Looking forward

“Ernak it’s good to see you are awake” Ernak nodded joining the Jarl and his son at the table studying a map, “This is where you want to start Raiding?” Ivar shook his head before pointing to the location replied, “We aren’t powerful enough to raid it and then withstand the retaliation, it’s a big win if we can take it. It will grant us access to easier sea routes for raiding and cause trouble for Sigurd’s clans among others. To get passed or to use our waters they would have to pay a fee. However, like I said taking it won’t be simple. The good news is... I heard the current family ruling the land isn’t exactly in a good position. Something about over taxing the locals and Gorm’s nephew isn’t taking his role seriously. It causes a lot of tension between uncle and nephew and of course two sides to form.”

“Interesting theory but is it not our way to face battle head on. To die an honourable **** and seek Valhalla!” a hooded figure spoke studying the map next to him, Ernak looked around and noticing neither Björn or Ivar looked at him or took any notice, Ernak silently sighed understanding that only he could see him. “Not necessarily, why die when the plan is stupid!” Ernak replied and now understanding the room was actually paused or frozen the man looked up with his arms folded and spoke, “Fools leading fools. Let them be lead if they can’t think for themselves. Is it not the role of the clans people to listen and follow their Jarl no matter the order?” “Not when the order is suicide!” there was silence before hearing another booming voice, “Quite right, we aren’t all mad. There is more than one way to get your goals!” Ernak paused upon seeing the pale man whose body was covered in glowing lines and sheathed on his back was an giant sword, he unlike the other man wore armour and pointing to the map heard, “Logos, what are you doing here?” “I could say the same thing Odin. This is Freyja’s artefact not yours” “That doesn’t answer my question” “Doesn’t it? We were lovers and she implanted my personality and memories to her bow. We share this artefact like she shares mine; you are the imposter!” “I have to make sure Loki doesn’t succeed and with that I grant him my wisdom!” “No, your insanity. We knew of Loki’s interference and sort to stop him. You aren’t needed!” “CAN YOU BOTH JUST UP! I NEED TO THINK” Ernak yelled and pointing to the map Logos simply spoke, “Sneak in and kill the claimants and their support. Take them out and the clan’s people will panic, it will look for support and when you offer them better terms they will follow.” The image faded and returning to the scene before him Ernak offered, “Why not send a few men in to sneak in and **** the claimants and their support. We do that and in panic they will support us especially if we offer them lower taxes and better conditions. Perhaps they will even respect the prospect of peace and order” Ivar nodding smiled as the prospect before the group, “So are we doing this? If so when?” Björn excitedly asked and getting to work on the calculations Ivar spoke, “Within the week. We’ll get in as close as we dare in hope we aren’t spotted. Ernak will swim to shore and infiltrate village. Take out Gorm and his nephew Vilmar out, they will all have three key supporters. Take them out and signal for us to come to shore!” “Simple enough. Let’s prepared and decide upon the final points at another time. I have work in the stables to do.”

A few days later:

“Right got everything?” Ivar asked and nodding Ernak tested the blade nodded, “Your men ready in case we do have to fight?” he nodded before reiterating the point spoke, “Yes, if it goes wrong and you hear our horns. Create as much distraction as possible; make them believe they have already been attacked, confuse them and make them panic” Ernak nodded taking only his bow which he insisted on being with his person at all times and a axe, small but could easily be considered as an tool by the villagers, Ernak’s main point of concern was his skin tone, he clearly wasn’t a Norseman and just seeing him would cause suspicion; however there wasn’t time to worry about that they were planning to leave as soon as everyone was ready so kneeling for his gods Ernak began his ritual of preying to the gods, offering sacrifices and preying in order, ignoring the wagon approach the gates to the village and the arguments taking place, “I prey to you Harpocrates to make me a Shadow and make my actions silent, unaware to those who would punish me for such acts, I prey to Athena to grant me the wisdom I seek to help us make the right decisions and make the village see sense in our offers!” “Does he not know that Harpocrates was just an merchant who got lucky and stole from Zeus? And Athena? I’m standing right in front of him and he preys to her!” Odin snapped standing back to allow the bow wielder space to prey and Logos laughing spoke in response, “Well Athena isn’t nicknamed the mad one by most who followed her. She was calm and maybe not on your level of wisdom but she didn’t speak in soo many riddles” Ernak looked back at them causing both of them to fall silent but Ernak now seeing the wagon park up in the yard.

