Chapter 5 Future Champion
" We will learn about sword fighting."
Halfdan spoke while sweating due to his intense workout even though he was a child. Although Halfdan had a child body, he had knowledge about future martial arts when he used to train them. Especially, he was excellent at grappling, fencing, and mixed martial arts for certain reasons like self-defense.
" Swords?"
Helena tilted her head with confusion because most of their tribe warriors used axes, unlike other tribes. Thus, it was difficult to imagine that they would be using swords instead of axes or bows which they used more commonly.
" Swords are the most deadly weapon among the weapons because of their versatile fighting styles and history. Although I want to teach spears to you, among all of us no one has spear talent."
Both Arne and Harold were big and burly while Helena had overwhelming flexibility and agility. None of them were suited to spears which required intense training.
" Remember even if you prefer other weapons, swords are the most common weapon in the world. If you lose main weapons and have no mastery over other weapons, it means a death sentence on the battlefield."
Halfdan warned them with a stern face because he saw vicious sights of corpses 2 years ago when he went out with Magnus.
Other tribes plundered a merchant from the far while slaughtering their men without mercy despite in their territory which later Magnus forced them to surrender their wealth.
He wouldn't do such actions in his territory even if they were allied tribes.
" Ugh, but swords will be too short to use when I grow up and I can't throw them like my axes."
Harold groaned with a helpless face, knowing he would grow bigger than most of the people, so it might be difficult to use one.
" I know you would say that, so I created a sword for you. Look!"
Halfdan proudly showed two swords that he made from wood to.
" These things are called great swords. Although they are impractical to use, they will shine in your hands."
He handed them to Arne and Harold whose eyes were shining with joy because they found these swords very cool. Especially Halfdan carved their names with various images to attract them.
" What about me?"
Helena was excited to see her friends getting new swords, so she expected something similar from him.
" Here, I also got one for you."
Helena's face darkened when she saw a thin sword like a branch which made two boys burst with laughter.
" Are you trying to anger me, Halfdan?"
She glared at him with daggers, thinking he must be joking with her when he handed this sword to her. Even though it was a pretty sword, it was light and not big. She could swing it easily and it wouldn't be much use in the battle.
" It is called rapier. Despite its thin appearance, it can pierce the most solid armor if it is crafted by Ulfberht."
Halfdan spoke seriously with a calm face. The rapier was the type of swords that were commonly used in the 13 to 15th centuries and they even lasted until almost the 20th century due to their practical usage.
Furthermore, Halfdan also knew Ulfberht was the legendary craftsman of their people, so it was possible to make him or her craft these swords.
" Ulfberht? But I heard only chieftains and great warriors carry his weapons."
Helena didn't try to spoil his mood but how could a legendary person craft 3 swords for 3 children who knew nothing?
" Then we have to become great warriors to protect our people."
Halfdan smiled softly when he heard her question. The group immediately burst out laughing as they loudly.
" We will become the greatest Vikings in the history."
However to their surprise, their first and most cruel trial was coming to them soon. Their innocent smiles were bound to disappear since that day.
Meanwhile in the chief house.
Magnus was looking at his sword with a deep look, knowing he would have to fight soon because he got a word from one of his closest friends.
" Bjorn is coming here soon."
His tone got deeper as Freyja who was wearing armor emerged from her room. They were heading out to fight them head-on.