The flickering torch glow casts long shadows across the frozen earth, twinkling like stars on the rolling banks of snow in Fornburg. Hytham stands silently in the dim light, his eyes fixed on Eivor as she tests her new hidden blade. His fingers itch with frustration, clenching and unclenching behind his back. The blade is a symbol, a sacred tool of the Hidden Ones, bestowed only upon those who have earned it through their dedication and service. Eivor, despite her many alleged merits as a warrior, is not one of them, nor is it clear she intends to join them, yet she is wielding their blade.

Hytham's gaze shifts to Basim, who is watching Eivor with a faint, approving smile. A flicker of anger ignites in Hytham's chest, turning to outright silent fuming as Basim calls out to Eivor, offering her advice. Basim's decision to allow Eivor to don the hidden blade feels like a slight against him and an undermining of their Creed.

Hytham watches Eivor jump down onto one of the straw dummies in a poorly executed assassination, yet fluid and precise in her movements, attestation to her natural abilities as a warrior. It does little to soothe the simmering resentment building upon the envy already swirling in his gut. Hyham drops his gaze to the muddy earth beneath his boots, unable to further watch Eivor flaunt their sacred tool.

As he and Basim take their leave from the makeshift training grounds, Hytham is compelled to ask his mentor if Eivor intends to join them. That perhaps he has misjudged the situation. He is sorely disappointed when this is not the case and Basim replies that he does not believe Eivor intends to join the Hidden Ones. Perhaps sensing Hytham's discontent, Basim asks quietly as they walk,

"Impressive, is she not?"

Hytham forces a tight smile that is more of a grimace. "She has potential," He replies diplomatically, "Though, she is not one of us."

Basim's expression remains impassive. "The blade serves a purpose beyond our order, Hytham. It is a tool for justice, for freedom. Eivor's path may differ from ours, but her goals align with our own. For now."

Hytham nods dutifully, though he remains unconvinced. He respects Basim deeply, has emulated him even, on this matter, however, they are at odds. The night seems to grow colder and the warm glow of the torches a bit dimmer.

"I will take my leave for the night," Hytham says abruptly, "There is a matter I need to attend to."

Basim's gaze lingers on him, searching. "Very well… Rest well, Hytham."

Hytham offers a curt nod before turning on heel, his mind already racing with heavy thoughts. As he stalks up the darkened pathway, Hytham catches sight of Vili slipping into the Longhouse, his friend whom he wished to seek out. Vili, who has fought alongside him, has proven his worth and dedication to the Creed, and yet has not received the honor he has certainly earned.

The idea solidifies in Hytham's mind as he justifies it. If Eivor can receive a hidden blade despite not being one of them, then surely Vili is worthy of being bestowed one as well. Hytham's steps quicken with purpose, his heart determined, and mind already planning the gift he will present to his friend.

Tonight, he will set matters right.

Hytham waits until the vestiges of the festivities have died down and only a few remain awake, to seek out Vili. It is not of his rank to do what he is about to do, but Hytham firmly believes it is his right to. Vili is just inside the Longhouse, tucked into a dark corner where the fire light barely reaches. A tankard of mead sits empty beside him and the Viking is humming softly to himself as he stares at nothing. Resolute in his decision, Hytham approaches him, holding a small bundle in his hand.

"Vili," Hytham speaks quietly, drawing his friend's attention. Vili looks up with a curious smile that does not quite reach his eyes.

"I have something for you." Hytham says, sitting beside him and offers the bundle to him.

"What is it?" Vili asks as he takes the proffered parcel.

Hytham watches him unwrap the cloth to reveal a finely crafted hidden blade. The metal is a mix of iron plated with bronze and gold, that glints in the dim light; engraved interlocking serpents inlaid with gold along the edges of the mechanism creates an unique design- a testament to centuries of tradition and skill. Hytham's mouth quirks into a smile as Vili examines the blade with open admiration and awe shining in his blue eyes.

"I have been keeping this for you." Hytham tells him. He has indeed been keeping it for sometime in anticipation of when Vili would be ready to wield the blade. Though, he had intended for Basim to present it to Vili when the time was right. Nevertheless, it is fortuitous, and if Hytham were inclined to believe in such things, he would say it prophetic that he has a blade for Vili.

