"About fucking time," Snakha grumbled loudly. "I'm beginning to hate the snow."

Ivano could only raise a silent brow to the latest complaint from the oddity in their convoy, the only Orc amongst a throng of Clansmen.

"I'll be glad to have some good food." Snakha rubbed his green hands together. "Watching it draw closer is such a tease."

Ivano still said nothing as Snakha returned to talking with Brenna. The two had been speaking a lot, far more than what one would consider normal. Despite his relatively calm, friendly and even helpful, his image was forever tarnished in Ivano’s mind by his murdering of a fellow Orc over a perceived slight and so he could gain a new axe.

That was then. A different time, where we thought we could still successfully raid the Lowlanders. I wonder how the Orc Clans really reacted towards our defeat? Snakha probably didn’t help matters.

Snakha began to grumble one again to anyone who would listen about their current situation. Most put on polite faces, even Brenna but it seemed to do the large Orc some good. Ivano’s children listened with a furious intensity, Sibbe did not like it when he spoke of the viscera and gore associated with violence.

“Where is that boy?” Ivano muttered to himself. “Borstig! Come up here.”

The gangly man rode upon his bear mount, a Bernoth, and joined Ivano. The Bernoth had been very tame and docile throughout their journey, except when they were set upon by a horde of starving wolves. Then it turned into a ferocious beast right until the moment the wolves fled, then it returned to its happy and playful self.

"Yes? Ivano?" Borstig's soft voice undermined the ferocity of the animal between his legs. "What did you want from me?"

Ivano pointed forward. "We're nearly at our destination."

The winding snow-drenched road led them out of another thickly wooded forest and into an unnatural clearing. Small homes, squat snow-covered buildings with a single faint trail of smoke, dotted the land. The clansmen were known as raiders and slavers but someone had to tend the fields and plantations during the short window the harsh snows allowed. Beyond those lay a river, completely frozen over with dozens of cart tracks, with one half-submerged and thankfully abandoned. A single stone bridge afforded travel during the warmer months, leading up a twisting and winding road to their destination. Reynisnes, capital of the Wind Walkers and the seat of Ulfheid, their chieftain. The city itself lay nestled at the base of two mountains, some of the city was quite literally carved into the stone. Though they were some distance away Ivano watched the streams of snow tumble down from the mountain above before blowing over the city, the roofs were all slanted in such a way to deflect the worst of the wind, before settling over the expanse between the thick outer wall and the frozen river. Ivano immediately understood why they were called Wind Walkers.

"Such a crazy place to live," Ivano muttered. The boy dared not look at their destination. "Borstig? Are you ready?"

Borstig gulped and rubbed his arms. Ivano, Snakha and even Brenna had trained him as rigorously as possible but there was only so much that could be done in such a short amount of time.

"I...I don't think so."

Ivano patted the man's leg, Chumny watched his hands carefully for any sign of hostility.

"You never know what you'll be capable of until the time comes," Ivano said. "But you're more than brave enough to ride on that things’ back."

Borstig frowned as he stroked its thick fur. "Chumny is not a thing. Anyway...I don't know if I'm ready."

"Sure you are." A joyful tone came from the other side. Arlid poked his head around Chumny, much to its bemusement. "You've done pretty well, considering you're as thin as a twig."

Arvid's head appeared around his brothers. "And if things do turn to shit you can always sick Chumny onto them." His eyes fell upon Chumny's giant paws, specifically the claws. "Just one swipe of that thing's arms and I'll lose mine. And I've only got one left."

Arlid slapped his back. "But think of all the stories you could tell. Why, the women would be clamouring at your door to have a chance to sire a son with that bravery."

"Really?" Borstig asked softly.

Ivano didn't want to spoil the boy's dream, but it was a little surprising that he might be interested in such things. He seemed to have his head in the clouds most days.

"Not much good if I'm just flopping around."

Arlid smiled, sensing a killing blow was near. "What's the difference?"

Arlid scoffed and slapped his brother over the back of his head. Arlid began to laugh, then so too was his brother. Borstig cracked a smirk, likely so he didn't feel left out.

"Problem!" A warrior from the front shouted.

