?You have my thanks once again, old friend?. Eiev?reur’s deep voice was clear but not overtly loud in the tavern. ?I was afraid things would have gotten very ugly had you not been there. Sorry if it took me so long to meet you, but since we arrived in town, I have not had a moment to myself. Drinks are on me tonight?.

  ?Nonsense. No need for thanks ’tween us?. Inghard was leaning to the side, one elbow on the table. ?No way I let those idiots at the gates mess with you, poor lads don’t know how lucky they are to still be walkin’ on their legs. That said, it’d be mighty bad manners to reject a friend’s offer, especially when it’s ’bout alcohol?. Inghard grinned, stretching the scar that marred his lips. He turned on his chair towards the bar and shouted at the Okkar cleaning the counter. ?Hey! Hey, Eirik! Mead for two here! The good one. And bring some meat as well?.

  ?I heard you the first time! Drinks ’n food are coming, but get the money ready, you cheapskate! You still owe me twenty fennigs!? The slender tavern owner shouted his reply and grabbed two mugs. He sniffed at them and a grimace appeared on his face. He put them down and took two tankards out of the wooden cabinet resting on the wall behind him.

  The tavern was not too crowded, but the patrons had moved chairs and tables as close as possible to the two hearths burning on opposite walls, to enjoy the fire’s warmth. The glowstones on the walls gave a soft light to the place, true, but could not fend off the late afternoon’s cold, so the room appeared empty in the middle, and almost claustrophobic at the sides. Clearly, no one wanted to move away from the heat, not even to order, hence the shouting.

  ?You are most right, Inghard, but not for the reason you believe?, Eiev?reur quietly said, grabbing once again his friend’s attention.

  ?Huh? What do you mean? Don’t tell me you weren’t ’bout to pick up that guard by the scruff and shake her until she pissed herself. I’ve seen you “convince” people this way many times in the years we’ve known each other?.

  ?Yes?, he chuckled, ?that is true. I was younger and foolish. Not this time, however. I wish it were so simple, but I actually feared they would anger the humans, or worse, attack them. I do not know how they would have reacted, but I am convinced you saved the lives of those guards?.

  Their exchange was interrupted by the waiter bringing them their mead and a plate full of game and boiled vegetables. Inghard did not give him a chance to talk and sent him back to the kitchen, assuring he boy he would pay later.

  ?Well, I was curious before?, the old Okkar said, before taking a deep drink off his tankard, ?but now you have my full attention. Tell me everything, sir: what happened t’ make you fear these six humans so much??

  Such a simple question, but it was met by silence. Doubt and shame crossed the elder chieftain’s mind, uncertain whether to tell his friend of the situation that brought to the encounter with the humans. A couple of minutes passed so, as Inghard patiently waited for Eiev?reur to speak while the latter kept rhythmically tapping the wooden surface of their table. At last, he took a sip of mead and began his recollection.

  ?I’m not the First Pillar anymore, no need for formalities, and it’s… well, I must first tell you how my brethren, my sistren and I ended up enslaved?.

  ?What?!?

  ?Calm down and lower your voice. I do not seek to draw more attention than I already have, nor do I want for this to be known to everyone in town?.

  ?The town lord surely knows already, I bet?, Inghard commented as he took a swig. Some of the pale liquid streaking down on his grey beard.

  ?That is to be expected: the guards have without a doubt made a report, and I imagine Lord Olafsson’s has spies everywhere. I simply do not want any random passerby to know what happened to my tribe?. Eiev?reur punctuated. ?That said, you asked what occurred, so I shall continue my story?.

  ?Alright, alright. Apologies, my friend, I won’t interrupt you no more. You don’t mind if I eat while you talk, right? Bread ’n meat are t’ be eaten warm?.

  ?Of course. Eat up. Meanwhile, I will tell you the events that have brought me, and what remains of my tribe, here today?.

  ?Great. Bard! Hey, bard!? Inghard called out. His voice once again easily audible in the half-empty tavern. ?Yes, you. Do you see ’nother idiot with a lute ’round here??

  ?It’s a zither, you uncultured ass!? The bard angrily retorted.

  ?Nobody cares! Play us The March of the Iron Shields. Three fennigs if you sing it well?.

  The bard huffed but did not reply. Instead, he gave voice to his instrument and started to sing in a powerful baritone. Inghard nodded, his mouth again stuffed with food, then gestured at Eiev?reur, while the bard’s melodic voice filled the room, soon joined by the less graceful ones of some patrons.

  Come forth, O brothers, for they march to war.

  The Iron Shields shall protect us all.

  Come forth, O sisters, for they fight ’till dawn.

  The Iron Shields are marching on.

  ?Gods… I had forgotten how much I loathe this song?, Eiev?reur lamented.

  Inghard snorted. ?D’you remember when you complained that the shield felt too light so you doubted it was made of iron??

