushed forward. She curtsied before the large man.
"I am Queen Matilda Lovejoy, wife of King Erik Lovejoy. Welcome to our kingdom, the Kingdom of Grunwald." Her innocent voice sounded like gentle music.
The viking's voice became surprisingly gentle.
"Your Majesty, I am most pleased to meet you."
Lord Sven, turned toward King Erik. "Please, join me on my ship. We can talk there."
"I will leave you 2 men to your talk."
Erik couldn't have been more pleased with his wife, already a fine queen.
Sven the Lionhearted told King Erik he had seen one of the signs he had posted. He had gathered what people his ship could hold and brought them.
"There weren't many people to be found Your Highness. Those that did are likely settled by now. There aren't likely to be many others."
"I hope you also plan to stay. I would be happy to count you among my noblemen."
The gruff viking had never been under a king's rule. He felt ready now to settle in to one place, which is why he had come. He had so long been a kingdom of 1, he had not expected to be this king's noble.
"I would be most honered Your Majesty."
Later that night Sven discussed the visit with his wife over dinner.

"A king and queen? Oh Sven, I wish I could have seen them."

"I'm sorry Brooke. I should have introduced you. It's in my nature to protect what is mine...even when it doesn't need protecting."

Lady Brooke laughed. Lord Sven wondered again if his wife was named for the sound of her laughter.

"Am I really to be a noblelady?" When Lord Sven found Brooke she had been in hiding alone so long, she had no memory of another living person. She had no clues to tell her of her parentage. She could be of any class. It mattered not to Sven.

"You have always been a noblelady in my eyes my lovely wife."