Ivano signalled for the convoy to halt. As he raced to the front, those that he trusted close behind, he looked to Reynisnes. No one rode out to greet them, in peace or violence, which wasn't unusual for Clansmen hospitality during winter. If you were dumb or desperate enough to be out during winter than you should make the effort to reach them. Regardless, they were not some small group of hunters or traders. There was no way their convoy could be missed. Unless there was no one to see them.

"Is the bridge out?" Ivano asked the Clansmen.

He looked at something near the bridge, half-covered in snow. Ivano stopped dead, raising his closed fist to stop the others.

A Stone Man lay dead in the snow, propped against the edge of the bridge. It had laid there so long only its eerily grey and dead face was visible beneath the snow, only thanks to the dark brown stone-like armour protecting its face from the falling snow. No wounds or cuts adorned its face.

Ivano took a spear and prodded around the snow. Where a torso should have laid he found nothing but snow.

“Another one of those things?” Gerin asked.

The Bebbezarian man had remained very quiet and inconspicuous during most of their travels, Ivano usually had to search for him but he would not dare leave, not when he was so deep in unfamiliar and hostile territory. He pulled his thick, snow-covered fur coat tight and gently kicked the dead Stone Man.

“I never thought I’d actually see one of these…Before...Before this I thought they were just a myth.”

“Your people were planning on invading our lands?” Arlid smiled and leant closer to the dead creature, looking closely at its frost-covered dead face. “Surely you’d have come across them sooner or later.”

“I don’t think we’d fight them.” Gerin laughed nervously. “We’d keep far away from them. Especially after they wiped out one of your entire clans. Has anything done that before?”

“Not to something as large as the Fish Gutters.” Arlid clicked his tongue. “I mean, they weren’t the biggest, but still…”

"After saying all of that who could do this to a Stone Man?" Snakha asked.

"Another Stone Man." Brenna quietly spoke.

Ivano used the butt of his spear to brush away the snow. A javelin had impaled the Stone man's upper chest to the bridge and broken off, the rest of his body was nowhere to be seen.

"They're getting really close," Ivano grumbled. "Never saw them when I was a kid. Only if you went too far from the roads, and most of the time they just wanted you gone."

"But." Arlid chuckled. "But if they did catch you they'd eat you."

Ivano was relieved to not see green tassels hanging from the Stone Man's helmet.

"Let's keep moving." Ivano signalled the convoy. "We don't want to be here when they decide to come back and pick him up."

Some of the Clansmen clearly wanted to pilfer anything they could from such an elusive and dangerous foe. Ivano didn't want to take any chances and ordered the remains to be left alone. A few harsh glares from Arlid and Arvid, and the glint of their freshly sharpened axes, was more than sufficient.

The convoy quickly settled down as they continued on their way, suddenly turning to a buzz of excitement as they neared the city gates. Most Clansmen cities only had a single low wall, enough to keep wild animals out, but Reynisnes was a fortress by comparison. High stone walls, battlements and fortified watchtowers dotted the wall, tiny specks of orange flame flickered from within. Ivano didn't begrudge the guards seeking warmth but they should still be keeping watch.

"It's huge!" Signi pushed her way to the front of the cart, ignoring the looks given by her mother and sisters. "How-How many people live here?"

"Twenty thousand," Avid said loudly. "At least that's how many there were the last time we came through here."

"And who knows how many slaves," Arlid added.

Ivano glanced back to Erik and the Bebbezarian former slave, Unina. They had heard but only Unina reacted, with a slight look of annoyance rather than outright disgust. Ivano had never owned a slave before, the idea of having someone living and sharing a home who in all likelihood would kill him the moment they safely could not appeal to him.

Besides, most of the working slaves are Beastkin from Seocuria.

A final mountain range loomed in the distance. Beyond that lay the hot and arid lands of Seocuria. And, more importantly, the only people left on the continent that would still trade with the Deweth Clans. An ancient passageway had been cut through the mountains, bypassing the dangerous overland passes, facilitating one of the extremely few points of trade. Ivano had only seen them once but he did not forget the weathered insignia at the entrance, a sword overlaying a shield. He still had no idea what it was but did not ask at the time. There was always something more important.

"I wonder if they're going to let us in." Ivano wondered aloud. They were the only people coming to the city and Ivano was not well liked by their chieftain.

