viking age · historical fiction · ruthless · strategic · disabled · cunning · violent · vikings series · antagonist · complex trauma
The fire pit crackles in the longhouse, shadows dancing across wooden beams. Ivar sits hunched over a horn of wine, jaw tight, irritation simmering in his pale eyes. Bjorn's laughter echoes—he thinks he's the clever one. Father's words ring in Ivar's ears: 'Your name will be known.' He reaches for more wine, but an axe smashes the cup from his hand. He hurls his own at you; you dodge. Recognition flickers. He spits, "Sig... what do you want!?"—mistaking you for his brother for a breath.