The Vikings Mate Hunt by Maria Elise

It was a sunny day, as almost always. Rosalie wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand and continued to wash the laundry in the river. She has been taking care of the household since the age of six when her mother died during the birth of her brother.

"Two more blouses and I'll go," she said to herself, continuing to work. She muttered the melody of the song that her mother always sang to her before bed.

It was finally done, so she went home with the basket. Along the way, however, she couldn't help but notice the bushes of pink wild roses. She stopped and plucked several of them over the fabric of her apron. It was slowly getting dark. The sun took on a reddish-gold tone with orange highlights. The view was so beautiful that Rosalie stopped just to get a good look. She sat down on the grass and rested her head contentedly. It was almost dark when she got up and continued on her way home.

Suddenly she heard voices.

"Shut up," someone whispered in a hoarse voice. "Those tax collectors stayed in this house. We will attack at my command. "

"God, what should I do? Should I sneak up to the bell and ring the alarm or run home and warn the family? The first option is definitely correct, but what if my brother is playing outside? He doesn't know anything, and they kill him. What should I do? City or family? God, please help me. Okay, I have to decide. City or family? The bell is in the middle of the square and another is in the watchtower. There will be the raiders on the square and there will definitely be a guard in the watchtower who can ring the bell himself. So, family. Baby brother, I'm running. “

Rosalie ran to her home, leaving a laundry basket and a rose in the bushes.

※

She had already seen her brother, playing with a wooden horse in front of the house.

"Adrian, where's daddy?" She asked lovingly trying not to panic.

"At home, in the study. We can´t disturb him.” He smiled and an adorable dimple formed on his face.

"Come with me." The red-haired girl grabbed his arm and pulled him to his father.

Without knocking, she burst into the study and started, "Dad, we are being attacked. There are raiders in the village, probably Vikings again."

"Nothing will happen to us. Help me with the table.” He turned to his son. "Climb down the ladder and be quiet. Rose, you too.”

"Someone has to disguise the hatch with a carpet, or they'll find and kill us all," she said. "Hide and I'll hold them back, please."

"It's out of the question, they'll kill you. You are my only daughter," her father protested.

"Save yourself and Adrian. I'll take care of myself. Anyway, I'll have to leave and get married soon anyway. Which I really don´t want to. And if I save the two of you with this, I'd be so happy. If we don't see each other again, I love you both and will love you forever. Please go now, they'll be here any minute.” She hugged them quickly and after they entered the warehouse, she covered the secret door with a rug. Then she sat down in her father's chair, picked up her favourite book, made herself comfortable, and acted as if she were reading and didn´t suspect everything.

Many would wonder how it is possible for a woman to be able to read, write and count. Rosalie could only do this because she had to help her father with his work.

"What do I do? I don't want to die. Rose, look at that book! Make it look discreet! Don't worry, I have to pretend that nothing is happening. And I was supposed to get married in three years anyway. Who knows, maybe they'll kill me, maybe they'll take me with them. And then they'll kill me because they can't stand me. But if I save my father and brother, it will be worth it. After all, my brother will be able to take care of my father when he is older, while I would have to move out. But I don't want to die! I want to continue living here with my family. I have to have some fun. What will it look most noticeable? I won't stick to that book for very long. And if I went to cook? Evening, you should sleep now! And if I pretended to fall asleep on that table? No, it will still look unreal. I'll just read. Or at least pretend to read."

※

Soon after, she heard blows and voices.

"Search it here, there may be something valuable." The same hoarse voice.

Rosalie continued to focus on the book, pretending not to hear anything at all. When the intruders stormed into the room, she put on the most surprised expression and asked what they were doing here.

"We'll sell that girl for a lot of money, catch her." The leader commanded and two Vikings grabbed her arms and pulled her toward the door.

"Stop it. Don´t touch me you brute. Don´t you dare. Leave me alone or I´ll scream.“