Three months have passed; Golm and Ragnar sent more messengers to call more of their allies. Many of their allies accepted and would soon arrive in the city. Meanwhile, the people have been creating more weapons and shields; many have begun to train themselves in sword fighting. Sophia was among the Vikings and Shieldmaidens, training their sword-fighting, which she got better with. Many were impressed with her skill, but they also heard her talents with healing. Within three months, Brynhild proposed that Sophia train a group of healers who would help them during battle and help treatable wounds when necessary.

Sophia and the other leaders thought it was a good idea. Sophia knew she, Estrid, and Maja couldn't heal everyone alone. Many healers were both men and women interested in healing; Sophia was the primary teacher. Maja believed the young woman had more knowledge than she did but helped teach the fifteen-person group. It was difficult initially, but the group of interested healers eventually began to understand many ways to heal and what plant life to use on certain wounds and illnesses.

The young woman also couldn't forget the night of her and Ragnar's consummation. It was her first experience of being touched by a man. Estrid and Maja noticed something off about her, but Sophia tried to be silent about it. However, the two women realized what happened and didn't judge her. She and Ragnar would still meet once in a while away from the eyes of others. Ragnar decided to make Sophia his wife once the battle was over.

Sophia was about to face another shieldmaiden when she began to feel nauseated; she ignored the feeling. The two began with their training, and their swords collided. The two women would swing their swords and would block one another. While training, the nausea started to get stronger, and she knelt to the ground. Everyone watched in concern; the shieldmaiden stopped and went to her. "You look unwell."

"Yes, I have nausea that is too strong. I have been tiring myself."

"You have. You need to go and have rest."

Sophia nodded as she gave her sword to another shieldmaiden and walked toward her house. Estrid and Maja were inside cooking when they noticed her. "Sophia, I'm surprised you ended training so early."

"I haven't been feeling well. I have been a bit faint and nauseous, and the nausea has become stronger."

Maja was silent while looking at her. "When was the last time you have bled?"

The women were silent; Sophia stilled. "It-It has been a while. I-I..."

"Lay down, and I will examine you. You may be a great healer, but there are certain things that you may not know." Maja went to Sophia, who lay down on her cot. The older woman gently examined her stomach, womb, breasts, and womanhood; Estrid stood close to the woman as she watched.

Sophia lay down in silence while Maja examined her; her heart beat in anticipation and nervousness. Maja finished as she washed her hands. "You are with child."

Estrid and Sophia were stunned and didn't know how to respond. Eric, who was asleep, woke up and gurgled. Estrid went to pick up the child, who grew within three months. "Sh-She is pregnant!? Are you confident that it is not a misunderstanding?"

"I have examined many women; my knowledge does not fail me." Maja looked at Sophia, who slowly sat up and put her hand over her womb. "Now that you are with child, it is best not to strain yourself with this training. It is also not wise to fight in this war or you will risk losing the child."

"I-I can't believe that I am pregnant. It was just that one time. I-I swore to avenge Fridleif and..."

"Sophia, you must stop feeling guilt for Friedleif's death. He died like a Viking at such a young age. He-"

Estrid wasn't able to finish her statement as someone entered the house. "He made his choice, Sophia." Ragnar entered the house with a sword in hand.

"L-Lord Ragnar, did you-?"

"I heard everything. I would visit either way since I heard Sophia wasn't feeling well." He was silent as he walked to Sophia, who looked down to the floor. Once, Ragnar stood before her and gently put his hand over her womb. It was quiet between everyone, but the Viking broke the silence. "You will not fight in this battle."

"Ragnar, I-"

"I know you are a warrior in body, heart, and mind, but things are different now. You now have to think like a mother. You have to think of our child; we cannot let Itzvar find you or know of this. I lost a child due to my neglect and selfishness; I can't let this happen again." The young woman bit her lips. She didn't want to stay on the sidelines, but now that she found out she was pregnant, she couldn't think of what she wanted. Sophia knew that Ragnar was right and couldn't fathom what would happen if Itzvar knew the truth. "A messenger arrived a while ago; he came from my village. Itzvar asked for our complete surrender, or war would happen on the sixth full moon. Of course, Golm told the messenger that we choose war; I'm certain he's gathering allies."

"So war is certain?" asked Estrid.

"Yes, worry not. You and the others will hide elsewhere when the war happens. You and Maja will be in charge of helping our child be born."

Sophia bit her lower lip. "I'm scared, Ragnar. I-"

She was interrupted when a woman and her child entered; the child looked sick. "Forgive us, but my daughter is ill and needs medicine."

"I will see you later. I must help prepare more weapons." Ragnar walked out while Maja went to the mother and daughter. Estrid put baby Eric down on the cot while Sophia stood in silence. She wanted to tell Ragnar about the last part of the dream where she had a bloody dress. Sophia wondered if Odin was telling her it was almost her time.