Chapter 18: A Last Chance

“Second chances are rare, so always make the best of it and give it your all. There is a reason why the Gods put you there again. Not everyone is given a last chance,”

-Field Priest Verkan.

  White Feather absolutely hated chases.

  He hated everything about chases: the haste, the scramble, the chasing itself, the overexertion, and of course, the time wasted in all of it. He preferred spending that time planning everything up to the last detail, tracking his intended quarry, gathering information, anticipating every possible outcome, and executing his plan to perfection. Chases meant that something went wrong with the planning, and he despised when things didn’t go as planned.

  But things were completely different now. If there was something, anything, that he hated more than chasing after someone it was being the one chased. It was just undignified and unprofessional. He hated not being able to anticipate what his foe would do, and being forced to flee as he was doing right now, pissed him off immensely.

  And then, of course, there was the fact that HE would be coming. White Feather would’ve gotten away with his prize long ago if it wasn’t for that meddling little dragon. Yes. That blasted creature was chasing after them now, being drawn to them by the stench of the girl’s urine. Clever. Very Clever. She deserved credit for that. She might be just a brat but she proved quite resourceful. Heck! She even figured out how his weapon worked, and made good use of it, having heard the shot in the swamps earlier.

  Oh, but that thing won’t find me unprepared. Not this time. He had just retrieved his main weapon and promptly reloaded it, and his new associates riding alongside them would make sure the girl wouldn’t try anything funny again, and slow that annoying pest down just enough to allow him to land a killing blow. Hopefully.

  Although he hated chases, on the other hand... it’s been a while since the last time he felt this way. He could feel his heart racing and a burning feeling in the mouth of his stomach. But what was this now? It’s been so long since the last time he felt like this that he had almost forgotten what being a bounty hunter was really like. The ever-growing anxiety of the struggle, the uncertainty of not knowing what would be next, even the dread of facing something far stronger than himself. It bothered him immensely. The creature’s unpredictable nature and his inability to anticipate what would be its next move, plus the now very real possibility of actually dying only made it worse.

  It started to become personal.

  Did he finally find a worthy adversary? One that could be a match for his ‘magick’? White Feather certainly hoped so, as bounty-hunting had become increasingly boring as of late. He turned to inspect the crowded wagon, looking at both Northmen and the girl in his custody. Nina took notice immediately, bitterly looking away to avoid his gaze. Hmph! He inspected his weapon again, just to make sure it was ready when the time came. And it would come. If he knew anything about the dragon it was he didn’t know when to quit.

  But he had the advantage as he knew his adversary well. He has already seen him in action. He was aware that most of the dragon’s strength came not from his muscles but from his outstanding speed, which required sufficient space to build momentum and leverage his mass, meaning he wouldn’t be able to yield his full might within the cramped confines of the cart. Not even he can cheat physics.

  He would carry on with the plan, nevertheless, having endured enough setbacks already. With enough luck the bridge would blow up before the dragon could cross it, but he already had a backup plan up his sleeve, just in case. He sighed, his warm breath forming a cloud of moisture in the chilling night air. Even though a part of him wished to just put an end to this nonsense and finally cash the reward, another part hoped the dragon did indeed show up.

  After all… they had unfinished business.

  But White Feather wasn’t the only one pondering about a dragon. Nina desperately prayed that the Gods would guide Rudo back to her and daringly save her as he had done before, having put her complete trust in him. She let out a heavy sigh, trying to shift her weight to adopt a more comfortable position but the massive Northman restraining her held her tightly. Damn it!

  Her thoughts promptly went back to Rudo, wondering why he was taking so long. Have faith, Nina! He has never let you down! Not even once! Although the chances of being saved now seemed a bridge too far, she knew if there was someone who could pull off the impossible, again, it was him. Please, Gods! Guide him!

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  At the same time, the Northmen flooded the outpost’s courtyard, and now completely surrounded its defenders that had retreated to their makeshift fort. The Nord chieftain briefly contemplated his next move, watching from the outpost’s gates as the assault unfolded while catching his breath. He had taken an active part in the siege, leading his men by example, and it had taken a heavy toll on him.

  Kortan took a mouthful of saliva and spat. The battle was far from over. Although they had endured only moderate casualties, it still had been a titanic waste of time. The Clan Aureon warriors and the small mercenary detachment had earned his admiration and respect, having held the outpost for so long against all odds. He might have even tried to recruit some of them into his ranks as it was the Nord custom if only they weren’t so short of time. He needed to put an end to this siege, and soon. -“Segern är nära! Framat!”

  His men complied immediately and quickly engulfed the barracks, attempting to climb over the wagons and overwhelm the defenders in one final push, only to be ferociously repelled. As expected. He knew the Gods were testing him, and that his prophesized destiny lay just a last push away. But he wouldn’t shy away from this challenge. He took a deep breath, readied his great axe, and charged into the fray.

  The situation was beyond hopeless on the other side of the carts. The Clan warriors were fully aware they were making their last stand and held their posts defiantly. Arkan scanned his surroundings briefly. His warriors held admirably, nudging their weapons through the broad gaps between the wagons that were only partially sealed in the haste. He sighed, aware that the makeshift fort wouldn’t stand the onslaught forever. He could only hope for a warrior’s death.

