Author's Note:
And here we are, literally a month later, but we're near the end of this arc. I'm about tempted to finish it and jump to Beacon, but we have at least a few more chapters of the introduction.
Reviews:
ODSTFRymann: I'm glad you like the story. I understand your frustration for the translation of what the Grimm are saying. Two things though, readers really are not supposed to know what they're saying. The readers are supposed to be confused like Siegfried is. To translate them is to spoil yourself, it's more of a personal choice to do it. But, you don't have to worry, Grimm are going to become understandable really soon.
"I don't own any of the series I write FF of. I only own my OC's and my unique aspects added to the story. I don't own any music or songs possibly mentioned, they are just recommendations. All credit of Rwby goes to RoosterTeeth."
Chapter 5: Thórsteinn.
It was noon when they rode up to the gates, they had been eyed by everyone in the camp behind as they passed through and up the hill. The Knightly Huntsmen wore their helmets and bore stoic faces, the Barbarians wore their cloaks and shrouded their faces. The Sun shone through the darkening clouds, heralding a storm, and illuminated light upon the path up the hill. Siegfried took a deep breath, staring out his visor straight ahead. He was nervous, anxious even. But he was not afraid, he was excited and concerned-in more ways than one. Astrid held closely against him, he could feel her warmth like a inferno and struggled to keep his thoughts pure and his body resistant. And he was fretting over this plan, this utterly suicidal plan.
If they fucked up, they were surrounded by thousands of enemies. Potentially enemies with aura to boot. It would be nigh impossible to escape, let alone survive. He did not want to die here, without achieving any Immortal glory in life and without seeing his Sister one last time. And he especially did not want to die before claiming his revenge upon that Monster.
They approached the gate, and were hailed by two guards similar to those they encountered at Fridarheim, the key difference being their attitude. "Halt!" One with long brown beard shouted while raising a hand, "The City is closed, official business only." Aggravation obvious in his entire demeanor.
"My friends," Floki spoke, leaning out from behind Duncan, a wide smile across his face, "We're mercenaries, here to pledge our swords to the great King Hunding."
"Oh yeah," The Guard grinned, "Then turn around, and go talk to Arnulf down in the camp." He pointed down the hill towards the masses of tents. Then with a sneer, he said "The City is closed."
Floki frowned coldly for one moment, then smiled and gestured to the Knights. "You see my friends, these two armored Kingdomers?" The Guard glanced at them both, stroking his beard. "They're two of the best warriors in all of Midgar!" Floki exclaimed, before pointing to Siegfried, "Radmund Rothmann of Atlas, a Hero of the Atlesian Civil War!" He had to restrain himself from rebuking being a Atlesian. Floki then gesture to Duncan in front of him, "Fergus Blackwood of Vale, Slayer of a Thousand Men."
The Guard glanced at them both and shrugged, "How come I haven't heard of 'em?"
"Do you keep up with the news of Kingdomers, Kinsman?" Floki asked rhetorically, the Hill Clansman blinked.
"N-No, I don't." He admitted, "But, I still have my orders."
"Admirable, but you see, we are expected by King Hunding." He placed his hand to his chest, "I humbly ask you to let us in the city." Floki's grin widened, "Least you desire the High King's wrath..."
The Guardsmen's eyes went wide, "Alright, well, I guess it couldn't hurt." He quickly cupped his hands against his mouth and shouted, "Open the Gates! Open the Gates!" They were answered by the soft rumbling of chains as the rusted metal gate was slowly retracted up, and the path was clear for them to enter.
"Thank you, " Floki said, "I'll make sure your properly rewarded when we are done."
"Thank you milord." The Guardsman bowed his head before the stranger in a cloak, it made Siegfried tilt his head in confusion. Confused at his persuasive ways.
Duncan kicked Obsidian forward first, Siegfried followed on Grane. They entered the city of Thórsteinn, and were amazed at its complexity. There were at least a thousand buildings, and a couple thousand people living here. They trotted through the streets, receiving glares and glances from everyone. 'It ain't everyday that two armored Knights ride through their streets.' Siegfried thought as they passed through a marketplace, he glanced at all the wares and found them lacking. There was no modern technology anywhere in sight, foood was fresh and unprocessed, and everyone once again looked outdated in their style of clothing.
