A month has passed since the Vallonton Campaign and the pay the Shield Companions received from the Duke of Calvet was spent in expanding Félagborg. Adding more buildings to house their new recruits, stables, food stores, forges, armories and even their very own farm. They even set up stalls for merchants and improved the overall quality of their fortress. The Shield Companions also began improving the quality of not just their gear but the performance of their mercenaries on the field as well.
After fighting Orcs and Beastmen as well as Dark Elves, Baldur and the Mercenary Commanders of the company agreed that they needed to train their mercenaries in dealing with these foes as well as adapting their strategies when it comes to fighting them. Especially the Orcs as they would eventually be the common enemy when it was time to fight in Garan. This resulted in the creation of a mounted archer unit for the company under the leadership of Batu who was already training several Bow Companions to act as the company's elite horse archers. Naming this unit the Kheshigs.
They knew that attacking Orcs with cavalry in a frontal assault would end up with disastrous results but attacking them from the flanks or the rear would be effective though only if the Orcs themselves were occupied by another foe. This posed a problem as fighting Orcs in melee wasn't an easy task. Even a lone Orc can take out five professionally trained soldiers by it's lonesome. It was a miracle that the Spear Companions and Shield Companion Recruits managed to last long against a tide of greenskins. The best way to fight an Orc was to never let it get close. With horse archers, they can wither down the greenskins from a safe distance while riding circles around them. Orcs were big and not really fast even if they were fueled with bloodlust. Riddle them with enough arrows and they were bound to go down. This would also make them lose the momentum of their charge so they won't just smash through the tight spear and pike formations. Traps were also a good counter.
The Dreadknights were deadly when mounted. Their mounts were heavily-armored and that arrows, bolts and blades would bounce off of them. The riders, however, were another story. They wore armor with as much protection as the ones worn by the Dawn Templars. Meaning their armor was very little and left many areas exposed. Despite the lack of armor, the Dreadknights were very agile. If they were dismounted, they would dance around their opponents. While a lightly-armored Infantryman had no chance against one, a Sword Companion or an Axe Companion can take on them while taking more hits than an Infantryman.
Dark Rangers posed a different problem. Their enchanted arrows were able to pierce through shields and even plate armor but such arrows were limited and Isabelle informed them that not all Dark Rangers were equipped with them. Compared to Dreadknights, the Dark Rangers were more agile and stealthy. They shot arrows as fast as Vaegir Marksmen and they also utilized ambushes. The Knight-Captain of the Vinlun garrison informed them that Dark Ranger ambushes were so quick and stealthy that those ambushed didn't even realize they were under attack until only a quarter of them were left. The handful of survivors, if there are any, say that their comrades were dead in a blink of an eye. Riddled with dozens of arrows. To counter this, Oleg suggested the use of the tortoise shell formation and that the shields of the Sword Companions be replaced by ones similar to the ones utilized by the Sword Reavers which was larger than what they were currently using. This was approved and Oleg did his research on the tortoise shell formation to find ways to improve or modify it to suit their needs as well as take into consideration their equipment.
Speaking of Sword Companions, the five surviving swordsmen were further trained by Oleg and the Vaegir formed his own unit like Baldur and named said unit the Varyags or the Varjági. They were given a set of armor similar to Oleg's own armor. They, including Oleg, also wore the same open-front surcoat used by Baldur and his Stálbrjótar. Said open-front surcoat had become a symbol to distinguish the Mercenary-Commanders and the elite units of the Shield Companions from the rest of the company.
Bhaltair also formed his own elite unit consisting of the most accurate shot among the Crossbow Companions. Aside from additional training, he also taught them to wield a greatsword and warhammer as well as wear heavier armor for added protection. He took to naming his unit the Gaidhealtachd Sharpshooters or Highland Sharpshooters or simply Gaidheil or Highlanders. Thankfully, they weren't as horny or 'passionate' as the Rhodok when not on jobs. One Bhaltair was enough for the company.
There were also new arrivals in Félagborg in the form of a band of thirty Nordmænd mercenaries led by a woman named Ragnhild Stríðshrafn. After completing the requirements to be included in the ranks of the Shield Companions, Baldur set them up as the new Axe Companions while informing them that those who proved their worth would be tested to see if they have what it takes to be part of his Stálbrjótar.