As they approached a faint horn blew and a solitary Clansman stepped out from a small portcullis to the side of the main gate. He did not move from his position until they arrived, Ivano realised that he didn't want to leave the last vestiges of the fire burning inside his little room.

"Who goes there?" He yelled gruffly, brushing away the snow accumulating in his beard, a futile endeavour.

"Ivano, of the..." Ivano hesitated. "Chieftain of the Fire Blades clan. I have business with your chieftain."

The man spat into the snow. "Chieftain Ulfheid isn't here. So you can head back to where you came from."

"He seems a rather angry fellow," Snakha mumbled. Brenna, standing beside him, tried her best not to laugh or crack a smile.

"Surely the Wind Walkers have not become so corrupted by the lowlanders' ways that they no longer consider themselves Clansmen?"

The Clansmen's eye twitched. "I'm not standing in the snow any longer to deal with your shit. My brothers and father went on that raid of yours." Genuine anger consumed him. "But you did!"

Ivano said nothing, keeping his face as neutral as possible. Anything he said now could easily set him off. It would be hard to get inside with fresh blood coating his weapon.

"Whatever." The Clansmen whistled and the gate began to open. "Ulfheid will be informed of your arrival when she returns. Hopefully, she's in a good mood. She might even give you a trinket from her latest raid."

The man scoffed and returned to his hovel in the wall, grumbling and muttering to himself. Ivano was more than a little curious to hear who they had raided, the winter snows blocked almost all routes to the lowlanders, but he was clearly not in a talking mood.

The gates fully opened, revealing a surprisingly busy city within. A wave of heat flowed out, undoubtedly another reason why the guard was so bitter, as they entered. Unlike Ravengalier the people were happy and smiling as they perused stalls filled with goods. Ivano couldn't see any beggars along the streets either, something that made Arlid and Arvid a little happier. They could have just been shunted to the back alleys or worse but Ivano hoped for the best.

"Now what?" Sibbe asked as they passed through the gates. A gust of cold wind caught those nearest to the gate unaware. They threw angry glares until they realised they were travellers, not that the door had blown in.

"Ulfheid won't ignore a fellow Chieftain." Ivano scoffed. "More than likely she'll think that I'm lying, but I don't have any other idea on how to get close to her."

"And the boy?" Sibbe looked at Borstig, still happily riding Chumny without a care in the world. Upon seeing the great bear the people began to give them all a wide berth. "He's going to get killed."

Ivano glumly nodded. "And so am I if he fails. Were going to need to do everything we can if we're going to make it out in one piece."

---[]---

A night of short and troubled sleep was all that Ivano could manage. The caretaker of Reynisnes, an older woman who barely left the comfort of her fire pit, was far more accommodating than the guard outside. She had already heard of Ivano's victory in the Blood Duel and had him and his convoy housed in a modest longhouse. While everyone else relaxed and enjoyed the roof over their heads, and the privacy it afforded, Ivano feared that they would be set upon and killed at any moment. But it was not to be.

A blaring horn cut Ivano's troubled thoughts. He looked out the small window that gave him unobstructed vision over the entirety of Reynisnes. A large group of people advanced on the city, crossing the bridge in a slow and ordered manner. It took Ivano's eyes a few moments to adjust but he realised there were carts scattered throughout the mass of people, laden with goods and covered by a thin piece of light cloth.

"So they're finally here," Ivano muttered.

"We've only been here a day!" Hild, his youngest, exclaimed with a pout. She and her sisters had not been allowed to leave the longhouse to play. They became very grumpy when they saw the other children playing in the snow outside.

"And that's too long for me." Ivano lightly tapped the wooden railing. "I'd rather be in Brenningr. At least there not everyone is trying to kill me."

"I'd rather be in our actual home," Sibbe said softly as she folded washed and cold clothes. "Too many people, too much noise and things to go wrong."

"It certainly has its advantages."

Ivano continued to watch the procession. As they neared the heavy gate was opened, followed by a mighty cheer from both those inside the city and outside.

"What's the plan?" Sibbe held Ivano's hand. "So she doesn't just try to kill you. Then us."