“You aren’t welcome here sister!” Estrid snapped watching the Frue dismount the wagon Torvi quickly followed suit jumping down with her shield sheathed with her axe looking for Ernak. Ernak walked down tightening his bracers meeting Torvi who smiling rushed up to him to hug him, “Ernak!?” “What are you doing here Torvi?” “My dearest father tried to sell me off to an rival clan, close to the river; tried to marry me to Gorm’s...” “Gorm’s nephew. Now that is an interesting turn up for the books. Isn’t it Ivar?” Ivar laughed nodding his wife farewell, “Wait where you two going?” Alfhild queried but nodding to his wife Estrid spoke, “Come sister, let’s hear your case and I’ll issue the many reasons why you aren’t welcome here anymore. You can also meet my daughter and see what happened because of your last decision to help us with those bandits...” they waited for both women to leave before nodding to each other started to push the boat towards the sea, “Where are we going?” Torvi queried joining in to which they looked back and Ernak spoke, “Just business. Well let’s just say Gorm and his nephew won’t be much of an problem afterwards!” Torvi’s smirk widened before pushing harder spoke, “Well let’s go then!”

“That’s the plan!” Ernak explained for the second time and nodding Torvi repeated, “So me and you will go ashore and target the leaders, simple enough!” “Not us, me. I need you to ready yourself with the others if any trouble happens” Torvi leapt into the water and sighing Ernak’s joined her, “I promised Lagertha to look after you and I will do so. Now let’s go!” when they reached the shore and lit a small fire to dry off Ernak stated the next part of his plan, “I’ll keep low and you will look around for their whereabouts, if I can find them beforehand then it’ll make the job easier. Just try not and draw any attention to yourself, okay?” “Of course Ernak. I’m surprised however that you haven’t asked how my sister is?” “I know how your sister is. Angry, betrayed and wants to kill them all!” “Well sort of, Alfhild wanted to make you Jarl apparently. Kill Erik and get rid of Ragnor and put you on the seat; none of us believe any of it apart for killing Erik but saying that we all want to kill him” Ernak laughed before nodding spoke, “I’m on the top of that list!” “Second, I’m on the top. Cant believe it, after Lagertha’s trouble he immediately tried to sell me off to Gorm’s nephew” “Yeah Vilmar is a bit of an loose canon by all accounts; He wouldn’t of treated you fairly. I expect you would have ended up like Porunn; I swear when I find those bastards I’m going to leave more than an scar on their faces!” “What happened?” and sighing feeling his clothes were still wet spoke, “I suppose we are going to be here for an while.”

“They what?! How is she?” “Physically scarred but it isn’t that bad but mentally... well there’s lasting damage; I can relate in being physically different but I can’t say much to help her confidence, what I can and will do is behead those fuckers and return pieces to their families and impale their heads on spikes to send an message out to everyone” she nodded before confessing, “They only offered their daughter in marriage per Sigurd’s and Alfhild’s advice; they came for support in a war against them! It’s all their fault” he growled before taken an breath to focus back on the task in hand spoke, “Like I said we will deal with them later. Ready?” she nodded as she spoke, “May your gods watch over you!” “And yours to Ernak!” he laughed before testing the blade once more spoke, “Well mine aren’t insane!” the village was quiet but keeping to the back watched as Torvi doing what she has always done best began to dig for information and Ernak also doing some ground work. “Gorm has sent this ale in as a token of good faith, he wants to address Vilmar’s requirements and wishes for an peaceful negotiation on taking over from him. Even the idea of taking that Torvi woman as a wife or mistress!” the guard spoke and sliding in closer to hear one of Vilmar’s guard spoke, “Well well well. He must feel bad to hand over his finest ale to us. Come with me and we’ll wait for his response” “What about the Ale?” the guard sighed before studying the door spoke, “I’m not lugging that in here for him to refuse it and have to take it out again. Leave it here!” he nodded following him in and smirking Ernak casually walked up to the barrel and begin to undo the top. “Shame I have to ruin such ale!” Ernak muttered shaking the poison up and pouring it into the hole and retightening it quickly fell back to cover, “It’s an start. Vilmar will need more than ale to listen to Gorm’s offers!” the diplomat nodded before leaving the house and hearing the door shut Ernak immediately began to rig up an bomb that would at the least cause the poison to be set ablaze, so attaching to the door step quickly began to tail his next targets.