It was hard to think that there could be such isolation from the Kingdoms, especially for the area in between Vale and Vacuo. The Villages outside of the cities could be limited in ways like technology, but there would be at least someone with a scroll, a car, a gun or the such. These Hill Clansmen weren't just remote, they seemed to reject modern technology absolutely. Instead choosing the lifestyle of their ancestors to any progress.
He could admire it to a degree, but even Mantle had to advance to survive. Without re-engineering the Dwarves technology, they'd all frozen to death on the Bay of Hoffnung. Siegfried supposed that building an army with Aura was their solution, but it still wasn't enough for what they sought. He wondered why they wanted to risk what they had with a war with a Kingdom, Vale could turn this city to ash and cinders with just one Airship. Stopped only by the Altruistic Pacifists of Vale, whereas Atlas would crush them under heel like the Tyrants do to anyone who stands against them.
But then again, maybe most of the warlust comes from Hunding's rhetoric. Clansmen Raids, from what he knew, were uncommon until Hunding united the clans. Especially to the degree and level of organization they have been for the last two months. Mostly, they'd fight and raid each other before Vale's frontier villages.
They made it to a town square, in the middle stood something perplexing to Siegfried. A twenty feet tall stone, covered in engravings of familiar symbols and images. They rode past it, but he slowed Grane down and stopped to look at the main image. On the stone was a image of a man with a hammer, facing a giant serpent. A sickening feeling shot up from his gut, the images of a hammer caked in crimson and black blood flashed through his mind.
"What's wrong?" Astrid asked, patting his shoulder.
"Who is it?" He asked, his eyes glued to the image, "Who is the Man on the stone?"
"That's the God of Thunder, Thor, facing the Midgar Serpent." She answered him, familiar feelings turned his blood cold. Confusion rang through his head, as knowledge pounded on the door of a cell containing it.
"Midgar?" That word has sounded familiar, but there was something wrong with it.
"Its what we call the world, you Kingdomers call it Remnant." She explained, "Its what we've always called it."
He looked up at the image in stone, at the hammer in the God's hands, "A God of Thunder?" He could hear the faint sounds of an anvil, and envision a hammer sparking flames and electricity. A small pain dulled in his skull, and he reflected on the closest equivalent he could think of, "Sounds like Taranis."
"Who?" Her voice was one of confusion and curiosity.
"He is one of the sons of Dagda, who was given authority to protect the Heavens." Siegfried told her, anything to wash his mind of the conflict induced by a dream.
"I thought you 'Lord of Light' followers believed only in one God?" Astrid said, full of mockery.
"We do," He said warmly, ignoring her tone, "But there are lesser Gods, children of the Lord." He looked back over his shoulder to her, "The difference between our faith, yours and others are that we don't worship them much. They have power, but their power comes from the Lord like all things." He looked forward and raised his right hand, "To give them absolute praise for what was given to them by the Lord, is idolatry."
"How many Gods do you have?" She asked, he cracked a smile.
"There is Esus, Lord of the Woods. Toutatis, Lord of Nations. Taranis, Lord of the Storm. Manann, Lord of the Sea. And in the heavens, there was Áine, Goddess of the Sun and her twin, Arianrhod, Goddess of the Moon." He closed his eyes, appreciating both the Teachings of Father Bernard from his childhood, and Father Alban from Ansel. "All of them help us, but they must do so through the Lord." He raised four fingers, "There's only four lesser Gods that matter, and they are the Grandsons of the Lord."
"The God Ludd was given rule over Man, a Divine Kingdom of Gold and Silver. His four sons were Edern the Immortal, Gwyn the Knight, Dian the Healer and Lugh the Savior." He looked around as he spoke to her, watching for anyone suspicious, "They taught us many things, and fought Donn's evil children, the Fomorians and Grimm. When they invaded in mass, attacked and wounded the Goddess Arianrhod, it was Lugh and Gwyn who saved her. They slayed the Archdemon, son of Donn, Crom Cruach." He gripped his reigns tight, "Ludd and Lugh died in battle against the Dragon," He spat the last word with disdain, "And Gwyn left with his most loyal Knights to defend Heaven and Remnant in the realm beyond, Annwyn. Dian left his knowledge to Humanity and left for the safety of Heaven. And Edern wandered the earth forever more, teaching wisdom and defending people wherever need be."
He looked over his shoulder once again, "Lugh however, promised as he died, that he would come again when the world needed him most." He smiled as he spoke. "And he was born again two thousand years ago, as Sigurd, the Champion of Light, the Warrior of Light, Savior of the world."