While the Shield Companions focused on training their new recruits and elite units as well as improving the company overall, the Dawn Templars of Calvet were doing the same. Recruiting Chevaliers Errant into their ranks as well as young women with talents for fighting, carpentry and smithing among other things while Templar Sergeants who showed valor and heroism during the Vallonton Campaign were knighted by the Duchy's Knight-Commander Marjorie d'Auclair and were distributed between the Templar garrisons of Vinlun, Maizon and Belmur.
The Dawn Templars of Vinlun also improved their relations with the Shield Companions by hiring them, specifically Isolla, to help train the knewly knighted Templar Knight-Sisters as well as their Templar Squires. Under Isolla's tutelage, the Dawn Templars began utilizing mail hauberks and padded shirts underneath their armor. Despite Isolla's insistence they use full plate armor if they were able, the Dawn Templars decided to keep using the exposed plate armor they were wearing. At least this exposed plate armor was similar to the ones worn by the Knight-Lieutenants and Knight-Captains rather than the ones that only covered the nipples and crotch. They also started adding mail and white cloth caparisons and pieces of plate armor to their mounts. The added weight of the armored rider and their own armor would make their horses slower but the barding would give them better protection.
When word about the Discordians entering Ken reached the rest of the Shield Princesses, the Principalities of Feoh and Ansur, the Merchant Republic of Rad and the Land of Thorn began reevaluating the security of their borders. They feared that the Discordians can do the same to their land and enter it without much resistance. Many began reinforcing their borders with more troops and mercenaries while also sending diplomats across the Forgotten Sea to request aid from the Holy Aurelian Empire and even the Sultanate of Eldonia.
On the other hand, the Council of Flowers -who acted as regents until Princess Prim de' Fiorire was of age to rule- in the Principato di Ur ignored these events in favor of raising the taxes of the Common Folk and minor nobles and land owners who the Council saw as political rivals or for the simple reason that they didn't like them. Mercenaries had been paid less or not at all in favor of Knightly Orders and many had resorted to banditry though many were also hired by nobles that opposed the Council. Each day the situation in Ur begins to deteriorate and the threat of civil war looms over the horizon. Still. None of this reached the other principalities as the Council made sure that word never gets out of what they do. They were confident that with their wealth and the fact that almost every Knightly Order in the principality was in their pocket and acted as their enforcers and army, they can deal with an uprising of lowly peasants and rival nobles easily.
With all of this happening, there was no shortage of jobs for mercenaries across Eostia. Vinlun had become a sort of home to the Shield Companions. Everyone in the Duchy of Calvet knew Vinlun was the place to go if they wanted to hire the services of the Shield Companions. This caused some mercenary bands to either attempt to join the company or sabotage them when in jobs like attacking the Shield Companions when they're escorting a merchant caravan or guarding a Village Elder. Sometimes they would even attack individual Shield Companions when in towns or villages while not on the job. Isolating them from their fellow Shield Companions before stealing from them or beating them within an inch of their life. Nobody was brave or foolish enough to kill a Shield Companion as they knew that doing so would bring the wrath of the Skjaldfélagar and their Mercenary Lord upon them. They have heard the stories of how brutal the Shield Companions can be but that doesn't stop them from sabotaging the company.
In response, Baldur ordered that each companion would always be with accompanied by another and under no circumstances are they to engage rival mercenaries unless the other sellsword struck first. If that happens, the Shield Companions were allowed to fight back and do as they wish with the rival sellsword. Kill them or arrest them. Baldur didn't care but if the Dawn Templars asked then it would appear to them that they weren't the ones who attacked first and whatever happens after was only done so in self-defense. It'll keep the law off their back and make the rival mercenaries look bad. It would also make them appear honorable and that was something he learned could be used to their benefit.
Merchants, Village Elders, Town Mayors and nobles -be they minor or major- would rather hire the services of a trustworthy, honorable and efficient mercenary company than one of ill repute. They'll get more jobs if they can pass off as honorable enough but that doesn't mean they'll put aside jobs that would involve abhorrent acts though they would have to keep such dealings discreet. Slavery and slave trade was outlawed in Eostia but if it wasn't, Baldur and his company wouldn't have hesitated in selling their prisoners to slave traders. After all, slave traders pay good coin. But since it was outlawed, the Shield Companions settled for ransoming their prisoners though this meant that only the prisoners that were related to someone rich can pay the ransom while the rest were carted off to the local prison. They were paid for their efforts but the pay was less compared to ransoming. Still. Coin is coin.