“I’ve tracked one down and he’s sleeping permanently on a bench. The other two are in Gorm’s house. Where is it?” Ernak pointed to the house beneath them before commenting, “Vilmar and his 3 allies are or will be dead. It’s just an matter of whether it was poison or by explosion. Leaving us with 3. I say we draw one out and take them out and then deal with the remaining two” however with an massive boom and an burning house the villagers and Gorm’s party rushed out before hearing distant horns Gorm yelled, “We’re under attack. To arms men, to arms! No... not Vilmar.” Ernak drawing his bow and killing one of the clearly (by their clothes) advisors watched Torvi pick off the guards as he slit the seconds throat leaving Gorm to sigh and turning around snapped, “Who the fuck are you?” “They call me Örlendr!” “Örlendr? Wait the boy from Sigurd’s clan. We are allies! What are you doing?” Ernak smiled seeing the Warriors of Ivar storm the land Ernak simply yelled out, “Sttttooooopppp!” the warriors stopped and seeing the defenders stop in fumbling for weapons Ernak spoke, “We want your land, we are willing to charge less tax to the people and treat them better than you previously have. Your heir is dead and so is your support. This can end in needless bloodshed or we settle this with honour!” “Holmgang with Ivar? Easy!” Ernak shook his head before stating, “With me. We win, this is our land now, you win and Ivar will pay you 80% of his treasury and 20% of the neutral land, including the main trade road!” he nodded watching the circle form and each drawing their weapons, Ernak with the dual blade where Gorm favoured two large axes.

Gorm swung his axes coming immediately on the offensive but using this time and dodges to his advantage Ernak studied the swings and rolling to the left strikes into his arm imbedding with his blade rolled back to pull out his axe and throw it towards Gorm who moving out of the way I pulled the sword from his arm and threw it to the ground dropping one of his axes, “Lucky shot boy! But now we won’t have any of this roguish shit and have two swords. Weapon against weapon!” Ernak knew the weakness and knew the target so waiting for an chance tried another strike was met by an clanging headbutt from Gorm causing Ernak to fall back and scamper back to his feet, Gorm stormed forward and trying another swing cried out in agony when Ernak’s blade went through his leg. He fell and dropping his axe attempting to pull the wedge weapon free but eyes growing wide watched as Ernak drew his knife and ran towards him using the pummel of the sword as a step to reach Gorm’s throat, blade shining against the sun’s beam which soon wouldn’t be the case and bedding the blade through the throat Ernak yelled as the scene froze once again however this time it was different.

Gorm now had the sword free from his knee but nevertheless was crawling against the floor trying to find a way to pull himself up Ernak watched to see Odin appear with Logos in tail standing either side of Ernak, “Weak and cocky” Logos spoke to which Odin responded with, “He fought with honour and died an warriors ****, this is what our warriors are but I don’t want someone so foolish in my feast halls!” Logos laughed before stating, “You already said this is what qualifies people to enter Valhalla... Ernak should send him there” “Please. My axe” Gorm struggled out, Ernak picked it up and holding above him heard Gorm ask, “Why did you do this?” “Nothing personal but Sigurd’s clan screwed me over so it’s payback against them and especially Erik!” “****?! ****?! Is this what it’s all about. We were just the sacrifice” he spat in one final comment before his eyes fell shut gripping onto his axe which Ernak placed down on his chest to which Logos spoke, “If this wasn’t necessary then I would agree” “It is necessary to stop Loki. Nothing should stop you from get what you want” “No don’t listen to him! Caution must be taken; Odin never and his selfish actions let the world perish and started an war he could never win!” Ernak looked back before yelling once to them, “SHUT UP!” they both once again nodded freeing him from the frozen scene in front of him, “I must see the Seer, after this!”

Ernak reached for his swords and sheathing them Ivar joined his side with Björn looking down at the lifeless body spoke, “It’s our now” Björn spoke but shaking his head Ernak stated, “It’s yours Björn. Treat them well!” he nodded before turning to address the people with Ivar, Ernak with Torvi began to trudge off and find somewhere quiet. “Job done?” Torvi spoke wiping the blood off her axe heard him state, “One step closer on turning the screw on Sigurd” she nodded before asking, “What next?” he shrugged before offering, “I have work to do in the stables maybe you could come and help me” she smiled before sheathing her axe wiping her hair from her face accepted, “I won’t be going back whatever happens, I’m yours!” “Torvi...” she shook her head before raising her hands up joked, “Wow wow I didn’t mean it like that but I’m your Drengr if you need my help!” Ernak laughed before accepting her arm in his, he slammed his hand against her shield in a thud before stating, “Well come on then Shieldmaiden, we have work to do!”

