I do not own the rights to For Honor, Having said that enjoy!

Part Two

Chapter 18. A Hydra's Venom

A week later

The wagon train trudged forward as the snow picked up again, once as it was dirt, the mud stuck and clung to the wheels as they slowed down more and more. Gregor looked over to his side as the Sayori rode up next to the wagon in lead and took her wooden face off to show the more expressive and concerned faced she wore.

"What troubles you?" Gregor perked up before he shifted back, leaning back on the seat as he flipped his hood off.

"I grow more concerned for William" Sayori looked back to the second cart in line to the brown blanket standing up, the only hint of something underneath was the black iron armor clutching a brown pot in its hand. "he hasn't spoken to anyone in days" Gregor nodded as he made a gruff noise before pushing on with the carts.

"William will be fine; you just need to give him time" Gregor said as he focused his eyes on the road.

"Gregor, I've never seen him do this before, not even when he had to stay behind in the myre when you were released, he hasn't eaten in two days, he hasn't slept in three. The only thing he's done is change bottles." the man nodded as he took a deep breath and took the hood off his head.

"Sayori, think about it from his perspective. Ivar's escaped, our massive army, thirty thousand strong, that came to deal with Ivar is now at a third of the power, a ghost from his past is haunting him again and not only that; it's claimed his best friend… Would you be alright after that?" Gregor managed to say before he felt tears well up in his eyes. "He needs time to grieve, at least until we get where we're going" Sayori looked back again to the brown blanket and pulled the reigns on the horse back as the wagons kept moving.

William looked at the ground that emerged from under the wagon with a dead stare. Nothing felt right, he was cold, it was getting dark and the only thing that could help him feel something was the last of whatever was in the jug at his side. The sound of hoofs in the mud made him look up and notice Sayori was riding along side him in the wagon.

"Have you tried to eat something?" William looked at her for just a moment before he looked back at the ground and took another drink from the jug. Sayori felt a shiver run through her before she looked at William and galloped away. The rest of the ride was silent, in the absence of noise the coughs or groans that came from the other wagons seemed to die in the blizzard.

Higur galloped forwards to the front of the wagons and tried to look out for where they are, the blanket of snow grew thicker by the minute before a small flash made Higur readjust in his saddle. He looked in the same spot he was looking at then it happened again getting a grin to emerge on his face as he turned around and went back to the train.

"Were getting close!" Gregor looked up at the highlander who was now in front of him. He flipped his hood off his head as he looked out to the sheet of snow still coming down.

"We've been following your lead Higur, might I know where the fuck your taking us?" Higur laughed as he pointed the direction he trampled from.

"An ally, one I don't believe you to know," Gregor raised an eyebrow as the wagons came to a halt. The quiet of the blizzard echoed for a moment before it was interrupted again by the sound of hoofprints coming towards them. Gregor on instinct went for the dagger on his belt. If anything he would go down fighting. Higur turned around and laughed again as figures broke out of the snow. Massive piles of fur and blankets illuminated by torch approached the wagon. Gregor looked out as the wielder of the torch in front stopped and got off their horse. Gregor let go of the dagger for a moment as the person behind the fur slammed the torch on top of a spear into the ground and moved to remove the hood.

"State your business in my lands." Higur smiled as he walked up and got off his horse. Gregor was at a loss of words, while still on the wagon he didn't get a good read of the man in front of him. Or rather the women in front of him. The small bit of her he could see was magnificent though, hair dark brown as tree bark braided and three different braids that went past her neck in front of her while the small freckles, he could make out from the distance lit up the green eyes that gazed right at him. The same eyes he's seen, from behind the tip of a spear and the protection of a shield. She looked over to the side and looked at the Highlander who still had a smile on his face. "Higur? Who's the company you keep?" Gregor kept staring as he tried to place where he's seen her as the highlander walked up to her and clasped his wrist to hers.

"They're allies. WE are allies I should say." she looked at Higur with an eyebrow raised as she peered over to Gregor and smirked as Sayori and Kastumoto rode up to see what was happening. "If you don't mind that it is… we need shelter from the storm." The Valkyrie looked over her shoulder, then to the wagon train in front of her.

"Take as many of the horses to the stables" she turned to her left and pointed down the path. "How many are with you now?" Higur looked at Gregor who stepped off the wagon and stepped forward.

"With us right now, around forty, the rest of us are down the path where we came, the wagons couldn't fit them all and they couldn't walk through the slush and blizzard" the Valkyrie smiled as the Lawbringer walked closer to her and stood a good foot taller then her.

