Heike steered his horse off the road to a nearby stream before he dismounted the animal, leading it closer to the water to offer it a well-deserved break on this hot summer day. It was the perfect opportunity to freshen up as well.

He was just about to take off his helmet, when he registered a small movement. Instinctively his hand grabbed for the hilt of his sword and he crept closer.

His eye locked on a viking pagan, wading through the water barefoot, collecting herbs.