“I’m... I’m sorry for Porunn’s state, we didn’t know they were like that” “Too late now. What’s done is done, but what is going to happen to them I can’t vouch for” “What do you mean sister?” Estrid smirked before commenting, “Your boy, Ernak. He has lit an fire under Ivar; he isn’t content with just surviving but instead he wants to push outwards and both see eye to eye. Those bandits... well Ernak wants their heads and Ivar well he always wanted them to suffer” “I thought Ernak wanted to leave?” “He did but after hearing our proposal... well let’s say he put these plans on hold” “Good because we have come here to discuss peace terms. We are willing to offer him the stables, an house, a wife of his choice and a sum of 2,000 gold, not just that but also his own warrior band, longship and political freedom. We are also discussing the idea of co-ruling with his brother” Estrid laughed before stating, “I’m not hearing the one word to convince him to agree to it and unlike you I will look out for his OWN interests, whether they are right or wrong. Lagertha, hand her over and we can discuss new terms” “New terms. What do you mean new terms? Where is he anyway!” Estrid got up to fetch the map and sticking her clans emblem on the coast spoke, “Gorm’s territory, you know the one you all tried to sell Torvi off to. Well you won’t be able to do that anymore. He like Vilmar will be dead in an shallow grave and my son will be ruling that area. That means new taxes to use OUR port and seas, but not just that with the new land we will be able to secure and join the trade routes leading to yours and others clans. It’s going to get very expensive pretty quick if you don’t give us Lagertha!” Alfhild laughed before slamming her clench fist to the table spoke, “You want a war? Sigurd and Erik will never submit to Ivar!” Estrid laughed before getting up spoke, “By all means. It just means Ernak will be able to get his justice against you lying bitch” Alfhild looked down before nodding pleaded, “Sister let’s not do this. We’re family and a sensible agreement can be reached. I know fire runs through your veins and your coldness is only matched by the snowy mountain tops but people don’t need to die. I can’t give him Lagertha like I can’t give her him, hell I even tried to make Ernak her paramour but I know neither would accept it” Estrid laughed before exclaiming, “Yeah it would be an embarrassment for your family if the Frue is fucking her lover and the Jarl is being cucked. Imagine the scandal if she was pregnant with HIS child instead of Ragnor’s” Alfhild blushed embarrassed before hearing Estrid’s offer, “We need a token of good faith to ensure you won’t betray us like you did Ernak, so how about you bring us Erik as prisoner and after we have dealt with him, we can open negotiations” “I can’t do that sister. I wish I could, I think we all wish we could.” Estrid shook her head before calling for her guards snapped, “I bid you farewell sister, hear this you aren’t welcome here ever again and neither is your family. If you take an single step on our land, there will be consequences!” Alfhild felt herself be dragged away but pleasing she desperately cried out, “Let me talk to Ernak please, maybe we can reach an agreement or Ivar. I can also send correspondence back to Sigurd and see what he comes up with” Estrid nodded before replying, “Fine but everything will be proof read by me got it?” she nodded before handing an note over to her sister stated, “From our Seer to your Seer, it’s important she gets it” Estrid held onto it eyeing her sister up who elaborated with, “It’s... it’s about Ernak’s condition” “Yes the voices he hear’s, the Seer was interested by this. Perhaps the rumours are true” Alfhild felt the guards pull her away and screaming out to her sister, Alfhild never did get an response “Rumours? What rumours? Sister! Sister! Answer me!”