  ?Ah, yes, I do recall that fondly?.

  ?Fondly he says… The Second Sword tore you a new one?, he laughed. ?What was it that he said? “Didn’t know ya was an expert, recruit! Ya wanna fight with a slab o’ metal half as tall as you and as thick as yer skull on one arm?! Who do ya think y’are, th’ Warrior made flesh?! If ya wanna die so badly, might as well tie that arm behind yer back ’n fight as a cripple!”?

  Their shields are tall, their will is strong,

  weapons held ready, they thirst for blood.

  Under sun and rain, through sand and mud,

  they’ll fight and win for the day yet to come.

  ?But I hadn’t learnt to keep my mouth shut, yet, so I asked “Why call ourselves ‘Iron Shields’, then?”?. A nostalgic smile on his face.

  Inghard spoke in-between bites, mouth half-full. ?“Are ya daft? Can’t ya see those’re training weapons, recruit? Ya think yer worthy o’ a real shield? Think again ya shit-fer-brains!”?

  ?Oh, you are painting him as an ignorant brute. He could also be very nice, don’t you agree??

  ?Right, real nice. “Ya know what makes me happy? That yer not real soldiers, or th’ songs would suck ass! So much that even ya could make one! But I bet a fart would still be more inspiring!”?.

  Now it was Eiev?reur’s turn to snort in amusement. His friend’s imitation of their old instructor cracking his stoic exterior. ?The Second Sword had a talent for making you feel stupid… and for punishing us with physical exercise. That time we had to do a hundred push ups because I spoke without permission, remember?? He laughed.

  ?Oh, I remember quite well. It was two hundred, by the way, and you still owe us for those. We didn’t beat you up that night only ’cause you were a head taller than everyone else. That, and you’d bent a shield with a kick that same day...?

  Hear, hear, their thundering boots!

  Striking with fear, the enemy brutes.

  Hear, hear, their deafening cry!

  Bringing us hope in the vast blue sky.

  ?It fills me with joy to know I have such a forgiving friend in you, Inghard?.

  ?Yeah, yeah. I just didn’t want t’ piss off the giant who’d use me as a flail t’ beat up the others. That’s not forgiveness, that’s called “takin’ care of myself”?.

  ?You have always been prone to exaggerations?.

  ?Exag— What?! That’s the feckin’ reason why you had t’ volunteer into the Iron Shields?.

  ?That is correct, but it happened only once?.

  ?That’s one time more than anyone else in the world!? He guffawed.

  ?All right, all right. I concede your point?.

  ?Smart choice. You got wiser with age. Now?, his tone serious, ?tell me what happened?.

  Come forth, O brothers, for they march to war.

  The Iron Shields shall protect us all.

  Come forth, O sisters, for they fight ’till dawn.

  The Iron Shields are marching on.

  ?Very well…? Eiev?reur’s mood changed, the previous mirth gone. ?It was two fortnights and a week ago, more or less. I awoke in the middle of the night, something that happens all too often nowadays: a “perk” of old age you might say?, he chuckled, but it was without joy. ?Being awake meant that I heard the humans, but I was not ready for their attack, not as I would have been ten, nay, five years ago. In the time it took me to understand what was happening and to get my weapons, it had all ended?. He paused to take a draught from his tankard, the rich taste of the mead overwhelming his senses, and for a moment all was well. The moment passed, and Eiev?reur resumed his story, watching as Inghard attacked the rest of his roasted bird with gusto.

  Armour of steel, spirit of gold,

  they fight for the weak, be young of be old.

  Mountains and rivers they cross without fear,

  dying on shield and living with spear.

  ?You remember my son, right??

  ?Voldugur? Yes, of course. A mighty fine warrior, I must say. How’s the lad doing??

  Eiev?reur looked at Inghard, a glint in his eyes, and in that moment, his world was only grief. ?He had been quick to understand and faster than me to act. Always had great instincts. For good reason I had passed down the mantle of chieftain to him: he was young, strong, charismatic, and wise, and I was proud of him. The future of our tribe was in good hands… Yet, when I rushed to his house, he was there, on the ground. Unmoving. Dead?. The last words came out broken, as the thought of his murdered son overwhelmed him with boiling rage, and he saw Inghard flinch away. It was only a fleeting moment, though, and he quickly regained control of himself. Across from him, his friend stopped eating, put down the bread, and looked at Eiev?reur with deep sorrow in his eyes.

  The Warrior they worship, in battle to win.

  To the Hunter they sing, for meal and for drink.

  They pray to the Father, to be strong and proud.

  To the Widow they smile, when she lifts the white shroud.

  ?He was felled by arrows before he could kill even one of our enemies. When I saw him, something broke inside of me, I felt it, and I shouted like never before. Anguish and fury filled my chest, but then…? He trailed off. He tried to speak, but the words refused to come out.