(Line Break)
Isabelle blinked as she tried to comprehend what she was witnessing before her very eyes. Baldur -the massive Nord who cuts down his enemies without mercy, bears the strength of a hundred men and fueled by coin and the search for a worthy opponent- was combing his hair in front of a mirror. She expected many things from the Nordic Mercenary Lord but this certainly wasn't one of them. If she wasn't so dumbstruck by the delicate way Baldur combed his hair and braided his beard, she would have been busy ogling at the Nord's bare chest.
The Knight-Captain shook her head and approached the Nord just as he finished with his hair and beard and was putting on a blue, long-sleeved shirt. He grabbed his headband and tied it around his forehead before taking notice of Isabelle and stood straight.
"You have a job for us?"
"Not really." She shook her head before holding out an envelope to the Nord "The Duke of Calvet is inviting you and your Mercenary Commanders to a feast in the hall of Château de Calvet. The Duke of Boudelaire and the Duchess of Lavaud would be attending along with the Marshal of Ken and some other nobles. He also invited Shield Princess Claudia so she might turn up."
Baldur hummed as he opened the envelope and read the invitation. His mind, however, was focused on the fact that the principality's leader may attend the feast. Perhaps the Shield Princess would be interested in hiring the company. He also knew that if there was a feast, there was bound to be someone needing a task done. Be it training soldiers, hunting down wanted criminals or escorting a caravan they own or the like. Good opportunities to make a quick coin.
"We'll be there."
"Then I- Wait, really?"
Hearing this, the Nord raised a brow at the Knight-Captain who rubbed the back of her neck while giving him a sheepish grin.
"Sorry. It's just that I expected you to decline in favor of going about your mercenary work. I didn't really think you'd accept. At least not without a little convincing."
"Well it seems I exceeded your expectations. We'll be attending the feast. It's safe to assume that we're required to look our best?"
"If you can." Isabelle nodded "This is a feast and I think Duke Arnoult would appreciate it if you attend the feast wearing something other than your armor or if you are thinking of doing that then I suggest you have your armor cleaned."
Baldur grunted and left to inform the others. Rather than leave, Isabelle decided to walk around Félagborg for a bit. She wanted to see the changes the company made to their fortress and also wondered what the Shield Companions do when they weren't on the job.
The Dawn Templar's feet brought her to the practice range and she bore witness to conclusion of an accuracy competition between Bhaltair and Batu with the winner taking the practice range first. The Rhodok won and Isabelle felt her eye twitch while a hint of pink dusted her cheeks as she watched Bhaltair turn his back to Batu and bend over before proceeding to pull down his pants and show his bare backside to the Khergit.
"Feast your eyes!"
'Oh for the love of- He's a damn man-child.' She thought to herself.
Batu sneered in disgust but relented. He lost the bet and now Bhaltair and his Gaidhealtachd Sharpshooters would be using the practice range first. Seeing that the Rhodok still gloated over his victory, the Khergit walked over to the rack holding quivers of arrows used and took an arrow with a round tip before drawing said arrow back then aiming his bow at Bhaltair's bare cheeks. A smirk found it's way into his face before releasing the arrow. Hitting the Rhodok straight in the left butt cheek and causing him to trip forward.
Seeing Bhaltair lie face down in the dirt with his exposed butt in the air caused the mercenaries around them to laugh at the sight. Meanwhile, the Khergit put away his bow and walked over to his friend before looking down at the Rhodok with a shit-eating grin.
"The range is all yours, my friend. Enjoy."
The Khergit walked away from the practice range but not before adding insult to injury by slapping Bhaltair's butt cheek. The same one that his arrow hit. Causing the rest of the mercenaries to burst in thundering laughs. Even Bhaltair himself laughed as he got up to his feet and pulled his pants back up.
Isabelle shook her head in amusement before turning to leave. It reminded her of the things her Knight-Sisters would do when they were bored and have nothing much to occupy them. Harmless pranks and all that. Compared to the Dawn Templars in Belmur, the Vinlun Templars were less rigid and more at ease. This also gave the impression that the Vinlun Templars were approachable and this improved their relations to the town they were assigned to. The Belmur Templars, on the other hand, were so rigid, uptight and isolated that they weren't exactly the first one Belmur's townsfolk turns to when they need help. Then again it was expected if their Knight-Captain was the ever zealous Léontine who just so happens to view anyone who wasn't of noble blood barely worth her time.
'Great combination.' She thought dryly.