Time passed and returning to the shore of his homeland Ivar smiled cupping his wife’s head in his hands celebrating their latest success, “It went well I assume!” Estrid joking asked to which Ivar cheered feeling the burst of youth energy that he had been missing in his later years, “Not a single warrior died for us and only 8 of theirs lay dead. Gorm and Vilmar lay dead and it’s all because of our most valued Drengr. Ernak challenged him to Holmgang and slaughtered him where he stood. It looks like Sigurd’s plans have been hindered significantly” Estrid laughed hugging the foreigner who nodding replied, “Björn will now rule their clan with some of your trusted allies” she nodded smiling at him who simply nodding spoke, “If you’d excuse me, I have to wash up and check on your mare’s pregnancy” “She looks stable at the moment but she will be due soon. Do you want me or Porunn to help?” Estrid queried but shaking his head he looked over to Torvi and stated, “Well since you are staying with us, you can help with the horses. However, I know Porunn will be upset by this so tell her to come anyway, she can brush the horses or help with their feed” she nodded signalling back to the shadowed space and seeing a pair of eyes look around immediately returned when some of the single women swarmed him to fake an interest in his success, “Get your hands off of me! I said off!” Estrid laughed stating, “You have a fan group” Ernak pushed them away before being met by Torvi’s assistance of drawing her her axe menacingly holding it at them **** the group back. The Jarl with Estrid watched Ernak venture into the shadows and somewhat **** their daughter out.

“No, Ernak, I can’t. They will see me!” Ivar looked down guiltily at the situation before venturing to look up saw Ernak remove the hood and her face covering and addressing the villagers snapped, “Right. You all want to laugh at Porunn do you? Let me tell you this. If you want to laugh, to mock or anything close to that then you will be dealing with me. I have had the same experience and it hardened me but I won’t let it happen to anyone else whilst I’m here. Where I come from to the men in the clan it was an sign of our past, not our future. So start showing her some respect. Got it!” he glared a hole at the women of the clan who nodded gasped in shock seeing him unsheath his axe threw her own to the floor and sheathed it in its holder, “Let this act as an remembrance of who is watching out for her. If you mess with MY sister, you will deal with me and if you start anything with me, Torvi doesn’t ask questions; she just hacks away. Now does anyone have an problem with this?” one woman nervously raised her hand before speaking hoping it wouldn’t end repercussions spoke, “In our clan, this is a courting sign. Are you two courting?” Torvi laughed before replying, “Unfortunately ladies, unless you are tall, bossy, blonde, my sister and called Lagertha then no; you don’t have much chance” Porunn laughed but trying to cover her scar up, Torvi slapped her hand away and spoke, “First rule of confidence is to accept the scar yourself, now come we have horses to attend to” she nodded putting her hand on the axe taking confidence in its presence and resemblance, “Ernak I must speak with you!” Alfhild pleaded and sighing he spoke, “Is it important?” “Yes please! We need to reach an new deal with the clan!” “No YOU need a new deal, not us!” she sighed before confessing with an head shake Ernak sighed acknowledging their previous relationship, “You have five minutes plus how long it takes me to check up on Estrid’s mare however the women stay and hear it” “Thank you son!” “DON’T EVER CALL ME THAT AGAIN!”

“I know we don’t see eye to eye anymore but this is serious. Estrid is refusing to listen to my offers for a new treaty and potentially a stronger partnership then before” “What do you want an pat on the back” Ernak joked washing his hands, “Just listen to my offer. It’s clear they are either using your situation for politics or genuinely want to help you; either way it involves you! Maybe you could convince them to listen to our offer. Just listen to what Sigurd is willing to offer, even against Erik’s advice” “Then hurry whilst I’ll check the mare” Alfhild nodded before pulling out the document and began to list her offer, “We are willing to make you an citizen of our clan offer, you an house next to the stables, a longship and crew, 30% of our current treasury and a further 15% yearly and any expansion will be yours, eventually our land will be split into two. Yours and Ragnors. I have gone a step further and brought with me three women who are both like you but are also I interested in marriage” Torvi laughed before snapping, “Yes for political advancement no doubt. If they liked him before then why not be there for him when he was getting picked on and spat on by the others? Let’s face it this is another political move! He just then fought off those glory seeking women!” Alfhild nodded before pondering an response offered, “How about you marry Torvi? She is still part of our clan!” Torvi shook her head angrily before replying, “One I left your clan and even if that means being disowned by my family then soo be it, secondly I wouldn’t do that to my sister. So nice try!” Alfhild sighed before explaining, “I know it is not what you want but sometimes a sacrifice must be made in order to help the later, I did” Ernak looked down before nodding stated, “Ask Estrid for a negotiation on peace, but I won’t marry anyone and if I agree don’t bother me anymore, in fact none of you are welcome here, don’t ask anything more of me and don’t expect me to ever come back to you all, so keep your offers and stick them. The only thing I will take is the longship; I understand the consequences of no deal being made and for that I won’t let people die or suffer because of my self-pity or give you all the chance to use it against me!” “Ernak... Listen it’s not like that” Alfhild pleaded but returning to the horse Ernak spoke, “It’s done. I just hope it was worth it because everything that made Sigurd a good ruler; strong, independent, caring and most of all self-respect is gone crumbled like your clan and Ragnor; well he will be the ruin of your clan.” Torvi nodded before reassuring him spoke, “If anyone listens to my father, then they don’t deserve to succeed in life” Alfhild sighed one final time before accepting that the rift was larger than she had anticipated muttered, “I hope that one day you can forgive us or at least move on, the both of you and Porunn; I... no, Sigurd will learn of this and make it up to you. Anyway I shouldn’t disturb you anymore.”