  ?What happened??

  Closing his eyes, he replied, and his voice was pained. ?My grandson screamed. The scream of a child who had just seen his father being killed. He ran towards the soldiers, dagger in hand, and…? He could not say it. It hurt to even think about it. ?In that moment, my world crumbled. I could not hear, nor could I feel; I did not notice when my hammer fell from my hands, or when my shield hit the ground, nor did I feel the hits from the human soldiers as they brought me to my knees?. Shaken was Eiev?reur by quiet sobs, and as tears streaked down his face, he looked at his old friend, and he was thankful that he was there with him. ?I had always thought that if such a scene had presented in front of my eyes, I would have become a vortex of rage and vengeance, the Warrior made manifest…?

  Come forth, O brothers, for they march to war.

  The Iron Shields shall protect us all.

  Come forth, O sisters, for they fight ’till dawn.

  The Iron Shields are marching on.

  ?Instead, I felt nothing. Nothing but despair. All my strength, all my might, and I could not even protect my son… or my grandson. I was useless?. His fists, clenched and trembling throughout the whole recollection, suddenly lost all their tension, as Eiev?reur himself seemed to deflate, feeling older than ever. ?No father should survive his progeny?.

  The Healer they thank, for vigour and health,

  For courage and will, to the Sailor they cry.

  They kneel to the Mother, ruler of earth.

  All the Gods they praise, ready to die.

  ?I’m… sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine your pain, captain, but I’m here if you need me. Just say th’ word and I’ll have all our old friends ready t’ hunt down those bastards! Old we may be, but we ain’t forgot how to hunt ’n kill, and we’d die for you still?. The anguish turned into righteous fury as he spoke, and soon he was standing up, leaning towards his old commander, a fire burning in his eyes

  Hear, hear, O sister of Sun,

  the feats of might our heroes have done.

  Hear, hear, O brother of Moon,

  the cries of fear and the enemy’s doom.

  ?Thank you, my friend. It gladdens me to know that I can still count on you despite the many years I have spent away and with nary a word sent to you. Your words are… more than welcome, and you cannot understand how grateful I am that you are here with me now, but I will not ask you or anyone else to ever die for me?. He looked at Inghard, trying to convey his gratitude and how serious he was not just with words; from the looks of it, the other Okkar understood and sat back down.

  Come forth, O brothers, for they march to war.

  The Iron Shields shall protect us all.

  Come forth, O sisters, for they fight ’till dawn.

  The Iron Shields are marching on.

  The song ended in a crescendo, with a chorus of voices, half of them drunk and the other half on the way, keeping up with the bard. Cheers and applauses filled the tavern, and Inghard gave the bard the promised coin with clear reluctance, almost as if he had hoped the other man would botch the song.

  ?You know?, Eiev?reur sniffed, ?I always hated that they did not include the Sage in it. A lot of us worship her, or at least we did?.

  ?I know, but it’s just a song…? After a moment of silence, Inghard could not help but ask. ?Sir, do you seriously plan t’ just let that filth live their lives??

  ?If I am to meet again with those who murdered my son and grandson, they shall suffer and die by my hand and no one will stop me?, he declared, his wrath burning bright for just a moment, before the ember turned cold once again, ?but I will not seek them out. There is no place for revenge in my life: I have others to take care of and whom I care about. I will grieve now that we are safe, and then I shall do all I can to help my tribesmen live well?. He slowly spun his drink, looking at the liquid sloshing inside the heavy tankard. ?However, you are mistaken: those humans have already been the target of divine retribution. Not all of them, but many, and I know they will not just live their lives from now on, but will spend the rest of their miserable days looking over their shoulders in fear and wondering if the next shadow will be the one to swallow them?.

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  ?You’ve been very specific there. I guess the six humans with strange armour have somethin’ t’ do with it??

  ?They have everything to do with it, actually. They are our liberators, we owe them our freedom, and some of us our lives as well. But please, my friend, continue your meal?, he said with a sad smile. ?Meat tastes better when warm?.

  Not wasting time to argue, Inghard resumed eating. ?Good point?, he said in between bites. ?You’ve always been the wise one. Tell me more ’bout these humans, then?.

  ?That, I shall?. Eiev?reur took a moment to collect his thoughts, then began his tale once again. ?It was soldiers from Voulvent that captured us. Even if they did not bear any crest, I could recognize their language and armour even deaf and blind. When I founded my village, I knew the Treaty would not protect us outside of the Realm, but I never would have imagined that the Diarchy would dare venture into Gleeiogsorg. I now see how short-sighted I was?.

  ?No one could hav’ predicted that, so stop beatin’ yourself up. If it makes you feel better, I can punch you a few times?.

