318 CCCXVIII. Dont Feel Guilty (1/2)
The bow and stern were slightly raised, while the central part of the boat was low and flattened, suitable to accommodate a large troop of soldiers.
On the sides of the boat, many oars were resting on grooves in the wood, which marked special sits for the rowers, while, just behind the master mast, there was a large low rudder, connected to a shovel that established the direction of the boat.
”Dag, Kjell and I were thinking something... we could take care of the boat, while you could try to convince some soldiers of your Clan to join the expedition... what do you think?” Sander asked, resting his big hand on Dag's shoulder and looking at him with a friendly air.
”Should I get to Mount Torden? Yes, I think it can be done, but maybe we would just waste more time” he replied, reflecting on what might be the best solution.
”Yes, perhaps it is true. But in my opinion, spending a few more days on the preparations could give us a wider margin of success. Sending messengers back to your Clans wouldn't make the process faster. There are too many things to explain, too many variables. Meet your other two Clan Masters in person... I'm sure they'll be happy to see you again! And you could suggest Master Gridd to do the same. We will make sure that we will be ready for your return, completing the ship's work… what do you say?” Kjell asked again.
Dag reasoned for a few seconds on that proposal, realizing that Kjell's idea could be useful, since Egill and Dargeon, when they would've seen him arrive with their own eyes, would be happy with his return and easily convinced.
”All right, I'll propose it to my sister. If she'll agree, we will leave today” Dag replied when he heard a sound of footsteps coming from downstairs.
”What do you have to tell me, brother?” Gridd asked, who, despite being used to waking up so early, did not expect to find her brother already operational.
”Under Kjell's advice, we could reach out to our respective Clans and try to gather volunteer troops for the mission. Think about it, Gridd... if we ask for it in person, the chances of getting a good result will grow” he said, explaining his good motives.
The four Masters continued to discuss what to do until Dag and Freydis decided to accept the proposal and travel to Mount Torden and Hevnen accompanied by an escort.
After leaving the palace, they went to the dormitory and woke their companions.
When Dag proposed to Freydis to accompany him, she got out of bed and hugged him tightly, not believing her ears.
”Finally a mission together! I haven't dreamed of anything else for months!” she exclaimed, kissing her man and beginning to get prepared quickly.
In less than an hour, while the Sun was still rising timidly, Dag, Freydis, and Reidar formed a group and Gridd, Karl, and a young Shieldmaiden named Ruth another.
”Blessed among women, isn't it Karl?” Reidar asked, teasing his teammate, who answered chuckling and blushing.