Next, Isabelle found herself in the fortress' farm and watched in the distance as Oleg tended to the fields along with other mercenaries who were knowledgeable in farming before joining the company.
Looking at the Vaegir, she had never seen a more content and peaceful look on his face. It made her wonder what Oleg's life would have been if he hadn't become a mercenary. It also made her wonder what the lives of the Mercenary Commanders and the Mercenary Lord of the Shield Companions were like before they joined the company. Baldur told her about Nordland and his family but not much else. He never told her how he met Oleg and how the Shield Companions came to be.
Calradia, like Eostia, was home to different cultures and people but were primarily humans. It was obvious that each of the Mercenary Commanders of the Shield Companions hailed from different walks of life. Different cultures. Factions. All of whom were at war at some point as Isolla told her. Yet Baldur had managed to create a mercenary company consisting of warriors from all these factions and made then fight for the Swadians. Isolla, however, told her that the Shield Companions fought against their homeland, even old friends, because of their of loyalty and respect to Baldur and Oleg. It was through those reasons that the Shield Companions didn't turn their back on the Nord when Harlaus the Usurper offered to spare and even reward them if they bring him Baldur's head.
Isabelle was shaken from her thoughts by the angry yells coming from the merchant stalls and quickly ran towards the source to see what's going on and, if possible, mediate. Quite a few mercenaries had gathered around as two merchants -an Eldonian and an Aurelian- shouted insults to the other while telling the gathered mercenaries that the other's wares were of weaker quality. Many of the Shield Companions found the sight amusing until the Eldonian merchant suddenly unsheathed a broad Scimitar while the Aurelian took out a Zweihänder from the weapons he was selling before the two men ran at each other.
Before either of the merchants could spill blood, a group of Kalid Guards -Spear Companions that were given the duty of to keep the peace in the fortress- quickly placed themselves between the two merchants before standing back to back and formed a spear wall facing both armed men. This effectively stopped the two in their tracks before they could impale themselves into the spears. A pair of Steelbreakers, Oluf and Håkon, quickly disarmed the merchants just as A'isha entered the scene with Baldur behind her.
"What is going on here?!" The Sarranid demanded.
As the two merchants explained the situation to A'isha, Baldur walked over to the two Steelbreakers and took the Zweihänder from Oluf before examining it. He gave it a few test swings before walking over to the Aurelian merchant and holding out the large blade in front of him.
"You know how to properly use this thing?"
"Know?" The man snorted "Of course I do. That blade has been with me through thick and thin during my tenure as a Doppelsöldner in the Verlorene Haufen. If it weren't for my damned leg I would still be fighting with the Haufen rather than dealing with that ELDONISCHE SCHWEIN!!"
The Aurelian merchant made a point to yell the last part at his rival merchant who just so happened to be portly.
"I will cut off your tongue for this, YA SHARMOUTA!!"
This quickly devolved into a shouting match and Baldur grunted in annoyance before deciding to simply ask (intimidate) the two to switch stalls with other merchants and keep as far away from the other as possible. The Nord warned them that if he hears that the two had another confrontation then he would kick them out of Félagborg and taking back all the coin the company and it's mercenaries spent on their wares.
With that matter resolved, Baldur left while A'isha and her Kalid Guards kept an eye on the merchants just in case. Isabelle decided it was time to leave and left for the stables. She still had to oversee the training of the new Knight-Sisters along with Isolla as well as prepare herself for the Duke of Calvet's feast. The Knight-Commander and the Knight-Captains of the Calvet Templars were invited to join the feast as well though she wasn't looking forward to being in the same vicinity as Knight-Captain Léontine. Goddess knows she can't stand the blasted woman's presence. Even though she was officially Knight-Commander Marjorie's heir, she was adopted and she had no noble blood in her. Léontine took every opportunity to subtly insult her for her lack of noble blood. This left her with the want to punch the stuck-up bitch in the face but doing so would just make Léontine take her insults up a notch and she didn't need to deal with that anymore than she had to.
(Line Break)
It took the better part of the day for Baldur to reach Château de Calvet and by the time he arrived it was already night time. The reason why Baldur was the only one to go was because the company received a job soon after Isabelle left and, not one to have the company pass of a job, Baldur ordered Oleg to take the job while h attended the feast and maybe even get them hired for another job. His Mercenary Commanders agreed and Baldur left as soon as he was dressed properly. The Nord decided to wear his usual armor but had forgone the lamellar cuirass as well as his helmet and weapons aside from a bearded axe and a Nordic Sword which was sheathed in a scabbard that hung on the front of his belt rather than the side. He also decided to wear his headband as well as a blue cloak with a Dire Wolf fur mantle.
