Gabriel sat quietly in his room, marveling at the craftsmanship around him. The room was spacious yet simple, with wooden beams and carved furniture adorned with Viking motifs. Everything was functional but beautifully designed, a testament to the skill of the village craftsmen. He ran his fingers over the surface of a wooden table, admiring the intricate patterns etched into its surface.
"This world…" Gabriel murmured, his gaze drifting to the window. "It feels familiar, yet I cannot recall anything." He closed his eyes, attempting once more to summon memories, but each attempt only resulted in a sharp headache.
"All I know is my name," he sighed, pressing his palm to his forehead. "And my power."
Gabriel was aware of his extraordinary abilities—his capacity to heal, to attack, to fly—but their source remained a mystery. How strong was he? Could there be limits to his power? These questions lingered, unanswered.
Meanwhile, outside in the village, Bjorn observed his people with quiet pride. The chief stood near the gates, watching as villagers bustled about their daily tasks. The children laughed and played while warriors trained diligently in the open field. Aspiring fighters sparred under the watchful eyes of seasoned veterans, their grunts and the clang of weapons filling the air.
Bjorn crossed his arms, his green eyes scanning the village he had worked so hard to protect. He had brought peace and prosperity to his people, but deep in his heart, he knew it was fragile.
"Chief! Our scout has returned," a guard called out, breaking Bjorn's thoughts.
Bjorn turned and strode toward the gates, his heavy boots crunching against the snow-dusted ground. "Report," he commanded, his voice steady.
The scout, a wiry man dressed in thick furs, bowed slightly before speaking. "Chief, the neighboring tribes are fortifying their walls. According to what I've overheard, the barbarians are on the march. They're expected to reach this region within a week."
Bjorn inhaled deeply, his jaw tightening. At that moment, Sigrun approached, her emerald eyes filled with concern. She had overheard the scout's words and instinctively placed a hand on her husband's arm.
"War never truly ends," Bjorn muttered, his voice low. He turned back to the scout. "Increase the number of guards at the walls. Train as many volunteers as possible. We must be ready."
The scout nodded and hurried off to carry out his orders. Bjorn turned to Sigrun and sighed. "Come, love. We need to speak with the children."
Inside their longhouse, Sigrun called for her daughters. Astrid, Liv, and Eira quickly gathered in the dining area, their faces reflecting varying degrees of curiosity and concern.
Bjorn sat at the head of the table, his presence as commanding as ever. "Astrid," he said, looking at his eldest, "please fetch Gabriel."
Astrid nodded and rose from her seat. She made her way to Gabriel's room and knocked softly on the door. A moment later, the door creaked open, revealing Gabriel. His glowing, alabaster skin and waist-length white hair still took her breath away, though she tried her best to remain composed.
"Yes, Miss Astrid?" Gabriel asked politely.
"Father has requested your presence," she said with a smile.
"Understood," Gabriel replied.
Before following her, Gabriel closed his eyes and snapped his fingers. A white robe materialized around him, covering his figure in elegant folds of shimmering fabric. The garment seemed to glow faintly, making him appear even more divine.
Astrid's eyes widened. "You can create clothing like that?" she asked, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
Gabriel chuckled softly. "I merely thought of it, and it happened."
Astrid sighed, shaking her head. "You're beyond common sense," she muttered, though her lips twitched into a small smile.
At the dining table, the family waited as Gabriel entered the room. The twins, Liv and Eira, couldn't hide their excitement, their gazes fixed on him with hearts practically visible in their eyes. Sigrun noticed this and stifled a laugh.
"These daughters of mine," she thought fondly. "Barely a day and they're already smitten."
Bjorn gestured toward a seat. "Please, take a seat, Gabriel. I apologize for summoning you so soon. You've hardly had a moment to rest."
Gabriel smiled graciously. "I don't feel tired, Chief. Please, don't worry."
Bjorn nodded, his expression growing serious. "The reason I've gathered you here is to discuss a pressing matter. Our scouts have reported that the barbarians are mobilizing. They will attack and pillage any village they come across."
Liv and Eira gasped in unison, their playful expressions replaced with shock. Astrid's brows furrowed, her warrior instincts immediately kicking in.
"Barbarians?" Gabriel asked, his tone curious rather than fearful.
Bjorn leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Barbarians are people like us, but their ways are different. Many are savage, driven by violence and greed. They live near rivers and mountains, much like us. Some, however, are forced into war by circumstance. Not all of them are heartless."
Gabriel nodded thoughtfully. "Is the village in immediate danger?"
"Not yet," Bjorn replied. "But we must strengthen our defenses. We'll fortify the walls and prepare our warriors. If any neighboring villages send for aid, we will help them."
Gabriel smiled, his respect for Bjorn growing. "You are a noble leader, Chief Bjorn. I'm glad to stand by your side. As I promised, I will protect your people."
Bjorn regarded him with gratitude. "You've already done much for us, Gabriel, but I'm curious. Just how powerful are you?"
Gabriel stood, his radiant wings unfurling. "Let me show you."
Outside, Gabriel took to the sky, his wings shimmering in the afternoon light. The villagers stopped in their tracks, their eyes fixed on the divine figure above them. Gabriel hovered in the center of the village, his presence commanding awe.
Closing his eyes, Gabriel spread his arms wide. A beam of light shot down from the heavens, enveloping him in a radiant glow. The villagers watched in stunned silence as the light expanded outward, forming a protective dome around the village. The barrier shimmered faintly, an ethereal shield that encased their home.
Gabriel descended gracefully, landing before Bjorn and the others. "This barrier will protect the village from external threats," he explained. "No enemy can penetrate it without my knowledge."
Bjorn stared at him, awe evident in his expression. "Gabriel, I don't know how to thank you."
Gabriel placed a hand on Bjorn's shoulder. "There's no need for thanks. Protecting this village is my promise."
The villagers began to cheer, their fear replaced with hope. Gabriel's divine presence and unwavering kindness had turned their uncertainty into faith.
Bjorn looked at his family, then at Gabriel. For the first time in years, he felt that perhaps, just perhaps, peace was truly within reach.