  Reinn fought next to the warriors. She had strapped her shield on her back, having switched to Raznak’s lengthy broadsword to give her better reach while Kuro rained the Northmen with arrows from above, taking cover behind the chimney, and shutting down at anyone trying to climb over the carts, forcing them to remain behind their shields. A handful of crossbowmen and a pair of archers stood behind the shield wall, poking only to return fire.

  Kuro landed a few good hits but he was running low on arrows. He searched the crowd thoroughly, looking for the Nord leader for a shot that might just turn the tide of the battle. He singled out a Nord warrior near the gates, waving his arms at the others as if issuing commands. That will do! He popped his head from behind the chimney just briefly as a volley of bolts shattered against the stone. It’s now or never! He took a relaxed stance, drew his longbow, aimed carefully, and fired.

  It was only barely audible amid the thundering chaos, but Kortan heard the arrow whistling over his head, followed by a distinctive yelp behind him that he instantly recognized. No! He turned immediately, finding his loyal second-in-command Finn with an arrow impaled in his throat right above his coat-of-plates, to his utter horror.

-“Finn!” he shouted, racing to where his comrade stood, catching him just as he collapsed. He promptly dragged him behind cover to assess his wound although it was most likely mortal. Helvete! He held him in his arms to comfort him in his last moments. -“Finn! Vänta! Vaga inte dö pa mig!”

-“Ursäkta mig… min liege…” Finn said with his remaining strength, gazing at the cloudy night sky before drawing his last breath. His body promptly became limp in his arms. Kortan sighed, letting out a single, powerful sob before gently closing his deceased friend’s eyes. Then it came. A sudden surge of intense, overwhelming wrath took over him. You goddamned blaggards!

-“DU SKA BETALA!” he cried at the top of his lungs, looking straight at the culprit and screaming bloody murder, locking glances with him. Kuro visibly recoiled, almost falling from the roof, feeling the homicidal intent in that gaze, realizing he had just shot at the wrong target. Fuck!

  Kuro shook his head and promptly tried to reach another arrow to finish the job but his fingers found only an empty quiver. Shit! He saw the Nord crossbowmen just finishing reloading and chose not to push his luck more than what he already had. He turned tail instantly and raced to the roof’s hatch, swinging it open just in time to take cover behind it as another barrage of bolts impaled its wooden planks.

  He leaped through the opening, crushing a pile of empty wooden crates that cushioned his fall somewhat. He promptly found himself in the middle of the hallway. He was struggling to stand on his feet when a door swung open at the bottom of the hallway, revealing a cautious Nana who went to investigate the blaring noise.

-“Kuro!” she rushed down the hallway, hurrying to help Kuro stand. -“Are you okay?”

-“I’m fine!” Kuro mumbled, dazed. He shook his head and promptly stood on his feet, turning to Nana. -“How’s Boss?”

-“He’s still unconscious,” she replied instantly, looking down. -“I’m not a medic but don’t think he will make it,”

  She then looked at him directly in the eyes, now showing a stern, gloomy expression and Kuro knew immediately what she was about to ask. -“I suppose you are in charge in his stead,”

-“Yeah, I think so,”

-“It is only a matter of time before the Northmen break in,” Nana continued as her expression turned even colder. -“And I’m not sure how much longer the Clan warriors will hold. I suppose Raznak told you of my request,”

-“He did,”

-“Good. Then you know what to do,” she said, letting out an audible sigh and closing her eyes. -“Now would be the perfect time,”

-“Yeah, probably,” he replied solemnly, fully aware that his response would greatly upset her. -“But I won’t do it, Nana,”

-“What?” Nana asked, baffled, gripping Kuro’s arm fiercely in reprisal. Her usually cool, stoic façade began cracking, showing the terrified, desperate old woman hiding beneath it. -“Will you force my hand on them?!”

-“No! I won’t let you do it either!”

-“What?!” she managed to say before Kuro effortlessly pried his arm from her grasp, and took hold of her own, restraining Nana in return. -“W-what are you doing?!”

-“Making sure you don’t make a huge mistake!” Kuro said, taking Nana’s dagger from her belt and throwing it away, forcefully dragging her down the aisle against her protests, kicking the wooden door open to everyone’s shock.

-“LET ME GO AT ONCE!”

-“Grandma!” Lily protested, rushing to meet her great-grandmother.

-“Lily! Kastus!” Kuro said with such a tone that instantly earned both their attention. -“Keep an eye on her! And for anything in the world let her do something stupid like killing everyone! Do you fucking hear me?!”

-“YES, SIR!”

-“You’re dooming my girls to a fate worse than death! Don’t you see?!” Nana lashed out, despairing. -“When the Northmen break in they will–”

  Slap!

-“Get a hold of yourself, Nana!” Kuro growled fiercely as the gasps of everyone filled the room. He released her arm to firmly hold her by her shoulders. -“Your girls are looking up to you! They need you now! We all need you!”

-“You’re the most dignified person I know, Nana! We need your courage, not your self-pity! You’re better than this!”

  Nana just stared at him contemplating his words, totally baffled, her hand gently soothing the aching spot on her face. -“You… you’re right,” she said dejectedly, closing her eyes and sighing mournfully.

-“Listen! We will make it, ok? I’m not sure how but we will! Do you hear me?! This isn’t the end just yet!”

-“I will pray you’re right,”

-“Good,” Kuro said, nodding, finally letting go of Nana who just stood dejected, her eyes fixed on the floor. Lily promptly rushed to her side to comfort her. He then turned to a beat-up ‘Tracker’ who was tending to an unconscious Raznak. -“Track! Have any more arrows?!”

