The Dark Road
“Gunvor”
“Yes, Arne?”
“There’s someone waiting for you in the chamber downstairs”
Gunvor put his books beneath his desk. He placed the quill gifted to him by Harald along with the vellum within a drawer below the wooden tabletop. While adjusting his tunic, he glimpsed at the old armor and bow that rested on a near chair. Thoughts of darkness and ice briefly took him. Another call from the tower messenger Arne brought him back. He left the quaint room and shut the door. Torches lit the walls of the hall and the stairwell ahead.
“Who is this guest?” asked Gunvor.
“He says he’s a traveller from Dormus”
“That’s quite a voyage. Why does he want to see me?”
“He won’t say much more. He only says that he needs to speak with an Ullrkun”.
Gunvor hadn’t heard that term for a long while. After some more steps, he and Arne had reached the doors to the chamber. The candles that hung above flickered as the iron handles of the oak doors were pulled. Beyond those sturdy doors was a large table. This table was round and made of the pines south of Amux. Eight seats surrounded it, each finely crafted by Jorgen of Lundsun. Torches on carved stands stood near every chair, lighting the grand hall. Shelves resided along the stone walls with apprentices storing and tidying scrolls here and there. Gunvor looked at the chair where he usually sat. Seated there was a middle aged man. He donned an attire of those of the Minosian lands. A beige tunic was worn to his knees. A black cloth was draped over his shoulders, falling to the sandals strapped upon his feet. The bearded man looked at Arne then Gunvor. He stood and swept the sweat from his forehead.
“Gunvor?”, he said. “Gunvor of Amux?”
“Yes. Why do you seek me?”
The traveller looked around and then came closer to Gunvor.
“I need one who has been down the pass within the mountains north of Amux”
Gunvor grabbed his ears. Night had stolen his eyes. Feelings of frost were remembered by his left arm. Caws of the dark rung his ears.
“Gunvor! Gunvor!”
The words of his apprentice returned him to the chamber.
“You’ve dazed off again. Do you need me to fetch some Greij from the tavern?”
“No Arne. But let me speak with this one alone”
Arne adhered and headed to the shelves by the east wall.
“Who are you?” Gunvor asked the traveler. “Why do you seek that pass?”
“My name is Cyrus”, said the traveler. “I seek a way through the dark road”.
Gunvor took a seat in his chair. He looked at the mare that was carved upon the tabletop.
“I’ve travelled on no such road. Arne! Take this man from here”.
Before Arne could return to them, Cyrus pulled Gunvor by a sleeve.
“I know what happened to your comrades”, he whispered to Gunvor. “If you assist me, I can restore Hrafn”.
Gunvor’s eyes flinched.
“How do you know that name?”
“If you help me, I will tell you”.
Gunvor waved Arne away.
“Hrafn”, uttered Gunvor. “I’ve already tried to bring him back. But the road is too dark and haunted”.
“The winged creatures of the mountains”, said Cyrus. He dabbed an end of his cloth across his forehead.
“Hrafn is one of them now. No words will bring him back”.
“No words can heal him. But there is a treasure beyond that road that could”.
“A treasure?”
Cyrus looked about the room, ensuring that no other was near.
“I have heard from Danr of stories of a gift from Valhalla, one held by King Engor”.
Intrigue grew within Gunvor from hearing this whisper. He saw that the flames about the surrounding torches flickered excitedly.
“Beyond the dark road, it is rumored that this heavenly gift resides there. I need your help getting to it. With it, I may be able to save your friend”.
Gunvor reached into his right pocket. He pulled out a brass medallion and held it before his eyes.
“This will be the last time”, he said while looking over the raven etched upon it.
“Arne!”
“Yes Gunvor”, said his apprentice while hurrying to him.
“Manage my tasks. I will be away for some time but I should return in the coming days”.
Arne nodded then returned back to tending his teacher’s writings.
“Wait for me outside”, Gunvor said to Cyrus. “I need to prepare”.
Pleased with his agreement, Cyrus left the chamber and headed down a nearby stairwell. Gunvor returned to his quarters. He changed into the armor upon his chair. He took the quilt of arrows from behind his desk and hung them over his back. He grabbed the wooden bow. After one last look at his desk, he departed. By the grand doors of the tower, he found Cyrus waiting on the grass ahead.
“This way”, he said to the Minosian.
Cyrus followed Gunvor to a stable that stood by the tower. Within the stable, a young man and woman tended each of the horses, bringing water and fresh barley gathered from the markets of the surrounding village below.
