Realm of Fire E-Book

D.W. Roach

• Herausgeber: Next Chapter
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

The Ragnarok has arrived.

As the enemies of Midgard descend upon the brave Viking warriors of Bjorgvin, Audan must face demonic adversaries and seek out new allies.

But when his brother Jareth is taken against his will into the depths of hell, Audan must travel to new lands and explore the vast depths of the Norse Realms to save his comrade in arms.

Can Audan rescue his brother and survive the coming clash of man and gods, or will Midgard descend into the eternal abyss?

Leseprobe

Realm of Fire

Marauder Book III

D.W. Roach

Copyright (C) 2016 D.W. Roach

Layout design and Copyright (C) 2021 by Next Chapter

Published 2021 by Next Chapter

Cover art by Miguel Parisi

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the author's permission.

Acknowledgements

First and foremost to my loving wife. I can't thank you enough for taking this journey with me. When I was ready to give up you encouraged me, when I thought it wasn't good enough you said it was! You are my better half, my bridge to Valhalla, my answer in the stars…

To my children, I hope that one day when you grow up that you can come to read and love these books. When my days were long I often thought of you to keep going.

To my family, thank you for your continued support. It takes a village to raise a Viking.

To my Editor and USA Today Best Selling Author Cara Lockwood, this is the third time you have rescued a warrior on his quest for literary greatness. Thank you!

To my Cover Designer Miguel Parisi, your creative skills continue to bring my story to visual life. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

To Author and fellow Viking C.J. Adrien who took special interest in me from a very early stage in my writing career, thank you for your continued support. Your support came at a much needed time!

Lastly to the many fans of my work. Thank you, thank you, and thank you! I would not have written a second book let alone a third book without you. Your interest and inspiration for my writing is the greatest reward I could have asked for.

“Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.”

- Miyamoto Musashi

One: Fenrir

When does the loss become too great a toll on the soul of a man? The mind itself is not without its injuries through the journey of life. It is torn, shredded, maimed, and dare I say, altered. When a man loses the things in his life that make him complete, make him whole, he becomes one of two things: a broken man, or something else entirely. You see, pain can infect a man's mind, pain can dull the senses and emotions. The man turns away from familiar things and gazes back to the darkness, back to the wilds.

The wild, being what it is, accepts all manner of creature without favoritism, without judgement, and without remorse. The man enters the wild once more and is no longer a man. He becomes an animal; he learns to exist in the wild but the pain remains and cuts deeper still. Twisting his innards, poisoning his heart, damaging his soul into a black and unnatural thing.

The being who was once a man, who then became an animal, transformed to something the wild itself fears, something the wild conceals itself from. The man became the monster…

* * *

“Audan!” a hoarse voice called out to me. “Audan, wake up!” My head fell in the direction of the voice as my eyes remained shut. I felt strange, warm and comfortable but heavy like a stone pressed against my chest all at once. Beneath my heals, the earth moved. “Audan! Audan, you must wake!” the voice called out again but this time more clearly. My eyes opened partly to a mass of objects strewn about the ground as my body moved backwards pulled by someone or something. Everything was blurry. Blinking rapidly, I opened my eyes wide to see myself being dragged through a field of corpses. Vikings, Draugr, and Valkyries lay motionless, staring at me with their dead eyes, their blood still warm upon the ground as I felt it soaking through my armor and tunic. My eyelids felt heavy once more and so I allowed them shut.

“Audan!” The voice brought me back from the depths and I tilted my head back to see a large dark gray figure pulling me up a wet grassy hillside.

“Odin…” I mumbled. The old man gazed down at me with a worried but relieved look. He quickly stopped pulling and placed me flat on the ground.

“Audan, can you stand?” I blinked a few more times and slowly lifted my head. Suddenly a rush of noise found me and the battle that still raged all around was now very apparent; the clash of steel and iron was deafening. Men cried out in agony from their wounds and the Draugr made their usual ghastly blood curdled screams. I nodded towards Odin and with his help slowly lifted my weak body upright.

“What happened?” I asked quietly. My head pounded on the inside with the drums of war.

“Freya has taken your brother to the depths of hell; the Draugr are now rampant and pushing your forces back, Audan.”

“Jareth…” My eyes opened wide as my heart raced deep inside my chest. I had promptly remembered what had transpired no more than a few moments ago. “Jareth!” Odin pressed his large hand against my chest and held me back from running towards the barricaded hallow where Freya had made good her escape.

“Audan, your brother is gone, the battle is all but lost. You must get what remains of your forces back to Bjorgvin and retreat to the sea with your people.” The ground now rumbled at my feet, taking my attention away from Odin. In the distance just beyond the main melee were warriors of Asgard in brilliant shining armor adorned in glowing runes, pulling at great ropes and chains on the massive beast that was Fenrir the wolf. The enormous cavern in the ground next to him had closed behind Freya and Jareth, limiting the number of Draugr that had reached the battlefield. I watched helplessly as many of my warriors were slaughtered without mercy. They crawled through the mud darkened by the bloodied and bile-covered ground. The smell was putrid with entrails. I looked up at Odin who swung a great sword cutting down vast swaths of undead that approached from the side.