-“Only a handful,” he said, pointing at his gear lying against the wall.

-“I’ll make them count,”

-“Take my bow too!” he prompted, handing Kuro his hunting bow. -“It’ll be handier than your longbow,”

-“Thanks, Track,” Kuro said as he took the weapon before turning to an expecting Kastus. -“I leave you in charge, buddy. Lock the door behind me,”

  Kastus nodded in return. Kuro turned to look at a crestfallen Nana whose eyes remained glued to the floor. He let out a loud sigh, closing the door after him, quickly hearing the loud clank of the crossbar being placed behind it.

  Kuro barged down the hallway with his heart in his mouth and his bow at the ready. The roof was simply no longer an option anymore. He could hear the pandemonium outside increasing with each step he made, which only made his heart pound even harder. He stood behind the door and stopped. He thought briefly about poor Nina but the more pressing matters brushed the thought aside. They need me here and now! There’s no time for distractions! His mind then took him to Reinn and Nana, and the promise he made to both of them. Kuro shook his head, took a deep breath, swung the barrack’s heavy door open, and charged to the fray, hell-bent on keeping his word no matter what.

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  Meanwhile, Nina struggled with her own predicament, being in an incredibly tight spot. The difficult road plus the cart’s haste made for a rough, painful ride, and having her body crushed against the planks by her hulking captor sitting on top of her only made it far worse to wear. However, it had the side effect of pushing her out of the state of helplessness she had previously been in. She found herself no longer reined by panic, and her nerves had calmed down enough to allow her to think with vivid clarity.

  But she wasn’t the only one sulking out restlessly. She turned briefly, finding White Feather sitting quietly next to the driver, his arms crossed over his chest, his gaze fixed on the road behind. She noticed his spellcaster already drawn, his fingers fumbling back and forth with it, cocking and uncocking the mechanism in thirstful anticipation. The resulting eerie mechanical ticking promptly stood out over the deafening galloping. Wait. Is he…?

-“What’s the matter, wizard?” she asked out of the blue, interrupting his thoughts. Nina earned his attention immediately. She tried to raise her head to look at his eyes but the Northman on top of her promptly reined her, pressing her head against the planks. It didn’t prevent her from talking though. -“You seem scared,”

   White Feather turned to her and just chuckled in response, also earning the attention of both Northmen. -“Just a bit restless, that’s all,” he replied collectedly. -“I can’t wait ‘till your pet shows up,”

-“Vait! Den draken is yer pet?!” a dumbfounded Leif turned to her in disbelief, only earning the mage’s scowl.

-“Keep your eyes down the road, will you?” the wizard countered calmly before turning to Nina again. -“And you girly, have you heard the saying ‘the quieter the prettier’?”

-“Fuck you!”

-“Watch your mouth, flicka!” Virheim growled fiercely, silencing her. Nina just growled in return, frustrated and dejected.

   Although Nina complied begrudgingly, she was growing sick of remaining completely helpless, deciding to finally take matters into her own hands. She began to scuffle against her handcuffs covertly, trying to pry her hands out to be ready when Rudo finally arrived. Please, Gods! What’s taking him so long?!

  Suddenly, a powerful gust of wind blew among them as if the Gods themselves just answered her plea. Its sheer power briefly lifted the cart from the ground on one of its wheels, making the young Nord driver almost lose control of it.

  Rudo came under the cover of pitch-black darkness, tearing past the riders like lightning, who remained unaware of his presence. Heh. The Nord riders scanned their surroundings thoroughly, struggling to spot anything through the dark. They couldn’t hear him either, as what little noise he made was instantly muffled by the deafening rhythm of their galloping. Rudo grinned, realizing he remained outside their reach, and decided to take his chances and not waste precious time fighting them, turning his focus to the cart instead.

  Nina’s scent became stronger by the second. He followed the trail until catching sight of the cart just a few hundred yards down the road. He raced after it and promptly caught a brief glimpse of White Feather sitting beside the driver and instantly recoiled. It’s Feather guy! He’s on the lookout! If Rudo knew anything about him it was he always had something up his sleeve, and probably already had a surprise ready.

  But he would leave neither him nor Nina waiting. Rudo identified the pair of Nord warriors restraining her and chose to get rid of them first. He knew that he couldn’t just rush headfirst with White Feather around, especially when he was well aware that he was coming. This required a more precise approach, but he was quickly running out of both time and options. Shet! He had no choice but to barge ahead and deal with it the only way he knew.

  There was no time to make plans. Instead, he would just do what he did best.

  Improvise.

  Rudo rushed past the cart and leaped in front of its path, forcing the bulls to a screeching halt. The momentum threw everyone off their feet. What the hell?! He promptly merged back into the darkness. The young Nord driver struggled briefly but quickly reined the animals back again, and carried on with their pace.

-“Rudo!” Nina whispered as her face lightened instantly, which White Feather noticed immediately.

-“He’s here,” he warned, cocking his weapon ready, keeping his eyes on the road in front. -“Keep the cart going! And you two keep your eyes open! I don’t want any more surprises!”

-“JA!” both men replied in unison. Leif then readied his crossbow and took position behind the tailgate to have an unrestricted view of the road behind them. Meanwhile, Virheim kept Nina firmly restrained.

-“Get off me this instant, you creep! Or I swear I’ll kick you out of the cart!” she growled fiercely.