  ?A tempting offer, but no, thanks. I will deal with my shortcomings and the consequences of my decisions, but I am not so arrogant as to take all the blame?. He sighed. ?Now, having said as much, after the raid we were chained, stripped of all but our undergarments and earrings, and forced to march. Then… then they started to take the women. And some men as well?.

  ?Motherless cunts! May their teeth fall ’n the Widow take ’em all! They dishonour men with their sick depravities. Unnatural bastards…?

  Eiev?reur slammed his fist onto the table. ?Rape is always a sick depravity, First Sword Inghard!? You could feel the burning anger once again radiate from him. ?It matters not if the victim is a woman or a man?.

  The other Okkar jerked away and remained silent.

  ?A few days later, Alanna’s companion, Smári, tried to rebel. He punched one of the soldiers, stole his sword, and immediately took three arrows to the chest. We had to leave him there, as food for the forest?. He took a swig from his tankard, the meat on his plate still untouched. ?Then the days passed in a blur. I could not care to count; my world was broken. What remained of my tribe was being battered and abused, and I was, frankly said, powerless?.

  ?But you must’ve done something! You ain’t the type to let ’em have their way?.

  ?I tried... and failed. I was weak, weaker than I expected?. He fiddled with the tankard, staring at the liquid inside. ?More than one time, I confess, I hoped they would kill me so I could not see nor hear the things they did to what remained of my brethren and sistren?. He drained what little mead was left, then went quiet. For a while, the two friends did not speak, and the silence was filled with the murmur from all the other patrons. Then, Eiev?reur ordered another drink and joined Inghard in eating their meal.

  Once they had filled their bellies, the conversation resumed, and the former Pillar recounted about those human strangers. How he had thought they were spirits of death at first, awed by how they had appeared from the shadows to swiftly eliminate veteran soldiers. He spoke of the terror he had felt when two soldiers’ heads had broken apart without cause, certain it had been a spell wrought by an unknown Gift. Then, he told Inghard about the resignation that had descended upon him when he had thought they had come to kill them all, and his confusion when their freedom had been returned instead. He recalled his swift command to his tribesmen to follow their liberators without fuss, certain that it would have been better to go with them into the unknown rather than head towards a life of certain slavery. Time passed by and they asked for more drinks and something to nibble at, while patrons went and came, as the tavern filled up and got busier. Eiev?reur kept narrating the strenuous journey they had made, at a pace ?even the Second Sword would have been satisfied with?, and both erupted in laughter at such a presumptuous statement.

  ?Did they do it on purpose??

  ?At first I was sure of it?, Eiev?reur replied, ?although we did not yet know they were humans. I would have done so in their stead, to stress who was in charge. Hells, the Voulvent soldiers did it every day. They know that we generally have less stamina than them; furthermore, we were weak and tired. They made sure we would not have the strength to even think of rebelling by the end of the day?.

  Inghard spat on the floor.

  ?However, these new humans seemed genuinely worried about us, stopping to rest before we exhausted ourselves, treating our wounds and making sure we were healthy. Their physician, Elìsa, took care of those of us who came down with a fever, and even cured Vorsonur from pneumonia, though I know not how?.

  ?A Gift??

  Eiev?reur shook his head. ?No. She used strange tools, but I am quite certain she is not a Sorcerer?.

  ?You sure? Maybe she’s still just a Touched?.

  ?Perhaps, but it makes no difference?. The alcohol was affecting him. It had been years since he had last drunk so much, but this one time it was fine, he needed it. ?Eir, my daughter-in-law, you know, stepped in to help as well. She is a good herbalist, and… and she’s very strong. Stronger than I. It is clear that she only did it to save Vorsonur, though; her resentment towards humans runs deep?.

  ?Can’t blame the lass?. He coughed and took another sip. ?Tell me more ’bout these saviours of yours?.

  ?Do not get one of your ideas. I know that look. They are not our enemies, and I would prefer if they remained such?.

  ?Yes, yes, capt’n?.

  Eiev?reur raised an eyebrow, but did not comment further. Instead, he proceeded to describe each member of the team and what he had understood regarding their chain of command. ?Braeley is the tallest among them and is undoubtedly their chief, he has the eyes of a seasoned veteran. Alesaner, the second in command, reminds me of the Third Pillar?.

  ?Gudjonson? Why, same physique??

  ?That too, but it is more… You know when you feel that someone is dangerous even if they are always calm and polite??

  ?Hmm… I get it?. Inghard licked his fingers clean, though he could do nothing about the grease staining his beard.

  ?I have told you about Elìsa, their physician. You would like her, and I bet you have never met anyone with azure eyes?.

  ?Whoa! So, it’s true. They exist?.

  Eiev?reur nodded. ?Then, there is Tetzuo?, he continued, and could not help the chuckle that escaped his lips. ?He is the strangest of them all; same height as you but built like an urus, and very curious?

