223 CCXXIII. The Brotherhood (1/2)

”The Horns Of Heimdallr have always been a threat to you because they're geographically very close to Runar... is that correct?” asked Dag, in a serious tone.

”Uhm... yes, we have never had good relations and...”

”If we help you solve this problem, will you join the Iron Alliance?” he interrupted.

”Mmh... of course! I will always need the confirmation of Master Kjell and Master Ellen, but I promise I will pressure them, trying to convince them to accept! You have my word, boy!” replied Sander, reaching out to Dag, who unhesitatingly squeezed it, confirming the agreement.

”Captain! But how... how can we accomplish such a feat? We don't have an army, we're not ready to attack Vaeren Island!” asked Reidar, who was dismayed by the words of Dag, who had impulsively accepted a very dangerous pact that would put everyone's lives at risk.

”Don't worry, Reidar. I will go to those motherfuckers” Dag exclaimed, turning to his friend.

”What? You? You alone? Hahaha, boy... better not to joke, we are talking about a delicate issue...” continued Sander, while Gridd and Karl could not believe their ears.

”I've never been so serious. The Horns Of Heimdallr are on an island, right? This means that catching by surprise is practically impossible because they can constantly monitor every boat that arrives and leaves. They could never suspect that one man could pose a danger, I'm sure they'll let me dock” Dag replied, getting up from the table and walking toward the bookstores, thinking.

”How are you going to defend yourself? Alone? Dag, don't be silly! I know how strong you are, but you couldn't survive such numerical inferiority” Gridd said, interrupting him.

”Yes, Captain, I think Gridd is right. Even your powers would not be enough, we have to study a plan and wait a few more days...” Reidar confirmed, supporting Gridd's thesis.

Dag turned to them, who noticed that he had tears in his eyes.

”My life would no longer make sense without her. If my destiny is to die fighting alone, I will be ready to accept it. I need to know if Freydis is still alive and I need to do it now, I can't wait any longer” he said, crying.

”Dag...” said Gridd, sorry to see him reduced in those conditions.

”You won't fight alone. I will come with you, Dag” Karl exclaimed unexpectedly, standing up and walking towards him.

”I can't continue to put your lives at risk for matters that only affect me... I wouldn't be any different from Brann!” replied Dag, touching his forehead and looking sadly down.

”She's my sister, Dag. As you already know, the idea of going to an enemy Clan's island makes me cringe, but... I would do anything to save Freydis. I'm not going to let you go alone, I've decided. If we die, at least we will know that we have tried and we will reach Valhalla” Karl continued, resting his hand on his shoulder, sharing his pain.