"I'll send my men with supplies and make sure the others are safe and alive, when the storm blows over in a few days we can hold begravelsesritualer" Gregor looked at her with confusion as she smiled and looked at Higur "He's a knight indeed," she turned back to him "funeral rites." Gregor nodded as he held out a hand and took the gauntlet he wore off.

"I am Gregor of Shire" the Valkyrie's smile brightened as she took his wrist and locked it with hers.

"Hilda, of Flea" she said with a smile as Gregor shook her hand, well rather her wrist but as he tried to pull away after a good amount of time, Hilda lingered on the grasp and smiled as Gregor made eye contact again. He seemed to get lost in the pools of her eyes, he'd never seen such a beautiful color the center of her iris was a hazel brown, but the outer rim and center parts. They were purple. Gregor felt her squeeze his wrist and smile underneath her hood as she let go and he stood there before the sound of a striking match and the smell of Higur's tobacco drew him back into the biting cold and blinding white. "Come, get your men into the hall, I'll have my men work to getting the horses into the stables" Hilda said as she turned to Higur. "Did you bring any corpses with you?" Higur shook his head as he pointed.

"Didn't think they were needed just yet"

"How many men are still with you?" Higur looked over to the mass of cloaks and furs sitting in the wagon before looking at Hilda's men who were coming to grab stray horses and helping men off wagons ushering them past the warriors talking.

"Forty now, a few at other strongholds we've taken but most of them were taken at the bastion" Higur took a puff from his pipe "So I'd say about five hundred still able to fight and another fifteen hundred wounded or dying." Gregor took a deep breath as he nodded and watched a man reach for his halberd and helmet before handing them to him and moving to get the wagon on the trail leading to the stables.

"Sounds about right" Gregor said as he noticed William hop off the wagon and stumble a little as he gained his footing. Hilda nodded with a small smile as she watched the warden walk up with his sword at his side, helmet tied next to it and a bottle in his hand.

"Let's get you all inside and warm and we can get the others once this storm dies off." Hilda said as she walked away back into the white wall behind them. The other followed her as they walked a few feet away and stood outside a massive gate, flames and torches were lit and gave the comfort of heat that was absent for so long as they walked into the Viking city, Gregor walked behind Hilda as the others followed him before he turned around to face the two knights and now the two samurai who were behind them.

"Welcome to Flea" he said with a chuckle before the massive gates lifted open and welcomed the others.

A few hours later.

William walked into the room, the fireplace was lit, and it was nothing but warm and welcoming as he set the half empty jug down and unbuckled a few pieces of armor, his gauntlet to star before dropping the fur and cloaks he was bundled in. he took a deep breath before he went and clutched the ring around his neck and heard the door creak behind him. His hand dropped to his sword as he turned around and began to pull his sword out of the sheathe but stopped as he saw Sayori standing there, still in her full gear but with a few different stacks of cloths in her hands.

The samurai was taken back by the feral look in his eyes for a moment before he went back to the cool steel look he wore normally, well mostly, lately, it was more of dead stare.

"Hilda is having her scouts ride down the path and the valleys to get to the others," she said as she walked over to the bed, laden with furs and set the clothes down. "she also asks that we're washed up and cleaned for tonight and asked for us to look presentable" William nodded as he gestured to the basin full of steaming clear water ten feet away in the room. Sayori turned around to face him and didn't say another word as she took off her mask and hat. The samurai took a step forward as she set her things down and walked over to him, wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him close.

"I haven't heard your voice in over a week, haven't seen you smile in two. I haven't seen that shine in your eyes," she whispered into the crook of his exposed neck "please William, tell me what I can do." William didn't move an inch as he felt her embrace him, he didn't move his arms as she pulled him close but he clenched his hand pulled her into him when he felt her breath on his neck. Sayori felt herself start to flinch as she felt his hands wrap around her waist, puling her close. "I'm so sorry about Emily" she whispered as he squeezed her waist. William felt her arms tighten before she pulled away and moved a hand to his cheek, dirt caked the bare parts his face as she ran a hand over them then his beard before she tried to smile and gave him a peck on the lips. The fire crackled as William looked at her with sorrow before pulling away and looking at himself in a half-dressed state. Sayori took a deep breath and looked over to the tub and back to him. "I'm sorry, I'll let you bathe in peace" she said with a half hearted smile behind the flow of hair freed from its bun and started to head for the door before she heard a throat clearing.