“Sven and Asta”
“Yes Gunvor”, said both the young ones.
“Bring two horses”.
“But remember only one horse to each of the Council”, said Sven.
“Bring the horse of Leif”, said Gunvor. “If he asks, tell him this is repayment”.
Sven adhered and went to prepare the horse of Leif while Asta prepared Gunvor’s horse. Both horses were mounted with saddlebags of grains and water jugs secured over each. Hooves were checked and gaits observed before being brought from their stalls to the front of the stable. After surveying the mares, Gunvor seated himself on his horse. Cyrus took the other horse and followed Gunvor down the winding road. They went through the village, passing the lively market and festivities. To the western green mountains they rode, avoiding the large stones posited on the outskirts of Brimir. They travelled past the rough terrain of those mountains. They hurried along the long plains yonder. By night, they reached an encampment.
“Why are we stopping here?”, asked Cyrus.
“The horses need rest”, said Gunvor. “And so do we”.
After removing himself from his horse, Cyrus led his horse after Gunvor and his own. They walked through the tall grass, passing several tents along the way. The scent of roasted boar and elk swam past their noses. The cries and laughter of children playing hide and seek filled the air. Gunvor and Cyrus made their way to a bonfire that laid midway within the encampment. Apples and slivers of savory meats were passed from cooks to villagers waiting by the large fire.
“Are you hungry?” Gunvor asked Cyrus.
“Only for the fruits”, said Cyrus while looking away from the fire.
Gunvor went forth to one of the preparers of the meals. After shaking his hand, Gunvor came back to Cyrus with several apples.
“Eat what you can for now. The rest is for the journey ahead”.
“Thank you Gunvor. Your heart is kind”
Gunvor left Cyrus to eat and went by the horses. He took grains from the bags they carried and placed them before their hooves. He removed lids from the water jugs and placed those jugs beside each of the small hills of grains. Gunvor watched the mares nibble and sip before he headed for the largest tent of the encampment. Antlers of a buck were tied to the top, ahead of the flaps. Two torches of the Elm wood south of Brimir stood by the entrance, adjacent to each other. The fires stayed steady as Gunvor entered the tent. Sitting upon a stool was a burly man with a long black beard. His head was bald and he wore the armor of the Norsian army that once served the last king of the Great Land.
“Halfdan”, said Gunvor as he bowed before him.
“Gunvor, my brother. It’s always great to see a friend of Njord come to visit us”.
After a firm handshake with Halfdan, Gunvor sat on a nearby stool.
“What brings you to our tribe? Has the council been swayed?”
“I’m still trying to convince the others”.
Halfdan looked at the nearby torch within his tent.
“I’m not sure how much longer my people can roam these plains. The Njord have always supported Norsia. It’s time for Norsia to do the same”.
“The Council is still divided on the villages that didn’t aid Norsia during the Great War”.
Halfdan clenched his fists. He looked at the axe that rested by him.
“The Njord have fought countless battles for this land’s honor. But we’re exiled for refusing one?!”
“Be patient Halfdan”, said Gunvor. “I only have two more minds to change”.
“The sons of Engor”, said Halfdan while grabbing his axe. “Then we’ll never have our land again. Those two haven’t returned since the departure of the Queen”.
Gunvor thought of the two empty seats at the convening of the Council.
“I’ll continue to search for them. Until then, stay strong”.
“I’ll do my best brother, but more and more of my men are becoming impatient. Please find them quickly”.
“Thank you Halfdan”.
Halfdan placed his axe back on the ground then shook Gunvor’s hand.
“Rest yourself now”, said Halfdan. “I’ll need to see the next road my people travel before the horsemen scout this area”.
“Take care”.
Gunvor left the tent and returned to Cyrus. The Minosian was sitting on a stone by the bonfire, watching the people of Njord mingle and eat.
“This reminds me of the early days of Cyrmus”, he told Gunvor. “I wish for those days to return to my home”.
“Why do you seek this treasure you spoke of?”, asked a curious Gunvor.
Cyrus grabbed the dark cloth draped over his shoulder.
“This treasure may help me save my homeland”.
Gunvor saw the fury in Cyrus’s eyes. They reminded him of a young Hrafn’s own when challenged.
“Don’t stray too far”, said Gunvor.
“It’s too late for that”, said Cyrus. “But I’ll ensure no others back home do the same”.
“Rest then. We’ll ride for Amux at dawn”.
