A week later in Kent territory.
The horses lined up in front of the castle while Uther and Magnus led the army with their commanders.
" We will attack Guildford first. Divide your men into groups and group up with me near the hills.
Freyja will take care of their scouts in the vicinity."
Magnus nodded at his words, raising his sword to signal his men. Without hesitation, the horn of the war was blown as the Vikings put on their helmets. They put on their gear on their horses, marching behind their leaders.
A second horn was blown after the first horn, making them divide into 10-person groups as they got into their respective formations.
" March!"
Magnus pointed his sword toward Surrey land, marking the start of the war that engulfed the entire continent. His breath was steady like mountains while his eyes glanced beyond the horizon.
The arduous road of his suffering was ending with his patience. Now he would take hold of the reins of his fate, so no one would judge him.
The knights followed the Vikings from behind, creating a trail of shadow before the longing eyes of their families. For them it was glory and wealth in exchange for their blood, they were willing to share every drop of their sweat to allow their people and families to live better.
" Arthur, be careful of the terrains. You might face experienced knights. Thus, do not falter before their momentum for that would spell your end."
Uther advised his son to be more careful since he lacked experience, unlike Halfdan. Fortunately, Halfdan was leading his group, so his heart was reassured.
" No need to fret, father. I will fight for our people."
Arthur pulled down his helmet, riding his horse to meet with Halfdan who was leading an elite group to ambush enemy scouts. The team consisted of Arne, Harold, Lancelot, Bedivere, and him who would strike the enemy with quick maneuver.
" Now listen to me. We won't rest until we reach enemy territory.
We will take out their scout force before they notify the guards. If you see any bird or animal, shoot them with your bows. Don't let a single creature leave your grasp."
Halfdan's eyes glistened with a hint of amusement, believing this would be an easy campaign for them unless someone screws things up badly.
A few days later near Guildford.
The sun was shining brightly like usual, illuminating the sky with its bright luster. However, the dark clouds were looming over their border, yet no one realized this.
A middle-aged man paid coins to the baker while holding freshly baked bread in his arms. Then he placed it in his leather sack, mounting on his horse like usual.
" Dad, go home early today. You promised me to teach hunting."
The young boy waved his hand while the man smiled with a bright smile, thinking he would teach his son. He recalled the memories of his father who would often point out footprints and berries to survive in the wilderness if he needed.
" Captain, we are ready."
The man nodded at his squire, looking at his trusted animals which accompanied him for years to safeguard his territory.
" Johnathan, how is your wife? I heard her appetite increase with her belly."
The scouts burst out with laughter while Johnathan scratched his head with embarrassment. His cheeks had a tint of blush on them as he fiddled with his fingers.
" You know her, captain. She loves eating and she is pregnant. Hence, I need to scout almost daily to meet her needs."
The man shook his head with a smile, taking out the bread from his sack while breaking it into half. Then he gave one half to him while breaking the remaining into three pieces.
After doing that he put one piece in his mouth, one in his horse, and one toward his bird which was flying above him.
" Eat it, kiddo. You can't go out on an empty stomach. Trust me, we won't carry you if you pass out from hunger."
The scouts once burst out with laughter, playing with Johnathan who would chuckle at their teasing with an innocent face. Little did he know that his life would be changed forever today.