“Odin, where shall we go?” I yelled. Odin turned to me, gripping me by the tunic and lifting me to my feet.

“Now is not the time, Audan! Go! Valhalla will hold off the forces of hell for as long as we can but you must retreat! Your people need you!” The very word tasted foul in my mouth: retreat…but I dared not disobey the All Father and his ancient wisdom. I surveyed the battlefield and watched as the Valkyries descended from the air weakening our lines. As they plummeted downward, they would pluck men from the shield wall and throw their bodies from the sky at their comrades. With each falling warrior, a gap opened within the lines and the Draugr would pour inside like the rising tide. They hacked and slashed without mercy at my warriors giving no quarter until their flanks were fully engulfed by the undead. All the men of Bjorgvin would be cut down if we did not fall back to the village now. I reluctantly raised my axe high into the air and waved it back and forth in hopes to catch the attention of my men.

“Men of Bjorgvin! Retreat! Retreat back to the village! We must protect our home!” Without hesitation, the beleaguered warriors fell back covered under a hail of arrow fire followed up by throwing axes that kept the Draugr line from advancing. Odin and his Asgardian warriors melded together hastily creating a shield wall to ensure our escape. We ran back up the hill bloodied and cleaved with our feet slipping relentlessly on the wet grass. Just before reaching the top of the mound, my legs began to give out and I braced my thighs with my hands under each step. Finally reaching the top, I turned around to witness the valley of absolute carnage below. The ground which had once been a serene grass valley now stood a darkened pit of mud, bile, and blood. Pieces of flesh were strewn about mixed in with an arm, leg, or head every few paces. The wounded screamed and cried out in relentless agony, begging for the All Father to take them away from this wretched scene. I stepped forward back towards the field of battle in hopes to lend aid to these poor souls.

“Audan!” I turned to gaze upon the bloodied face of Gunnar who pulled urgently on my shoulder. “We cannot help them now. We must save our people. Let's go, Audan!” Hesitantly, I turned away and followed my warriors back through the thick forest. The Valkyries pursued us from the air as we ran like rabbits being hunted by hawks. The thick forest lent little comfort as we were mercilessly smacked in the faces by twigs and branches that stood between us and survival. One by one, the winged creatures descended upon us plucking men from the earth with their bird like talons and carrying them high up into the air.

“Keep up, men! We must protect the village!” I yelled weakly.

“Audan!” a voice yelled from behind me. I turned my head back only to see a blur rushing from behind. My back was struck by a pair of hands and I fell quickly to the dirt, rolling into a tree lying prostrate on my back. A body flew over my eyes kicking dirt into my face. I blinked rapidly and wiped the soil off my face until I could see once more. High in the air, a Viking warrior struggled against the talons dug deep into his shoulders. It was Uncle Valdemar!

“Valdemar!” I yelled as I watched helplessly from the ground. An archer no more than a farm field from me raised his bow into the air with an arrow nocked in the string. “No!” With all my strength I sprinted towards the archer and pushed his arms away just as he let loose his arrow. The stinger flew upwards with great speed but missed its mark widely. “What the hell are you doing?” I yelled. The warrior pushed me back with a look of frustration on his face.

“Somebody has to help him! That demon is going to tear him apart.”

“You'll hit Valdemar! He still has a fighting chance.”

“Then, you help him!” The archer reluctantly lowered his bow and continued running toward Bjorgvin. Most of the men who had survived, passed me up by now and only the warriors of Asgard kept me from being overrun by the hordes of hell. Suddenly, a scream erupted from overhead; there was Valdemar with a knife buried in the thigh of the Valkyrie filling the sky with her spattering blood. She loosened her grip of him and he slid down gripping the dagger tighter.

“Die, you devil creature! Die!” yelled Valdemar as he appeared to twist the blade in the winged beast's leg. “Valhalla will know my name!” The Valkyrie began to slowly descend as her wings faltered under the pain of the knife. Soon, they were just above the canopy and I followed them as best I could while dodging tree limbs.

“Valdemar, jump!” I urged. “Valdemar, let go! Let go!” He looked down at me and released his grip falling into the side of a tree. Smacking against the limbs, his body fell loudly and I rushed towards Valdemar to brace his fall to the earth. Uncle gripped a branch and his body slowed but swung quickly around until his backside hit my shoulder. Before I knew it, I was already on the ground with a heavy warrior lying motionless on top of me. “Uncle?” I moaned but he did not move. “Uncle?” A wheezing sound escaped from his lips and his head turned towards mine.

“What is it, boy?” he asked weakly.

“You're fucking heavy, old man. Get off me…” Uncle Valdemar rolled off and we helped each other back to our feet. Just then, a large crash erupted from behind us. Valdemar turned around before I did and leapt atop the Valkyrie that had pulled him into the air. Appearing weakened, the Valkyrie had returned to her more pleasant human form; Uncle Valdemar did not descend with blade or iron but with his bare hands. He gripped around her throat tightly and she lifted her hands to his, barely putting up a fight until the last of her life left her bloodshot eyes. The Valkyrie kicked and shook until she went limp and even still Valdemar continued to choke her. I pulled at his back side and he took a halfhearted swing at me.