Gunvor left Cyrus by the bonfire and headed for the horses. He fixed the jugs of remaining water back to the saddlebags. After patting each horse, he went to a nearby oak tree and slept.
“Hrafn come back!”
Gunvor’s words echoed throughout the ice tunnels. Torches of the cavern had dimmed. The air felt colder. Before the archer, he could see Hoden being helped by a Follower. The leader held his blued arm and headed towards a tunnel with the dark hooded man.
“Curses of the syren”, he could hear his fading voice say. “A fool of gold is what she makes of man”.
Gunvor grabbed his own arm which felt numb though the ice had thawed. After a few more rubs, he took his bow and departed through the tunnel that he came from. He walked gingerly along the passage, keeping wary of the faint torches. His eyes grew tired. His steps felt heavier. By the end of the path, he could barely see two shadows before his eyes shut.
“Gunvor!”
Gunvor opened his eyes. He found himself by the oak tree with his bow still by him. He looked up and saw Cyrus standing with an outstretched arm. He took Cyrus’s hand and stood to his feet. He saw sunlight upon the blades of grass that surrounded them.
“Cyrus, where are the people?”
“By dawn they folded their tents and took their caravans north”
“Halfdan”, uttered Gunvor.
Gunvor took his bow and headed with Cyrus towards the horses. After checking the saddlebags, they rode east. Hooves hurried through the fields towards the outskirts of the Peaks of Ishmore. By dusk, chilly winds from the western ice mountains blew against them. Snow slowed the gaits of the mares.
“This way”, said Gunvor.
Cyrus followed him along a paved passage between the mountains. Rocks and stones laid along both sides of the path. Ravens soared above, watching the two travellers.
“Danr used to tell me of his journeys here”, said Cyrus while looking at the mountains. “But I never knew the voyage would be this long”.
“All newcomers say the same”, said Gunvor.
Gunvor could see a faint light that glowed and dimmed.
“We’re here”, he said.
The horses trudged through the snow ahead. As they neared the distant light, Gunvor recognized the dwellings of Amux. Snow covered the rooftops and stone passages. Cattle grazed the nearby fields. Sparse moonlight shone upon the statue of Ullr that resided within the middle of the village. The glowing arrowhead held within Ullr’s bow intrigued Cyrus.
“What magic is this?”
Gunvor looked at the arrow that pointed towards the northern peaks.
“Ullr, the greatest warrior of Amux, is a guide to the lost. His arrow has gleamed since the reign of Engor”.
“I see”
Cyrus followed Gunvor to the barracks of the Ullrkuns. After sending their horses to the nearby stable, they went inside the warriors’ hall. Swordsmen still trained within its quarters while archers trekked towards the southern hills. The clashes of blades and scent of forgery from the nearby armory was galling for the Minosian.
“These men remind me of the Talos”
“Are they ones that fight for your home?”, asked Gunvor.
Cyrus clutched the black cloth he wore. His eyes appeared stern.
“The Talos are servants of only the king”
Gunvor held his words. He and Cyrus reached the quarters of the head of the Ullrkuns. Snow had been swept from the steps. Torches were fixed to the walls on both sides of the wooden door. Gunvor gave three knocks then pushed open the door. He and Cyrus entered the quarters and stood before a desk. Iron blades and maces laid against the walls. Bows of timber rested by the desk with quivers nearby. Cyrus tugged his cloth but remained calm. He looked at the one who sat behind the desk.
“Gunvor my friend. Back again already?”
“Always good to see you Harjit”
“And who is this?”
“This is Cyrus”, said Gunvor. “He comes from Dormus”
“The blacksmith’s city? That’s quite a voyage”
Harjit placed the scroll he was reading atop a heap of others beneath his desk. He looked at the long cloth of the Minosian and then the armor of Gunvor.
“You’re going back to Bord’s Pass?”
Gunvor heard the doubt in Harjit. He took the brass medallion from his pocket and eyed the etched raven.
“I need some of your men to accompany us”
Harjit gave a chuckle before sternly looking at Gunvor.
“Many of my men have already perished fending off the winged beasts that lurk. We barely have enough to protect the village from the raids of Hod”
“But there is a way to save Hrafn”
“How many more times will you try to save him? Accept that he’s one of them now as I and Brynja have”
“I have to try once more, my friend. This will be the last time”
“The last time for the Ullrkuns has passed”, said Harjit. “It’s up to you to find any that may go. But I will not send anymore of my men to their graves”
“Best wishes my friend”, said Gunvor while placing the medallion back within his pocket.