"You can stay, if you like?" Sayori smiled to herself in a small victory as she heard the gruff thick accent of the knight and turned around to face him. William stood there now with his own hair free from behind his face. The thick semi curly mane now went well passed his shoulders and to his upper back covered most of his face but didn't stop her from being able to look him in the eyes. "What I mean to say" he started to say before taking a slow methodical step towards her trying not to fall from the drink. "I'd prefer if you did… stay that is" Sayori walked closer as she took his hand in hers and gave the calloused knuckles a tender kiss before leading him over to the mantle.

Without a word she took his other gauntlet off and set it down carefully with the other one, completing the set before she turned her attention to his torso. The buckles were easy as his breastplate slid off his side and exposed the black linen shirt underneath. William began to unbuckle his belt as Sayori smiled and leaned forward and gave him another peck on the lips before she heard the rustle of his belt and sword fall to the ground and on instinct took the shirt tucked into his pants and standards and slid it off his torso. William looked down at himself and shuddered as the warmth of her hands hit his still cold torso, goosebumps already hitting him as she undid the belts and straps holding his standards. William took her hands off his waist as they as well dropped to the floor before gently squeezing them and looking at the bath.

Sayori looked over to it as well as William walked to the bed and sat down, quickly undoing the shin guards and taking his boots off, the entire time watching Sayori as she disrobed herself until she was in nothing but her Sarashi wraps.

"Is there enough room? She asked coldly as William walked back over, undoing the final belt and letting his pants and trousers fall to the ground as she undid the knots holding her wraps together.

"I'm sure there is" William said as he took her by the waist and picked her up. Sayori squeaked. As she wrapped her arms around his neck again and felt them walk over to the tub before she lowered her feet just outside of the tub. William set her down before he moved and felt the warm water rise up to his calves before he sat down in the massive wooden basin and exhaled before closing his eyes and leaning back. The water rose from his waist to his stomach as he opens his eyes and noticed Sayori step inside and position herself, so she was face to face on the other side. William watched her fold her hair into a mess on top of her head as she slowly moved her hands around, taking one out and grabbing a soap bar and began to run it over her arms and shoulders before he leaned his head back again and let the heat warm him up.

"When's the last time you slept?" Sayori finally said as she relaxed a little more and turned her attention to washing Williams legs. The knight shifted and looked at her as she ran the soap along his calf, gently scrubbing as he moved a hand out of the water and rubbed his eyes.

"days… maybe" was all he was able to say before he looked over and saw the jug not two feet away and to his left. Sayori looked over to the jug and back to him before moving on her knees in the tub and reaching over to grab the jug. William watched her as she rose from the water, drops falling from her skin as she grabbed ahold of the ring on the side of the lip and took a long swig before handing it to him. "Why?" he asked as he followed her lead and took a long drink. "I thought you detested it?"

"I do" she said as the taste of the meade made her jitter and shake for a second before she went back to work and moved to his other leg. "but after this week I think we all deserve to have a moment, don't you?" William looked at her and nodded before taking another drink and setting the jug down outside the tub.

"You don't need to wash me, I'm capable of ding it myself" Sayori looked up and gave him a small smile before moving the soap and her hand up to his thigh before moving over to the other one.

"Just relax alright?" she said before digging her fingers and the soap a little deeper, massaging his legs. Going from the thigh down to his feet. William felt the pressure as he groaned a little and leaned his head back before sinking into the tub a little further, exposing his legs to the cool air and eliciting a small chuckle from the woman with him. She eventually finished with his legs as she set them down and cleared her throat. "Now your back" William looked up with confusion, and a drowsy stare as he nodded and shifted so he turned away from her. Sayori smiled as she moved herself closer and began to move the soap. Along his back, careful to avoid the two massive scars that reached from his shoulders to his waist.

"Why are you doing this?" William asked as she leaned down, moving some of his hair aside and kissing the back of his neck; getting him to groan again at her touch. Sayori pulled away and set the soap down in the water before she grabbed the jug and took another long drink.

"It's the only thing I can think of to help" she said quietly before grabbing the soap again. William opened his eyes and looked at the fire, heard the crackles of the logs and smelt the smoke that was emitted from the char and turned around to face her. Sayori took a deep breath before she lowered her hand into the water. William moved his hand under the water and took hers before interlacing his fingers into hers and gently squeezed it. "It also doesn't help that I don't think you've bathed since before we took the bastion" she giggled as William smirked and nodded.

