[ Eric ]

“I would have one favor to ask of you. Gegnir. Let us take a part in the upcoming battle.”

[ Gegnir ]

“Hmm… As you wish. Blessed ones will be definitely useful in the battle.”

The Jarl dismissed us and we were escorted to the guest room. I’m glad that he didn’t though about us as merchandise to sell. And I still don’t know why he’s behaving in a weird way. Why not just tell us who he is and simply tell us that we can help those people? He didn’t exactly call the citizens traitors. He gives us a chance. I had to explain all of this to Dian before he does something stupid. I’ll need some power in the future to keep someone in check.

This Jarl sure is rich. The guest room looked better than Astvar’s. There were four beds with beautiful wooden frames. Bear fur by every bed. View of the main street. Is it a normal guest room or is he trying to show off to us so we would side with him? Not that I wouldn’t take that offer but first I need to find Tae and then help Dalir village to rebuild itself.

[ Eric ]

“It’s not the best that could happen but still in our favor. I think we’re outnumbering them now so we can pursue civilians into switching sides.”

[ Dian ]

“Do you think they’ll do that? They are desperate.”

[ Stella ]

“If not then I’ll slaughter them.” Both I and Dian looked at her with concern. “At least that’s what uncle told me.”

[ Dian ]

“Uncle?”

[ Eric ]

“I think she meant Tyr. After all, he blessed her.”

[ Dian ]

“So you mean… those spears… are from Tyr… I promise I’ll never harm you! And always chose your side!” Shouted Dian as he got on his knees in front of Stella. All she did was pat him on the head.

On the morning of the next day, one of the guards came to pick us up at the meeting. There was Jarl of Verherm, the army’s general, guards captain, and other important governing figures of this city. Good thing we were invited and not left in the dark. I can come up with a strategy of my own, knowing what will they do. We were last to enter the room so all the eyes were on us once again. I think Gegnir likes putting us in the main spot of attention.

[ General ]

“Those are blessed? A kid, a boy, and a ginger head? Hmph… At least it’s not a big war.”

[ Captain ]

“Don’t mock them. They are blessed after all.”

[ Gegnir ]

“Since everyone has arrived we can begin the meeting.”

I had to explain the entire situation to all of them. The General was ignorant and thought only about a fast battle to end it all. While Captain was thoughtful of people dragged into the battle.

[ Captain ]

“Can you tell us about the numbers of the army?”

[ Eric ]

“Around two hundred bandits and five hundred people forced into battle. They’re giving them the worst weapons possible. They’re like meat shields to them. They’re not moving as of yet.”

[ General ]

“And how do you know? Didn’t you say you left the town two days ago?”

[ Eric ]

“With my powers, I have a view of the Selem. I can see the docks, barracks, walls, and gates.”

I saw concern and fear in eyes of everyone here. If they don’t know the details about me and my powers they might fear me. After all, having an eye on the entire town by one person sounds like someone powerful but that’s my only great power as of now.

[ Captain ]

“Just like Odin…”

[ Gegnir ]

“Hearing that. Will you tell us when they’ll be moving?”

[ Eric ]

“I can do that. Only if you consider my strategy.”

[ General ]

“What strategy? This puny army will be outnumbered and smashed into bits.”

[ Eric ]

“They most likely will separate bandits from civilians. I want the fights to happen between them.”

[ General ]

“That’s absurd! You want your forces to get attacked from both sides?!”

[ Eric ]

“No. I want to give civilians a chance to surrender without consequences.”

[ General ]

“Traitors are traitors!”

[ Eric ]

“If you want to lose more soldiers because you weren’t prepared on time, be my guest.”

[ Gegnir ]

“We can make that happen but only if you agree to be one of the soldiers in front.”

[ Eric ]

“That’s fine by me.”

[ Captain ]

“How many soldiers are we sending into the battle?”

[ General ]

“Double the amount of their army. A thousand and five hundred should be enough.”

[ Gegnir ]

“I agree. There is no need to make send more. People might get scared that there is something really threatening to us outside the walls.”

[ General ]

“I’ll send a few scouts. We need as much information as we can.”

[ Gegnir ]

“Prepare soldiers for the battle. If they won’t make a move in two days. We’ll attack Selem with two thousand men.”