An old friend

We turn to see a feminine figure, clad in leather, cantering towards us on a distinctive kind of horse, with two similar horses in tow behind her. The rider reigns in. ‘Leaving town without saying goodbye Ivar?’ She asks. ‘Dire circumstances I’m afraid Marina.’ I reply. Her cheerful demeanour dulls slightly.

‘Yes, I heard about that. I come with a proposition.’ ‘Oh? Do tell.’ I say, interested. ‘You need mounts. You can’t travel to Jotunheim on foot. Take me with you, let me help, and in exchange, you can travel with some of my horses.’ I raise an eyebrow at that. ‘The finest breeder offering some of her horses to a pair of travellers for free?’

‘You also get my amazing company, and the chance to hold an intelligent conversation for once in your life. I wouldn’t be giving out such an incredible bargain if you weren’t an old friend.’ I hear Harmony struggling to hold in a laugh at the ribbing, and despite myself, a small smile touches the corners of my lips and I shake my head.

‘We’d be glad to have you along. This is Harmony, Bjørn’s sister.’ At Bjørn’s name, Marina flinches slightly. ‘Pleasure to meet you.’ She says, smiling at Harmony, who returns the gesture. ‘Likewise.’ I shoot a questioning look at Marina. She shakes her head ever so slightly. Later. I shrug in acknowledgement, and we mount up.

Marina proves to be good company for both of us. She manages to lighten the mood a little, and soon, Harmony and Marina are laughing and joking (mainly at my expense) like sisters.

It reminds me of the times when we were Marina and I were kids, and we’d go on long walks together. I let my mind wander as our horses, specially bred for the cold with thicker fur and sturdier legs, plod along a route leading North.

There was a time when I had a huge crush on Marina. She had always been cute, but as we grew up together, she became extremely beautiful. Her body developed with some healthy assets and her face went from cute, to stunning. I never let on that I had feelings for her though. I didn’t want to damage our friendship.

As time passed, our paths diverged a little, until we barely saw each other. I figured it was for the best. She had never shown any interest in guys, and to my knowledge, had never had a boyfriend. I find myself wondering if that’s still the case, and what would have happened if I took the leap.

I shake my head and dismiss the thought.

I have a mission, and it’s to take down Christiansen, not dwell on the past.

After a few hours of travel, I call a halt. We rest, using some trees as backrests. ‘Marina, how did you know we were leaving town?’ Harmony asks, voicing the question that had been bugging me in the back of my mind since she showed up.

‘I heard some commotion outside the mead hall, came outside and saw Ivar here running. I went to your house, but you’d already left. Your father told me you were leaving and that if I hurry, I could catch up. I went home as fast as I could, packed my gear and rushed to find you both.’ I nod in understanding and Harmony looks up as a realisation strikes her.

‘You were at the mead hall? Did you see what happened to Bjørn and Svengal?’ Marina’s expression says it all, and my heart sinks to my stomach.

‘I’m so sorry Harmony.’ She says, her voice soft and sympathetic. I see tears in Harmony’s eyes. My instinct is to reach over the put my arms around her in support, but I hold back because I’m not sure how she’d react to that. Instead, I sit there, processing my own grief wordlessly.

‘I need a moment.’ Harmony says quietly, her voice breaking. She stands up and walks away.

We don't try to follow her.

‘Ivar?’ Marina asks. I look at her. ‘I saw what happened. Don’t blame yourself. There really wasn’t anything you could have done.’ She says. I nod, returning my gaze to the ground. After a few moments, I speak. ‘We’ll make Christiansen pay for this.’ I say, the venom in my own words surprising me.

‘As he should. But Ivar, have you thought of a plan for how we’re going to do that?’ Marina says gently. I frown as I realise that I haven’t. ‘Some things never change, do they? Always too quick to think with your fists, do something rash and rush into a situation without considering anything else.’ She says, some of her humour returning. The ghost of a smile touches my face. ‘Luckily for all of us, I came prepared.’ She adds, unfolding a map from her jacket pocket.

She takes out her knife and points to a spot on the map. ‘I figure we’re around here. Now, we can’t take on the Emperor on our own. We need supporters. I figure we stop by towns on our way there and try to gather supporters. We need to build up an army. The closest town is Heartwick, about 3 day’s ride away.’ She points to another spot on the map with her knife. ‘What do you say we stop there, talk to the locals and see what we can find?’ She asks.

‘Sounds like a plan.’ ‘Better than any plan you’ve ever come up with.’ Marina says, sheathing her knife and folding the map back up. I hear footsteps and turn to see Harmony coming back, a resolute expression on her face. ‘Are you okay?’ I ask her. She nods. ‘I’ll be fine. Let’s go.’ ‘We’re headed to Heartwick.’ Marina tells her. She nods again. We remount and set off.

The rising sun begins to filter it’s way through the snow covered trees, giving a beautiful glow to the white forest. We use the sun to navigate, putting it on our right and heading due North, on a course straight for Heartwick.