sus_doa

In the heart of the Viking age, Torstein, a young Norse boy, stands as an anomaly in a culture celebrated for its valor in battle and conquest. Unlike his peers, Torstein harbors a deep-seated aversion to violence, an attribute that places him at odds with the core values of his society. His older brother, Erik, embodies the quintessential Viking warrior – strong, brave, and revered. Yet, Erik’s admiration and understanding for his younger brother's unique perspective weave a bond of deep brotherly love and respect between them.

Torstein's journey is one riddled with internal and external conflicts. He grapples with the expectations of his community and the legacy of his ancestors, all while trying to forge his own path. His disdain for violence and warfare is not just a personal struggle but also a societal challenge, as he constantly faces ridicule and misunderstanding from those around him.

Torstein's Tale

As dawn broke over the horizon, casting its first light on the village of Gråhavn, an ominous feeling hung in the air. The usual morning routines were carried out with a sense of urgency, underlined by a pervasive silence that had settled over the villagers. The usual chatter and laughter were replaced by hushed tones and anxious glances. The news of Haldor's march had not yet reached them, but instinctively, they felt the stirrings of impending danger.

Meanwhile, Haldor and his men advanced through the dense forest towards Gråhavn. The rhythmic march of their boots and the clinking of their armor resonated through the woods, a stark contrast to the peaceful dawn chorus of birds. The soldiers, a mix of seasoned warriors and eager young men, moved with a disciplined efficiency, their faces set in grim determination.

Haldor led the procession, his towering figure at the forefront of the march. Beside him, Asmund walked with a smug confidence, his thoughts fixated on the moment they would breach the village's tranquility. His lips curled into a slight, sinister smile as he imagined the shock and fear that would grip the hearts of Gråhavn's residents.

Back in the village, Erik, sensing the change in the air, doubled his efforts in training the young soldiers. His commands were sharp, his demonstrations forceful, as he pushed the recruits to their limits. "Stay alert, stay alive," he barked, his eyes scanning the treeline that bordered their village.

Torstein, lost in his thoughts after Eirlys's departure, struggled to focus. The healer's unexplained exit had left him with a deep sense of betrayal and confusion. Yet, he knew he needed to put his personal turmoil aside and contribute to the village's defense.

He worked alongside some of the villagers, setting up rudimentary but clever traps around the perimeter. Pits concealed with foliage, tripwires that would alert them to intruders, and hidden spikes were all part of their desperate preparation.

As the day wore on, the atmosphere in Gråhavn grew increasingly tense. Mothers hurried their children indoors, while the men and women who could wield a weapon joined Erik at the training grounds. The village, once a bastion of peace and community, now resembled a besieged fortress, bracing for the assault.

In the distance, the sound of Haldor's army grew louder, the ominous drumming of their march a herald of the violence to come. The villagers, their faces etched with fear and resolve, prepared to defend their homes against the impending threat.

The March of Shadows and a Betrayal Revealed (2)