"It's not as simple as the first time." Ivano clicked his tongue. "Everything was already in place for me...We need to find Borstig, see if he has any ideas."

Ivano gave his wife a kiss, and his children, and sought out the young, strange boy. When he exited he found Arlid and Arvid chatting merrily with the caretaker. Despite being very old she still held a spark in her eyes and was more than capable of verbally sparring with the twins. Ivano sought out Brenna and Snakha. They had chosen rooms next to one another, something that he was expecting but still found it somewhat strange.

So long as they aren’t hurting one another I really, really don’t care. I have heard that Orcs are quite ‘large’, especially compared to humans. That could cause some complications.

Ivano stood before both of their doors, Alrid and Arvid’s faint distant laughter echoed down the hallways, as he chose whose to knock on first.

“Um...Who cares.” Ivano knocked on both.

“Time to get up!” He yelled. “We’ve got work.”

He walked away before he could hear any movement. As he neared Gerin’s door a short horn blast stopped him. The elderly caretaker ran past him, she pulled the hem of her long dress up to move at a speed he did not expect someone so old could move at, and stopped at a small window at the end of the longhouse. Ivano followed after giving Gerin’s door a knock.

“Bad?” Ivano asked the old woman. Arlid and Arvid slowly approached from behind, both with a hand ready to draw their weapons.

“Ulfheid has returned.” She pointed a bony finger out of the open window. Despite the constantly falling snow very little actually came in.

A large trail of Clansmen approached Reynisnes, far larger than Ivano’s, with dozens of fully laden carts and carriages. Whatever they contained they were so heavy it required burly Clansmen to push the carts as the large beasts struggled to pull the weight.

“Where did she go?” Ivano peered closer. “Doesn’t look like she’s come from the Lowlands.”

“The Stone Men.” The old woman smiled. “There is no one else that has that much gold...Besides. The Clans tend not to raid one another. At least any more.”

“Is she crazy?” Ivano whispered harshly. “They are not people that you want to offend. Have you ever seen one in your life?”

“Only a dead one.” The old woman pointed to the stone bridge which Ulfhied’s convoy had just crossed. “They don’t seem that dangerous.”

Then you have no idea what you’re talking about. I just hope that she just found some ancient temple and raided that instead.

The horn blasted again. Below Ivano could see the people of Reynisnes slowly begin to move towards the outer walls, to see just who was approaching.

“Wanna see what she’s bringing?” Arlid asked.

“No.” Ivano shook his head. He looked back along the corridor, seeing that nearly everyone had already emerged. “But we’d better go. We’re staying here at her grace, after all.”

---[]---

Ivano arrived at the rear of Ulfhied’s celebration. The Wind Walkers shouted and cheered her name as her warriors threw out coins, gemstones and golden artefacts to the assembled crowd. Ivano had never seen a chieftain, a female chieftain at that, give out so much wealth freely.

I did. But that was to ensure the people of Brenningr didn't try and kill me. Hard to think of rebellion when your pockets are full of gold. Although...I never did think of this ‘inflation’ Gerin spoke of.

He glanced at the Bebbezzarian, keeping his head vast down and generally looking like he’d rather be anywhere else.

No wonder we were losing.

"Here!" Ulfhied’s voice cut through the cheers. "Gold for everyone. No one will go hungry tonight!"

Ivano glanced at Gerin. Something within the man stirred, the same face he made before giving Ivano the lecture about economics and the value of gold. After a single breath, he stopped himself and retreated further into himself.

"This is how we are supposed to live!" Ulfheid emerged from underneath one of the thinly covered carts. "Not like scavengers, like those lowlanders think we are, but the rulers we know we are!"

The crowds cheered again. Ulfheid stood at the highest point and held a gemstone high into the air. The light brown shiny rock was the largest Ivano had ever seen, though he knew not what it was called. By the way Ulfheid held it close it was of some significant value.

"Now what?" Arlid asked over the roar of the people. "How are we supposed to get her attention?"

"Without just being killed on the spot." Arvid quickly added. "From what you've said she knows your face and really, really doesn't like you."

"True. But if we don't-"

"Ivano!" Ulfheid shouted.