A few days later and returning with an agreement and the diplomat Sigurd warmheartedly hugged her but sensing the sorrow in her she handed him the document and spoke, “You got what you wanted, now leave me!” “Mother?” Ragnor asked and pausing she spoke mocking, “Sire... I hope you enjoy Lagertha and Jarlship because this deal caused me to lose a son” Ragnor smile faulted and nodding he asked, “Not coming back?” “Never. He also told me to tell everyone this: stick the money, the stables up your asses, screw your citizenship and furthermore he won’t be co-ruling like you hoped Ragnor. It’s an insult to him and the clans name means dirt” Erik laughed before shaking his head spoke, “So what he accepted the ship? That’s it! He won’t even get passed without paying Gorm his fee” Alfhild laughed before grabbing an bloodied crate reached in for the severed head, “I don’t think so. We will now be paying Ivar’s clan!” “What happened?” “Ivar wanted to turn the screw on us. Apply the pressure so we would give Ernak and the clan what they wanted; they knew Gorm was our partial ally and Ernak foaming for blood slaughtered them, Björn rules and we have agreed another deal with him” Sigurd accepted it before sighing accepted the terms and spoke, “It’s better than I could hope for. Ernak hurts the most” “What about my sister?” Lagertha asked knowing what her other concern had spoken, “She is staying right by Ernak side. I’m hoping he will eventually come back to us with Torvi but I feel like he will be going the other way” “What makes you say that?” Ragnor asked and putting 2 and 2 together she replied, “He wants to leave and he got his own ship... that’s the only way to leave this land” the Seer who now joined the conversation only focused on the one thing so interrupting the somber tone asked, “What did the Seer say?” “She agrees with you and as we speak he is exploring these voices” the Seer nodded taking her leave and dismissing the larger group of people it was Alfhild who spoke, “By the way, those bandits we tried to help Ivar with...” “Yes we suggested offering Porunn to the bandits son to stop all the needless ****; I remember!” “Good, have you heard back from Ivar on it or her?” Sigurd regretting his next comment asked, “No why?” “Well let’s just say she has a scar that covers half her face and the confidence of a abandoned puppy” “So that’s why Estrid never visits” Sigurd acknowledged before hearing Alfhild speak, “Ernak is going to fight them maybe we could help him? To show we are still there for him!” “I wouldn’t bother he won’t want us there” Ragnor spoke to Erik’s wink of approval but seeing this Alfhild snapped, “He was right about you! You would ruin this clan” “Where are you going now?” Sigurd snapped in retaliation irritated by everything to which she simply replied, “To prey to the God’s maybe they will speak to me to because hell I’m going to need help getting any reason out of any of you!” “Alfhild?!” Sigurd queried in shock to her comment she simply looked back and said, “Ernak used to respect you, believed you were a good, fair and even caring ruler but now you have crumbled and your leadership is simply poisoned by rot. I’ll pray for you to in hope we can save what we have left!”

“No Odin I won’t do that!” Ernak snapped unaware of the Seer peering in, there he was standing there addressing as if they gods were there in front of him sitting down holding an normal conversation, “No Odin, Logos is right, if there are any more out there then I should seek them out and deal with what comes next!” The Seer watched the scene for a few moments before pulling out her prepared sample bit down on the root and felt light headed as the scene grew fuzzy but now she could make out the rough figures that Ernak was speaking to. “If Thor is alive or Athena, even Hela herself it could help in what comes next!” Odin stood up to confront him but nodding spoke, “Well have it your way, I couldn’t stop you even if I tried... well for now anyway!” Ernak looked over and smiling back to him the seer spoke, “My name is Rosta the Seer and my aren’t you special; follow me!”