  ?I thought you didn’t like them nosy types?.

  ?Well… he is definitely insistent, but also quite friendly. I feel at ease talking with him. Oh, and he has thin, slanted eyes?.

  ?Like that merc from… y’ know, the idiot with twelve fingers that kept leavin’ pieces of moulted skin everywhere. Fucking disgustin’?.

  ?The Desert Nomad from south of Gowen??

  ?Yeah, that guy?.

  Eiev?reur wondered about it for a second. ?There are similarities, but Tetzuo has a lighter complexion and no scales. He also has five fingers for each hand, I am certain?.

  ?Weird. Where does he come from, then??

  ?A mystery, as the rest of them?.

  ?Alright. What about the two left??

  ?Stīf and— Oh, you have to see Gjaspinder, Inghard. She has human ears, but I would bet my shield that the blood of dark elves flows in her: her eyes and beauty do not lie. She is gorgeous, and I mean it; her dark skin just adds to it?.

  ?How would you know? You’ve never travelled that south. I get that she’s attractive, for a human, but…?

  ?Do you remember those mercenaries that fought with us against the Raiders? There was a Svartálfr among them. I remember clearly?.

  ?By the Sage, that was a Seaborn! Pointy ears? Yes. Brown skin? Okay. Attractive? Eh, if you like the type... But was definitely not female and with muscles that a dusky can only dream of. Is old age catchin’ up with your brain??

  ?His wife was travelling with him; she was the Svartálfr. You would remember if you had paid a bit more attention. She was their quartermaster?.

  ?Bah! Who cares to remember a bloody dusky? You trust one of those dishonourable bastards who suck lies from their momma’ tits together with the milk? They’re not as bad as bloody Wood Elves, but arseholes nonetheless?.

  ?The fact that they are better than us at fighting in darkness does not make them any less honourable?.

  ?Bah! Assassins skulkin’ in shadows, that’s what they are?.

  ?As if we did not have people doing the exact same thing this very moment?.

  ?Shut up, Eie. Whose side are you on, anyway??

  ?There are no “sides” here, just an old friend making sure you do not let prejudice cloud your mind?.

  ?Yeah, whatever. Are you sure she’s a dusky??

  ?No, but her smile will make you forget she’s a killer?.

  ?Okay, she charms her victims before murderin’ them. A real dark elf?.

  Eiev?reur scoffed. ?Do not be ridiculous?.

  ?What did you mean, then??

  ?Literally what I said. They are killers, all of them. I can almost smell the blood on their hands?.

  ?They’re just like us, then?. Inghard said, but his eyes were lost into the distance, unfocused.

  ?Indeed?, came the reply.

  A quiet minute of reminiscing followed, during which both were seemingly lost in their thoughts. Then, Eiev?reur spoke again. ?The last one, Stīf, is… unsettling. I am quite certain he is part elf, because the way he moves around in silence unnerves me. It reminds me of the Free Folk?.

  ?The Widow take ’em all. Especially those fuckin’ mounted archers of theirs. I still get nightmares filled with arrows, war chants and the screech of the damn fulas?.

  ?Still, he cannot be a Raider from the Plains. Too tall, no bow and he is on foot. Raiders never move without their mounts. Unless he is an exile…?

  ?How ’bout a Seaborn?? Inghard asked, though from his expression he had already ruled out the possibility.

  ?No, he is too slender to be one. Furthermore, they do not venture this much north of àrlam and so far away from the sea. Perhaps he has Wood Elf blood in him?.

  ?Bah! Those stuck-up arseholes hate everyone else and never move out of their forests. By the Father’s holy beard, ain’t no way people who call themselves “True Elves” snuck out t’ do the horizontal with someone from other folks?. He took a long drink from his tankard and burped in satisfaction. ?Gods, how I’d love to see those fuckin’ pointy ears have a go ’gainst the Horde: we’d all be better off if they killed each other to the last elf, but I know the Raiders would win?.

  ?Indeed. Their archery is superior, their numbers unbelievable and their tactics simple yet terrifying. I still cannot fathom how they have managed to tame fulas and ride those beasts in battle?.

  ?Don’t remind me ’bout those damn monsters. Fuckin’ birds who can’t fly should be hunted and eaten, not be the other way ’round...?

  ?Let us not digress, Inghard, or we shall reminisce till next dawn. Despite your reasonable doubts, I am fairly certain Stīf is a half-elf: his eyes and ears give it away?.

  ?That’d explain it, then. You think he’s one of us??

  ?I do not know for certain, but I do not think so. Part human, I would say. From what I could observe, he does not possess our kind’s teeth nor does he don earrings, but I did not inquire. It would have been extremely rude. In my experience, those with mixed blood do not appreciate being asked about their origins?.

  ?Still, he might be a half-human with Our People’s blood?.