Astrid's face scrunched up, "That's cowshite." Siegfried's face fell, "Sigurd is OUR Hero."
He looked forward and sighed, "So claims all the Heathens in the world."
"He was Clansman, like my people, descended from Odin." She stayed with conviction, "He stopped the forces of Hela!"
"No, he was a fair son of Avalon and lead-"
"Both of you, stop the Fundamentalism!" They both looked forward to see Floki and Duncan looking back at them, "We have important business to attend to, so, stop the sight seeing and come along." They both blushed as they followed the Brother and the Mentor, Siegfried gazed one last glance at the stone. The sound of Thunder rumbled in his skull.
They trotted through the streets, receiving more glares from the locals. He noticed the guards tightened their grips on their weapons as the passed by, trotting up a hilly street, the keep was in sight. He rode up beside Duncan, and listened to the low whisper of Floki.
"Ok, here is what we're going to do." He began with his trademark smile, "We will hop off these horses in a alley, me and you Huntsmen will go up to the keep and carve our paths to Hunding." He said nonchalantly, "And my Dear Sister," He said with derision, "Will have your mighty steeds ready for when you two make your escape."
It was the most barebones plan imaginable.
"You expect it will be that easy?" He asked with a low whisper, contempt obvious in his voice. Looking forward.
"It will be Sieg," Duncan sternly spoke, his gaze ever forwards, "Floki said so." The Young Knight looked over at his Mentor with a slack jaw.
"Your Master is correct," The smooth talking Barbarian bragged, "Trust me, we will get you what you desire." He doubted that.
Siegfried eyed Floki, "Your Sister is a better warrior than you. Why don't she aid us, and you handle the horses?"
She sighed from behind, "I'm actually...not as good as him..."
Her Brother's grin widened at that, "Yep." He said, popping the 'P. "I know how to fight, Kingdomer. I just prefer the bow to dagger."
He shook his head and asked, "So where are you taking our horses?"
"To an alleyway I know well," She answered, "When you're done, Floki will lead you there."
He was not satisfied with it, "Which alleyway?"
"Relax," Her Brother raised his hand, "You'll get your horse back, don't worry."
'This doesn't feel right...' He thought, 'You are being lead into a trap,' The Wanderer had told him, 'One where if you try to prevent, will lead to Duncan's death.' He shook his head, "Scheisse."
They rode into an alleyway and dismounted, the Knights handed their reigns to Astrid and followed Floki out onto the street. Siegfried saw a sullen look on her face as they left her. She turned and began to walk down the alley with their horses as they left her. They marched down the street like Imperial Knights escorting a Prince home, Siegfried held Balmung in its one handed form by its blade with his left hand, Duncan let Vulcan lean on his shoulder. The Barbarian strode forward with a spring in his step, they followed him up the street, towards the looming keep of stone and wood.
It was like the longhouse of Fridarheim, but taller and grander. It looked like a castle made out of wood, large spires with white banners depicting a dog with red eyes fluttering in the wind. The wall and gate they approached was tall and imposing, more banners of the dog flanked the gate, and the guards on watch eyed them suspiciously as they approached.
'The Gate's open...' The Young Knight noted, 'And the guards look lax...' There were two, standing on both sides of the gate, tired eyes followed them as they walked up to them. One on the right raised a hand, "Halt!" He shouted, "Who dares to approach Hunheim?"
"I'm a representative of the Hrafnhild Clan," Floki lied as he approached, "I'm here to swear fealty to the High King and the Hundsvartr Clan." With his left hand, he gestured to the Knights. "These Kingdomers are my hired guards."
"The Hrafnhild Clan?" He scratched his beard in confusion, "They already sent a envoy yesterday..."
"Really?" Floki faked surprise, reaching behind himself, looking down as to search for something as he approached the guard. "Then, I must've been misled. I have a letter from my Chief right here..."
The guard saw the blade too late, his brown eyes widened as his throat was slashed. His compatriot was aghast as Floki flipped the knife in his hand threw it like a bolt of lightning at him. With a 'thunk', he tumbled over with a knife buried in his eye socket. "Go on in Huntsmen." Floki flashed them a smirk.
