5 YEARS LATER
Finally it's time. These last 5 years have been so,so hard.The old man's training has made me into a man way before should have been.Im bigger, stronger,skilled than most men in the village.Now I can become a warrior.
As the snow falls onto my fur cape.I walk through the streets towards the barracks a head above every one.
I did not know I could reach this in such a short time.It feels like yesterday I began Training.Am I ready?
I shake my head as I reach the barrack's gate.
Steel yourself and push through.
The barracks are open to the public if they seek to join so I just push the gate open.And head in making my way to the Hersir's War room.
!KNOCK!KNOCK!KNOCK!
i hear someone say come in from the other side of the thick wooden door.As I head I see Thork,seems he's gotten a bit older and a scarred.His armor battle worn.He looks up his eyes lighting up in excitement as I approach him.
Thork-Ah,is that you Bjorn? It's been a while since I last saw you.Now look here you are.
Bjorn-Yes, I've come to become a warrior for our Clan,storm-Bear.
Thork-*He eyes my stature and size* How can I reject such a young,strong man.You have only seen 15 winters am I right?
Bjorn-Yes,I have come to join,like I said I would.
Thork-Well come follow me, I'll show you around.Ive heard much from Tove about you.
I follow him out the War room into the Sleeping area for the warrior's.The beds are simple and he takes me through several cabin's of beds.Chest at the foot of each bed for the soldiers belongings.
Thork-Enough room for the Storm-Bears.And for their belongings.
Bjorn-This is where I'd be sleeping?
Thork-Yes this or dirt outside.!Hahahah!
Bjorn-uhhh...Why are most of the beds empty?
Thork-Damm Raven Shields be attacking settlement's.We have to send out our village soldiers to help out.See there can only be 300 storm bears at once here.Due to space and we'll not everyone gets to be a storm bear.Some who want to be soldiers get sent out to other settlement's to work over currently there's 150 Storm-Bears here.The Elite I like to say.
We continue walking to the Armory.A large triangular building.with thick logs reinforced with metal for walls.And guarded by a dozen or so heavily armored men.Inside it,There are all types of weapons.And in another room, armor with the clan insignia on the chest.It seems to double as a supply room as well, As i see bags and chests of things everywhere.
We continue now at the training yard.A large area of open field with practice targets and training equipment.
Thork-When not in battle this is the place where you will spend most of your time.You know we cant have Storm-Bears dying left and right we must be a successful army.And we have been for generations.Not to boast too much but it's thanks to the genius of the Hersir's that lead each generation of men.Every single one has had a different style always building on the past Hersir's techniques and strategies.Making it impossible for other armies to counter out Forces.
Bjorn- impressive.Really all the stories I've heard about the ancient commanders.How they fought impossible battles and won.
Thork-Yeah, it's the Storm-Bear way.So you've come to join am i right.
Bjorn-Yes like i said I want to be a strong warrior.One worthy of the clan's respect.
Thork- Usually we'd have new recruit's go through a season long evaluation.Where they learn to fight and build in their skills and character...*walks over to a training weapon rack* But you have been training with Tove for a while now. I'd like to test your abilities,See if Tove can train men.
Bjorn-So you want to spar with me?
Thork-Yes.
Bjorn-Right now?
Thork-Ah!Too many questions.A warrior should be able to fight whoever, whenever an opponent arises.Pick a weapon.Lets go at it for a few rounds.See what your about.*He grabs 2 one handed axes*
I walk over to the rack.And grab a larger two handed axe.Im familiar with this after training,for years with one.
We both get in a stance.
Immediately he lunges at me swings his axe's at my head and side.While I can block one,I have to dodge the other simultaneously.
*CLACK*
As the weapons clash I swing my foot under neath him.Attemping to drop him.But he jumps back.
Thork- Hah! Sneaky!*He grins wildly*
This time I lunge at him swinging my axe through his defense hitting him on the shoulder.While his other axe hits my leg.
Thork-A trade!
He kicks me in the chest,making me stumble backwards.He then proceeds to lunge at me,hitting me on the head and chest.
*CLACK!CLACK!CLACK*
As I gather my self he begins running at me this time.I swing my axe with all my force wildly.
*CRACK*CLANK*
As it flys through his axe splitting the weapon apart,it hits him on the side of head.Sending him flying straight to the ground.
Bjorn-*running over to Thork*Oy,You okay?
As he takes his helmet off.
Thork-Yes im fine,head spinning a bit but damm.That was quite a blow.If that was a real axe would've took my head straight off.*I help him up to his feet*
Bjorn-I take it ,Im in the army?
Thork-Yeah,with flying marks.
I spend the rest of the day meeting the other soldiers.By far the most intimidating was Gorgo an absolute giant with,biceps the size of a mans heads.And a hammer that'll crush a boulder into peices.I get assigned a bed maybe coincidentally right next to his
Gorgo-Oh its you,Bjorn.My bunk mate.Thats what we call the people next to our beds.
Bjorn-Yup.I guess so.
Gorgo-Oh cmon cheer up*He shakes my head with his hand*It's a great thing I'll teach you how to be a proper Storm-Bear.
I put my stuff in the wooden chest at my feet.Throwing my fur cloak over it.And leaving the standard issue Two handed Iron axe beside my bed.
As I fall into a deep slumber quickly.
*LOUD HORN*