Warriors of Old

After finally reaching the small market town, Satomi was dismayed to find more vikings trespassing where they didn't belong. Had they come in peace? Perhaps to open a trade route, or learn about the culture of the people in contrast to their own. Or maybe to form an alliance to call upon for assistance during times of disease or famine. 

 Something as simple as trespassing could be seen as a light, even non-punishable offense if these 'emissaries' were cordial in their visit. But of course, Satomi knew that wasn't the case. That was leaps and bounds beyond what she expected from these animals. The vikings were brute savages, nothing more, so it was of no surprise to her that they had only come to raid, pillage, and plunder. 

What did and continued to surprise her was how low they were willing to stoop in order to satiate their bloodlust. Were they completely without honor? Did their depravity know no limit? There was no glory to be had here. The residents of this market town weren't soldiers; they were farmers and merchants. 

 Being that they were so far away from any large settlement, these people had wisely formed a militia and managed to successfully fend off invaders in the past, but the four trained, armed, armored and battle-ready viking warriors were currently making a mockery of their efforts and laying waste to everything. Shops were ransacked. Carts were overturned, fires broke out here and there. Innocent townsfolk lay murdered in the streets. 

At one point in time, Satomi wouldn't have been able to hold back the tears. Wouldn't have been able to bear the sight of bodies draped over countertops or seeing libraries, schools and homes being burnt to the ground. But that was a long time ago, and she had since grown numb to the ugly side of humanity. It wasn't a feeling she relished.

In all honesty, this growing indifference was what bothered her most as of late. Satomi spent so much time traveling across the region, going from village to village and helping those in need, that she felt she was losing touch with the only person who truly mattered; herself. Not to mention the risks she took by declaring herself as protector of the people. Even now, as Satomi stepped into the clearing and saw the last of the local militia in a final stand against the viking invaders, the consideration for self-preservation swept across her mind. 

What was she doing here? The last of the militia would be wiped out any second now, most likely before she got to them. Then she'd be outnumbered and unable to escape. She may as well leave while she still ca- 

 "Enough," Satomi said aloud. 

 Not fear, nor worry, nor doubt would keep her from protecting the innocent and trying to prevent what had happened to her own village all those years ago from happening to any other. Her face was a grim mask of determination beneath her noh and amigasa. With a calm, deep breath, the Onna-bugeisha lifted her naginata and approached the nearest viking.