Siegfried and Duncan glanced at each other and nodded as they heard, "Close the Gates!" Be shouted, followed by"We're being attacked!!" They ran through the gate with weapons drawn, five guards met them. The Young Knight sidestepped to his right with a rightwards vertical slash, a Guard's head with no helm went flying along with droplets of blood. His Mentor brought his hammer down upon the chest of a foe, the chainmail hauberk the Guard wore shattered and his chest caved in a splash of crimson. Siegfried parried a axe strike from another, and smashed the poor man's face in with a pommel strike as Duncan smashed the fourths knee into a splatter of gore.
The Last Guard stood his ground valiantly, and thrusted forth with his spear, only for the Knights to flank him. The Old Huntsman tripped him with his hammer as Siegfried stabbed down with Balmung. The azure blade pieced the Guard's armor and his heart. His eyes went wide, he croaked, and went still. With a swipe of his sword, it was clean. However, a horn sounded, and men with a few women charged out into the bailey to stop them. In seconds, they were surrounded.
There were a dozen guards along with more elite soldiers, donned in black furs with silver chainmail hauberks over red gambesons and silver engrained helmets with weird visors. They wore leather greaves and boots, many also wore leather valbraces. Their weapons were the real diversity, axes, swords, spears and the like. Often accompanied by shields. They were itching for a fight, the two knights readied themselves for battle.
"I would surrender if I was you." They both turned to Floki standing with his hands on his hips and his hood down, a smug look on his face. His green eyes shone in the light.
"Prince Floki?" One of the Guards blurted out, confusion washed over everyone as Siegfried's eyes widened. The Man's smile grew wider and wider.
"What is the meaning of this?" Duncan demanded to know.
"The meaning is," The Trickster pointed at him, "That you and your Ginger apprentice are fully ensnared by my trap. That you, Huntsmen, fell for my ruse like naive children." He took a step and threw his arms to his sides, "This whole time, I've been leading you two to my Father, King Hunding." Duncan went silent as he gritted his teeth, the Young Knight shook his head.
"I knew it." Siegfried spoke, trying to restrict his anger, "I knew you were a snake, that we shouldn't have trusted you the whole time!" He felt his blood boil, he wanted to strike down this Traitor right then and there.
"And yet," He threw his arms into the air, "Like a good little puppy, you went along as your Master fell before the wit and cunning of Floki Silver-Tongue!" He shouted with flair.
"You'll pay Floki!" The Old Huntsman growled, his hammer raised and battle ready.
He raised an eyebrow, "Will I now?" Floki beckoned with his right pointer finger, "Disengage your aura, and come to me like a good boy, would you Duncan?" The Young Knight shook his head in disgust.
"He ain't gonna fall-" A shimmer of light flashed to his right, and his Mentor walked forward, "Duncan!!" He reached out for his shoulder, only to find an elbow to his face. Stumbling backwards, he caught his footing before he could fall. His vision was blurry for a second as he noticed the Huntsman about-face with a blank expression. Floki wrapped an arm around his shoulder and patted the Old Knight's cheek.
"Semblances are intriguing," The Prince sneered as he looked back to the Young Knight, "If our souls bless us with abilities linked to our true selves, then I must have a charismatic soul."
Siegfried's eyes widened as it hit him, all those times he noticed people listening to Floki and accepting his deals and ideas when they made no sense. "Your Semblance..." He took a step back, "The people who agreed to whatever you asked...Duncan, the Innkeeper, the Guard..."
"Yes," The Prince nodded, "It wouldn't hurt to tell you now, I'd think." He grinned, "My Semblance makes me pretty convincing. All I have to do is smile and look in someone's eyes, sprinkle a little Logic sometimes, and people obey." His fingers flicked back and forth in the air as he said, "And when I wear down their willpower and worm my way into their mind, their powerless to resist me." Looking to Duncan, he smirked wider. "Like Duncan here."
Honestly, even if he had his suspicions, he couldn't believe it. "Duncan is one of the wisest people I know," Memories from the last seven years flashed through his mind, "How could he fall to your venom, and I resist?"
Floki frowned, "That...I don't know." He pointed at him, "I will give you this Siegfried, you have a incredible willpower. The only other Man who has come close to matching your resistance is my Father." He grimaced, "Now, I can't show my mouth in his presence. He'll have it cut off my face if I ever do again."
"It might make you look better if he did." A new voice joined the conversation, Floki glanced behind himself to see what Siegfried saw plainly. Astrid walked into the bailey, leading Grane and Obsidian. Her eyes were dead and cold.
