A role the Iss Drengr takes with utmost seriousness, as he doesn’t expect to outlive this battle.
Edmund talks with Slode outside the war tent. After learning of Gullveig's effect on his only child, the old Salt Warrior still has yet to leave him alone.
If they could all harness their guilt about failing their children, they could manifest enoughseidrto destroy Makt.
Argnier hasn’t spoken a word since disembarking fromKaldrgataness, opting to chew on the end of his pipe until it becomes a gnarled stem.
Only one companion has a problem with his plan.
“Are you sure about all of this?” Sigvid paces around Thora and Calder, who huddle around the war table.
Although he has not directly conveyed his annoyance at being overlooked in the planning, his actions and mutterings speak volumes.
He fumes because I did not choose him as my Second to save his wife and daughter.
“Stealth can aid us much more effectively.” Sigvid continues his absurd argument.
Calder’s lips twitch as a smile jeopardizes the fragile peace they established.
Sigvid continues. “Task me and a few experienced Drengr to enter through the undercroft. We can break in, kill the fuckers, and leave.” He gestures to one of his men. “Kollskegg! He and I have killed many in this way.”
The Drengr makes strained eye contact with Thora, who shakes her head in response. For once, her wild curls are tamed into a single braid.
“Pops,” she pinches the bridge of her nose, “we will follow Calder’s plan. He and Argnier have strong knowledge of Nightwall Keep and Lavinia. You need to accept he is the superior general for this battle.”
Sigvid continues puffing his pipe as if it is his sole source of breath. “Flying on a creature seems unsafe, too far off the ground. I cannot see the ground. No control.” He mutters under his breath.
“Lord Commander,” Calder interjects, “Crystal has no reason to harm us. She will be the fastest way into the Keep to save Queen Avina and Princess Aura.”
Sigvid pats his hands on his thighs, growling as he tilts his head to take in his destination: the highest tower.
“You’re next in this battle, Lady Commander.” Calder pats Thora's back, redirecting attention from Sigvid’s growing paranoia.
She rallies the Drengr and his sad contingent of Kaldrgataness soldiers to march toward Nightwall Keep. For this plan to succeed, they must draw out Lavinia’s guards and maintain the siege.
“Argnier, maintain the rallying point.” He embraces the man who has stepped up for him in a way no one else has.
“You get to have all the fun while I watch the tent, huh?” Argnier nods toward the canvas filled with what Healers they could spare. “Did you at least bring some mead barrels with us?”
“Once we take the Keep, you can drink your fill of Lavinia’s stash, friend.” He claps a hand on his shoulder.
Argnier turns away only to whip back around and grip Calder’s arm. “Wait,” he sighs, “don’t fuck up this rescue. The Norn have Aura destined for more than this shit.”
His words strike far too deeply into Calder’s psyche.
Soon, only Crystal and her two hooded soldiers remain, awaiting his command. Time ticks by like grass growing on a moor. Sigvid paces as he fills his pipe bowl with trembling hands.
The King may fear the distance between the wyvern’s flight and the ground, but Calder knows his true fear lies in arriving at an empty tower.
At last, the beacon of Nightwall Keep, meant to summon the Jarls of Skalor to defend the seat of the country, ignites–the signal for their entrance into the battle.
“All right, boys, are you prepared?” Crystal rubs her hands together with a wry smile.
Sigvid twists his neck to glower at the castle, grumbling under his breath about his father’s death atop the highest garden back in the Ridge Province.
Calder massages his temples. He never anticipated that a fear of heights in a thousand scenarios would somehow hinder this mission.
“Aura was unsure on her first ride. By the second, she was giggling.” Crystal crosses her arms in apparent offense at Sigvid’s apprehension.