Ivano tried to act like he didn't hear her but it was impossible. A gap had already formed around him, the crowds of people slowly parted between him and the carts of gold. Ulfheid held the gemstone underneath her arm while a warrior whispered into her ear. She smiled, gave the man's shoulder a quick pat, and tossed the light brown gemstone at him.

"Ivano. I'm surprised you decided to show up now." Ulfheid dismounted the cart and strode towards him. "I thought you would have stayed in the longhouse, not come out to see me."

No one spoke a word. All eyes were squarely focused on him.

One chance. Just like last time.

"I thought it would be rude and haughty of me to stay in comfort while you and your warriors returned with such spoils."

Ulfheid scoffed, throwing back her head towards the carts. "If you want some you're out of luck. But I will treat you to a good meal. That's what chieftains do for one another, right?"

"Indeed."

Ulfhied’s eyes narrowed. "I heard that you challenged Mord to a Blood Duel and won. Is that true?"

"It is. I am now chieftain of the Fire Blades."

The crowd murmured, unsure of what to think.

"He was an idiot." Ulfheid shook her head. "You aren't as big as he was but you're a lot faster...And not as stupid." Ulfheid signalled to her warriors to continue handing out the spoils. "So what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be looking after your new clan? Rather than coming all this way just to say hello?"

Ulfheid folded her arms and looked behind him. "You already have a wife and kids...So what do you want? You can't challenge me to a Blood Duel. You know the rules."

"I do...But..." Ivano smiled bitterly. "Have you heard what has happened to the Fish Gutters?"

Ulfheid did not reply. She looked back to the pile of gold, the happy faces of those receiving handfuls of coins.

"Let's talk inside," Ulfheid spoke more softly than before.

So you had something to do with them. Are you insane? You've left one of them outside to rot against a crappy stone bridge. Imagine what they're going to do when they catch up to you. They're not the fastest but they don't stop. They never stop.

Ivano returned a curt nod. At the very least she wasn't about to have them killed just yet, those nearby did not seem to care that he had asked about a clan that had been destroyed by the Stone Men.

She and her best warriors, those with the most scars and best equipment, began walking towards the largest building in the city, clearly Ulfhied’s residence. She regarded Snakha, their only Orc, with some suspicion but she stopped dead when she finally laid eyes on Borstig and Chumny.

"Who..." Ulfheid seemed stunned. Her fingers flexed and her eyes remained locked straight ahead.

"A Bernoth." One of her warriors said softly. "Tamed, by the looks of things. I don't know how they managed it but it is not hostile."

"What?" Ulfheid shook her head. "Yes. An impressive beast...What is your name?"

"Borstig." He rubbed the furry neck between his legs. "And this is Chumny."

"I...I see." Ulfheid shook her head. "Ivano, bring everyone in your company with you. I'm sure we can find a stack of meat for that bear to eat."

She afforded Borstig a final glance before walking past. In front a small group of warriors surrounded them. There was no choice in the matter. As they started to walk Brenna dropped back to him and Sibbe.

"Did you see the way she looked at him?" Brenna asked. "Like..."

"Like she was smitten." Sibbe smiled. "I know the feeling."

Ivano shook his head. "If that is the case we might not need to have a Blood Duel."

"A more intimate duel then." Brenna smiled, as did Sibbe.

"We will see," Ivano said softly. "But I'll be honest. He has a better chance of defeating Ulfheid in bed than in the arena."

Ivano only received glum nods as they continued walking.

---[]---

Ulfheid landed on the large lounge, covered in thick furs for warmth and comfort.

"Yes, I know about the Fish Gutters." Ulfheid did not wait for anyone else to be seated. "It's been a while since an entire clan has been eradicated."

Ulfhied’s hall was remarkably similar to Mord’s, with more food and less brutality and debauchery. Ivano was glad not to see any slaves, men or women, but he knew they would be somewhere, probably in the kitchens.

“And do you know by who?” Ivano asked. He still stood, it was rude to just take a seat before it had been offered by the host, in this case, Ulfheid. “I think you already know.”

Ulfheid motioned to the chairs. Everyone took a seat but Ivano remained standing. As did Borstig and Chumny, not in an act of defiance but because Chumny would not sit properly.

“Is...Is something wrong with your bear?” Ulfheid raised a brow. “He can sit, if he wants.”