"Ah, Dear Sister." Her Brother grinned again, "Come to bare witness to our Captors folly?" She didn't look at him.
"I've come to report our failure to Father." She deadpanned.
"Your failure, you mean." He emphasized the 'your', "I never asked to be on your raid."
Siegfried looked down, "Everything you both said," Both Siblings looked at him, "Was it all lies?"
"No..." Astrid answered, looking away.
"Honestly, no." Floki surprisingly answered, "In fact, I've been very truthful with you Ginger." His lips arched up again, "Just not in ways that'll benefit you..."
"Then why would you betray us?" He prest, "We could've help you against your Father."
Floki shook his head and frowned, "You really are a fool," His green eyes turned ice, "No one can stop Hunding."
"I will!" He roared, raising his sword.
"And get Duncan killed?" Floki drew his knife, "His aura is disengaged, his will is subservient to mine." He pressed the blade to his Mentor's throat, "One cut, and he's good as dead." Duncan didn't react,"You wouldn't be able to use Red Elixir to heal him if you managed to somehow defeat everyone here, he would die in under a minute." He grinned like the Devil, with shining white teeth, "It's over, Atlesian. Throw down your arms and surrender."
Siegfried shook with fury, his teeth gritted at defeat. He looked around to see he was now surrounded by thrice the amount of guards as before. Floki had a look of triumph on his face, Astrid just gave him a solemn look.
"It's for the best..." She spoke like one would to a child.
"Verdammt!" He threw down Balmung, a mighty clang reverberated from the ground. "Du verräterische Schlange!" His fists balled up, and vibrated with rage.
"Spare us the rant in Mantlean." Floki looked around at the guards, "Seize him."
The Great Hall...
He and Duncan were dragged through the doors to a great hall, they both followed the two revealed Royals into a large long room. There were many banners hanging down from the rafters and walls, depicting many different beasts and symbols, in many colors. There were two long tables flanking both sides of the hall, a large fire pit in the middle with a boar roasting on it. And beyond that, up a few stairs, flanked by two banners depicting black dogs, was the throne.
There were many people sitting at the tables, Men and Women, Warriors and Chiefs. They whispered to each other as the Huntsmen were carried by. Upon a wooden throne, sat a Man of pure, bulging muscle. His hair was long and curly, his beard wild and braided. Blues eyes scrutinized from under a iron crown, a sharp nose sniffed for fear, rosy skin like a pink pig. He wore a red plaid cloak and kilt, a thick black leather cuirass with black leather vambraces and boots. His chin rested on a large, meaty fist.
"Father!" Floki bellowed, with a bandanna over his mouth and arms wide, "We have returned!" He and his Sister walked up to about fifteen feet away before stopping and kneeling.
"Floki," The King spoke, a voice rough and coarse, like sandpaper. He looked at his son, then to his Daughter, "Astrid," He paused and looked over the crowd before him, "Where is Agnarr?" He asked, frustration in his voice, "And why have you brought two Kingdomers before me?"
The Prince rubbed his hands, "Father, I have some bad, and some good news."
"Spit it out."
"The bad news," Floki swallowed, "We failed, and Agnarr is dead-"
"WHAT?!" He slammed his fist down upon the right arm of his throne, silencing the whole hall, "What happened to my Brother?!"
"W-Well,"
"Speak up, and speak clear boy." His voice was authoritative, and cold as iron.
"We were attacked, our warband got wiped out." The Prince spat out, "Agnarr fell in battle."
"That is a relief," He said to Siegfried's surprise, leaning back in his chair. "But against who?"
"That's good news," Floki clasped his hands together, "We have the Men responsible." Then he stood and gestured to the two Captives, "These two Huntsmen, they're after you, Father. We encountered them by accident, but they've come for you." He took a step forward, "Agnarr and our brethren died in glorious battle against theses Kingdomers, me and my Sister about did as well." Clutching his fist, he raised it, "But I utilized my silver tongue and tricked them into letting us come home, to hand them to you."