-“HA!” the Northman boasted, amused. -”Vad sägs om att stoppa hennes mun med något annat?! Nej, Leif?" he said, anticipating his comrade’s response but hearing none, being greeted with nothing but eerie silence.

-“Leif?” he asked again, turning to check why his comrade suddenly became silent, only to find his spot empty. His face turned dead white and his heart skipped a beat. Helvete!

-“What happened?” White Feather asked.

-“Han var här för bara en sekund sedan!” Virheim said in response, nervously scanning inside the cart as his fellow Northman seemingly just vanished. He released his hold of Nina briefly and crawled to the tailgate to check the road behind them. -“Jag trodde att han tittade på vägen!”

  That was exactly the opportunity Nina was looking for. She swiftly took her chances and quietly positioned herself behind him. She then kicked the unsuspecting Northman on the rear with all her might using both legs, hurling him out of the moving cart face-first onto the gravel road. -“I told you I would kick you out, you creep!”

  Damn it! White Feather promptly pulled Nina next to him, much to her chagrin. He held her tightly with one hand, and his spellcaster with the other, switching rapidly between the only openings at the front and rear of the cart. The youthful driver looked at him with nervous eyes, his sweaty face white with dread. -“Keep driving,” he commanded.

  The boy nodded in return and turned his attention to the road in front, keeping the same steady pace. Nina could only hold her breath, her heart pounded vigorously inside her chest, and crippling anxiety threatened to tear a hole through her stomach at any moment. Please, Rudo! Hurry up!

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Perhaps it was just the most incredible coincidence, or maybe the Gods decided to heed her plea, but Rudo came right thereafter, as the jouncing of the cart’s suspension announced his arrival. Nina sighed, sobbing powerfully as tears of relief clogged her vision. He’s here!

   White Feather, on the other hand, wasn’t pleased in the slightest. He’s on the roof! -“Kiddo!” he said, as a defiant grin appeared on his lips. -“What took you so long?”

-“Hey, Feather guy!” Rudo countered loudly from over the cart’s roof. -“You have someone really importent to me! Let Nina go, and I’ll go easy on ya!”

  Her heart skipped a beat after hearing his voice. You dimwit! Nina realized this was probably her last chance and immediately got down to business, taking advantage of the diversion to try prying her hands free from the cuffs. Come on!

-“That’s touching, kiddo, really,” White Feather replied calmly as he tried to locate the exact spot on the roof where Rudo stood. -“But she just happens to be… equally important… to us both. And you’re starting to become a real nuisance, you know,”

-“Then you’ll have to think aboot wat’s more importent to you! Nina or your neck!”

-“Both, actually,” he said, slowly crawling to the middle of the deck. -“I’m looking forward to cashing a hefty lot of gold, you know, but I guess you don’t care about that,” he turned briefly to check on Nina before continuing. -“But what about you, Yellow Eyes? What makes you tick? Is it love? Honor? Duty? The thrill?! Come on! You keep me wondering!”

  That gave Rudo pause. -“I thought you wouldn’t even care!”

-“Oh, you wound me, kiddo. I do care. After all, you’ve become increasingly difficult to ignore,” he replied although Rudo remained silent. -“Besides… You and I are part of a selected few. Not many have seen what we have seen. I’m talking about the ‘visions’,”

-“I dunno aboot dat! All I know is dat you’re taking Nina and she doesn’t want to go with you!”

-“And you’re willing to go up against me again just for that?!”

-“Dat’s enough for me!”

-“That’s… disappointing. I was hoping we could talk our way out of this one,” White Feather said, finally identifying the exact spot of the roof where Rudo crawled over, and quietly aimed his weapon to shoot through the planks. -“But say, Yellow Eyes… still betting you can outrun a bullet?!”

-“I ain’t bettin’, Feather guy! I’ll show you!”

-“That’s the spirit, kid! Too bad I have to kill you,”

  Nina watched the standoff with her heart in her mouth, shivering in dreadful anticipation. She quickly realized what the mage’s intention was, to her utter horror. NO! She pulled herself up with great difficulty and threw herself at him, shoving him away and throwing his aim off at the last instant.

  There was a deafening bang and then silence. Nina couldn’t hear anything since her ears rang with a distant, persistent buzz. The blast engulfed the cart’s interior with an acrid white smoke and the powerful shockwave dazed her. Her heart went to Rudo immediately. Nonono! Please, Gods, no! Protect him! She tried to look for him but the smoke irked her eyes, barely letting her to even open them.

-“Damn it, girly!” White Feather growled, shoving her out of the way, then swiftly recocking his weapon and bringing it to bear. Rudo felt the bullet tearing a hole in the roof just grazing his body and immediately leaped back to the road, keeping pace with the speeding cart, ready to dodge the following blasts.

  White Feather felt the wagon rocking after the dragon’s departure and promptly kicked the hinged side windows open, instantly spotting Rudo running alongside the cart. Gotcha! He fired immediately.

  Shet! Rudo saw the present danger and his body reacted without a second thought, nailing his claws on the ground to come to a violent halt. The wagon instantly overshot him, the shots hitting the ground in front of him instead.

  The mage quickly raced to the tailgate, firing the remaining bullets in rapid succession. -“Dance, fucker! Dance!” Rudo vaulted abruptly to the opposite side of the road, dodging the fiery barrage just barely, and feeling the bullets scraping his skin.