As Baldur followed Duke Arnoult's squire through the halls of Château de Calvet, the Nord saw that the Duke's castle was very lavishly furnished and he couldn't help but entertained the thought of just taking as much as he can carry with him before making a break for it. Sell the items back to the Duke for a ridiculously high price. He shook his head and continued to follow the Duke's squire until they reached the great hall. While nobles were asked to wait by the doors and enter only after their arrival was announced, Baldur was wordlessly led inside since he was a simple mercenary in the eyes of Ken's nobility.
Inside the great hall, Baldur spotted Isabelle standing silently to the side of the Knight-Commander of the Calvet Templars who was speaking to the Marshal of Ken, Geoffrey de Montaufort. Judging by the look in her eyes, the Knight-Captain was bored until she spotted Baldur. She excused herself before making her way over to him and greeted the Nord with a smile.
"I'm glad you make it. I was beginning to wonder if you would even show up." She then noticed that he was alone and looked up at Baldur with a raised brow.
"A quest came shortly after you left. I decided that the company shouls take the quest while I attend the feast. I told them that I'll be looking for anyone here that's interested in hiring us."
"I see. Well. The Duke is attending to his wife in their chambers. She's pregnant after all but I'm sure he'll be glad to see you."
"Lord Baldur. "
Baldur and Isabelle turned to the voice and saw Duchess Héloïse and Duke Charles approaching them. The former was dressed in an expensive purple gown that revealed much of her cleavage. Earning looks from the male side of the attending nobles but she ignored them as she kept her gaze at the Nord. The latter, on the other hand, was garbed in a lavish set of clothes and wore a long red cloak.
"I'm surprised you accepted Arnoult's invitation. We figured you would have refused." Héloïse stated before crossing her arms and subsequently pushing up her breasts but to her annoyance, Baldur didn't notice nor even took a glance.
"Indeed." Charles added "Nevertheless. It's good to see you, friend. I've heard tales of how you and Knight-Captain Isabelle here have taken Castle Vallonton from the Beastmen. The tale grows ever stranger by each retelling but one thing remains is that you have taken Henri's castle and the village near it despite being outnumbered. I raise this wine to your achievements. Both of you."
The Nord, Dawn Templar and Duchess watched in amusement as the Duke of Boudelaire raised the large goblet in his hand before proceeding to drink it like a man stranded in the desert for days without water.
"So this is the famed mercenary that has earned much of Duke Arnoult's praise."
Baldur turned to the speaker whose voice made it clear that they were unimpressed. His eyes landed on a tall and well-built young man wearing heavy plate armor with a white cloak. He looked at Baldur with eyes filled with scorn as well as arrogance. Unimpressed by the sight of the Nord despite towering over him by six inches. Said Nord grunted before closing the distance until they were inches apart and glared down at the young man.
"You have a problem with that?"
"Tch. You don't scare me, scoundrel. I've killed bigger and more monstrous beasts than you. You are nothing but a bug compared to them. You will fall before me in one stroke."
"Is that so? Care to prove those words?"
"You dare challenge me, mercenary?"
Baldur cracked his neck and rolled back his shoulders in response. The younger man in front of him scoffed and took a step back before yelling for his squire to get his sword then turned back to Baldur.
"We settle this here and now, cur."
"Hm."
The two made their way to the opposite ends of the hall to prepare themselves for the duel. The crowd parting for them and forming a pseudo ring in the middle of the hall. Rather than try and stop them, the gathered nobles seemed eager to see the spectacle unfold. Knight-Commander Marjorie moved to yell for the duel to cease but was stopped held back by the Marshal of Ken. Geoffrey wanted to see what the Mercenary Lord of the Shield Companions was capable of. Even he was curious to see why the Duke of Calvet as well as the Duke of Boudelaire and the Duchess of Lavaud praised the man so much. Besides, the Duke of Beaugendre's son could use a beat down or two. After all, the young man boasted about his so-called 'achievements' and 'victories' yet not once has he ever seen young Armand take up his blade aside from slamming the flat of the blade on Château de Beaugendre's servants. Supposedly to punish them for looking at him in the eye. His father, Corin, was ashamed of him yet Armand was his only heir and a battlefield injury has left the Duke of Beaugendre unable to produce another heir. The only reason why Armand was here because Corin was sick and his son took his place in the feast.