"Aye, I think the horses smell better then I do at this state" he managed to say before chuckling and bringing her hand to his lips, kissing the knuckles and looking right at her. "You don't need to do this though, I can bathe myself" William said as he moved his free hand and grabbed the empty water jug and filled it. Sayori must've took this as a challenge as she removed her hand from his and took the jug from his grasp and emptied the bath water before looking at the knight with dirt still on his face and neck.

"I told you to just relax and let me," she said with a playful but serious tone before leaning forward and forcing him to lean back on the lip of the tub. The samurai couldn't stop herself from smiling as she took the jug and filled it in the tub before she rose back to her knees and leaned forward in front of William pouring the warm water directly over his head. Both of them chuckled as his hair clung to his head, covering his face and making him look like a wet wolfhound before Sayori took the soap at the bottom of the tub and rubbed it between her hands. William felt her run her hands through his hair as she scratched his scalp and worked her way through his hair. "Do you want to talk about it?" William opened his eyes and looked at her with a hint of puzzlement. "Why this is bothering you?" she said as she took the jug and filled it before pouring it over his head again. "I mean I know why its hurting you" she said trying to explain "I'm just a little concerned as to who this man is, Gregor refuses to say anything other then he's a ghost but" Sayori stopped as she saw William's now clean face drop back to its normal stoic self before he leaned back in the tub.

"He's right. Cyrus, or as others know him, the Hydra of the Trident… is a man who down to his core wants to show everyone who people really are." William looked at the murky milky water and grabbed the jug of Meade off to the side before he took two large swigs before growling and looking at Sayori. "He's the one who gave me" he gestured to his back. Without a word Sayori's eyes widened as she nodded understanding now why the scars would be more of a touchy subject. "He there around the time Voritger brought the priors down from the mountain and when Erzibeth took power." William took a deep breath as he looked at Sayori before he shifted in the tub and pulled her close, turning her around and pulled her so she leaned back on him. "He's obsessed almost to the flagellant degree with what's right and wrong, demanding judgement and the proper punishment be given, if and when needed" Sayori felt his heartbeat quicken as William took a deep breath. "The proper pound of flesh but be taken for the act of God that is wronged" William said, almost like he was looking back at the memory.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to shift bad memories" Sayori whispered as she took his hand and kissed his knuckles. William closed his eyes and stifled the yawn that escaped his lips before he gently squeezed her hand.

"No apology necessary" the knight whispered as he leaned forward and kissed the top of the Samurai's head. "Gregor was…is right and that he's a ghost of my past, I'm more concerned with why he's deemed fit to come after me." Sayori nodded as she leaned back into William's chest and took a deep breath as William looked over to the fire and watched the flames spurt from the rock before he turned back to the tub. "We should get out and get dressed, like you said; Hilda wants us to be presentable." Sayori nodded and opened her eyes and leaned forward as she stood up and got out, William following in suit.

Gregor stood in the longhouse looking at everyone emerge from different parts. As long as he's been a knight he's seen his fair share of battles, and everywhere to boot but he's never seen a longhouse as big as this one. Hilda walked through the main massive doors, big enough to be a gate themselves and out of the blizzard still raging outside before she looked around and locked eyes with Gregor. The knight watched her smile and look at him for a good bit before she looked to his left causing him to turn and notice Higur sitting at a table, smoking from his pipe. Gregor smirked as he walked over and sat down across from the highlander before pulling his own pipe out and lighting it. The smoke and smell of tobacco loomed around the two men as they sat in silence before Gregor cleared his throat.

"The longhouse is massive" Higur smiled and looked around, scratching his beard in the process.

"Aye, flea is one of the central cities in the north" Gregor emptied his pipe before reloading it and striking it, taking a breath, bringing life into the pipe. "And Eldhús is famous for being one of the biggest long houses in Valkenhiem

"I've never heard of it" Higur didn't look up as he shook his head and exhaled the massive plume of smoke from his lungs. "Not to be disrespectful" the highlander nodded as he caught Gregor's eye

"It's not, Flea is the border city for the northern tribes, and it's the largest of the seven." Gregor almost coughed up a lung when he heard Higur and had to steady himself and his breathing. "The hall can hold up to three thousand if needed, luckily the city has enough space and other long houses that number never is met."

"Even with a visiting army, we will be able to make sure your safe from the cold." Hilda interjected as she set down two mugs on the table. Higur smiled and raised his mug before taking a sip, Gregor needed a few more deep breaths; setting his pipe down he hesitantly grabbed the mug and took a sip. "Honeyed Meade with an elderflower and something called Vanilla" Gregor licked his lips before going for more.

