Chapter 128: Forsaken (1/2)

Harik had a deep frown on his face as he stared at the town that was Jarl Jorsson's seat of power. The hill they were currently camped on had a great view of the town and its walls. It was so clear that they could see the decayed heads mounted on spikes. 'I don't like it... It's just too quiet...' Harik glared at the sky above it where smoke from the daily fires should be. But there was nothing there.

”Don't you think it was too easy?” Ania hummed from beside him with her spear firmly in her grasp.

”Yes... Ever since Bjorn returned with his crazy story, we encountered less resistance on the way here. They were disorganised and it should have gotten worse for us.” Harik replied with a deep tone. ”Something isn't right.”

”Bjorn's story is definitely crazy... but I have a feeling that it's true. The followers of Exile all seem to have taken it to heart as well.” Ania murmured. ”Perhaps it was a miracle sent by Exile... Maybe, this is his doing as well.”

Ania pointed at the silent town with her spear as she spoke the last part. Causing Harik's frown to turn into a look of concern. As far as he was concerned, that was dangerous thinking. Ania's faith blinded her to the possibility that it could be a trap. Perhaps Jarl Jorsson was attempting to draw them in before surrounding them with all the warriors he had held back.

'Well, we can't stay out here forever anyway. Eventually, we'll have to make an attempt to take the town.' Harik let out a long sigh before turning to his captains.

”Let us take this nice and slow. I don't want everyone to rush in at once and sweep through every building. Don't overlook anything.” Harik commanded as he waited for them to gather their warriors and move out. He would enter last with the main army.

He watched each section split off one by one and make for the gates. Leaving plenty of time between each other. His eyes narrowed as he waited for something... anything to happen before they could reach them. But the town remained silent. He held his breath as he watched the main gates open freely to his warriors as they pushed on them. 'They haven't even barricaded the gates?' Harik's concern grew with that development.

His eyes skimmed over the walls, but there was still no movement even as his warriors invaded the town. Then, more of his warriors entered the gates and from his vantage point, he could see the first batch moving unobstructed through the nearest paths between the buildings. That was when he noticed the small figure of a man running out of the gates and straight towards him.

'Have they found something?' Harik's gaze became fixated on the figure as it slowly grew larger. Eventually, a warrior with grey streaks through his dark brown beard came to a halt in front of him. The warrior bent over to catch his breath with heavy wheezing sounds escaping his mouth, but he finally found his voice.

”My Jarl... You have to come and see this!” The warrior had a panicked look in his eyes.

”What is it?” Harik growled as caution bubbled in his mind.

”I can't... I just can't describe it. You have to see it for yourself.” The warrior shook his head with a helpless look on his face.

Harik stared at him for a long time, but there was still no sign of a fight breaking out in the town. 'Perhaps it's abandoned. Or maybe some message was left behind for us.' Harik's concern turned to curiosity as his gaze turned to the town behind the warrior.

”Father... I think we should go.” Ania cut in with a steely look in her eyes. She used that tone of voice that Harik had come to know as the one she used when she spoke seriously about the gods.

”Ok, have everyone enter ahead of us and help with checking the buildings. Show me what's got you so rattled.” Harik commanded as he stared at the warrior.