The journey was silent until they reached the hut with only Torvi following them to Rosta’s annoyance, “What are you doing here girl?” “I asked her” Ernak confessed welcoming her in, “I want this discussion to remain between us; so Torvi is here to ensure it does!” Rosta laughed before mixing her concoction replied, “We don’t need to talk, I know what is going on and why it is and my predecessor from the other clan has done most of the ground work. The bow you possess is a gift from the gods, an relic, an weapon from those who came before and engraved on it is both recorded memories and personalities that manifest and hope to influence you to their line of thinking you are merely stuck in the middle. Why this is happening is simple, an artefact such as this reacts to an descendants blood, this bow was programmed to only react to someone of their blood, your blood” “So wait he really is an god?” Torvi questioned, “No more of an Demigod, he will share some of their blood but not all their blood, I have also heard of the gods manufacturing and manipulating scenes so only a specific person will show these abilities; we call these Sages” Ernak contemplated what had been said before asking, “So what now? I can’t continue like this...” she agreed before holding up a liquid replied, “We need to know why they are talking to you, to do this you will need to explore the memories and live them. Drink this and you will fall into a dreamlike state but it will be more than that; drink and all will be revealed” he looked at it and nodding sat down on the bunk getting comfortable before stating, “Torvi stay here!” she nodded and sitting next to him reassured him with, “I won’t be leaving any time soon, sleep and when you awake we can discuss what you have learned” and with that he drank the sour liquid and settled down for the sleep.

His head pounded from feeling the new enhanced thoughts and feelings but pulling himself up noticed he was being pulled back, “Logos, don’t be stupid. It’s suicide; let’s go home before it gets worse!” they fell to the floor upon hearing an explosion and watching rubble collapse around them, “Mother, father. I will be back, I will survive this... but I can’t just let my lover die” “Son...” “Thanatos, was it wrong that you fell in love with Artemis, my mother?” he nodded before confessing, “Yes but we did it anyway” Logos nodded before walking off heard, “We’ll be waiting for your return! Take this!” Artemis pleaded and sheathing the bow I spoke “Save me an extra seat for the feast tonight, will you?” they nodded watching as he charged towards Asgard hoping to find a way past the dangers that lay ahead. Ernak studied his new body, studying the markings on him and the glowing armour that matched the markings on him, it was weird to him; it felt like he was in another persons body but yet couldn’t speak only watch and the fighting, actions all felt natural to him and yet Logos had something else on his mind, something that even Ernak couldn’t pod into; no matter how hard he tried.

Logos stormed towards the capitol drawing his blade to attack the nearest warrior fighting against the Asgardian’s trying his hardest to find Freyja but instead his eyes were met by Loki sliding in to throne room or control room so as Ernak tried to slay the next creature he missed to instead feel him being marched to Loki’s position and watch in. There they all were sat down preparing for their procedure called the “Yggdrasil” or in the South they would call it the “Great solution” this was fairly common after they learned of the end and the risk it rose to the South but Ernak despite being confused felt like the bodies host knew he wasn’t alone and began to explain the little he did know. When they had finished there he saw Odin look around and yell, “Let’s give them hell!” and leaving the room with the others Logos watched Loki sabotage the last one and plug himself in. Ernak tried to jump down to confront him but slipping out saw the Asgardian’s begin to fight those who tried to storm the yard, “What in Valhalla are you doing hear Logos?” Thor yelled killing the first with his hammer before throwing it watched it return to his hand, “Loki, has just messed with one of your embryo’s.” “Why didn’t you stop it?” “Because I feel like he has an secondary plan, if we can do something without him knowing then we will be have leverage over him!” Tyr killed the nearest one to him before seeing Odin push Logos yell, “You’re banished!” “I am not leaving without Freyja but Loki is your problem! He has infiltrated your procedure and even now is uploading one of your embryos with his “essence” we need to do something” Odin contemplated this before stating, “Fine, Freyja you know of the procedure use the back entrance; make sure it is empty. Upload his DNA into mine” “But we don’t have what we need?!” “It doesn’t matter. Take an sample of his blood and inject it into my embryo. If my prediction is right and what the calculations have predicted; it will split into two branches of children; one being his and one sharing more of my qualities. Now go, I’ll distract Loki” Freyja nodded pulling Logos to the back and seeing Loki, Odin immediately went after him.