  ?It’s the way he moves, his grace... he barely makes a sound. Just like the elves?.

  ?Well, our best scouts are light-footed too, y’ know?.

  ?Of course I know that, but this is different. You know what I mean. You simply have not seen him moving through the forest, or suddenly appear from behind the treeline like a forest dweller, or how his gait perfectly matches his environment. The only ones to always notice him before he arrived were his companions. It was as if they could tell in advance?.

  ?Life together must have made ’em more aware of him?.

  ?Likely so, my friend. However, there is something else. Something I believe is of utmost importance for us to consider?. He paused, trying to find the right words and not appear touched in the head. The alcohol was not making it any easier. ?I think they can talk to each other at distance. And before you say it, no, I do not mean that they shout. At first, I thought the Forest was making me hear things or that I was mistaken due to my tiredness, but some of my kin had noticed it too?.

  Inghard took a long draught, emptying his tankard. ?More mead here!? He shouted, and while they waited for yet another refill, he leaned towards Eiev?reur with a glint in his eyes, and urged him to continue. ?Tell me more, ol’ friend. This is mighty interestin’?.

  ?You see, we noticed that they spoke, from time to time, even when alone. It is hard to hear them because of the helmet they wear, so we were not sure at first. We believed it to be just a quirk of theirs, but then we all noticed that they seemed to speak in response to one another, even when they were hundreds of paces apart. I cannot be sure since we do not understand their language, but considering all the strangeness and mystery surrounding them, it feels likely?.

  The barmaid arrived with two new tankards, bringing the conversation to a halt.

  ?Thanks, lass?, Inghard said and took a long sip from his new drink, ending with a satisfied sigh. ?So, you think—?

  ?Money now, old man?, the girl interrupted him, her hand extended in waiting, palm upwards. ?Boss says you got to pay right now, and don’t even think of sendin’ me back like lil’ Magni?.

  ?Bah! Way t’ treat a customer?.

  ?We treat all customers the same, but a customer’s someone who pays for their drinks. This ain’t no free stall. Come on, Inghard, it’s nine fennigs?.

  ?Yeah, yeah... I was bleedin’ on the battlefield when you were still suckin’ milk from your momma’s tits and now—?

  ?Spare me the veteran’s complaint, old man. Y’always use that card as an excuse, but it’s you who’s in debt?, she told him, crossing her arms. ?Just pay like everyone else?.

  ?Bah, in my days an elder was respected, admired even. His words were payment enough…? He mumbled in protest, but still went for his pouch.

  ?Here, young lady, and apologies for the wait?. Eiev?reur stepped in and took out eleven round, metal coins the colour of copper from a pouch inside of his jacket. ?I did tell Inghard I would offer tonight, but then I promptly forgot; old age, apparently, has not made me wiser, just more forgetful?. He chuckled, then held out the money to the barmaid. ?Nine for the meal and the drinks, and these two are for you and for the boy, Magni, as an apology. I ask you to deliver the coin to him, if you please?.

  ?Thank you… Wow, old man, who’s your friend here?? The barmaid asked, turning to face Inghard, only to widen her eyes at his outstretched hand.

  ?Here’s five more t’ pay for last time?, Inghard grumbled. ?Now begone?.

  After a pause, she took the coins from his hand, an incredulous expression on her face while she stared at them as if they were some exotic animals. ?Woah, they’re real! Your friend’s a good influence on you. Follow his example and perhaps you’ll convince Víxl to sit with you one of these days. Who knows, maybe she’ll even let you buy her a drink?.

  ?Shut up, lass. The way I court a lady is none of your business?.

  ?A “lady”… yeah, whatever. Well, enjoy your drinks?, she replied with a smile, before grabbing the empty tankards and walking away.

  ?She gotta rein in that sass of hers or she’ll ne’er find a good lad?.

  ?Oh, I think she will be fine?, Eiev?reur replied as he nursed his own drink. ?She has her mother’s wit and she seems a hard-working young lady?.

  ?She has no respect for anyone, just like her ol’ ma’, you mean. Whatever… Back to us! We were talkin’ about your new friends?.

  ?Indeed, we were?.

  ?You think they’re all Gifted, don’t you?? Inghard suddenly asked.

  The question startled him, but Eiev?reur did not show it. ?Yes, I do. It is the only possibility I can think of. The only justification for all the strangeness surrounding them?.

  ?I dunno what t’ think. Never heard of such powers, or of so many Gifted all together, but when the Gods are involved, stuff gets weird?.

  ?I agree it would be a first, but we cannot exclude it. Though... perhaps it is only one of them sharing the power from their Gift with the rest. But then there is the issue of their unusual weapons, and I can only think of Gods-given powers?.

  ?Maybe. No use thinkin’ too much ’bout it. Let’s say they are Gifted who can talk at distance the same we two are doin’ now. They’re soldiers you said, right??