The King gazed at him and Duncan with deadly intent. "Bring them forward." Suddenly, he and his Mentor were hauled forward past the Siblings, and dropped on their knees. "Take their helmets off." Hunding commanded, Siegfried's and Duncan's helmets were violently seized, and their faces fully revealed to the King. He chuckled, "One man and one boy, that's all that bothered to muster against me?" He glanced at the tables in the hall and clapped, "The Kingdoms are weak! This is all they sent to stop us!!" He stood up and raised his arms, he was seven feet tall, the blood of giants ran through his veins. "Do you see my brethren?! Vale is ripe for the taking, all we have to do is seize it!!!" The hall erupted with cheers and hoots, the King took it in with a smug look as he sat back down.
He looked and saw Duncan's blank stare, "Floki, free the man of your control. I want him aware for what I have to say."
"Right, sorry." He snapped his fingers, and Duncan awoke.
"W-Wha-" The Old Huntsman was silenced by Hunding's words.
"You two have slighted me in a way that must be punished." The King began, "The death of my Brother must be repaid," He slammed his fist down again, "The only payment worthy is blood. You both shall be sacrificed to the Gods." He looked to Duncan, who was wide eyed and confused. Then, Astrid spoke up.
"Father," She took a step forward, "I'd like to ask for your permission to keep the Boy as a thrall-"
"No." The King shut her down right away, "Your the reason my Brother is dead," He looked at her with hatred, "I will not reward a failure." Then back at them, "These two shall die."
This was it then, he took a deep breath. 'You must duel him, challenge him to an Holmgang.' He saw why, that was the only avenue of escape. "It was me!" He shouted as he jumped up, "I killed Agnarr!" Everyone's eyes fell upon him, "It was me, and me alone. Duncan didn't do anything, he wasn't even there."
"You?" Hunding sized him up and down, "A lone Boy?"
The Redhead smirked and nodded, "Aye, and I took out the rest of your warband too." Whispers echoed throughout the hall, Hunding looked to his children and gave them a questioning glare.
"It's true." Floki admited, "I saw it all, he craved through the camp like a butcher through meat."
"Who are you?" The King enquired his name, the Young Knight slammed his fist against his chest plate.
"I am Siegfried, son of Siegmund." Taking a step forward, he raised his fist, "I hail from Mantle, and I am a Knight sworn to the Lord of Light." He threw his right arm out to the side, "I've come to put you down, and end your reaving, raiding, plundering and pillaging of innocent villages."
"Well then," King Hunding smirked cruelly, "Looks like I have to give you a painful end then. It's only fair for the life of my Brother," He gestured to Duncan then, "Because you sent him to Valhalla, I'll give your Master a swift end. While you, will have your heart ripped out."
"Such is the way of a cowardly heathen," He scoffed without fear, then he pointed at the King, "I challenge you to a Duel of Honor!" He smirked, "A Holmgang, as your people call it." There were gasps all throughout the room, Astrid, Floki and the Guards all looked at him, stunned. The King raised an eyebrow.
"Do you who you're dealing with, Boy?" Hunding asked rhetorically, "They call me the Blood-Axe because my axe had been caked in the blood of all my foes. I have slain hundreds of Men and Faunus alike, I have laid many of their women." He raised his hands before him, "I have raided and raped all throughout Midgar," Then he spread his arms out wide, "From Vacuo's Shores, to the Hellenic Cities and the coasts of Mistral and Vale." Clutching his fists close, he smiled and beamed with pride as he said, "I have united the Clans into one Kingdom, I have raised the Hundsvartr Clan to Royalty. I ended the Hvíturdádýr Clan, conquered them and took their Chieftain's prized helm from his corpse. I took Thórsteinn from the Thrumuhnefi Clan, and made them kneel before me. Made their Chief watch as I took his wife in bed, made her watch as he was cast into the sea." The King slammed his hands against his chest, "I am the strongest, and I will have Vale kneel before me next."
"Who am I dealing with?" Siegfried mocked, "A man who united the Clans on a suicide mission," He raised a finger, "Who is responsible for a dozen villages in flames and at least two hundred dead." Then another, "A King who pushes his people to War against the Kingdoms, while Grimm run rampant in his realm." And a third, then finally, a forth. "And a Man who forced himself upon his own daughter." Everyone's eyes widened, there gaspes and shouts of outrage. Hunding jumped up and stomped his foot, shaking the floor.
"I WILL HAVE YOUR HEAD!!!" He screamed with pure, unadulterated fury, "You slanderous cur!!!"
"Then face me in a duel." He challanged, a sneer wide across his face. "If I die, then I must be wrong, right?"
"Aye I will, and when I rend your flesh to bits, I'll have your Master sacrificed by flame!"