  A loud, metallic click alerted him that his weapon was now empty. Damn it! White Feather cursed as he opened a small side port in his spellcaster and quickly ejected the empty brass one at a time. Rudo warily peeked the cart’s rear and spotted the wizard fumbling with his weapon. He’s reloadin’! He took the chance immediately, focusing on the cart’s tailgate before charging with a powerful bound. Rudo tore through the rear opening, passing just between Nina and the mage, landing right next to the young Nord driver who jolted from the sudden thrill but kept driving nonetheless despite the commotion.

  He then turned and charged at White Feather who tried to wrestle back, but Rudo pinned him to the wagon’s deck effortlessly. -“What’s the matter, kid?! A little cramped for your liking?!”

-“Don’t plan stayin’ for long!”

-“We can agree on that!” White Feather countered, pushing Rudo up to his absolute shock. They wrestled back and forth rocking the wagon side to side, taking turns shoving each other against the walls. Although Rudo handled him effortlessly with that inhuman strength of his, so did the mage. He gulped loudly, watching in disbelief as the mage hustled him back just as easily. Rudo was inhumanly strong, but he was also light, perhaps even lighter than Nina, and wrestling him around like a ragdoll was nothing for a grown man at his peak.

   The mage then thrust his feet against Rudo’s chest and promptly catapulted him through the wagon’s front opening. -“NO!” Nina yelled, watching helplessly as her captor just hurled her friend out of the cart. Rudo barely had time to react. Shet! Time came to a halt as he realized he was about to fall just in front of the speeding bulls that pulled the cart. He braced for impact, contorting his body mid-air to fall over his feet and immediately twirling like a ball upon landing.

   He steered violently just as the carriage went over him, dodging the bulls’ feet and the wagon’s wheels by the skin of his teeth. Rudo hadn’t even stopped when he pulled himself up with a powerful whip of his tail, his naked feet grinding against the gravel. He then turned to chase after the cart again only to find that White Feather had already reloaded and was now aiming his weapon directly at him.

  Rudo violently twisted his body just in time to dodge the fiery blast that grazed his cheek. The sudden motion made him lose balance, falling to the ground only to swiftly roll like a ball again and zigzag across the road, dodging following blasts that hit the ground all around him.

   He promptly jumped back to his feet after the fiery hailstorm had just ended, spotting White Feather again handling his spell caster but not hearing the signature metallic click of an empty weapon made him recoil. He’s up to somethin’! Still, he barged ahead, charging past the wagon with a violent bound only to come to a sudden halt a few yards ahead and leap inside the cart through the front, passing right next to the young Nord driver who remained glued to his seat, unflinching.

  The mage promptly brought his weapon to bear but Rudo jumped at him before he could fire, tackling him against the wall again. White Feather tussled to point his weapon at Rudo’s body who struggled to stay clear from its deadly end. -“I know what you’re thinking, kiddo! Did I fire all six, or only five?!” White Feather asked as a mocking grin formed on his face. -“To tell you the truth, I’ve kinda lost track myself!”

-“I know you’re up to somethin’!” Rudo growled.

-“I always am, kid! But you don’t seem the type that lets the Gods roll the dice, do you?! Or do you feel lucky?!”

  Nina kept watching in disbelief as both dragon and mage kept the deadly back and forth, still locked in an uneasy embrace. Even though Rudo was significantly stronger, White Feather was undoubtedly more skilled and seasoned; effortlessly deflecting a desperate barrage that could have easily maimed or even killed him on the spot. They don’t even stop their banter in a moment like this!

  But Rudo knew very well what White Feather was doing. He was simply buying time. He realized the mage planned to trap them on this side of the river but Rudo would have none of it. He needed to get the hell out of there before the bridge blew up.

  He had to finish this, and fast.

  The mage began taking the upper hand to Nina’s utter shock, as Rudo’s limbs steadily lost their vigor. The weapon’s end threatened to finally meet him. Rudo shoved him against the wooden wall in one last hopeless attempt to free himself but White Feather took advantage of the bouncing to propel himself in return, pinning Rudo under his body, finally nailing the weapon against his stomach and pulling the trigger. -“Gotcha!”

  There was a faint thud but no deafening bang as expected. Nina just stared in complete shock, her tied hands covering her mouth. The mage frowned, equally shocked, pulling the trigger repeatedly to no effect. What just happened?! He looked down leisurely only to find the dragon’s tail squeezed between the hammer and the cylinder, effectively jamming the weapon's mechanism. What?! When did he…?! His jaw dropped, and his eyes widened even more. Now it was Rudo’s turn to grin. -“Got-cha!”

  Rudo then whipped his tail against the cart’s deck, snapping the mage’s weapon from his hand. White Feather witnessed firsthand the true might of a pissed dragon, watching in complete shock as his foe pulled himself up effortlessly despite having his full weight on top of him. Rudo took a solid grip on the mage’s clothes and lifted him above his head with both arms.

  He was now completely at his mercy.

-“You’re lucky Nina isn’t hurt, Feather guy. I won’t hold back next time,” Rudo said, turning to the open side window to the mage’s utter horror. -“Dis is where you get… DOWN!”

  White Feather hardly had time to react as Rudo hurled him out of the moving cart. He landed on the side of the road, rolling on his back a few times before disappearing into the shadows. Rudo then turned to the Nord boy driving the cart who witnessed everything. -“Boo!”