“Chumny is fine.” Borstig smiled and rubbed Chumny’s neck. “He kind of does what he wants. But he’s not going to attack anyone.”

“I see…” Ulfheid leant back into her chair. “In that case, sit next to me. I don’t want your pet to get out of hand, not that I think it will.”

Borstig smiled and happily trotted to Ulfhied’s side, oblivious to the looks she was throwing him. Ivano looked at his companions, they returned strange looks; Arlid and Arvid gave furious nods, Snakha gently shook his head while Sibbe and Brenna shared a worried glance. Borstig was an adult but he wasn’t all there.

“Do you know who killed all of the Fish Gutters?” Ivano asked, Ulfheid motioned for him to sit on his other side, a normal chair unlike Borstig’s large cushions for Chumny. “We ran into the last ones, just before they were killed.”

Ulfheid clicked her tongue.

“The Stone Men,” Ivano said softly. “They were hunting Clansmen that had raided their-”

“The Stone Men are not as strong as we fear,” Ulfheid said proudly. “We’ve killed dozens, and haven’t lost anyone. They’re a dead race and simply taking up valuable space. That's all.” Ulfheid smirked and lent back into her chair, resting her head on her fist. “That and they have a lot of gold and jewels. Stuff that we can still use.”

“It’s dangerous to meddle with them.” Ivano’s voice was almost a growl. “I don’t know much about them but they aren’t as weak as you think.”

Ulfheid dismissively waved her hand. “Don’t you worry about it. The Stone Men are nowhere near the Fire Blades, it is our problem. But I still wish to know why you are here, Ivano. Surely it cannot be because you wish to warn us of the Stone Men?”

I thought you were less arrogant than Mord. But it seems that I am wrong! He was just pig-headed but you are seemingly maliciously foolish. The Stone Men will come for revenge, for the gold, jewels and whatever else you managed to steal from them...But you’re right. That isn’t my problem. My problem lies at your other side…

“No.” Ivano took a shallow breath. “I wished to introduce you to Borstig, son of Arnkel.”

“You’re Arnkel’s son?” Ulfheid looked Borstig up and down. “Really? You look nothing like that brute.”

Borstig bit his lower lip. “My mother is not Arnkel’s wife.”

“I see…” Ulfheid sighed and slowly nodded. “You certainly do not look like him. But...But we do not have the chance to choose our parents.”

Is that some sort of wisdom coming from you?

“So what brings you to Reynisnes?” Ulfheid lent closer. “I don’t think that you’re following Ivano through the winter snows for no reason.”

Borstig gripped his hands tight. “I do...But...I don’t know if I can.”

“Oh?” Ulfheid smirked and lent closer. “What sort of terrible things are you thinking? And does it involve that mighty Chumny thing of yours?”

“Fliodher gave me a vision, I think that’s what Ivano called it.” Borstig looked expectantly at Ivano. “Right?”

“It was.” Ivano nodded slowly, thankful Borstig had not mentioned anything about a Blood Duel or why they were actually meeting her. “She led us to...Chumny, before Borstig called him that.”

“You’ve actually received a vision from one of the Gods?” Ulfhied’s eyes were wide open. “Are you serious?”

“Yep.” Borstig rubbed Chumny’s neck. “She told me where to go..So...Ivano?” Borstig chuckled nervously and looked at Ivano. “What am I supposed to do now? Again?”

There’s no way she would accept a Blood Duel from him...Shit. What do we do? She could just kill us and that would be the end of everything. Sibbe...Does Ulfheid actually have a thing for Borstig? Let’s just try and talk about what we actually want.

Ulfheid noticed Ivano’s hesitation and smirked. “I have a far better idea than whatever Ivano is trying to make you do.”

“Really?” Borstig visibly relaxed and lent closer to Ulfheid.

“I wonder what Ivano was going to make you do?” Ulfheid ran a finger from underneath Borstig’s chin to his lips.

Borstig whimpered slightly but his face hardened. “Ivano spoke a lot with me during our journey. He didn’t just train me how to fight-”

Ulfheid looked him up and down but did not comment.

“He told me…And I agree with him…” Borstig laid a hand upon Chumny’s back. “That what we are doing is wrong.”