  ?Indeed. That is unmistakable, the Warrior be my witness?.

  ?No need t’ bother the Gods. If you say they are, I trust you?. Inghard passed a hand through what hair was still left on his head. When he resumed speaking, any trace of mirth was gone from his voice: what remained was complete seriousness. ?Then we might be lookin’ at the vanguard of a terrifyin’ army?.

  ?Terrifying? What do you... oh?.

  ?Yeah, I knew you’d get it?.

  Eiev?reur put his elbows on the table and crossed his hands. ?Indeed. If Braeley and his companions can communicate at a distance, the rest of their army probably can as well… perhaps they have been talking to them all this time, even now. An army that needs no messengers, which can be coordinated in real time, or ask for support without delay, would be fearsome beyond comprehension?.

  ?Right, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves, you hear me? This is us makin’ wild guesses, but when you report to the Lord, better tell ’im everything, even if nothing’s certain?.

  ?I am not in the habit of lying, Inghard?.

  ?I know, but you’re in the habit of repaying your debts, no matter what, and it seems to me you owe these people good time?.

  ?Hmph! You know me too well, bastard that you are?.

  The other Okkar laughed.

  ?Still, there is another aspect to consider?, Eiev?reur said. ?Why are two half-elves together with humans??

  ?Who knows. Chance? An alliance, maybe? Won’t do us no good t’ think too much ’bout it?.

  An hour had passed by, and another was soon gone as the two friends ate and drank, filling their bellies with meat, good mead, and passable ale, while catching up with each other. Sunset approached, and the tavern became livelier and definitely warmer thanks to the increasing amount of patrons.

  ?So, y’ telling me she put a bloody needle in his arm ’n one in the girl’s, and… and he passed her his blood?? Inghard asked, incredulous. His speech was a bit slurred, but he was not as drunk as many of the men nearby.

  ?Through a tiny tube. Later on, Lífsgleei awoke and now she is faring better. This is what happened, I swear by the Sage?.

  ?By the Mother’s plump arse, I’d call you a liar but you ain’t one to tell bullcrap?.

  ?No, I am certainly not. So, you shall believe me when I tell you that the first time Elìsa took off her helmet, revealing they were humans, rage coursed through my veins, and I saw the same anger in my brethren. However, the Sage cleared my thoughts from the forest’s whispers, and I was left terrified?.

  ?You, old friend? Eiev?reur the Unyielding, the Hero of Portaigle, terrified? Ha! Surely you jest?.

  ?Hero, uh? For killing, what, a hundred humans? A hero is one that saves, that protects. I was just a soldier doing his job, and I was lucky I survived, unlike thousands of us on that day?.

  ?I know how you feel ’bout that, but I still don’t get why you ’n yours decided to move into the Forest afterwards: you follow the Sage, you’re supposed to be wise?.

  ?We all agreed upon it, you know it. It was the perfect place to understand more about the path of wisdom and will... and to be free from the political infighting?.

  ?Yeah, ’n how many of you crazy bastards have survived, eh? Forty-two of you left and now, ten years later, only sixteen return, with no children left?.

  Eiev?reur had no reply to that, so he chose silence.

  ?Bah! Your choices are yours to deal with, and so are the consequences. But all of this doesn’t make you less of a hero. It’s only thanks to you holdin’ your ground on that fuckin’ breach that hundreds of us survived that day; that I survived that day?.

  ?We survived because reinforcements came?.

  ?Yeah, and if not for you they’d have found our corpses. You saved hundreds, thousands of Our People that day. So, put it into that thick skull of yours: whatever you say, for me and for them you’re a hero. And if this ain’t enough for you, want me to remind you ’bout the Eastern War? About Vigfol, the only time the Horde of the Blue Sky was ever stopped??

  ?There is no need. I was there, and I remember well?. Eiev?reur’s voice was quiet, almost ashamed.

  ?Then, hero of two campaigns, who d’you think you’re foolin’ when you say “I was left terrified”??

  ?Do you believe I would jest on such a topic?!? He retorted with a snarl, though he immediately quenched the fit of anger. ?You were not there... You did not see the night itself grab our wardens and drag them into the shadows, nor did you watch those soldiers die without warning, their heads breaking apart as bláumkjarna at the summer solstice?.

  ?Okay, but it’s not the first time you’ve seen cracked skulls, my friend. Most of the time it was you ’n your war-hammer. What was different this time?? Inghard asked.

  ?I had never seen it happen like this. It… it wasn’t normal. One moment they were walking, the next they were on the ground, pieces of bone and brains scattered everywhere?. Eiev?reur took a long drink from his tankard and released a deep breath. They had moved on to cheaper ale earlier in the evening. ?Yes, Inghard, I was terrified. I feared that they would kill us all the same way, that I would lose my only remaining son, my daughter in law, and what was left of my people if we assaulted them. With anger clouding our minds, we almost attacked out of reflex, but they were even faster at raising their strange weapons towards us, and they did so with apparent calm?.

