The morning came as Saga awoke from a knock on their door. Sasha's voice called out from the other side. “Are you ready Saga?”

“One sec!” Saga was on their feet in no time as they jogged over to where their pack and gear lay. Rinsing their mouth with a mug of cold water and splashing their face, they slipped on their clothes. During their days of training, Ingrid had acquired some new stuff for them to wear. Among those was a simple, armless coat of plate, that should have been heavy to Saga. They had worn them before at LARPS, but it felt almost light due to their increased brawn, which was a trip and a half. They also had two spears now. Their old one was gone, having been mostly rust and waterlogged wood by the time they had picked it up in desperation. That felt so long ago even if was only a week ago since they had arrived.

The new spears were identical to one another. They had slightly shorter shafts than the one she had used against the bear and instead of the very narrow sort spearhead of the boar spear, these had longer flatter spearheads, made to slash and penetrate both. The shafts were in not entirely smoothed out as they were in making it dark oak and saga could feel the rough hard fibers of the wood against their palm. Giving them a once over, they looked up the spears stats.

Simple Northern Infantry Spear.

Quality: Good.

When using the spear, you can brace it against a charging attack. Any charging attack has its momentum and charge damage turned back against it upon impact with a braced weapon even if they breakthrough.

As Saga tried thrusting with it, they smiled. It felt so much better than the lightweight of a training spear or the poor quality of the old spear. They went through some of the basic movements that Olaf had drilled into them before realizing they were making Sasha and the others awake.

Slipping out the door she nodded to Sasha who was already fully packed and geared up. Her two axes hung on either side of her hips. She wore the same kind of sleeveless coat of plate as Saga did, only her was in green rather than Sagas blue. Saga fist-bumped her and they went down the stairs where the others were making sure they had all their stuff ready to go. Lenara and Ingrid both gave an appreciative once over at Saga in the new gear. Saga raised an eyebrow at the two women who took pride in their handwork.

“Now you look like a warrior.” Ingrid grinned, beaming at Saga who rubbed the back of their head in embarrassment. Saga had never been that great with getting praise. Either they leaned too hard in it and missed some cue where they were meant to show a little bit of humbleness, or they just felt awkward and unsure how to respond to it all.

“I agree” Came Olaf's voice from behind them as he put a large hand on the shoulder of each of the party's younger members. “You seem ready for the journey. And I am glad to see it. Two weeks on the road is a lot of time for things to get interesting. We need to all be at our best.”

With that, the party set off out of the inn and towards the caravan that was waiting at the south gate. Saga took the time to shake Karns's hand.

"Sorry I didn't have the time to sit down and talk about your wife Karn. I wanted so badly to hear about someone else like myself, but Olaf is a slavedriver and I tend to forget myself and get lost in a task sometimes." Saga said apologetically but Karn just laughed.

"I have a feeling we will meet again Saga. I will tell you then." With that, Karn waved them off, but not before sticking a pack of dried meat and fruit into Sasha and Saga's hands. "For the journey." Saga smiled widely and gave him a hard hug.

"Thank you. I will definitely be back." They said before slipping out the door with the others.

As they made it over towards the South Gate, they heard a familiar voice. "Saga!" Torbjörn shouted as he came jogging towards them. Saga could spot some of the other guards and warriors in training hanging back but giving the group a wave.

“Torbjörn! You are up early.” Saga said as the young man smiled and began to fish something out from the inside of his large winter coat.

“My father heard about what you did and what a mess you find yourself in because of it. We want you to have this.” He handed them a large leather-wrapped package. It was was hefty and from the shape of it, Saga had a small inkling as to what it contained.

“What is it?” Sasha asked, looking over Saga's eyes with interest.

“A short sword. In case your spears are stuck, you should have a sidearm.” Torbjörn said as Saga unwrapped it and took a closer look at it. It was in a simple, but very sleek and pretty sheath. IT was made in dark brown, shaped, and hardened leather. Along the outward, flat side of it the leather was carved with a Norse style serpent. As saga admired it, Ordan noticed the little exchange and hurried over to look. He leaned in as Saga unsheathed the sword. It was similar to the one they used before in size if a bit Shorter. It was only a little bit longer than what Saga would consider a dagger, but broader and with more heft. Each side had a polished and thin edge and the end of a very well-made taper. It had no fuller, so it was a little on the heavy side. But with the brawn warriors seemed to have in this world, that was not a problem. Ordan gave a low whistle as Saga brought up the information for it.

Northern Short Sword of Valor.

Quality: Excellent.

Crafted by Janis Edarson.

Trait: Weapon Of Valor: When this sword is drawn in defense of an ally, gain +2 to Spirit and Grace for 5 minutes. One-hour cooldown.

“That is good craftmanship. Your father alright with parting with this one?” He asked curiously.

“He is. He already had a similar, larger blade. He tried to give it to me when I came of age, but I am more of an ax guy myself. It largely just hangs over my mantle.”

“Thank you Torbjörn. Tell your father I won't forget this kindness. Even if it was as a thank you for something I did.” They said, giving Torbjörn a quick hug. He laughed, hugging her back.

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“Be safe Berserker. And come back sometime. After you have figured out what the gods want with you.” He said, before jogging back towards the barracks. Sasha tilted her head, watching him run off to meet up with his friends.

“Cute.” She said, tapping her chin.

“Yepp. He is gonna make someone happy one day. Earnest, hard-working, good heart. Works out every day.” Saga said with a soft chuckle.

“Evira?” Sasha looked to Saga.

“No. I don't think he is into girls who kick his butt.” Ordan answered before Saga could. “And Evira is a career butt kicker.”

“True.” Saga mused as the three of them rejoined the group. Saga excitedly showed off their new sword.

