"...No need to shout, guardsman... let us just walk in."
The guards looked at Eirik, who simply nodded. The guards stepped aside and pulled the velvet curtains back, pushing the doors open.
"Ragnar."
The single, deep voice cut entirely through the room.
Ragnar froze. He stopped talking, his hand hovering over the table.
Slowly, Ragnar turned around... standing in the doorway of the Great Hall were Ulf and Sigrid.
Behind them, peering nervously around their parents, were his brothers and sisters. Sigrid stood quietly by the doorframe, a small smile on his face.
For a long moment, the Great Hall was silent. Queen Ermentrude and King Louis watched curiously, sensing the massive shift in the room's energy.
Gyda stood up from her chair, holding baby Floki, her eyes wide.
"Father..." Ragnar whispered.
Ulf smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He opened his arms. He clapped him hard on the back, laughing a deep, hearty laugh.