“Go away, boy. This she devil is mine!” The bloodlust had overcome him and I needed to pull him away before more arrived to shorten his victory.

“We must go.” I urged. “More are on the way.” Valdemar looked to the skies and quickly released his fresh kill. Spitting on the corpse he grabbed his knife from her thigh and pulled it out. He stood and walked past me brushing my shoulder and giving me a pat on the back.

“Let's go then. We're not done yet.” We reached a dense part of the wood just outside our village. The Valkyries could no longer see us and thus they did not descend upon our heads. Moving leaves from my gaze I could see the clearing to the gates of home. The fortified palisades of Bjorgvin were in sight at long last. The villagers lined the walls with bows at the ready. Gunnar was crouched with other warriors in the underbrush and I quickly joined him with Valdemar at my side.

“Alright, we're going to have to make a run for it.” Gunnar lifted his sword and pointed towards the guarded palisades that lay an entire field away. The clearing had no cover from the talons of the corpse goddesses making us easy prey. “I'll go first,” Gunnar remarked.

“No! If we go one at a time they will pick us off. We must move together keeping our blades in the air. We need to get in range of the archers on the wall. If we make it that far they can provide us some cover. We just may have a chance but only if we do this together.” Gunnar nodded.

“It's your call, Audan. We will move on your word.” I looked up through the cracks in the trees watching the dark shadows circle quickly above waiting to dive down on anything that moved. Turning my head to each side I could see that the men were ready I lifted my arm into the air and then pointed forward towards the palisades.

“Forward!” Warriors darted from the bushes and tree line straight ahead for the main gates. Not a word was uttered save for the pounding of heavy footsteps on the trodden paths. We heard terrible screams from above and we turned back to see the Valkyries closing in on us with their dark wings tucked back. “Don't look back! Keep running!” I urged. Desperately looking ahead, the villagers atop the palisades scrambled loudly to their positions.

“Loose!” I heard commanded in the distance. Arrows shrieked towards us dotting the sky in a dark moving haze. Just as the winged beasts caught up with us and fell upon our heads, so, too, did the sharp iron fly above us creating some temporary cover. The Valkyries did not seem to think much of the danger and descended upon us regardless. A corpse goddess fell heavily to the ground in front of me littered in arrows; her body rolled in the dirt, snapping the arrow shafts in half as I jumped over her. I looked to my left and right at the chaos that now ensued. The Valkyries plucked what men they could while others fell to their death under the unrelenting hail of stingers. They quickly gave up chase as we came closer to the village and the volley of arrows only intensified, cutting their sisters down with ease. I reached the gates and pounded my fist on the door.

“Open the gates! Open the gates!” I yelled in desperation. Suddenly, the wooden wall was opened; spearman with shields rushed forward providing more cover and those of us left standing flooded into the village.

“Audan!” a women's voice called from overhead; it was Kenna. She leaned over the back of the palisade with a sword in the air and shield at her side. “What happened?”

“Fenrir! Fenrir has been freed from his chains!” Kenna slowly dropped her sword upon her side; the look of fear had overcome her.

“How can it be?” she asked. I rushed up the steps to mother's side.

“It was Freya, that damned vile creature. She has released the gates of hell; Draugr flood the valleys below and Valkyries the sky above. The war bands are not far behind them.” Archers continued their relentless onslaught as the last of the men arrived within the shelter of the gates.

“Then we haven't much time. Where is your brother? Where is Jareth?” Still breathing heavily, I looked away towards the tree line. “Son? Where is your brother?” Kenna had quickly caught on to my delay in response and now sounded very much concerned. I dreaded the words that would follow.

“Freya…” I mumbled. Kenna approached closer placing her hand heavy on my shoulder.

“Is he… is he dead? Has my son fallen in battle?” Kenna's voice cracked and shook. I quickly lifted my head.

“I don't know, Mother. Fenrir appeared from below the earth. Freya followed with an army of undead at her back. Jareth was knocked to the ground motionless and in the struggle she lifted him upon her shoulder and retreated back into the hallow.” In great shame, I fell to one knee lowering my head. “I tried to save him Mother, I'm so very sorry.” Kenna's fingers wrapped around my chin tugging my beard upwards. Her eyes bloodshot and swollen with tears, she embraced me tightly.

“It's not your fault, son. I know you did your very best.” I gritted my teeth and braced myself for the next volley of terrible news that I was about to unleash upon her. Through the tears and spit I forced out one word.

“Father…” Kenna pulled back quickly, her mouth left wide open and her eyes wide with fear. She dropped her sword to the ground this time and knelt down next to me.

“Is he?” I looked at mother once more, the words that would cut her deeply sat on the tip of my tongue. Try as I might, I could not keep this darkness from her. She had to know the fate of our beloved Rurik.