“I can’t believe you came back for me, I told you not to!” Freyja snapped but smirking Logos stopped forcing her to stop and attempt to demand him to follow instead met his lips push up against hers in an fiery embrace, her hands pulling his head closer to hers and only breaking it off with the sound of another explosion he replied, “That’s why. I’m not losing you again” she pulled him further along the corridor before opening the backdoor seeing what Logos had claimed was true spoke, “Let me just set one of the spare embryos up” “Spare?! I thought I was going into Odin’s?” “I remember our last conversation about him, you’re right. He is mad and I believe that his idea only benefits himself not us. He assumes all of the spares were destroyed to stop Loki but I kept one in case something went wrong. Unfortunately Odin’s insecurity meant each one was implanted with partial Odin memory but a large enough sample from you will hopefully overwrite his potential influence. What?” Logos stared at her before asking, “Then what? Odin wants everyone to die, will you fulfil his wish or...” “Or what? I can’t stay here and the South wouldn’t accept me” “Are you sure about that?” “You haven’t?” he nodded before stating, “You can live in Elysium with me providing you denounce any claim to the throne; that’s mainly Persephone’s and Zeus’ paranoia; the other term is for me to stop fighting against Zeus” she smiled escorting him hurriedly to the seat and strapping him in spoke, “Then I agree, my love. As soon as we have completed this, it would be nice to live care free. This will hurt but only for a short while” she replied strapping the device to his mouth and neck and pressing the combinations into what was left of the control panel looked back to see him grimacing feeling the needle pierce his neck.

“Logos. Logos can you hear me?” Freyja called pulling him from the chair panicking at the **** body before her heard the invaders come drew her axe to face them looked back smiling to see Logos groggily pull himself up, “Freyja?” “Enemy approaching” Ernak now saw for perhaps the first time the bow he now possessed, it wasn’t Freyja’s but Artemis’, she quickly swapped weapons to hold her own bow and getting ready to draw an shot Logos drew his blade emphasising it perhaps as an message or hint for the person who would see this, it glowed in his hand and taking some time to also look at it Freyja spoke, “I wish our weapons were like the South. Maybe unpredictable but they come with an bang!” Logos laughed before replying, “I remember the last time you said that, it wasn’t the only thing that went off in an bang” she laughed before speaking seriously again, “Whatever happens I’m glad to be next to you” “Wait... why not go back the way we came?” “We could but Odin will probably be waiting there” “Then so be it, I rather him then fighting our way out” the door barged again so setting her the rooms defences Freyja spoke, “Then let’s hurry.”

The scene jumped ahead to why Ernak assumed was an more recent memory, Ernak witness the destruction of the realms and how it wasn’t more of an massive war but desperation and survival, people fled whilst others fought; some because they knew what was coming, some because it’s all they ever wanted and some because they wanted to go down as heroes but Freyja didn’t care about that, they pushed past the dead and killing those who got in their way until rushing to the boat that Logos had used there Odin stood on the beach waiting for his fate to come. However, this changed when he saw the couple rush to the beach, “Freyja where are you going?” “It’s done Odin but I’m not staying here. I have been told that I can live in the South, so I will” “The end will come to the South eventually as well, you know this!” she nodded before calling back, “Then I will enjoy what time that I have left!” Odin slammed his spear down which pulled his wife forward but being met by an punch off Logos Freyja felt free enough to run to the boat and rush to push it ever closer to the sea. Logos drew his sword and signalling to Odin that this was an fight, Odin simply laughed as he spoke, “You forget, I know my ending. Fenrir kills me, we fight now and I will kill you!” Logos not phrased by this met his foe in combat. Freyja hurried in her task watching as Logos dodged the strike of Odin and landing an kick to his opponent landed an blow to Odin’s shoulder, Freyja pushed the rest of the boat into the water and feeling Odin pull her back with an spear stomp, Logos this time landed a blow into his chest, “No. No. No. This isn’t how I die!” Odin wailed Logos looked to him and nodding whispered, “You’re right” Logo kicked his spear away and kissing Freyja he spoke, “Fenrir will have his kill but they won’t have her!” Odin reached for his spear and pulling himself up tried to launch another pull dragging Freyja back but with an growl Odin laughed seeing his foe approach, “Come on then, let’s finish this!”