The Day I Had Been Waiting For

Today was the day I have been waiting for since the beginning of Spring when Leif left on his journey. My father and I had begun to pack up the remains of the furs he didn’t have the opportunity to trade while I counted the silver when I overheard the nearby blacksmith say that a large Viking ship was docking. Accidentally, I dropped the silver and instantly asked what ship. He said, “The Long Serpent.” I gasped. That was Leif’s ship. My heart began pounding as I began to run towards the dock. I saw beat up and tired looking men unloading mounds of furs, silver, and old books. Their once colorful shields that bordered the ship were tattered and faded. Their beards were longer and the sails were worn. Also, I noticed a few new people on board. Two were two older men with large crosses on their necks and the other was a young woman about my age. They appeared distraught, scared, and hungry. I had never seen a ship bring home foreigners. However, my curiosity about Leif quickly overshadowed my concern for the newcomers.
Panicked and overwhelmed by the commotion within the town and the townspeople, I peered through the crowd in attempt to see my husband. Was he alive? Did he die in battle? Is he okay? Where is he? Suddenly, I felt someone grab my hand. First I thought it had to have been my father trying to get my attention when I turned around, my eyes flooded with tears. There he was. I had missed those familiar eyes but at the same time, he looked so different. He smiled and gave me a long hug. I had missed his company so much and I had worried about him for so many nights. And now, he was finally home. Without words, I could tell he was exhausted so I simply grabbed his small bag and his ax as we made our way towards my father’s trading station. But before we began to walk, he stopped me and told me to wait. He bent down, searched through his small leather bag, and pulled out a beautiful sapphire brooch. Quietly, he placed the necklace around my neck and smiled. I didn’t ask any questions, just thanked him for his thoughtfulness.
After a couple of hours catching up with my Father, Leif informed us that he had to stay in Kaupang for the night. Tomorrow morning, the captain would be divvying out the profit and collected items to the Vikings. I don’t know, Leif seemed like himself but so different in so many ways. I hated not knowing what his life was like for the five months. I felt as though I had missed out but still was just so ecstatic that he was home safe. He said he had managed to find a plethora of new furs and silver jewelry for us to trade. He also informed us that our second cousin, Fjorgyn, who was additionally on the voyage, was killed by a Frankish man defending a monastery. His ceremony would be tomorrow morning as well. His family will be given one of the monks as a slave. Slightly confused, I didn’t ask questions but rather just listened. It was after a few hours of talking and hearing about his trip when Leif mentioned that he would be returning to one of the locations he visited next spring. It was then that he asked me if I would like to accompany him for his next voyage. Once again, my heart sank and skipped a beat. I asked him to clarify and he said that the captain will be taking an additional team there to build a camp for an elongated stay. I asked if all the wives were going to be asked and Leif informed me that only a few Vikings were told they could ask. I guess Leif had should incredible bravery in battle and that he would be assisting the captain during the next voyage.
After a moment of silence, I looked towards the ocean at the most incredible sunset I had seen over the slightly snow capped mountains. I realized that it was then, at that moment, that my whole life would change. It was then that I realized that I too, was going to be able to see more of the world. It was then, that I was terrified and excited all at the same time. I glanced at Leif, reached for his hand, and told him yes, I would follow him.