  The Nord boy didn’t think twice and immediately leaped out of the moving wagon. He let out an audible sigh, finally turning to Nina who met him with big watery eyes, wasting little time tearing her cuffs with his fangs. -“Nina! Are you ok?”

-“Yes, I am! Thanks to you!” Nina said, quickly removing the bounds around her ankles. -“I need you to take me to him!”

-“T-to who?!” Rudo countered.

-“To that fucking wizard!” she growled viciously. -“I have to finish him off! I won’t make the same mistake again!”

-“T-there’s no time! The bridge’s gunna blow!”

-“The bridge’s gonna WHAT?!”

-“Is gunna blow! We gotta go back before is too late!”

  Nina just stared at him, baffled. Rudo wasted little time, scooping her in his arms before taking off violently, promptly leaving the wagon behind. They tore through the woods like lightning, easily avoiding the pair of Nord riders escorting the cart. Damn it! She cursed, hanging on Rudo for dear life as they raced back to the outpost, crying bitter tears after having been denied her vengeance a second time.

  Her heart instantly went to the people at the outpost now that the immediate danger was over, twisting her insides with angst and filling her soul with despair. What would be of them? Nina couldn’t help but wonder as they rushed to the outpost, praying that it wasn’t too late.

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  Kortan Blodhund gazed upon the outpost, watching as the valiant defenders gave their all against the onslaught he had unleashed. His men kept the pressure, threatening to topple the carts at any moment. They worked in unison, rocking the wagons back and forth, attempting to overturn them, all while howling a blood-chilling chant in their native language. Victory was near, inevitable, he dared to think. It was only a matter of time.

  A time that dwindled quickly, however. That accursed mage had already taken the girl away from him, gaining a significant head start. Helvete! He cursed, pissed at being robbed of even remotely enjoying this victory and wishing nothing but to end this nonsense already. He could only hope that his nephew Wolfeinn would make sure the wizard kept his side of the bargain.

  But while concern clouded the mind of the Nord Warrior Prince, at the opposite side of the improvised wall all hope seemed lost. Arkan looked briefly at his men around him giving their all and couldn’t help being moved to tears by the scene. A few Northmen climbed over the carts but were hastily put down, while the others thrust their weapons through the gaps between the wagons. To make things even worse, the same stones that they had previously cast were now being used against them. It felt absolutely hopeless.

  Not a single one of his warriors remained unharmed. He looked at their bruised and bloodied faces but couldn’t find any trace of the fear that reined him. His second-in-command Ekto led his fist valiantly, and Regar had even dared to defy his orders and fight by his side despite his crippling wounds. Even Sitka who he had previously dismissed as unworthy fought with the same devotion as the others. Hell! Even the remaining mercenaries held magnificently. How could he dare be any less after witnessing such bravery?

  He could only pray to face his fate with half as much dignity and grace as they did when his time came. The Northmen almost toppled the wagon in front of him and it was only a matter of time before they broke in. Daingead! He wasn’t a religious man but for the first time in his life, Arkan wondered about the afterlife. He closed his eyes briefly and recited a short prayer before drawing his sword to make his last stand.

-“Finished praying?” a familiar voice said, interrupting his thoughts.

-“What are you doing here?! You should be on the roof!” Arkan growled, surprised at seeing a beaten Kuro right next to him. -“I never thought I would die fighting side by side with a mercenary!”

-“What about side by side with a friend?!”

  His response moved him to tears. Daingead! Arkan cursed at how easily he cried, trying to wipe the tears with his armored gauntlets but failing miserably. -“Aye, I could do that,”

-“Well, the joke’s on you because I don’t plan on dying!” Kuro replied, sporting a confident grin, drawing his scimitar to land the point home. Wait. Is he… serious?

-“Only a fool would think there’s still a chance!”

-“Only a coward would give up so easily!”

-“A mercenary is calling me a coward to my face?!” Arkan roared, indignant, all traces of fear and uncertainty vanishing instantly. -“I will make you eat those words after the battle, you bloody twerp!

-“CARRY ON, BROTHERS!” Arkan yelled at the top of his lungs with a renewed resolve. The defiant cry echoed through the outpost, being immediately answered by his warriors. -“SELAH!”

  Although Arkan regained his purpose, Reinn on the other hand, looked increasingly anxious. Even though her body remained constant despite the pain, her soul wavered with uncertainty. Never had she felt so hopeless before, not even earlier in the swamps when she fought the Northmen defiantly.

  But now she wasn’t the only one facing their end, and the thought of others also dying alongside her tore her heart apart. These dreadful thoughts would have kept torturing her but the sudden sight of the Northmen turning over the cart stirred her up. She watched helplessly as the cart slowly turned over despite the warriors’ enormous efforts, crashing down violently on its side, and scattering the cargo all over.

  Both Northmen and defenders just stared at each other. An eerie silence suddenly took over the courtyard, being only disturbed her by own agitated breathing, her breath forming clouds of moisture in the freezing night air. She looked around frantically, spotting Kuro also looking at her, his usually handsome face now twisted with concern.

  Their eyes locked for a brief instant that seemed an eternity, and she saw in his lovely hazel eyes all the pent-up feelings they never got to share. -“Reinn…” he whispered her name. Kuro. She tried to reply when the Northmen finally charged, breaking the dreadful silence with deafening pandemonium. So, this is it?! Her body tensed up, reacting instinctively, immediately lowering her helmet’s visor, and bringing her sword to bear.

