Chapter 13: Shifting Shadows

The sun was barely above the horizon when the sound of galloping hooves broke the morning quiet. Bjorn, standing atop the village's outer wall, squinted into the distance as a small group of riders approached. Their horses were covered in frost, and the men's cloaks flapped wildly in the biting wind. Scouts. And judging by their hurried pace, the news they carried was urgent.

Bjorn motioned for the gatekeeper to open the gates. "Let them in!" he called out. The wooden doors creaked open, and the scouts rode through, their faces grim.

The group of five dismounted quickly. The leader, a broad-shouldered man with a thick red beard, stepped forward and saluted Bjorn. "Chief Bjorn," he said, his breath visible in the cold air. "We bring updates on the barbarian horde."

Bjorn's expression hardened. "Speak."

The scout didn't waste time. "The horde has gained reinforcements—thousands more. They're moving faster now, likely to reach the first villages in three days, maybe sooner."

The villagers who had gathered nearby exchanged uneasy glances. Even Bjorn, ever steady, paused for a moment before responding. "Three days," he said, more to himself than anyone else. His green eyes flickered with thought before he turned back to the scout. "Do they seem coordinated?"

"They do," the scout confirmed grimly. "It's unlike anything we've seen before. Their leaders are pushing them hard. And the numbers…" He trailed off, shaking his head. "It's a storm."

Bjorn nodded slowly, his jaw tightening. "You've done well to bring this information. Rest and eat—you've earned it. But stay in the village; I may have more questions later."

The scout hesitated, glancing toward Gabriel, who stood a few paces behind Bjorn. The figure in white radiated a calm, commanding presence, his wings folded neatly against his back. The scouts hadn't seen him before, and their expressions ranged from confusion to awe.

"Chief," the scout asked cautiously, lowering his voice, "who… is that?"

Bjorn turned slightly, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "That is Gabriel. He's here to help us."

Gabriel stepped forward, his serene expression matched by the authority in his voice. "The threat you describe is grave, but it is not insurmountable. Your work is invaluable in preparing this village, and I will ensure your efforts are not in vain."

The scout leader's eyes widened slightly. "You speak like… a king. Or a god."

"I am neither," Gabriel replied with a small smile. "But I will protect this village as best I can."

Bjorn clapped a hand on the scout's shoulder, cutting through the tension. "Trust him. Gabriel's already done more for us than you can imagine."

After the scouts had been led away to rest, Bjorn and Gabriel stood by the wall, gazing out toward the distant horizon. The air was cold and still, but the weight of the coming storm pressed heavily on them both.

"They've gained reinforcements," Bjorn said quietly. "That complicates things."

Gabriel nodded. "It does. But we need more details—numbers, movements, and their leaders' intentions."

Bjorn raised an eyebrow. "And how do you propose we get that?"

Gabriel's pale eyes glimmered with quiet determination. "I'll go."

Bjorn blinked, surprised. "You'd leave the village?"

"Not for long," Gabriel reassured him. "I can move unseen and cover distances quickly. If I can gather more information, it may give us the edge we need."

Bjorn considered this for a long moment. "You're willing to take that risk?"

Gabriel's calm smile returned. "I don't feel fear, Chief. And this is no risk at all."

Bjorn nodded, finally relenting. "Do what you must. But don't stray too far. We need you here."

"I'll return before nightfall," Gabriel promised. "In the meantime, continue preparing the defenses."

Before departing, Gabriel sought out Astrid, Liv, and Eira, finding them in the training yard. Astrid was sparring with a younger warrior, her movements sharp and precise as she guided the young man through a series of drills. Liv and Eira watched from the sidelines, chatting and laughing as they prepared arrows.

When Astrid noticed Gabriel, she ended the drill and approached him, wiping sweat from her brow. "Off to save the day again?" she asked, a teasing glint in her blue eyes.

"Something like that," Gabriel replied, his tone light. "But before I go, I thought I'd check on my favorite sparring partner."

Astrid raised an eyebrow. "Flattery won't get you out of another match."

"I wasn't trying to," Gabriel said, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "But next time, I expect you to go easy on me."

Astrid laughed, shaking her head. "Not a chance."

Nearby, Eira and Liv walked over, their faces lighting up as they joined the conversation.

"You know," Eira began, grinning, "with how much time you spend with Astrid, people might start talking."

Astrid shot her a sharp look, her cheeks turning pink. "Eira!"

"What?" Eira said innocently. "I'm just saying. A mysterious man like Gabriel, always around you—it's bound to cause rumors."

Gabriel chuckled, his pale eyes sparkling with amusement. "And what rumors would those be, Miss Eira?"

Eira winked. "Oh, you know. That Astrid's finally found someone who can keep up with her."

Astrid groaned, covering her face with her hands. "You're impossible."

Liv stepped in, her tone softer but no less amused. "Don't mind her, Sir Gabriel. Eira likes to tease."

"I've noticed," Gabriel said, his gaze settling on Eira. "But perhaps I should be the one teasing you, Miss Eira. After all, you seem very interested in my love life."

Eira's grin faltered, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. "I—well—you're not wrong," she admitted with a laugh. "But can you blame me? You're not exactly ordinary."

Liv chuckled, shaking her head. "Just don't let her get carried away, Sir Gabriel. She's already claimed you're too perfect to be real."

Gabriel's smile widened. "Then I'll take it as a compliment."

As the day wore on, Gabriel made his rounds through the village, stopping to speak with anxious villagers and offering quiet reassurances. His presence seemed to calm those who felt the weight of the coming battle most heavily.

At one point, a young warrior approached him—Einar, a boy barely old enough to carry a sword. His face was pale, and his hands trembled as he held his weapon.

"Sir Gabriel," Einar stammered, "I—I don't think I'm ready for this. The barbarians… they're too many."

Gabriel knelt, meeting the boy's gaze with steady eyes. "Einar, bravery isn't about feeling ready. It's about standing firm, even when you're afraid."

Einar swallowed hard. "But what if I fail?"

"You won't," Gabriel said, his voice calm but firm. "Because you're not alone. Your chief, your family, your friends—they'll stand with you. And I'll stand with you, too."

Einar's trembling subsided slightly, and he nodded. "Thank you, Sir Gabriel. I'll do my best."

Gabriel stood, placing a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder. "That's all anyone can ask."

A Village United

By the end of the day. Gabriel's efforts had strengthened not only the physical defenses but also the spirit of the people. As he prepared to leave the village to scout the horde's movements, he paused at the gates, glancing back at the faces of those he had come to care for.

"I'll return soon," he promised Bjorn, who stood nearby. "Keep the village strong."

"We will," Bjorn replied. "And you—stay safe."

Gabriel smiled faintly. "Always."

With that, he spread his wings and ascended into the sky, disappearing into the fading light of the evening.