“Father fell in battle. He fought bravely and earned his place in Valhalla. I watched as his soul was carried off to the heavens.” Kenna swallowed back her tears placing a hand on her waist and quickly composed herself.

“Who did it?” she asked with vengeance in her voice. “Who slayed my husband?”

“Steinar,” I replied without hesitation.

“And did you avenge your father?”

“I did, Mother. Steinar is dead. He shall not cause our family any more heartache.” Kenna turned away to walk down the palisades; she faltered after three or four steps falling to one knee. I rushed to her side and she gently pushed me away.

“No. I'm fine, son. I just need a moment to myself is all. Take watch over the walls.” Kenna walked down the wooden steps and made her way back to the Great Hall. A loud bang startled me and I turned back to see the gates slammed shut. Icy water fell atop my head and I looked up to see terrible and dark storm clouds pushing towards Bjorgvin. A crack of lightning erupted in the valley above the tree line. I hoped desperately that Thor was watching over us this day. Another bolt of lightning erupted and in the distance above the trees was a formation of winged beasts staying just beyond our archers range, the Valkyries. They were waiting, holding back their assault. A strong hand suddenly grasped my arm from behind.

“My boy! It is good to see you not yet among the gods.” The short and eccentric fat man brought comfort to my shaken soul.

“It's good to see you, Eygautr, alive and unscathed.” Eygautr laughed and carefully lifted the crimson cloak covering his right shoulder.

“Not entirely, my young friend.” The cloak now lifted revealed three deep cuts into his upper chest that stretched across his shoulder. “The foul beast tried to carry me like a hawk carries a mouse. She came for more than she had bargained for. The wretch barely lifted me from the ground before I pierced my sword into her belly and spilled her innards to the ground.” Eygautr covered his wound back up securing his cloak in place. “My only regret is that my mouth was open when I gutted the bitch. Their blood tastes rotten, diseased.” The short fat man spit, wiping his mouth with his bloodied sleeve. The storm picked up its strength and the lighting struck closer. Eygautr leaned against the outer palisade and pointed to the Valkyrie formation in the distance. “Why do they wait, brother Audan? Why do they not press their attack?”

“The Clans and Draugr will be here soon. They wait to finish us off.” Eygautr gripped his belt and pulled it tightly under his fat stomach.

“Well, then, perhaps I will join your father in Valhalla after all. It would be a shame for him to drink without his friends.” Just below us the warriors gathered in the village center. Orbrecht arrived without delay treating the wounded with a handful of thrall at his disposal. Those who were still able-bodied rested as they waited for the next battle. Two pairs of footsteps came up the steps noisily behind me. Gunnar and Uncle Valdemar had also survived the first battle.

“Audan, my brother.” Gunnar approach quickly and we embraced in a hearty handshake. “Our forces have suffered heavy losses but we will be ready to fight them off when they assault the village. We can save Bjorgvin.” I shook my head at the young warrior's false optimism.

“No,” I said quietly.

“No?” replied Uncle Valdemar in surprise. “Why would we not save Bjorgvin? This is our home.” In frustration I swung my bearded axe and planted the blade into the wooden planks below my feet.

“The village is beyond saving. It is wood and stone and memories. Nothing more. The people, our people, are all that matters,” I replied.

“So what would you have us do nephew? The clans are on our heels. The Valkyries will not wait outside our gates forever.” I looked at the tired faces before me that waited eagerly for an answer, one that would perhaps give them hope. For me, the path was clear and I only hoped that they were confident in my actions. I pointed rigidly towards the docks.

“Load the ships, prepare the boats, get every woman and child to the docks with only food and weapons. If we cannot hold off our enemies, then we must flee to fight another day.”

“How long would you have us wait until the ships leave?” Asked Gunnar.

“When they knock down the gates a small force will stay behind to give everyone a chance to escape. We will hold them off until all the ships have left.”

“So we go to Valhalla,” Gunnar remarked with a wide grin on his face. Eygautr punched Gunnar in the shoulder.

“You're too young, lad. It's my turn and mine alone to go to Valhalla. Rurik waits for me there and I don't intend to disappoint him.” I sat there quietly for a moment surrounded by my family and friends. My thoughts dwelled upon my fallen father and that of my brother taken against his will.

“Audan?” asked Valdemar. I blinked rapidly and nodded my head.

“Eygautr will man the palisade with me and the warriors already on the wall. I want the rest of you to ready the ships and our people.” Gunnar and Valdemar appeared reluctant to take my orders, no doubt wanting to fight with me until the very end.

“I don't wish to disobey you, brother, but I would prefer to stay here and die with you,” replied Gunnar.

“And I,” said Uncle Valdemar enthusiastically.

“I am honored by your loyalty and love. My decision has no bearing on your honor. Our people need good warriors to lead them in the harsh days ahead. I would not trust them under the care of anyone else.”

“But, Audan, you are Chieftain now. Our people need a leader.” I looked down at my muddied feet, watching the rain wash away the blood from my clothes. The crimson liquid flowed down between the planks and below to the trodden earth. I thought for a moment on how I might still serve my people, but I saw no better way than with my blade.