  The warriors retreated and formed a semi-circle at the barracks’ doors, their backs against the stone, being promptly followed by Reinn and Kuro. The Northmen stormed the position soon after, leaping over the wagons, and pouring through the now wider opening, flooding the cramped space inside in seconds.

  The Northmen crashed against the human wall, the blaring clang of clashing steel and deafening cries instantly taking over. She bound Raznak’s borrowed broadsword with a Northman’s, quickly yielding against the overwhelming force that pushed her against the barrack’s ramparts. She let out a mighty roar, trying to push her foe back with all her might but soon finding the effort futile. There simply wasn’t room for swordplay, let alone to move. The place was too cramped and her weapon too long.

  Reinn drew a dagger from her boots and promptly buried it in the Northman’s throat, squirting blood splattering all over her armor. The Northman’s body instantly became limp but remained standing, being pressed against her by the crowd having no room to fall. An axe came from nowhere and hit her in the head with an ear-splitting clank, her helmet deflecting the blow. Another blow came from the side jabbing her ribs with a burning sting but her mail hauberk withstood wonderfully.

  She responded with a punch to the face. She then looked around, finding the Clan warriors in a similar plight. Unlike her, there wasn’t a trace of fear in their faces, facing their imminent deaths defiantly. She spotted Kuro among them, dashingly fending off the Northmen against all odds. Her heart clenched at the sight. That was when a blow struck her on the helmet, momentarily dazing her, being instantly followed by a second one that finally brought her down.

  Reinn fell to the ground. She tried to stand but was booted in the ribs. A Northman stood over her and was about to finish her off when a furious Kuro ran him through the slit of his helmet’s facial guard. He then turned to help Reinn when he too was struck in the back. No!

  Time came to a screeching halt. Reinn watched in horror as Kuro fell just a few feet away from her, his face twisted in agony. There was nowhere to run. She tried to crawl to him but the mob stomping on her prevented it. She extended an arm trying desperately to reach him but a recoiling Clan warrior stepped on her hand. It’s not fair. She looked away. He was so close, and yet… so far.

  Suddenly, she felt a hand on top of hers. Reinn looked up again, shocked to find a bloodied Kuro crawling beside her, his lovely hazel eyes fixed on hers. The same eyes she had come to love still burned with a fiery determination. Even now, despite being badly battered, and even after watching the mighty Clan warriors fall around them one by one, he still refused to give up, smiling tenderly at her instead in a sight that tore her heart to shreds.

  She couldn’t bear it any longer. Reinn pulled his hand against her face with both of hers and began weeping inconsolably. He caressing her face only made her cry even harder. It was the end. Her life briefly flashed before her eyes. The good deeds and the wrongs, especially the wrongs, and all the things she always wanted to say and do but never could. She recalled them in vivid detail. Reinn let out a powerful sob. At least she wouldn’t have to endure her final moments alone.

   She'd been wondering how would the battle end since it began but now she knew. The deafening chaos came to a sudden halt, leaving only an eerie, dreadful silence. This is it? Reinn wondered, closing her eyes and bracing for the worst. And then it came. The end of the fear, the pain, the suffering, and the hopelessness of the waiting. It ended neither with a bang nor a whimper; instead, there was a blow.

  The blow of distant bagpipes.

-“What?!” Reinn said with what little breath she had left, looking up to find that the battle had come to a halt and that every single head now had turned to the main gates as the distant skirl of highland bagpipes grew louder and louder each second. -“It can’t be!”

  That was when a band of about a dozen riders rose from over the hilltop; coming hard towards the outpost in such a majestic sight that she could only weep at it, this time from joy as relief washed over her. Thanks the Gods! One of the riders blew a hopeful rhythm on a great bagpipe that echoed through the entire forest. Reinn turned her head to Kuro just to check if her eyes weren’t deceiving her. They were not. He grinned in return.

-“Till portarna! Bilda en sköldvägg!” Kortan commanded, promptly ditching his great axe and drawing his sword and shield, being the first to rush to the main gates, snapping his fellow Northmen out of their shocked state. They wasted little time, following his lead and forming a shield wall as instructed to meet the charge, leaving the battered but still alive Clan warriors behind.

-“I-impossible!” Ekto said as he got back on his feet with great effort, his head still spinning after the beating he had just taken. He shook his head vigorously, finding believing his eyes just as difficult. What is happening? His keen ears instantly identified the tune as the one from a different kind of bagpipes. Those aren’t Clan Aureon warriors! Who are they?! The painful groaning of his fellow warriors snapped him out of his thoughts, and he rushed to their aid.

-“Arkan!” he shouted, kneeling beside his comrade and checking him for injuries. -“Are you alright?!”

-“I am!” Arkan replied, his response quickly easing his friend. Ekto helped him stand and handed him his sword. -“What… what the hell just happened?”

-“I… I don’t know,” Ekto said, just as confused. He looked around and saw his fellow warriors steadily raising one after the other. Even Reinn rushed to help a battered Kuro, and even the badly wounded Regar stood on his own. Soon enough each one of them was on their feet, if barely, but on their feet nonetheless.

-“That’s Varr!” Kuro said before being interrupted by a coughing spell. -“T-that means the Northwind Highlanders are coming with him! But... what the hell is he trying to do?!”

-“Whatever it is, he definitely got their attention,” Ekto pointed out since the riders deliberately made themselves as showy as possible. -“Maybe he wants us to attack?!”