"It's delicious" Gregor managed to say between mouthfuls of drink. "Where did you get it?" Hilda smiled as she sat down on the end of the bench between the men.

"It's not native to Heathmoor from what I can tell, but there was a traveler who said that he managed to procure it in the east, past the oceans behind Koto, there's another continent there." Hilda said before taking a swig from her mug and leaning forward, putting her elbows and forearms on the table. "I got it from the man and, with the ample heat and sunlight, I've been able to get it growing in the right spots of Flea." Gregor smiled as he leaned back and looked at Hilda. It felt like the first time he's seen her, yet she seemed familiar in more then one sense. "Keep staring like that Knight and I'll think you're soft for me." Gregor leaned back and looked over to the doors as massive horns were sounded. The highlander rose from his seat and grabbed the mug on the table

Gregor looked around for a moment before the kick to his leg made him turn to face the Valkyrie who was still smiling at him, casually she winked and rose from her seat before following Higur over to the doors facing inward to the massive halls. The white snow fell from the sky as Gregor, Higur and Hilda watched a fire wyrm on the mountain leading up to them.

"Trouble?" Hilda shook her head as she stepped out into the snow.

"The bells would ring if that were true, the scouts sounded horns so I assume they're coming back with the rest of your men. Gregor took a step back inside and shuffled around to the side. "If you wouldn't mind Gregor, I would have my guests clean and ready to honor those who died." Hilda said as she pointed inside the longhouse "My Chambers behind my throne will have your clothes and a fresh bath to clean the road off you" Gregor nodded before turning back around and leaving to get clean.

William opened the door to the longhouse and stepped outside as he noticed Gregor. Walking into the room behind the decorative throne twenty feet away by the massive fire pit. He looked around to notice who was around and was surprised how empty the massive hall was. Nobody was inside and it seemed the perfect time to walk out and get a feel for the clothes he wore. Compared to his attire when he was not in full plate, the furs and thick fabrics to help protect against the cold were surprisingly comfortable. The pants there thick and heavy enough that his belt helped, if it weren't for the fact his other belt, and sword were wrapped around the long shirt he wore; call it paranoia in being in a strange land or that Cyrus was still looking for them he could've gone without the sword. It was not uncomfortable, far from it, the dark brown pants were only visible from the bottom of his thigh down to the top of his boots, that started just below his knee. The first shirt he wore was tucked into the pants and the sleeves were rolled up to his elbow, the only proof he even wore a white shirt was the small collar of the fabric peeking through the collar of the black overshirt that covered all of his torso, his sleeves and most of his legs. The outline was covered in a gold filigree that had Celtic carvings and bands that wrapped around every inch of the hem and outline of the shirt to give a little more color to the black fabric. He felt the hair on his neck move as he looked behind him to see Sayori move most of his hair to cover the nape of his neck.

"Thank you." Sayori nodded and smiled as she looked at his hair and appreciated his work. For being mostly still very drunk, William out himself together very nicely, even his hair was put together nicely, the majority of it was behind his neck while the hair on top and in front of his face was tied behind in a small ponytail in the middle of the back of his head. It looked very regal, and he held himself very highly in this moment.

"You're welcome" Sayori said in a hushed tone as she stepped outside into the hall as Higur and Hilda walked inside to find them. Her hair wasn't black in this instants, the charcoal was washed out and her natural deep brown was exposed as she had it pulled pack into two braids that kept it out of her face and met up behind her head before falling over her shoulder. The light brown fur around her neck managed to blend into her hair but show off the black dress that matched William's attire with matching gold filigree that was around each sleeve and the hem of the dress down at the bottom, the sides were stitched to the same gold and moved from her armpits down all the way to complete the knots before stopping at the pair of boots she wore underneath the dress.

"You both look amazing." Hilda said from across the hall as she and Higur walked along a lane of tables, interlocked with each other. "Your allies are arriving soon, we have beds ready for those who can't stand and fires ready for those who can." William nodded and took a step forward and met them at the end of the tables. "You look good wolf; last I saw you we had weapons locked." William nodded and took a step forwards with a hand on the table to support himself. "I'm glad you talked me to retreat at the gates" Higur's eyes widened as he and Sayori looked at each other.

"As am I, I'm glad that we can claim to be allies, rather enemies." Hilda held her hand out and William locked his wrist with hers.