“And that is why I must stay. A Chieftain does not forsake his people.” I opened my eyes wide and unblinking stared at my comrades to drive my point. “These are my final orders, brothers. Now go.” Gunnar stepped closer and extended his rune covered tattooed hand.

“It has been an honor to know you in this life. I will be honored to see you again in the halls of Valhalla.”

“And you, Gunnar,” I replied warmly. Valdemar approached next with a look of reluctant pride.

“You're a stubborn son of a bitch, just like your father. I am proud to call you nephew.” Valdemar embraced me tightly for a moment and then quickly backed away. “Odin watch over you in your final moments! Die well.” They turned away and I watched the pair walk down the steps and head toward the hall to make preparations. Gunnar turned back to give me one final look. I did not move, nor give him any sign of weakness. He needed to know I was resolute in my decision or he may disobey me in an effort to save the village. I turned my back on them and gazed back out to the open field.

“So, it's just you and I then,” remarked Eygautr, crossing his arms with sword in hand.

“And nearly one hundred men.” Eygautr nodded at my reply and breathed in heavily through his nose.

“Against the Clans.” I nodded. “And the Valkyries.” I took in a deep breath and nodded again. Silence fell upon us for a moment until Eygautr spoke once more. “And all of hell…” I turned to the short fat man in frustration giving him a sinister look.

“What's your point old man?” I asked.

“I'm just making it clear that we are heavily outnumbered is all. It would be agreeable to get the gods help in this time of need.” I sneered at Eygautr's jest.

“Odin has his hands full. We must bear the burden of this on our own.” Eygautr kicked the wooden wall in front of us.

“Well, that's just great now isn't it? I hope were not too late for supper in the halls of Valhalla.” Just then a loud voice called out.

“Someone's at the gates!” I pulled my axe from the wood plank and rushed to the heavily guarded entrance.

“Who goes there?” a guard commanded.

“It's Hilgrid,” a hoarse voice called out. “I carry the fallen Chieftain upon my back.” My heart quickened at this surprising news.

“Open the gates!” I ordered. I sprinted down the palisade followed closely by Eygautr. Hilgrid rushed inside carrying a cloaked body on his right shoulder. He knelt to the ground and placed it down gently. Hilgrid remained on one knee, his breath hot against the cold air. The guards slammed the gates shut and the men circled around the cloaked figure.

“I'm…” Hilgrid was utterly bereft of breath. I placed my hand upon his shoulder to calm his nerves.

“Take a moment, brother. Catch your breath.” Hilgrid slowed his breathing and took in deeper gusts of air. He exhaled slowly and then looked up at me with his blood shot feral eyes.

“I'm sorry, Audan. I ran here as quickly as I could. The Valkyries! They closed in from all sides.” Hilgrid slumped over further to the ground; Eygautr and I rushed to brace his fall. His claw-like fingertips dug into my arm as he tried to hold himself up. “We have failed, brother,” Hilgrid said in a soft and remorseful tone. “Hell is unleashed upon these lands. We are all doomed.” I looked up at the men who now stared wide eyed and frightened at the sight of Hilgrid; like a hare being hunted by the fox. Without delay, I snapped at them.

“All of you, back to your posts!” Lifting Hilgrid to his feet, I barked once more at those who did not immediately obey my orders. “Freya is coming; she comes for all of us. Hell and Fenrir come for us. Make peace with the gods you favor, for this will be our final battle! And when it is over, I will raise a horn of mead in the halls of Valhalla to each and every one of you!” The men lifted their weapons into the air and cheered proudly before returning to their posts. Soon after, Orbrecht approached covered in blood not of his own and carrying crimson-soaked rags.

“May I be of assistance, brother?” I gripped Hilgrid's shoulders and slowly pushed him towards Orbrecht.

“Take Hilgrid and give him whatever aide he desires. He has done more than his share today.” The half beast violently pulled away from me. His hood fell back, revealing his disfigurement to the men of the village. Orbrecht stepped away frightened at the very sight of our brother now transformed by the venom of the Ulfhednar.

“Leave me be! I can take care of myself!” Hilgrid gripped his hood and angrily pulled it back down over his head to cover up his face, storming off to the Seers hovel where he could hide from the world. Orbrecht brought his face close to mine with a worried look upon his brow.

“What in the name of Odin was that?”

“That, my friend, is our brother, Hilgrid.” Orbrecht turned his head back towards where Hilgrid had gone and then quickly returned to my gaze.

“Well that's impossible. Hilgrid… Hilgrid is dead.” I lowered my head and swaying it from side to side.

“No, no. Not dead, just not precisely Hilgrid.” A fist suddenly found its way into my chest. Orbrecht gazed fiercely upon me and for a brief moment I thought he may lunge.

“You told us all he was dead! Who the fuck do you think you are?” I looked up with a stern face and cool temper.

