By the latter half of their journey, Ragnar could no longer endure the distance between himself and his family. The separation gnawed at him relentlessly, stripping away his patience until nothing remained but urgency to return home.
Unable to bear another moment away from her, he finally broke from the group. Mounting his horse, he rode ahead, leaving behind the survivors and the men escorting them, comfortable in the knowledge that his men were all capable and the job will be done properly with or without him present.
His path was set firmly toward Amris. He urged his horse forward, riding as fast as it could take him. The memory of Circe nearly collapsing in his arms within the cave burned vividly in his mind, fueling his need to reach her.
