Chapter 29: Ragnar's Challenge
By mid day Borcha, Pyra, their guard and the mercenaries reached Sargoth, all around them pale skinned, muscular men and women watched them in the streets as they passed. When they reached the keep several Huscarls stood guard outside the tall wooden doors. As they approached the huscarls opened the door, and they went inside. The hall was long, and decorated with banners, and each dish on the table had a gold plate or platter under it. at the head sat a throne where Ragnar sat with the other Jarls.
"Ah the dignitaries from the Highland Kingdom about bloody time." Said one of the Jarls. "You look like you've been sleeping in a barn."
"Let's not insult our longtime rivals further than they already have been Irya ." Said Ragnar as they approached the table.
"Yes King." Irya said nodding. "My apologies."
"I do accept your apology, however save them for if we do not stand together the whole of the continent will fall to the Fire Benders." Borak said solemnly. "As my Kings Kingdom has, and we all will suffer the same fate as my Homeland."
"Ha If they try to invade By Odin I will put my Axe through each of their skulls, and a spear through their hearts." One of the Jarls said slamming his ax into the table.
"Stay your axe Gerald you will blunt your Axe before it kills an enemy." Ragnar said as he pulled the axe from the table and twirled it in his hand before giving it back to Gerald.
"Their fire will bring you down before your Axe or Spear can touch them ." Borak said cunningly. "All kingdoms must unite to drive them from our lands, I have been to Swadia the Queen seems agreeable to put aside differences and fight for the greater good of the realm."
"My king I propose we test this one, to see if he is worthy to fight alongside of us." Gerald suggested.
"Hmmm yes Gerald you are right, but how should he prove that he is worthy of our assistance." Ragnar said wisely as he folded his hands. "How should we test him?"
"Trial by Combat" Irya said eagerly. "One of our best men versing him."
"Yes, but why waste a warrior we could use on campaign." Ragnar pointed out. "He shall have to best one of you my Jarls first to be knocked out cold."
"I can agree to that." Gerald said nodding
"Then you shall face him tomorrow as the sun reaches its peak." Ragnar said clapping his hands together.
"As you will my king I will see you in the pit." Gerald said eagerly.
"Both of you must prepare for now this meeting is adjourned." Ragnar said. "Is this agreeable to you?"
"Yes, It would be an honor to face one of your Jarls." Borak said quickly before bowing and leaving the room."
As they walked down the streets Borak smiled while Pyra scowled.
"You object?" Borak asked turning to Pyra.
"Yes why waste your time fighting amongst ourselves, when we should be reading to fight the Fire Nation, and rescuing the King and My father?."
"This will take months to do the Armies and enough supplies for the campaign, we need logistics an army marches on it's stomach." Borak said. "I as much as you want to see the invaders pushed out, but it will take time."
"I hope we are not too late." Pyra said scornfully
