Crack*
The dawn came with the smell of hell from the forest. The pitiful sight of the burned animals lay bare before their eyes as Bjorn and his men entered the still-burning forest with various expressions. Although they needed this forest in the future, the victory was much more important than the initial goal.
They covered their faces with soft fur to not inhale some of the deadly fumes in the air, knowing there might be some residue left there.
Vikings weren't foolish, they went through a lot of things and knew many things like poison could be in the air since many of them heard about fire mountains before. Such mountains brought many deadly airs from the air, poisoning everything on its way.
" Vør, can you locate the village?"
Bjorn patted on his shoulder, trusting his judgment here. There were no trails to be found here and he wasn't sure that they could find a way unless Vør tried it.
" The trails became faint in the fire but I could still find some clue. If I am right, there should be a settlement in the south because animals tended to avoid humans. They rarely get in the way of human trials, so this should be the way."
Bjorn's eyes lit up when he heard this, he carefully instructed his men to follow Vør while he and Yandal protected two injured men in the rear.
The long arduous road was finally on its end and they were at the door of their goals. The snow gradually thinned as they progressed toward the village, and the surrounding trees became less and less and they could see the faint outer lines of the building in the distance.
" Prepare your weapons. Don't forget about their defense."
Bjorn cracked his neck, pulling out his trusted short sword from its scabbard. The ice under his legs made a cracking sound, symbolizing slow agony in their way.
Meanwhile in the village.
Erik sat there with some elders from the village while sending others to the river at the fastest speed possible. Their eyes gleamed coldly under the rising sun, knowing death was approaching their direction, yet they didn't fear it for their purpose was for the greater good of their people.
" Who would have thought these old bones would go to Valhalla? JAHAHA!"
One of the elders burst with laughter, combing his beard with his treasured comb. It is a tradition to look good before gods in death, so many warriors looked like they were going to some kind of ceremony. The combed neat hair and bear symbolized their dedication toward the gods and they were ready to die.
" They are here."
One of the elders who had one eye, got up from his seat while grabbing his axe. The rest of the group followed his steps.
" Better these youngsters heat my cold feet and arms."
The elders joked around even Erik was feeling slightly perplexed. He couldn't understand why these men were acting like this but at least they weren't afraid.
At the entrance of the village, Vør observed the surroundings while trying to find where they escaped since it was obvious that they were nearby by the looks of the footprints.
" They probably headed down to a nearby river because there is residue of water there and here. Also, they have been preparing this for a long time."
Bjorn clicked his tongue with annoyance, looking at his 2 men with worry. They were constantly getting weaker and weaker.
" Let's not worry about them for now. Find useful items for the injured, then we will chase them."
But before he could finish his words, a screeching arrow landed next to him as a man with a thick beard.
" This is far as you go, younglings. Leave this place if you want to live."
His piercing eyes glared at them with daggers but neither side refused to give up. Bjorn wasn't here to talk with some old men.
" Kill him."
He didn't waste time with him, ordering his men to end this quickly. However, things didn't go as he wanted as the rest of the elders and Erik came out from the buildings with their weapons. Bjorn sighed with reluctance, heading toward them with his trusted sword.