"For me?" Vili echoes, eyes wide with surprise.

Hytham nods, a hint of pride in his eyes. "You have trained diligently, immersed yourself in our ways. You understand our Creed, our purpose," He says with conviction, "You are deserving of wielding the blade, Vili."

Vili, for the first time in the many months Hytham has known him, is completely speechless and drops his gaze to further study the hidden blade. It bears a modification from the Hidden Ones in Greece* that allows for it to be wielded properly without the ceremonial removal of the ring finger. It is a practical adaptation, one that Hytham thinks suits Vili's abilities as a former drengr and acknowledges his readiness to embrace the responsibilities of a Hidden One without the traditional induction rites.

Fastening the blade to the inside of his left forearm, Vili secures it, and flicks his wrist, triggering the mechanism. The blade springs forth, gleaming in the low light. Vili's fingers trace the blade's edge carefully, reverence and excitement mingling in his eyes.

"Thank you, Hytham." He murmurs with genuine gratitude.

Hytham clasps Vili's shoulder, silently affirming his friend. "You will make a fine Hidden One, 'akhi."

On the dawn of their third day within Fornburg, they depart for Kjotve's Fortress. The morning air is crisp and cool on Hytham's face as he boards Sigurd's ship. He has had far less time to prepare for his target than he would like, and it gnaws at his confidence. His mind whirls with strategic maneuvers and recants the facts he has learned, and recites his training like a mantra. It is a new land, but people die all the same, and Kjotve the Cruel will fall to his blade.

Hytham's focus wavers as his thoughts drift to Basim and Vili. He loves his mentor fiercely, far more than what he has been told he should, and yet, Basim's recent distance, his undermining of their Creed. It has left a doubt in Hytham that will not leave him be, one that tells him Mentor Rayhan is right to request him to spy on Basim. That perhaps his mentor has ulterior motives that will put the Hidden Ones in jeopardy. More quietly that doubt whispers to him that Basim will leave him if he is not useful.

Then there is the matter of Vili. Despite his friend's rawness he has shown a remarkable affinity for their cause. Hytham's decision to bestow the hidden blade to Vili was not done so lightly, though, quickly, and without regard for Basim's authority. The weight of his choice rests heavily on him and Hytham wilts as he sees Basim's keen eyes catch sight of Vili's hidden blade.

A flicker of surprise crosses his mentor's features before they are schooled into neutrality. Hytham shifts, dutifully keeping himself on the other side of the ship with the mast acting as a barrier. Though he does not regret his decision, neither is Hytham eager to explain himself to his mentor, especially now as they make their way to Kjotve's Fortress.

As Vili moves away to assist with the sail, Basim locks his gaze on Hytham and makes his way through the rowers. The air around them is stiff and the tension of unvoiced questions makes Hytham want to sink into the murky waters. He is confident that he has made the right choice, but Hytham is not confident he can convince Basim of the decision.

"Hytham." Basim's voice cuts through the din of the ship, commanding his attention.

"Yes?" Hytham turns enough to acknowledge his mentor without fully facing him.

Basim's eyes linger on him for a moment, assessing and calculating.

"Your decision to entrust Vili with a hidden blade speaks volumes," He remarks. The scrutiny underlying the curiosity does not go unnoticed. It is enough to embolden Hytham to fully face his mentor and meet his gaze evenly.

"'It is a tool for justice, for freedom,'" Hytham recites Basim's words, "And Vili fights for both."

Their continued silent disagreement of Eivor slips between the lines and Basim's lips thin, though he does not pursue the argument. A quiet sigh leaves Basim's mouth as he nods in a subtle gesture of acceptance, a ghost of a bitter smile on his lips. Hytham can hardly contain his disbelief and nearly misses Basim's words.

"Keep a vigilant eye, Hytham," Basim advises, his tone full of caution, "The path ahead may be fraught with challenges and our secrets must be kept safe."

Hytham politely does not point out the hypocrisy of Basim's words and inclines his head in acknowledgement. Though, as he turns his attention to Vili, watching his friend move about the ship, and is reminded of golden eyes, Hytham wonders if his mentor's words mean something else. That perhaps there are other secrets they share that need safeguarding.

A/N: *Hidden Ones in Greece *coff, coff* Kassandra

Arabic - Akhi = brother