“I apologize, my friend. A lie had to be told to serve a greater good. Hilgrid would have been shunned by our people. I thought it to be the right thing to do and I stand by that decision.” Orbrecht pulled a clean rag from his shoulder, wiping the blood from his hands he lifted the soiled linen and threw it at my feet.

“I'm tired of cleaning up your messes.” Orbrecht stormed off after Hilgrid. This whole time, the cloaked figure lay below me motionless. I looked down and began to daydream that perhaps if I remove the cloak, father would be alive once more, that maybe Odin could put to good use his sorcery. I bent my knees and knelt down, watching the ripples of rain land in the puddles that surrounded his body. How serene they seemed in all this darkness. I squeezed my eyelids tightly and then blinked rapidly to return to present affairs. Slowly, I reached for the corner of the cloak nearest the bodies face and gently pulled it back. There he was, my father, in all his splendor— with eyes wide open and bereft of the spark that once filled them. I placed the palm of my hand softly against his cheeks, his skin now cold and hard to the touch. Removing my hand quickly, I covered my mouth to conceal a quivering lip.

“I'm sorry, Father,” I said as I spoke through my fingers. “I'm sorry I could not be there to save you.” A tear streamed down my face and I quickly captured it and wiped away the trail. “Jareth is gone. I have failed you, my father. I have failed you.” A shadow over came me and I looked back to see Kenna leaning over me. I rose quickly and gripped her arm, hoping to brace her in her moment of intense grief. In my surprise, she stood there motionless, like a great rune stone from ancient times she did not falter. Her face was calm and she turned her head towards me slowly staring at me with eyes as cold as the glaciers themselves. Placing her hand atop my head, I felt like a child once more and not the man I had become.

“I will tend to your father. Now go. The men need you.” I nodded slowly in agreement.

“See to it that he ends up on Valdemar's ship. I'd like to bury him on the island where Uncle's trading post lies.” Kenna nodded.

“Very well, son. Gods be with you.” Several thralls, young and old quickly lifted the fallen Chieftain above their heads. Kenna gazed upon her lifetime love one last time, leaned in kissing his lips before covering his face back up with the cloak and followed her servants down to the docks where they would load his body on to the ship for his final voyage. I watched silently as he was carried off in the icy rain and did not turn away until he was gone from my sight. I turned my attentions back to the defenses and marched to the guards at the gates.

“You there!” I said sharply to the guards.

“Yes, Audan?” the young warrior replied.

“We're making our final stand. Get everything you can to brace this gate. Do you understand?” The boy nodded quickly. “Good. When the horn blows, return to your post. The enemy will be at our gates shortly.” The three guards at the gate quickly dispersed to find what they could. I ran back up the slick steps of the palisades and reunited with Eygautr once more.

“Your father was a great man, Audan. A king amongst Chieftains. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. I will make sacrifices to Odin in his name.” The hurt was too great; no longer wishing to speak of my father I quickly diverted the conversation.

“How many archers?” I asked. Eygautr took in a deep breath and looked down both sides of the wall.

“Nearly fifty,” he replied.

“And arrows?”

“Plenty. We could lay waste to two armies if needed.” I nodded and looked over the edge of the walls to inspect the random placement of wooden spikes just on the outside. These defenses would not do; Freya and her minions would quickly overwhelm the fortifications. We needed something else, but what? I turned back towards the village to see the chaotic activity below. Women and children scrambled through the muddy paths to the docks escorted by warriors carrying the heaviest of cargo. The many thrall moved livestock, heavy crates, and jars filled with food stores. The ships would be completely weighed down from the combination of ships passengers and supplies. Then, I noticed grey smoke coming from the fires of the blacksmiths workshop. Njord was still hard at work. From the palisades, I could see the fiery coals burning brightly. The flames consumed my gaze entirely and sparked my imagination. “That's it…” I muttered.

“What was that?” Eygautr asked curiously.

“That's it!” I ran down from the palisades like a crazed man and Eygautr chased after until stopping at the base of the steps.

“What is it, Audan?”

“I have an idea. Get the men to pile as much wood in front of the walls as possible!” I yelled excitedly.

“To what end?” the short fat man pressed on to understand my orders.

“We're going to start a fire. The biggest one that Bjorgvin has ever seen!” I sprinted across the courtyard darting past the scurrying village people. I stopped quickly several paces in front of the forge until I lost my footing; my right foot slipped out from under me and I landed in the thick mud on my backside. “Shit!” I exclaimed slowly lifting my head from the ground. A large hand found its way in front of my face; it was Njord covered in ash offering to help me to my feet.

“I thank the gods you are alive, my brother, but you'll do us no good if you slumber with the boars.” I reached out and gripped his forearm; Njord lifted me effortlessly to my feet. A lifetime of smithy work had made him unnaturally strong.

“Njord, I need your help. The entire village does.” Njord squinted his eyes and seemed perplexed by my request.

“I still have not finished all the arrows you asked for.” I looked down at Njord's hands, cracked and bleeding. He had not stopped working since before the battle.

“Your efforts have not gone unnoticed brother. For now I need your coals.” He looked back at the roaring fires and again seemed confused by what I was asking of him.

