218 CCXVIII. Offer Of Alliance (1/2)
As the bearded man did the honors, pouring drinks at all, Dag thought back to his answer: ”If what he says is true, his spy at Mork Castle may be the same man who warned the Fangs Of Jormungandr of Magni's death, giving them the green light to attack the Temple! No, it doesn't make sense. The Crows Of Odin can't be allied with those bastards, I can hardly believe it”.
”Where are the other Masters?” asked Gridd, grabbing his mead-filled glass and trying to change his mind.
”They're on a mission... apparently... ships from Krypstorm... have landed on our shores... and they raided our villages...” answered Sander, gorging himself on mead, which he poured down his neck because of his gluttony.
”Krypstorm?!” How is that possible?! It's been ages that no one has come from there!” replied Gridd, who with a flicker of her hand, let a few drops of mead drop on the table.
”We believed the same thing, and yet... the fishermen who managed to escape and reach Skjegg described the attackers as 'ice giants' and their boats as huge death vessels” Sander continued, filling his glass to the brim again.
”If I remember correctly, Krypstorm is Skjold's other great country, right? I've never heard of it, though...” whispered Dag, turning his gaze towards Reidar.
”Yes, Captain, correct. It is said that all Krypstorm is covered with ice, so much so that some stories of antiquity have compared it to Jotunheim, the kingdom of Jotunns, the Ice Giants. Despite its extreme temperature conditions, which would make human settlements impossible, that country hosts 3 different Clans: Lies Of Loki, Giants Of Ymir and Claws Of Fenrir” Reidar replied, trying to clarify Dag's doubts.
”Giants Of Ymir... maybe they are the ones who attacked the shores of Runar... But why?” replied Dag, thoughtfully.
”We don't know why, boy. When Kjell and Ellen will come back here to Skjegg, maybe they can give us more information” said Sander, who had listened to the conversation between Dag and Reidar, sitting at the table near him.
”Anyway... even if not everyone is here, could you explain to me the real reason for your visit?” he continued.
”Of course. The Hammers Of Thor and the Sons Of Freya formed an alliance, called the Iron Alliance. This scroll shows all the benefits and constraints of the Clans that decide to be part of it. We came here to ask you to become our allies” Dag said, opening the official contract on the table and sliding it towards Sander, who began reading it carefully.
”Mmh... behind alliances of this kind, there are usually war motives. Tell me, are you setting a 'call to arms' against a common enemy?” he asked, looking up at Dag and Gridd.
”We can say yes, but it is preferable to clarify these details when the other Masters will be here as well. Let us just say that, as illustrated in the contract, the main objective of the union is the spirit of brotherhood and mutual help. From the sharing of arms and troops to the right of passage and the prohibition of war on each other... I think it's all pretty clear” Dag continued, crossing his arms, ready to answer more questions.
”Down here, it says that you are the Warchief in charge... is that so?”