  ?What manner of weapons are you talkin’ about??

  Eiev?reur stretched his neck and shoulders. Staying seated for so long had stiffened him. ?I do not know, they are unlike any I have ever seen. Still, I can recognize a soldier wielding his weapon of choice?.

  ?So, you think there’s sorcery involved??

  ?I do?.

  ?Even in the weapons??

  ?Of that I am uncertain?.

  Inghard hummed noncommittally.

  ?Anyway, I was telling you that, in our anger, we were this close to losing control. I barely managed to banish the whispers and order everyone to calm down before things degenerated. I did not know what the humans’ goal was, but they had saved us from slavery and rape, shared what little food they had – though I shall not comment on the taste – and they could have killed us at any moment if that had been their aim. So, I decided to go along with it, to wait and see?.

  ?I expected no less from you, captain! If there’s an Okkar who can resist the Forest, it’s you?.

  ?Stop it. You sound like one of those nobles who try to ingratiate themselves to the Elders?.

  Inghard guffawed. ?Ha! Not very nice of you to compare me to those boot-lickers. I was honest, though. Few could resist the whispers?.

  ?All right, enough about my misadventures. Tell me what is happening in the Realm. What news from the capital??

  Inghard pulled a face and scratched his beard. ?Things aren’t really going that great. Here’s fine, sure, but we’re in middle of who-the-fuck-cares. No one’s gonna be messin’ in a border town chock full of bored soldiers eager for some action. But in the rest of the country? There’s been incidents, assassinations, common folks disappearin’... old feuds getting solved by the knife?.

  ?And the Council? What is it doing??

  ?Those old farts? They’re busy pittin’ smaller tribes ’n clans ’gainst each other, wagin’ war by proxy for a tiny bit more power. Them have got no time for us unimportant folks?.

  ?Is it that bad? Are you certain??

  ?Pretty much. Can’t say I believe all th’ stories, but most come from trusted sources?.

  ?And how did you get all this information out here, next to Gleeiogsorg??

  Inghard tilted his head toward a nearby table occupied by four city guards. ?Well, you know how loose a soldier’s tongue gets when ale and mead flow, add to it the boredom of this place and my natural charm, and they share everything. Especially the ladies?.

  ?Oh, yes, I vividly recall how your charms worked with that girl from Resun. I believe your nose still remembers her?.

  ?Yeah, yeah, twist th’ knife into a fresh wound. Nice friend you are…?

  ?Fresh wound? It was twenty years ago?.

  ?The memory’s still fresh in my mind?.

  ?...?

  ?I really liked her, y’ know?.

  ?...?

  ?Gods! Stop lookin’ at me like that. ’Twas love at first sight?.

  ?For you, maybe. I failed to see any love on her part, unless she was the type to express it through violence. I would not deem such relationship healthy, but if you are into that… Now, let us get back on topic?.

  ?Yeah, yeah. I’d forgotten what an annoyin’ cunt you can be?. He took a long draught out of his ale, then belched in satisfaction. ?You’ve already gone to th’ sacred groove to submit, right? Th’ red earring stinks, though I gotta admit that th’ raven one is nice. I still preferred when you had th’ blue gem and no second earring.

  ?I had to do it. The wellbeing of my tribe matters more than my own pride?, Eiev?reur replied.

  ?And that’s why you’re better than the rest. You’ll still be a chieftain for me. The stuck-up nobles that infest the Realm can go meet the Widow. Anyway, who was there at the ceremony??.

  ?Present were Bishop Drennar, Protector Hafdóttir and Lord Olafsson?.

  ?I get the priest and the judge, but the town lord himself showed his ugly mug? How come?? Inghard asked.

  ?I would not know. Is that so unusual??

  ?Oh, yes. I know of a few other tribes that submitted in the last six years, but every time there was the captain of the guard representin’ the lord?.

  ?I guess he wanted to see who was the chieftain that brought humans in town?.

  ?Maybe, but I’m sure he just wanted to see the Unyielding in the flesh!?

  ?I doubt it. He uttered not a single word, conceding to the authority of the Protector—?

  ?As is proper tradition?, Inghard cut in, to Eiev?reur’s mild annoyance.

  ?—but it felt like a statement aimed at someone else, something political, and I do not like it?.

  ?Welcome back to the civilised world?. Inghard raised his mug with a grin, and the two went on to talk about less serious topics.

  That is, until the door of the tavern opened once again. Eiev?reur briefly glanced in its direction, force of habit, only for him to bring his full attention there a moment later.

  Alesaner and Stīf had just walked in.