“We?” Ulfheid lent back into her chair.

“That we shouldn’t be raiders.” Borstig puffed up his chest. “That we’re hurting more than just the beautiful animals, but the people as well.”

“Fliodher would put animals in front of people.” Ulfheid chuckled. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at Ivano. “This sounds remarkably similar to what Arnkel was speaking of, when we were determining your fate for failing to defeat Qaiviel.”

It was impossible to defeat Qaiviel with what we have. But…Maybe Ulfheid will be more willing to listen to Borstig than me…Especially if she seems to have a thing for him.

“Indeed.” Ivano stepped forward. “I believe, just as Arnkel does, that the Deweth Clans cannot survive as we have, by raiding the Lowlands. I’m sure that you heard that we were not only resoundly defeated by the weakened Bebbezzarians but they were also able to chase us deep into our territory, where only the winter snows stopped them.”

That brought many murmurs from the gathered Wind Walkers.

Ulfheid tapped her finger. “Yes…In fact, Mord was the only other one to oppose such a thing. And he’s dead now. Right?”

“Indeed.” Ivano slowly nodded. “If I had not challenged Mord to a Blood Duel he would have killed me, for failing to take a fortified city with our meagre forces.”

“He always was a fool.” Ulfheid scoffed. “Arnkel never really liked him either. But, everything worked out in the end. Right?”

“To be completely fair I didn’t want to originally take up the mantle.”

“Oh?”

“Difficult when you’re being threatened.”

Ulfheid’s eyes flicked to Sibbe and his children. Her face softened for a moment.

“I never liked him much either. Something about him…But…But no matter.” She stood up, startling Chumny and causing the bear creature to lurch up slightly. “Sorry, little bear. Now! Now is the time of celebration!”

The Wind Walkers cheered.

“We will discuss this in the morning.” Ulfheid waved to servants standing in the corners. Barely a moment passed before plates of steaming fresh meat and jugs of frothing beer came forth. “Now, everyone, Wind Walkers and our guests, please drink and celebrate with us!”

The Fire Blades Ivano had brought from Brenningr cheered and quickly partook in the drinks. There appeared to be none set aside for them, so he did not suspect poison or any sort of ulterior motive.

“Now.” Ulfheid waved Ivano closer. “Come here and tell me what has happened since we last met. You've seemingly done quite well for yourself.”

---[]---

Ivano breathed easier once Sibbe and their children were safely back in their longhouse. Ulfheid had not inquired further about their purpose, though he was certain she understood to some degree. She paid lip service to Ivano’s stories, especially his attempts to try and curtail the Clansmen’s desire for raiding and pillage, but was clearly more interested in Borstig. The more alcohol that flowed the more obvious it became. Borstig was clearly unaware, his innocence only appeared to drive Ulfhied’s desire.

“This whole trip was a mistake.” Ivano gently thumped his head onto the wooden doorframe. “But if we didn’t leave we’d have been killed by Arnkel...Fuck. Sometimes I wish I’d been born in the Lowlands...Or at least just a normal warrior. Why did I try and take command again?”

“Have you been drinking?” A deep voice asked. Snakha lent against the far wall. “You aren’t normally this depressing.”

“Ulfheid would never have agreed to a Blood Duel with Borstig.” Ivano sighed and stepped away from the door. “She, quite rightfully, would have just ignored us or have us killed. If she didn’t seem to have a thing for gangly young men...So what are you doing here?”

“I was about to go to bed.” Snakha stretched his arms. “Seems like Brenna has already turned in for the night…”

“Really?” Ivano raised a brow. “And you were going to join her? She seemed pretty drunk.”

Snakha laughed and turned around. Part of his cloak was wet and covered in what looked like to be beer froth.

“She was very, very drunk.” Snakha laughed. “I don’t think it would be right to do anything to someone like that. Besides, she wouldn’t be able to do much anyway. It would probably be better just to do it myself.”

“Didn’t take you for someone that honourable. Remember when you murdered an Orc for an axe?”

“It was a good axe.” Snakha shrugged. “But I’m not like that all the time. I’d never hurt people I like.”

“Like Brenna?”

Snakha smirked. “Exactly.”

