Crack*
Adults chopped the wood while children collected them with the elders who placed them on the ground to tie them together.
" Halfdan, tie like this. You have to be careful because if we make a mistake, this thing can be broken apart by the current."
Helena carefully taught Halfdan and the other children to how to tighten and tie the rope. The other children listened to her every single instruction because she was the most expert when it came to hunting despite her age.
" Good job, Helena."
Erik who saw his daughter was acting a leader felt proud because he taught her all of her knowledge even though Ingrid didn't like it. He saw talent and potential in Helena who showed her agile and quick response since her young age.
" The children look happy when they are creating rafts. We should teach them how to make jerky."
Magnus approached from behind while waving at the children with a smile on his face. Even though the war was coming to him, he didn't feel any pressure, believing anxiety would create chaos among his people.
" You are right, chief. I will teach them other essential things but I have to say Helena and Halfdan are showing good chemistry among themselves. Perhaps, we could connect them."
Erik coughed with embarrassment while thinking about how to connect the two children despite their young ages. Even though 6 years old was a minor in the modern age, that didn't apply in medieval times when parents decided on their children's marriage.
" You, sly bastard. Indeed, they have a good connection, but it is too early for them. I am not handing my prized son to anyone yet."
Magnus understood Erik was aiming for his son out of ambition and thoughtfulness since he was such a talented kid that other parents wouldn't hesitate to link their children's future with him.
" It isn't like we will live forever, chief. I want to see my grandchildren before I die."
Erik pushed Magnus even further despite their status difference. He knew Magnus wouldn't refuse him coldly due to his daughter and his wife who had a friendly relationship with his wife and son.
" You became bold, Erik, and I like it. I hope you can show it on the battlefield."
Magnus burst out with laughter while patting his shoulder with a meaningful glance. He saw where Erik was coming from because it was true that they could die tomorrow. That was the life of the Viking who spent all his or her life in the wars.
" Father!"
Suddenly Erik heard his daughter's voice as he turned his head around to look at Arne and Harold who were tangled among the ropes with mud.
His blood volume raised as he rubbed his forehead with stress, knowing the children played among themselves which led to this mess.
" You, Brats! Why don't you listen to me? Look at yourselves."
Despite his harsh tone, Erik didn't scold them as he smiled with a helpless face while untangling their bodies from the ropes with other adults and children who were laughing among themselves.
Looking at this scene made Magnus feel peaceful as he sat on the log with a calm face. This was the scene that he was trying to protect, the image of his people having fun among themselves without worry of war but the fate was cruel, unlike his imagination.
Perhaps this was a God's trial for his worthiness of being a leader but he wasn't fazed at all.
" All for the wellness of my people."
He whispered softly while clenching his hands.
Meanwhile in another region.
A thin tall man with a ginger beard was looking at the leather map with a serious face.
" We must pass through the cliffs before the night but there would be a problem here. It is a good place to ambush us and we have no choice but to go through here."
Hearing his words made other men frown with unhappiness because they thought it wasn't such a good idea to battle them.
" But why Magnus though? Among our people, he is the most influential and strongest warrior. Taking him down is as difficult as facing those monks and paladins of the church."
One of them asked with confusion while Bjorn looked at him silently.