“Of course, Audan, anything for Bjorgvin. But, without the coals how will I work my iron?” I placed my hand on his shoulder and spoke softly.

“We need your coals to start a fire. The icy rain will make it difficult to start one otherwise.” Njord nodded.

“Where shall I take them?” I turned and pointed to the gates.

“The men are laying firewood several paces from the palisades. I want a wall of flame when Freya's main force arrives. Get the coals to the top of the palisades. The warriors will drop them from on high when it is time.” Njord nodded and gripped my forearm.

“It shall be done, brother!” he quickly grabbed a shovel and ordered the Thralls assisting him at the forge to do the same. They buried their shovel blades deeply in the coals pulling out the hottest of embers. Sparks flew high into the air and they poured them into buckets. A wall of flame emerged. Perhaps Bjorgvin had a chance after all.

* * *

Nightfall came upon us quickly and we staggered torches along the fortified wall. Sada stood at my side with her head leaning against my shoulder as Eygautr paced the walls nervously, his chainmail shifting loudly in the darkness. “Eygautr,” I said quietly. He did not reply but merely grunted in my general direction. “Calm yourself.” He took three more steps until stopping directly in front of me.

“Do I appear nervous to you?” he said angrily.

“You look like an old fart waiting for a fight,” I said only half joking.

“When you reach my age you'll be begging the gods to take you to Valhalla. Every morning I wake up feeling stiff as an oak. The bones in my body crack and ache. The soul is willing, but the body, well, let's just say the body becomes a pile of horse dung.” I cracked a smile for the first time that day. “Think it's amusing do you? Well, at least you will go to the never ending halls a beautiful corpse. I'll still be old and the Valkyries will have to take pity on me for an evening romp.” Footsteps approached once more from behind; it was Gunnar and Uncle Valdemar.

“The ships are ready; nearly everyone is waiting at the docks to board. Shall we give the order?” The ground suddenly shook underneath foot.

“Did you feel that?” I asked.

“Feel what?” asked Sada. Again, the ground shook.

“Guards! What do you see?” I asked urgently. Torches leaned over the palisade walls lending what light they could to the endless darkness. There was no moon and no stars to speak of. The clouds hung low this evening pinning the fog against our faces. Little would be seen on this most dangerous of nights.

“I see nothing, my lord,” the guard replied. A quiet whip in the air sounded overhead and the light of a torch fell from the top of the palisade to the other side of the wall. I heard the shuffle of feet and then a rush of several men to another warrior's aid.

“Arrows! Guard yourselves!” a watchman yelled out. Suddenly, the air was filled with whips and cracks followed by the falling shafts of hundreds of arrows. I ran to the wall with Eygautr at my side. Iron stingers stuck loudly to the wooden palisades; volley after volley they came until the silent death quieted. I stepped out from my hiding place and motioned to the men at the wall.

“Light it up!” Several warriors stood quickly lifting buckets of glowing hot coals and poured them gracefully over the wall. Falling like stars from the sky they sunk deeply into the piles of wood left for them and rapidly lit the oil soaked timber below. Almost instantly heat grew to flame. The valley floor lit quickly and the tree line could now be plainly seen, but where was the enemy? I stood upright and gazed upon the dark wood that appeared vacant. In my frustration I gritted my teeth and pounded my fist against the wall.

“Why do they wait?” Eygautr asked.

“Freya!” I yelled violently as I ran to the very top of the palisade. “Freya! Come and get me, you cowardly bitch! Stop playing games. I'm ready for you!” I lifted my axe high above head gripping the handle tightly. A rush of hot air streamed across my face and in the distance a pair of giant glowing orbs appeared.

“In the name of Odin…” Eygautr muttered. A great and powerful howl erupted from the beast that stood beyond the walls. A beast that would consume us all. My fury at the loss of my father and the capture of my brother had all but taken over; in spite of this monster I beat my chest wildly with the broad side of my axe and lifted it into the air once more. The beast dug at the group with its terrible claws and snapped madly with its fangs.

“Fenrir! Fenrir, come for me!”

Two: The Fall

A great roar erupted from the colossal Fenrir as he took another step forward with his massive paws outside the dark wood. Glowing haunting eyes emerged out of the forest and darted the spaces between the trees as they moved in front of the great wolf forming a solid battle line. My nose caught the offensive stench of rotting flesh that carried on the wind, and I gagged briefly and now there was no doubting that the Draugr took up the center line. The decrepit warriors held their stance firmly and showed no sign of advancing on our village. Eygautr slapped me on the shoulder, spitting on the ground and taking a large step forward with his belly against the palisade.

“Archers ready your bows!” commanded Eygautr through his beard. Bows were quickly raised in the air with arrows nocked and strings drawn to the rear. A deafening silence fell over the valley floor below until the march of footsteps could be heard coming from the right flank of Freya's main force. Great shadows that were light of foot emerged, reflecting the light off the wall of flame. Mounted warriors placed themselves at the front of this formation and stopped at the center.

