They reach the lodge by midnight.

The seven champions trekked south for the rest of the evening. It was cold enough to freeze a southerner to ****, but these northern warriors had ice in their blood and the cold was no stranger.

Under the soft moonlight, they saw their destination ahead: A sturdy hunting lodge, two stories, overlooking a steep drop at the end of the mountain pass. It was the last bastion of their civilization before the borders of the southern kingdoms.

A figure approached them carrying a torch. He was a big man, even bigger than Brudd, and covered in thick layers of bear furs.

"Greetings, Odin's Spear!" he said in a deep voice. "I am Harvald, keeper of the pass. You must be weary. Your rooms await! Come!"

As each champion passed the huge man, they nodded in respect. Josk shook his hand, and Yolna gave him a warm smile as she gently touched his elbow. Only Karn, the sullen sorcerer, did not acknowledge their host until Ria tapped him on the shoulder. Karn then gave Harvald a terse smile as they were ushered inside.

The ground floor of the lodge was one single room. There was a cozy fireplace ringed by large, comfortable-looking seats. Stairs on either side led up to the second floor.

"The stairs to the left are for you," Harvald said. "The stairs to the right are my quarters. Sleep now, and in the morning, you begin your great quest!"

The champions climbed the stairs and found a corridor that led to seven small bedrooms.

Karn immediately picked a room and slammed the door shut behind him.

"Well," said Yolna, "I guess we won't have to double up."

"Shame," said Denni. Yolna rolled her eyes.

"We should get some rest," Ria said.

Josk nodded. "Then we can make our travel plans in the morning."