"Well, if I win, then your people must stop raiding frontier villages." And another idea popped up in his mind, "And I will take four chests of gold from your treasury."
"A impossible prize," The King growled, "So be it." He spread his arms wide, "We shall have a Holmgang, and I shall shed your blood, Kingdomer!" Letting his arms fall to his side, he looked to his son, "Floki, take the Kingdomer's Master, guard him. Kill him if they try to escape." Then to the Guards, "Get this Kingdomer to the arena, give him his helm and sword! Send word out, let all of Thórsteinn bare witness to my might!!!"
Thórsteinn's Arena...
Siegfried took a drink of water from his canteen as Astrid walked back and forth. "Do you have any idea what you've done?"
"Challenged your Father to a duel." He looked her in the eyes.
"He's going to kill you!!" She bellowed.
"I'm not afraid," Siegfried was resolute, "The Lord is with me, along with my own strength and skill."
"My Father is not a man to challenge, he-"
"Abused you." He interrupted her, standing up and sealing his canteen, "He forced himself upon many women, and you, his own daughter." Putting it away, he walked over towards her, "The blood of many innocents call out from his stained hands, call out for retribution. I will serve Justice in Dagda's true divine name, Belenus will guide me to victory and slay that envoy of Donn."
She tried to summon some words, but she choked on them. He placed his hand on her shoulder, "I said I would end him," He reflected grimly, "And I plan on keeping my promise I made to everyone effected by his cruelty," He put another hand on her other shoulder, "Including you."
"I-I'm sorry I helped Floki trick you and Duncan," She admitted, "But I had no faith you could defeat him then, and I don't now." He ignored her doubt, "I thought I might been able to enthrall you both, but my Father shot it down."
"It's better this way," The Redhead said with a smile, "If I die, I rather by the sword than in chains."
"There is no if, you're gonna-"
"Astrid," She looked into his blue eyes, "Have faith in me." She was speechless, his eyes shined like heavenly light, "I will stop your father, and I will leave the arena victorious." He sighed and said, "I only ask to know if you care for him?"
"The only Member of my family I loved is dead, you killed him." She said coldly, "It's fitting that you get the one I hate most too," She shook her head, "So no, I don't." Looking down she closed her eyes, and said, "I only fear for you because I've seen what he's done to so many others."
"You know what killed my family and razed our home?" She looked up into his eyes, "A Grimm Dragon." Her eyes widened and she took a step back,
"By the Gods," Her voice layered in fear, "Níðingr..."
"I'm not afraid of any would be King in furs." He turned and grabbed his winged helm, "I'll snuff out his ambition, and send him to his Gods in Hell." Placing it on his head, he buckled the strap and turned to reach for his sword. It was about time. She handed it to him, as he grabbed it, she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. His eyes widened as he reared back.
"It's for good luck," She said with a small smile, "And my parting gift for the next world." She frowned.
"No," He reaffirmed, "I am going to win this." He about-faced, and walked out into the hall. The guards there lead him down a stone corridor to a opening gate.
"It's time, Kingdomer." One of them said with a smirk, "Our King is gonna put you down like a squealing pig."
"We'll see." He closed his Helments visor.
Siegfried walked out into the arena. The stands surrounding it were packed full of at least three hundred people, all cheering for blood. On a balcony high above the stands, sat Floki and Duncan, surrounded by elite guards. White banners depicting the red eyed, black Dog hanged down all round the arena. The sky was dark, a storm was rolling in. Standing alone in the arena, was the King. The only things different about him now was the great two handed battle axe in his hands, and the great helm on his head with great white antlers of a stag. It was the common style of these barbarians helmets, a weird goggle like visor covered his eyes, and a crest like a spine went from the front to the back of his head.
"Come!" He shouted, his voice silencing the crowd, "Come Kingdomer," His Axe was raised into the air, "And taste my fury!!!"
Authors Note:
Describing locations are hard, I had some issues with it this chapter. Any advice on that would be appreciated.
Also, other Gods listed off by Siegfried this chapter are not a 100% accurate to the mythology they're based on. Don't expect an 100% accurate portrayal of all the mythologies referenced in the story. I'm just writing this Incase someone goes "Actually..."
I'm open to any and all criticism (I'm writing Fanfiction to improve my writing after all), So please review and give me your honest opinions. If you like it, please be sure to favorite or follow.
