Sophia's eyes widened as Arne kissed her. Her body felt as if turned to stone, and the only thing she felt was Arne's cold and wet lips. She then regained her composure and separated from the kiss. "A-Arne, what...?"

"You were stunning in there. You held such confidence and fearlessness. I never met a woman like yourself." The young woman was still confused about why Arne would kiss her. Looking into his eyes, they held different emotions, but she felt his admiration and something else. "You are more than a beauty. You hold courage and strength that is uncommon in other shieldmaidens."

"Arne, what are you trying to say?"

"I-I cannot hold my feelings for you for much longer. When I first saw you, I thought you were just an ordinary beauty, but my perception changed when you defended yourself against Lagertha and our enemy. You are also a talented healer, and I realized that you are one of a kind. You are the woman that I truly want."

Sophia felt her heart beating rapidly as Arne confessed to her. She felt her body warming up and tried to think of something to say. "Arne, I-I don't know what to say. However, your words move me beyond belief. I-I think that this isn't the best time. Itzvar and his allies are still a threat to us. Some of us might die in the fight; even I can be next. I don't want to break your heart if that happens."

Arne sighed. He had a sense that Sophia didn't want to be entirely honest. He knew it was because of Ragnar. Although Sophia was a skilled healer and fighter, she still had a kind and vulnerable heart. He knew that she didn't want to hurt anyone. However, Arne didn't want to keep his feelings hidden anymore. However, Arne couldn't deny that Sophia's lack of response quenched his stomach. "I know you hold feelings for Ragnar. I can't blame you or anyone who feels that way. Who would not desire Ragnar Lothbrok? He is a strong and powerful man that the gods have blessed."

"Some women may desire him for that reason, but I see him as an ordinary man, like yourself, Arne. You think I hold Ragnar in high regard because of his reputation, but I view him as an ordinary man with a heart for his people."

"What about me?"

"I also view you as a man, Arne. However, I do not know you entirely. I will not deny that you helped train me, and I will never forget it. However, do you have feelings for me or for what I can do?"

This confused Arne, and as he was about to respond, he saw Sophia looking the other way. "Brynhild and the others are here!" she ran toward the group arriving in the city. Brynhild rode in front of the group, and many looked exhausted or traumatized from what had happened previously. Sophia stopped midway. "Lady Brynhild, I'm happy you and everyone arrived safely."

Brynhild commanded her horse to stop and got off her horse; her hair looked slightly in disarray. "Yes, the gods have been by our side. What of Ragnar?"

"I got the arrow out safely and healed his wound. He's resting, and his wound will take several days to a week to heal. I know you are tired from your journey, but Lord Golm wants to talk with both of us."

"I imagine he would. I am certain that adding more people to his city will cause a stir. Lead me to him." 

Sophia and Brynhild walked into the city, and many of the city people went to the group of people to assist them. Sophia glanced at Arne, who stood still while looking at her, but he then walked away to another part of the city. She bit her lip and felt terrible for giving him the response he wanted, but she didn't want to lie. Eventually, the women were outside Golm's household, and Golm sat by a long wooden table while his wife was cooking something. "Ah, Brynhild. It has been a long time since we had seen one another." Golm stood from his seat.

"Indeed it has. Apologies for the lack of announcement. I am certain all of this is a shock."

He chuckled as he motioned both women to sit on the chairs. "Not entirely. What I found shocking was that Ragnar and the young woman here left without informing me or my sons." Golm looked at Sophia; he wanted an explanation.

Sophia knew Golm was upset with her and Ragnar for not telling him their plans. However, she remembered that there was a traitor in their midst, and if she told Golm that, then word would spread within the city and to the traitor. She couldn't afford that to happen but decided to say some parts of the truth. "It's all my fault, Lord Golm. I had another vision and saw Lady Brynhild and her people getting attacked by the enemy. I convinced Ragnar that we should warn Lady Brynhild and her people to leave and come to your city where they would be safe. What I found was that this man, Frode, was the one who ordered the attack."

"Frode was always the coward. He would always prefer to attack in the shadows! He dare attack my home and people!" growled Brynhild.

"He and I fought, but I managed to injure him, but he escaped before the others arrived to help me and Ragnar."

It was quiet between the leaders, but Brynhild crossed her arms. "My people and I are indebted to her and Ragnar. If they hadn't arrived when they did, then the outcome would have been even more tragic. I imagine that her visions have saved many lives since action was taken. I know we burden you and your people much, but my people and I are happy to help your city until we decide what to do next."

As Golm was about to speak, Sophia beat him to it. "There is nothing else but to fight against Itzvar and his men. He will only keep attacking us like cowards. The only way to stop him is to declare war. However, we can't do it alone. We need allies to help us."

Brynhild and Golm looked at one another, stunned. "The others are hesitant to confront Itzvar; they fear it would get his attention," said Brynhild.

"Look, Itzvar's goal is to conquer, and he will go after everyone. If we want him to be stopped, we must unite and stop him. Please, Lord Golm, we won't know peace if we choose to do nothing."

It was silent once again until Golm sighed as he massaged his forehead. "Very well, I won't deny that you have a point. I will send word to our allies to meet here and speak to join forces."

Sophia's eyes widened, but she sighed in relief. Brynhild glanced at her and chuckled. "I can see why Ragnar has feelings for her."