At the caravan before Saga and the others arrived, Jasper stood talking to his new travel companion. The man was tall even for a half-giant. His eyes were a deep blue, and sharp. His skin was a deep deep blue, like the sea. He had an air about him that screamed professional to Jasper. He carried himself as nothing scared him and he knew how to follow commands without questioning as long as the pay was good. Jasper knew for a fact this mercenary was level 13 at least. Nowhere near enough to deal with Olaf and the other seasoned ones. But he would be able to deal with the sniveling newcomer. Some people needed to know their place. His father was soft and he did not have what it took for what was to come. But Jasper did.

"Remember. Only act if the opportunity presents itself. And do it quickly and in a manner that won't compromise us. Otherwise, we just let them, Stew. Once we are in the city, it should be easier to get them alone." Jasper said with barely contained glee at the idea of bringing that Berserker down a notch. "They are supposed to guard me though, so if something attacks us, let them be first in and maybe see if you can make it so they don't make it out alive," Jasper explained as the large half-giant simply nodded. He didn't say much, Jasper thought. But he did come offering his services and came recommended by Jaspers associates.

Arriving at the Caravan, Saga noted there were quite a few people milling about. The two caravan guards were a human and a half-giant, a man and a woman. The man was on the shorter side, with short black hair and a well-trimmed beard. He wore similar clothes to Saga and Sasha, in that he wore a coat with metal rivets. His weapon was a large two-handed ax. From the looks of it, Saga would refer to it like a Dane ax back home. The woman was on the larger side, both in height and width. She didn’t have the elegance of Vetra, who was all sleek muscle and angular features. Instead, she was heavy sat, with large just about everything. Saga wondered just how much Brawn she must have. She was hefting a Warhammer that would absolutely massive. The two of them were talking to the caravan leader, a dwarf with a short red beard and braided back red hair. The dwarf was dressed in thick, extremely intricately woven wool clothing that looked several degrees more expensive than the simple tunics most others wore.

The caravan itself was a wagon train consisting of four carts carrying lumber and water elementals trapped in ice. Three carts with food and provisions, some for the journey, some for selling later, and Jaspers carriage, which was a covered wagon with a door in the back rather than the sides. Inside Jasper sat in a plush seat, reading a book. The back door was open, allowing Saga to see the plush, expensive interior. It even came with a small heat crystal. Jasper glanced up at Saga as they arrived with their group. As Saga made for his carriage, Jasper looked up. He looked every bit the douchebag that Saga thought he was. But his eyes held a different edge to them. It made Saga think of the talk with Sasha earlier.

“Ah. My bodyguard.” He spoke, with a tone dripping with contempt. He was looking straight at them. The elf was dressed in a lighter coat than last time, with not as much expensive fur and a more sleek cut. It was in gaudy red and bright gold and Saga could tell he told his tailor he simply wanted to look as rich as possible. “You'll ride on top,” Jasper said as he pointed to the wooden roof.

“I am doing no such thing.” Saga said, hands on their hips. Challenging him as the two stared each other down.

“Oh?” He said, closing his book and leaning forward, resting an arm over his knee. There was something offputting with him. He had all the frost elf features and fairness that made them so popular in fiction. But it sat wrong on him like you were staring at a predator. His clothes were clearly expensive, but they were gaudy and bright in ways that did not complement his features. His hair was still unkempt and greasy. He was just unpleasant to look at.

“Yeah. I am riding along with Sasha and the rest of my group." Saga said, motioning to Sasha who stood behind her.

“Are you not my bodyguard? How are you supposed to protect me from the rear or front if they attack from the end you are not at?” Jasper asked, his voice calm and his eyes very different from the drunkard or the man hassling some poor merchant. The true Jasper had come out to play and he looked every bit as calculating as Sasha had warned him to be. Saga bit their lip. The smug bastard was right. They turned to Sasha.

“Sasha, Can you ride with the wagon behind, if I sit on top,” Saga asked and Sasha nodded.

“I can,” Sasha said as she crossed her arms while staring Jasper down. Jasper paid her no mind at all. Saga let out a grunt of annoyance but climbed up on top of the hard and wooden carriage roof. Sash took a seat next to an elderly man who was tasked with driving the main provisions wagon.

Jasper just nodded. “Excellent.” Before he closed the door without any further deliberation. Saga fumed but kept themselves in check. Jasper knew about them being a berserker by now, and likely figured temper was one of the weak spots he could exploit. This journey might become an ever more difficult test of Saga's self-control.

“Berserker” Came to a voice from the front of the wagon. Looking over, Saga was startled to see another half-giant. He was so big he had to be at least a few inches on even Vetra. That Saga hadn’t even noticed him made them more than a little nervous. This was the mercenary that might be told to kill them.

“Hey.” They said, schooling their face even if the shock had been plain on their face. The large half-giant gave a soft chuckle. It wasn't a warm sound. It set Saga's teeth on edge.

"What's with the reaction. I haven't done anything." The half-giant spoke.

“You’ll have to excuse me. Anyone in the direct employ of Jasper has me suspicious.” Saga snorted derisively.

“Understandable. The young master has a reputation. As do you." The mercenary continued, unperturbed.

“Uh-huh. All praise I am sure” Saga muttered.

“I would not go that far. Breaking his nose twice might have skewed his view of you” The mercenary half-giant chuckled.

“Well, he doesn’t have to worry. I am nowhere to break other people's noses” Saga said, not without sounding a little miffed at the idea of not getting to break Jaspers's nose again

.

“I am sure he appreciates it.” The mercenary laughed and Saga gave him an appraising look. Something was off with this one, Saga could just feel it deep inside. They tried to push it aside as they heard the Caravan call out for them to start moving. Sagas felt filled with nervous energy. Soon, they would be off. Come what may, they were going out into a brand new world.