Bloodlines of the Ancient Pantheons

Chapter 422: CDXXII. The Praise

When he finally got on his horse, he put a hand on his neck and began to caress him. 

He then lowered himself, bringing his ear closer to the beast, trying to sense how he reacted to the load on his shoulders.

On the back of the horse, there was no saddle, but he seemed to be able to bear more weight, despite his paws that seemed to be about to break. 

Dag then invited Freydis to grab his hand and climb up with him.

The girl did so without hesitation, noting that the horse could perfectly hold them both by not being too heavy. 

Before the gate closed, Dag asked the archers on the towers to leave it open, telling them to stay in position, because after a few hours they would return to the fort. 

The two lovers made their way outwards, riding slowly and looking around. 

Nearby, there seemed to be nothing beyond the snow, but Dag recalled the words of Orvar, who throughout his history spoke of a forest not too far from the fort. 

"Let's try to go over that kind of hill and see what's on the other side" Freydis said, hugging Dag tightly and resting her head on his shoulders, ready to go anywhere with him. 

...

In the meanwhile, Kjell, Orvar, and Terje rode north, trying to see something in the distance.

For more than half an hour, none of them said a word, either because they didn't have much confidence or simply because they had nothing important to communicate, being focused on the mission.

Terje wanted to ask a thousand questions to Master Kjell, of whom he had deep esteem, but believing that his rookie words might have annoyed him, he gave up and tried with Orvar, who seemed more open to dialogue. 

"Is there much left? Maybe in a little while we should rest the horses, they look a little sluggish" the young Berserkr said, breaking the silence and trying to start any talk to make time pass faster. 

"I think more or less two hours... as for the horses, don't worry... when we'll get there, they're going to have some time to catch their breath. Rather, let's get used to the idea of talking to Giants Of Ymir. Personally, I have never been able to establish a peaceful conversation with the warriors of that Clan, I don't know how to do it!" Orvar answered, smiling and looking at Terje, behind him. 

Kjell remained silent, continuing to ride. 

"Well, they certainly won't talk to us in the form of Jotunns, but as mere human beings. This will make the confrontation fairer. Then, when they see us coming in three, they will understand that our intentions are peaceful and I think they will be intrigued. Master Dag studied this plan in detail... he's a very careful person, he always thinks about everything!" Terje continued, praising his young Master. 

"It's not quite like you say, but let's say yes. He studied the plan in detail. The problem is that it's not his life that's in danger" Kjell countered, who couldn't hold back his comment, especially at a time when Dag was not present. 

Terje did not immediately respond, thinking about what he could say so as not to be disrespectful to the chain-warrior. 

"Since you arrived, my men and I have immediately underestimated your commander, Dag. We did not believe it was possible that a young warrior of his age could be in command of such strong and numerous troops. Knowing him, however, I must say that he has far exceeded my expectations, revealing himself to be a very sharp and intelligent person, who always thinks about the good of his people" Orvar commented, experient his own judgment on the subject in question. 

"Believe me, archer... I thought the same thing, sometimes I still think so. But as much as I may not like this surreal situation, the guy's really smart. Several times he saved our ass during difficult situations, which were not strictly dependent on him, but on people obsessed with his goddamn powers" Kjell replied, without even looking at his interlocutor, with his usual air of superiority.

"Obsessed people? What do you mean? Are his powers really so mind-blowing?" 

"I have known many warriors in my life, some of whom are certainly stronger than me. But that boy's powers... no, those powers go beyond anything. That strange matter that pops out of his body has something strange, a superhuman force. Fortunately, as you may have noticed, Dag's personality is good, so you don't need to figure out his weaknesses... but maybe that's just what he wants us to believe, I can't be sure! He must have a weakness!"

Terje looked at Kjell as he spoke in that way of Dag, not believing that behind his sharp words and glances there was such a deep refrain towards him. 

"Why should you look for a weakness? He's your commander, do you think his power might one day drive him crazy? He doesn't seem to me to be a person capable of hurting his men..." Orvar answered, also astonished by Kjell's harsh speech. 

"Master Dag, after being exiled for something he had not committed, returned to Temple Of Orn, the base of our Clan, to warn us of an imminent surprise attack. Not only did he manage to warn us in time, but he also participated in the battle, killing dozens of shapeshifters warriors and avoiding the destruction of one of the three access gates to the Temple. He's a hero, he always has been!" Terje exclaimed, interrupting the speech of the two Masters and presenting Dag for what he really was. 

"Wow! I didn't think he was that brave! If I had been exiled for no real reason, I doubt I would have returned to my old allies to help them... he made an honorable gesture, he showed you that the good of his Clan is worth more than resentment" Orvar said, reflecting with Terje on the importance of that gesture, while Kjell did not know what to say.