The chilly wind of the morning whipped Magnus's face harshly as he felt his breath freezing in the cold. His calm eyes were focused on the men before him, telling him that this was it.
" Long time no see, Magnus. You look more miserable than ever. Perhaps Horton did damage you and your people. Most of your men look tired."
Bjorn was waiting for this moment to approach, knowing only one of them would leave this place intact.
" You are a coward like always. You even dared to put the children before your front. Don't you have any shame?"
Magnus said hoarsely, trying to look calm but his eyes betrayed his mind as it darted toward its flesh and love. The stinging pain in his chest seemed to tell that he failed as a father and a leader.
" I have only a few men here, Magnus. I am not a fool to face one of the greatest warriors in our time with 10 or so people. Your people will skewer us alive with their pikes."
Bjorn admitted he was a coward here but he wasn't a fool. The injured beasts were the most dangerous beasts after all.
" Leave them alone. I will give you this land."
Magnus walked toward him with a cold face, only stopping 10 steps away from him. His gentle eyes fell to his sole blood as his heavy knees bent forward for him. For his son, he was willing to abandon everything that mattered to him.
" Father!"
Halfdan couldn't believe Magnus would kneel before Bjorn to save him. His tiny heart beat fast and he wanted to lift him but Bjorn didn't allow him to move.
" You have grown soft, Magnus. I know you as one of the bravest men in our kind but you dared to kneel before a fellow Jarl. Where is your backbone?"
Bjorn snorted coldly while wrinkling his face with contempt. Magnus didn't raise his head as other warriors clenched their fists with shame. Even Freyja couldn't do anything for her family under their watchful eyes.
" For you, he is just my son but for me, he is my everything. As a father, I will give my everything for him, including my own life and honor."
Magnus lightly raised his head, matching his eyes with Halfdan's eyes while smiling softly like he was reassuring him that everything would be alright.
" I see. I admit your son is a genius. Perhaps he would have become a great leader but you know I can't allow you to leave here peacefully. Otherwise many would suffer."
Magnus didn't deny his words, not saying anything to him. However, during this moment Helena who was harboring hatred toward Bjorn, bit one of the warrior's arms while pushing Bjorn with her all might.
Bjorn who was pushed suddenly, couldn't help to release Halfdan from his arms. Halfdan quickly got away from his situation, trying to run toward Magnus.
" FREYJA!"
Magnus roared loudly, grabbing his cold sword from the snow while dashing toward Bjorn who was caught off guard. His quick move cut down several people on his way as he got closer to Bjorn.
His bloodshot eyes were focused on his prey, not refusing to let him get away from him for a single moment.
" Magnus!"
Ironically fate wasn't on their side as Yandal sliced his sword deeply into his shoulder which made his arms dangle weakly.
" Die!"
Freyja who was aiming for Bjorn, shifted her arrow to Yandal as she tried to save Magnus.
Crash*
But her arrow was blocked by Vør who kept observing her movements. All remaining warriors rushed in to finish them off, yet Bjorn was calm. He quickly realized the situation went south, so he decided to make the most rational choice here.
" Yandal, don't kill him."
Yandal seemed to understand his words, overpowering weakened Magnus with his strength.
However, Magnus wasn't a weakling even though he was injured he gritted his teeth to forget his pain, headbutting him with his bloody head. Then he kicked one of the warriors down with a simple move, protecting the children from harm.
" You have lost because of your kindness."
The dreadful voice reached his ears when he realized Bjorn was behind him.