"Same, Higur told me what happened at the bastion, my apologies for Ivar escaping" William's grip tensed for a moment but relaxed before they let go. "I'm also sorry for those who couldn't be here, perhaps the rites will hold closure for you and the others." The knight didn't say a word as Hilda looked at Higur "when the others are made comfortable, make sure that the bodies are ready as soon as possible so we can begin."

"You don't want to wait for the storm to end? It's not supposed to let up for another day or two" Hilda shook her head and took a swig from her mug.

"Tonight, the moon might be out, I want to send them off with a full moon and as much respect as possible" Higur nodded and walked off. William looked at Hilda with confusion as Sayori took a step forward.

"My apologies Hilda, what is being prepared?" Hilda looked at the samurai and smiled.

"If I didn't hear your voice, I wouldn't take you for Samurai. You pass very well for a Knight." Hilda said making Sayori step back. "Funeral rites, we don't have enough time for the traditions we normally do, and with the amount of dead for everyone, so the sooner the better." Hilda looked back to the door before she grabbed the empty mug. "I'll have someone send for you when preparations are ready." William and Sayori stood there as they watched the Valkyrie walk away with Higur in tow.

Midnight

The entire City of Flea gathered in the center of the city, anyone who could stand from the major force was also present as Vikings, knights and samurai all walked along row after row of massive funeral piers each man holding a torch at the ready as Hilda stepped out wearing something similar to Sayori's dress, her face was covered with red paint, three strips covered her eyes and nose as a women wearing nothing but a solid black dress and a headdress with antlers walked up to the steps of Eldhús and bowed to Hilda before turning to address the city gathered. Higur stepped forward and to William and the others.

"For your sake, I'll translate since Valka doesn't speak English, or Japanese" William nodded as he took a swig from a new jug, clutching Sayori's hand tightly as if to hold himself together as the only pire he could stand to look at, was the one right in front of him, holding a single arm and three other bodies, in full armor. The Priestess held up her hands as the crowd began to bow their heads.

"Látum bein þeirra sem deyja í bardaga hvíla og taka á móti þér í sölum Valhallar; þar sem þeir verða litnir og fagnað sem jafningjum. meðal Óðins og guðanna er litið á þá sem heiðvirða stríðsmenn fyrst. Og stolt fólk með mismunandi menningu í öðru lagi. Sem gátu tekið höndum saman og orðið bandamenn og vinir." Valka spoke with a boom and projected her voice as people nodded and, in a few instances, William heard a few say a word he didn't recognize but kept to himself until Higur spoke. To them.

"Let the bones of those who die in battle rest and be welcomed to the halls of Valhalla; where they will be seen and welcomed as equals. Among Odin and the gods, they are seen as Honorable Warriors first. And proud people of different cultures second. Who were able to band together and become allies, and friends." William felt himself squeeze Sayori's hand a little tighter as she moved her other hand to his forearm before the sound of drums could be heard. Higur walked up to Hilda who walked forwards as Valka took her cue and walked down to the Pires. Hilda looked out to the crowd and took a deep breath as Higur's rough voice began to sing and echo in a langue that, while he could not hear William could feel the meaning; sorrow, Greif and acceptance.

Hilda took up the second chorus as the drums and other instruments picked up and soon the entire city was singing the same song. William felt Sayori tense up and looked over to see her eyes holding back tears, Gregor put his hand on William's shoulder as the torch bearers began to light the Pires. Orange flames illuminated the sky and pierced through the white blizzard as the city began to sing as William watched the Pire erupt and he could feel his heart seize. The song continued as each stack of flesh and logs went up in flames one by one. William couldn't stop himself as he felt tears pool and fall as the city mourned. Higur looked back at them and nodded as he continued to sing as Hilda walked over to them and bowed her head.

"You are welcomed in Flea for however long you see fit, Higur has given records and details of what you've done and regardless of where you're from you'll always have a home here." William bowed in response as he watched the embers fly into the sky to join the snow as the wind blew them away.

"Thank you, Hilda," Hilda smiled as she locked eyes with Gregor and gave him another small smile before turning around to address the city. William could not remember what the Valkyrie said to the city, people chanted and cheered as she spoke, but all William could think of was the feeling he had, the sadness and grief for Emily and those in the embers and ashes, the respect and happiness for those around him. And the anger, rage and fury he had for his Enemies. He felt it start to emerge, like an animal emerging from its cave from the winter slumber. The wolf was waking up and emerging, and it was hungry.

As always I hope you enjoyed, feel free to leave comments I always appreciate them. the song at the end is inspired by the song helvegen; by wardruna, and I'll see you next time!