-“Then we will oblige!” Arkan said decidedly, longing to pay back the Northmen by far. He turned, looking at his fellow warriors as if begging for their counsel. The look in their eyes said it all; they would follow his lead to hell without hesitation.

  That was all he needed.

-“The Gods had just granted us a last chance! Let us show these barbarians what true warriors are made of!” he shouted, pointing with his sword towards the Northmen, and taking a deep breath before yelling at the top of his lungs. -“ONWARD, BROTHERS!”

-“SELAH!”

  They then charged at the unsuspecting Northmen, frenzied cries betraying the surprise. Kortan Blodhund turned immediately, shocked. Impossible! His men had beaten the defenders so badly that he never expected any of them could pose a threat, let alone interfere, so soon.

  He started to feel desperate for the first time since the fateful day he left Nordland’s frozen shores. He turned instantly, desperately ordering his rearguard to form a second shield-wall but it was too late. Only a handful of Northmen had turned to meet the raging Clan warriors when they tore through their formation like a wedge.

  The warriors’ charge split the Nord lines in half but failed to break their line. Arkan promptly found himself surrounded by the Northmen and commanded his men to form a compact circle between them, their backs to one another, which they immediately did. It was exactly what he had intended.

  Kortan turned again, prompted by the now thundering clapping of the bull’s galloping just to watch in absolute horror as the mercenaries were now just a few yards away. They swoop up the outpost’s ramp in the blink of an eye, skillfully diverging in two rows, furiously lunging at the scattered Nord band, breaking their formation and running over them, crushing several unfortunate ones under their bulls' feet, harmlessly bypassing the Clan warriors in the middle.

  The few remaining Northmen fled after witnessing the massacre. Some of them tried to retreat to the barracks but were promptly cut down. Others jumped down the ramparts and went through the muddy field towards the woods, anywhere, everywhere, but the further they ran, the more frightened they grew. To enable them better to run, they threw away their cloaks, knapsacks, helmets, and finally their swords, shields, and everything else.

-“Stanna kvar! Helvete!” Kortan yelled, hopelessly calling to them to stop, imploring them to stand and fight. He then called them cowards and cursed them in the most hurtful and insulting terms but it was all in vain; a cruel, mad, hopeless panic had possessed them. He looked down dejected and began to chuckle. How ruthless the fates can be? Ripping the victory from our grasp, in the blink of an eye! So… this is what the Gods have decided. He laughed even louder when a raging bull rammed him in the back, hurling him face-first against the stone wall like a toy. His last sight before blacking out was of the grey mud of the courtyard approaching fast.

-“DO YOU SEE, BROTHERS?!” Arkan yelled at the top of his lungs, watching awestruck and with newfound respect as the mercenaries’ bulls harmlessly revolved around them in a breathtaking display. -“Those barbarians were no match for true Clan warriors!”

-“SELAH!”

  Kuro stood against the barrack’s stone walls, still finding it difficult to believe what had just happened. He didn’t take part in the warrior’s audacious charge, staying behind to look over his distraught partner instead. Who would have thought the day would end up being saved by adventurers of all people? But who takes the spotlight didn’t bother him in the slightest, being just glad of having done his part. He looked up at the clouded night sky and smiled. -“That was for you, Verkan,”

-“How…” Reinn suddenly asked, interrupting his thoughts. She had her arms around his waist, wrapping him tightly, and her head pressed against his chest. She slowly looked up at him, her gleaming emerald eyes moist from all the crying begging for a response. -“How did you know they would come to save us?”

-“I didn’t,” he replied sincerely, holding her against his chest just as tightly. -“It’s just… an old friend told me once that there are some things you just have to take on faith, that’s all,”

  His thoughts immediately went with Nina now that their situation had finally calmed down. I have to do something! He looked down at Reinn and grabbed her by her shoulders, already loathing interrupting their moment. -“Go check on everyone, I need to go after Nina,”

  Reinn complied immediately without a word, reluctantly letting go of him. They glanced at each other one last time before turning, Reinn getting into the barracks while Kuro raced to the stables, only to find it empty. Damn it!

-“VARR!” he yelled at the top of his lungs, waving his arms to get the riders’ attention. -“Call your boss, quickly!” One of the mercenaries quickly went to look for their leader. Soon their commander rode up the ramp and made his way to the stables.

-“Where’s the girl?!” he demanded.

-“They took her away! I need to go after her!”

-“Where?!”

-“There’s no time, damn it! Just lend me a bull and follow me, will you!”

-“KURO! WAIT!” a distant cry interrupted. He turned immediately, spotting Ekto running towards them across the muddy courtyard. -“I’ll go with you!”

  A clan warrior and an adventurer together in this? That girl sure is important. -“Skall!” Varr yelled, quickly earning his deputy’s attention. -“I need two bulls for these fine gentlemen! Tell Farkas to come with me, and secure the area and look for stragglers! I’ll leave you in command. I’ll be back soon!”

-“YES, SIR!”

  Skall turned to a pair of riders behind him, both jumping from their mounts after just a glance. Kuro and Ekto wasted little time, jumping onto the bulls and immediately taking off, being followed by Varr and his aide, riding down the ramp and following the gravel road, promptly reaching the edge of the forest.

  As they rode through the narrow forest path at full speed, both cousins could only think about Nina. They pushed forward with their hearts in their mouths, praying they could still reach her, and that the dragon could join them again.

  It was their last chance.