“Death to Bjorgvin! Death to Audan, son of the coward Rurik!” A voice called out. His insult enraged me, causing my blood to boil but I did all in my power to hold my temper for the fight to come. The warriors of the right flank cheered and a clamor of arms erupted in the sky. A mounted warrior raised his arm and silence came upon the field once more and again the sound of footsteps caught my ear. This time it was on the left flank; a much smaller mass of warriors emerged in a meager and loose formation. They appeared leaderless but none the less showed up for a fight. A low growl emerged from behind me, a cloaked figure stood close by with a small hand axe ready in each hand.

“Hilgrid?” I asked curiously. He turned his gaze upon me and nodded.

“I am here, brother. Let's finish what we started. We must slay these cowards where they stand or send them running back to hell.” I nodded in agreement and turned to Sada who stood fearlessly at my side.

“What is it, my love?” she asked.

“Get to the ships as fast as you can, help everyone onboard and do not turn back. The battle will begin soon and I will not have you here to witness it.” My love looked up at me with deep and great sorrow in her eyes.

“You're not coming, are you?” I reluctantly shook my head knowing full well the heartache my answer would cause. “So this is where I leave you?” I could not hold back my sadness but the battle was near and I needed to be strong if we were to hold off our enemies long enough for our loved ones to escape.

“I don't, I don't have the words…” Sada placed her fingers gently against my lips tracing my mouth until she reached the corner. She gripped my beard and pulled my face down to hers.

“You don't have to.” She leaned in and pressed her lips heavy against mine. She tasted of spring and smelt like the blossoms on a warm summer's day. I pulled my face from hers and embraced her tightly one last time. She leaned in to my ear gently and whispered, “Save a place for me in Valhalla, my love…” I nodded and squeezed her body all the more.

“Go. Take care of my mother for me. See to it that my father receives the burial he deserves.” Sada slowly began to back away, running her fingers across my body. Her feet seemed heavy as if stones had been tied to them. It was clear she did not wish to leave my side, nor I hers.

“I will. I love you, Audan.” Tears ran down her face and despite the utter sadness I felt inside I could not bring myself to cry in this moment. Like a stone, I stood strong, unmoving, the way I wanted her to remember me, a true and noble warrior of Odin.

“I love you Sada.” Another volley of arrows came screeching past and without ducking for cover I stood there watching my love run back to the docks, her long braid bouncing off her back in the wind. I felt the air whip past the back of my neck and lifted my hand to rub the feeling away. It was wet and warm, I pulled my hand in front of my face to see it covered in blood; a stinger had grazed me from behind leaving its gentle kiss of death.

“What are you doing boy?” yelled Eygautr, as he pulled me down by my belt. “You want to get yourself killed already? We need fighting men, not corpses!” The volley ceased once more and I stood upright to observe the battlefield. The Draugr remained at the center, at both flanks what remained of the clans, Fenrir at the rear, and the Valkyries suspended above. A fearsome scream erupted from the skies and at the center of the formation another Valkyrie emerged with arms wide open. It was the worst of them all, the bringer of death and chaos, Freya.

“Audan!” she called out in a fury. The skies above erupted with lightning and the rain began to fall heavy atop our heads. “Audan, are you still alive?” I climbed to the very top of the palisades swinging my axe back and forth in the air to get her attention. It was time to draw her forces in for a fight. The hail of arrows would only whittle away at our small band of warriors.

“Where's my brother, you senseless bitch?” Freya flapped her midnight black wings faster and leaned forward pointing her steel at me.

“Your brother is in hell along with your father. Tonight, I will drink from your skull and feed your blood to that sweet little woman of yours! Your doom is upon you, Audan! Upon you all! Ragnarok is approaching!” I pointed my bearded axe toward Freya and her minions, the light from the fires shining brightly from the polished blade.

“Come and get it!” A terrifying sound erupted from the formation of the Valkyries above. The center line of undead warriors moved forward at a steady march but Fenrir remained in place at the rear. Freya did not appear willing to yet sacrifice her mortal warriors; instead, she unleashed the rotting corpses upon us. Eygautr stood now appearing taller than ever.

“Enough of this shit! Archers make ready!” Bows rose quickly to the air, the glint of bolt tips hinted at the death that would follow their release.

“Hold!” I called out. Eygautr gave me a perplexed look. “You must take off their heads. Arrows will not slow them. Focus the archers on the clans.” Eygautr nodded and quickly barked out my orders.

“Archers aim for the flanks! Do not loose your arrows upon the Draugr.” He turned about, motioning to the band of warriors below in the village center. “I need swords and axes on the walls, get the fuck up here or by the gods we will all perish on this day.” Like a stampede of wild beast, warriors rushed up the steps to line the tops of the walls. Shields of every color and design ran past me in a blur that resembled the telling of the Bifrost Bridge, finding a place in front of the archers. As the demon spawn of Freya approached, their horrific appearance became even more apparent to the men on the wall; fear, it seemed, was beginning to settle in to their hearts and heads. I raised my axe and called out to rally the men and assuage those fears.