Chapter 47: Come, hit me!

Nightfall, wilderness.

A towering altar constructed of branches stands resolutely, as the members of the caravan move the last of their companion's bodies onto it, followed by dousing it with kerosene.

"You do it." The old wizard Gandalf handed the torch in his hand to Belldandy.

In the absence of the Temple Priest, Belldandy would reluctantly take over the responsibility of lighting the pyre for the funeral.

Belldandy did not refuse, gracefully receiving the torch and began to chant ancient eulogies facing the altar.

As the ceremony proceeded, she raised her hand and threw the torch into the pyre.

The branches, soaked in kerosene, ignited instantly, and the fierce flames quickly engulfed the body placed within.

"We come from the land of ice and snow

From the midnight sun and the hot springs' flow

Hammer of the Gods will drive our ships to new lands

To fight the tribe and sing and cry Valhalla

Heroic Spirit Hall, the abode of Gods

I am coming!"