“I’m not going to judge either of you, so long as neither of you are taking advantage of each other.”

“I…” Snakha laughed. “How much did you have to drink? Honestly. Normally you’re a lot more intelligent. Like that Bebbezzarian man. Speaking of, what happened to him?”

“I think he left the moment he could. I don’t particularly blame him. He’s so far from home…”

“Speaking of.” Snakha beckoned him closer. “You were saying that you were worried about Borstig?”

“Is he in trouble?” Ivano reached for the small Bebbezzarian blade on his hip.

“No…” Snakha’s smiled widened. “No. Quite the opposite.”

“He’s alright?”

“More that Ulfhied’s the one in trouble.” Snakha led him out of the longhouse. “I think a lot of women would be in trouble if that boy was more confident.”

Ivano had a vague idea as to what he was speaking of. Snakha pulled his cloak tighter, Ivano could now faintly smell vomit from the stains, and slunk outside. A few Wind Walkers were on patrol but mostly they were drunk or in the process of getting more drunk. Snakha avoided the patrols and towards a smaller longhouse towards the top of Reynisnes. Two elite Wind Walker guards stood at the door but they were quite drunk and in the process of falling asleep.

“Are you…” Ivano shook his head. “Is this where Borstig is?”

Snakha pointed to the rear of the building. Chumny lay outside of a window. For a moment Ivano thought the creature was dead but its chest slowly rose and fell.

“That beast never leaves his side…”

“You’re starting to get it.” Snakha chuckled. “I’m sure that you’ve hit your head on something. You must have.”

Snakha led them towards Chumny, the beast slowly roused and looked at them. It glanced up once before returning to sleep. As they neared Ivano could hear the unmistakable sound of someone having a furious sexual bout. Judging by the moans the woman was losing, badly.

“I didn’t think he even understood what sex was,” Ivano said softly. “He seems so out of it most of the time.”

“I still think he doesn’t.” Snakha pulled his hood back and peered through the window. “But it appears the boy has a few natural advantages.”

Ivano didn’t really want to spy on someone having sex but he was somewhat curious. Ulfheid, the ruler of the Wind Walkers, lay naked, face down on the bed, gripping the sheets with all her might and biting hard to stifle her screams. Behind her stood Borstig, thrusting wildly while wrapping his arms around Ulfhied’s muscular body. He was whimpering louder than she was, shouting her name while he tried to grip even tighter.

“He’s going to be done if he goes that hard,” Ivano said.

“He’s been going like that since I left.” Snakha chuckled softly. “He hasn’t stopped. It’s no wonder that she’s like that.”

“Spying on people having sex isn’t my idea of fun.” Ivano eyed off Snakha. “You could have just told me that he was fucking Ulfheid.”

“Would you have believed me?”

“No...No I don’t think I would have.”

“And he’s got a very impressive weapon,” Snakha smirked. “Makes me feel a bit nervous.”

Ivano looked up once more. Borstig gave a final thrust before falling to one side. Snakha spoke true, Borstig was very impressive, in one area at least. Ulfheid whimpered and crawled to his side, kissing and caressing him.

“I think we’ve seen enough.” Ivano pulled Snakha away. “This...Is actually probably the best outcome we could have hoped for.”

“You actually wanted him to fight her? She’d have killed him in one strike.”

Ivano found himself breaking into a smile. “If Borstig can convince Ulfheid to go along with Arnkel’s plan then maybe this is for the best.”

“Sure. He can just take her to bed if she disagrees with anything you say.” Snakha smiled. “Who knew that’s all you had to do.”

“Thank the Gods she was interested in such a gangly boy. You don’t think-”

Ulfheid let out a terrifying scream of ecstasy.

“No.” Snakha smiled. “I don’t think he’s in any sort of trouble. So...What now?”

“I think I’m going to have something to drink. How about you?”

Snakha gently pushed him away from the house and towards the main streets. “I think that’s not a bad idea. All the Clansmen here have never seen an Orc before. They were trying to get me into drinking contests all the time. And they’re willing to pay. So what do you think?”

“I think...I think I might just join you. Today has been interesting, to say the least.” Ivano took one last look towards the longhouse. “But what did he need the bear for?”