Moments later, Armand's squire returned carrying a two-handed longsword before handin the weapon to his master. Armand gripped the longsword with one hand before resting the flat of the blade on his shoulder as he faced Baldur who was at the other end of the hall. Said Nord had removed his cloak and gripped his bearded axe with his right hand before proceeding to walk towards Armand.
Off to the side, Isabelle watched as Baldur walked menacingly towards his opponent yet his massive form did not deter Armand in the slightest. The Knight-Captain prayed that Duke Arnoult would hurry up and return to the great hall to stop this. She even prayed for Grand Mistress Claudia to arrive as well so she can talk some sense into these two but preferably Armand as the young idiot was the one to instigate this confrontation.
"Prepare to die, foul knave!"
Armand roared as he ran towards Baldur and swung his blade down with the intent of killing the Nord in one stroke just as he boasted. In his mind, he already one. After all, what is a common mercenary compared to the son of a Duke? His opponent wore simple mail armor while he wore plate armor of the highest quality and emblazoned with depictions of his 'conquests'. The mercenary may have an advantage over him in size but that was nothing compared to the noble blood thst ran through his veins. That alone proved him superior over many.
With that mindset, the young noble firmly expected his weapon to cleave through the Nord like hot knife through butter. He believed since he was superior in every way that he was faster and stronger than the Mercenary Lord of the Shield Companions. What happened instead was Baldur casually leaning to the side to avoid the blade as it went down before slamming his forehead against Armand's nose and breaking it. He then kicked the young man in the abdomen and watched as he stumbled backwards into the ground. Whimpering like a child as he held his broken and bleeding nose.
The heir to the Duchy of Beaugendre looked back at the Nord only to backpedal in fear as Baldur stalked towards Armand. Unsheathing his Nordic Sword in a reverse grip as he slowly closed the distance. His eyes shadowed by his hair as he drew closer and closer to Armand who stuttered as he tried and failed to get back to his feet. He saw one of the minor nobles carrying a sword and reached his hand towards the man while demanding that he give him his sword.
This was futile as Baldur finally reached Armand and kicked his hand away from the minor nobleman before pinning it to the floor with his boot. He dropped to one knee and looked into Armand's eyes while showing a lack of emotion. He raised his bearded axe above his head and this caused the Dawn Templars and the Marshal of Ken to finally intervene but Baldur already brought his weapon down.
Armand closed his eyes and screamed. He kept screaming for a few more moments before realizing he was not dead and slowly opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was Baldur still looking at him without an ounce of emotion before looking down to see that the Nord had stopped the axe mere inches from his neck. The young man was so terrified of how close he came to death that he lost control of his bladder and pissed his trousers.
Baldur noticed the stench of piss in the air and looked down at Armand before breaking his stoic visage and let out a bark of laughter at the younger man's expense. He stood up and sheathed his sword back into it's scabbard before moving to hook his bearded axe back to his belt but stopped when he noticed that he was surrounded by ten Dawn Templars as well as the Marshal of Ken and the Knight-Commander. Their weapons drawn with the sole exception of Isabelle who was kept back by a pair of Belmur Dawn Templars.
"Tch. Troublesome."
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!"
Everyone in the great hall turned to the voice and immediately bowed their heads low upon seeing none other than the Shield Princess of Ken standing by the massive doors of the great hall and flanked by two Dawn Templars. Her presence alone demanded respect. Even Baldur could see that.
Claudia de Levantine's steel blue eyes took in the sight of the armed Baldur and the Dawn Templars surrounding him before her gaze landed on the whimpering and injured form of the son of the Duke of Beaugendre not too far from the Nord. Seeing as how her Dawn Templars and the Marshal of Ken had their weapons drawn and facing the Nord who held an axe in hand, she came to only one conclusion and immediately took what she thought was the best action at the time.
"Seize him!"
AN: I just watched The Northman and goddamn do I love that movie. The brutality, gore, ruthlessness, the whole shebang. I think I like the Berserkers performing a ceremony the night before the village raid the best out of all the scenes in the movie as well as the raid itself. Something about that scene just makes me wanna join in and howl like a lunatic. Probably not a good idea to do that while living in a house with a very catholic family. At least I don't have to worry about the Spanish Inquisition bursting through the door and burning me alive at the stake.