“As to you”, replied Harjit as he reached again for the scroll beneath his desk.
“Cyrus”
Cyrus followed Gunvor out the door. They looked at the soldiers that walked about the main hall of the barracks. Scowls and grunts were all Cyrus could see and hear. Though aware of the surrounding displeasure, Gunvor headed towards one that rested on a heap of hay. An iron blade laid beside this one.
“Stigr”, said Gunvor.
Stigr opened his eyes. He saw the Ullrkun archer that stood with a hand before him.
“Gunvor of the Átta”, he said while grabbing his hand to stand. “Are you seeking your old comrade again?”
“Yes and I need your help”
Stigr scratched the short beard upon his chin. He surveyed the men about the barracks.
“Suni”
A stout man that held two maces came towards them.
“Balder”
A clean shaven man approached with a bow held within his hands.
“Heimir”
A grisly man grouched and brought his long sword with him.
“Hildr”
A short haired woman finished whetting her daggers and adjusting her bow before heading towards Stigr and the others.
“We’ll be joining Gunvor and his companion on their venture through Bord’s Pass”, said Stigr. “See to it that you’re well fed, rested and warm”.
The Ullrkuns adhered and went to prepare themselves. Stigr turned to Gunvor.
“You’ll owe us much Greij at the Pit for this”
“I’ll see to it”, said Gunvor while patting Stigr on his right shoulder.
Though fraught from seeing the weapons they held, Cyrus cracked a smile.
“You and your guest should rest”, said Stigr. “My men will be ready by morning”.
“Come Cyrus”
Cyrus followed Gunvor to a side of hay not far from Stigr.
“Sleep here”, said Gunvor.
“Thank you again”, said Cyrus.
He rested on the hay while Gunvor went by another end. While laid upon the heap, Gunvor shut his eyes.
“Hrafn is no more Gunvor. You must move on”
“We should try again. He can be saved”
Within the pine woods, Gunvor stood before the lady Brynja. She wore a woolish cloak and hood, her armor hidden beneath. Her bow was beside her along with a quiver that hung over her right shoulder. Sunlight was faint within the cool air. Leaves had shaded them along with the distant elks.
“I will not go again nor will I return to the Ullrkuns”
“Where will you go?”
“Wherever the winds take me”
Gunvor watched as Brynja faded into the woods.
“Gunvor”
Gunvor opened his eyes. He saw Stigr and Cyrus standing before him. The Minosian was wearing a fur coat worn by the warring men.
“Take this”, said Stigr.
Gunvor took the fur coat. He stood and placed it over his shoulders, securing its clasps below his neck. He grabbed his bow and ensured his quiver was hung over a shoulder.
“Are your men ready?”, he asked Stigr.
“They’re out front”
Stigr, Gunvor, and Cyrus departed from the barracks. Night was still upon the village yet chirps of dawn could be heard. By the tall doors of the barracks, Stigr’s men waited.
“Be aware and stay ready”, Gunvor said to everyone.
Cyrus clutched the black cloth beneath his coat. After a look at the distant Ullr, he followed Gunvor and the others towards the northern mountains. The air felt colder. Snow had risen just below their knees. Howls of winds through the mountains tickled attentive ears. Memories of the raid on the Tribe of Hod rushed back to Gunvor as they reached the road between two mountains. He grabbed his left shoulder, recalling the ice that covered it.
“Are you alright Gunvor?”, asked Stigr.
“Yes, let’s keep going”
As they proceeded forward, an object caught Hildr’s eye. She held a dagger ready while steadily walking towards it.
“Hildr, what is it?” asked Stigr.
He and the others watched as she pulled it from the snow. They saw a wolf etched upon the chestplate that Hildr held.
“That’s one of ours”, said Suni. “How’d this end up here?”
“Gunvor”, said Stigr.
Gunvor broke from his gaze of the metal.
“This was from a raid in the past, one where we sought Hoden”
“The former commander of Engor’s army”, said Heimer after a snort.
Stigr surveyed the mountains.
“Let’s keep moving forward. But keep watch for any movement”
Gunvor and the others headed into the darkened passage beyond the two mountains. Clusters of branches and canisters were taken from the belts of Balder and Gunvor. Murky fluids from the canisters were poured on the ends of the branches. Gloved hands brushed the branches to make torches.
“Take this Cyrus”
The Minosian took the torch from Gunvor and returned to the rear. Balder held his torch ahead. Pine trees could be seen in the distance. The mountains had spread beyond the light, only darkness seen on either side. The snow here was ankle high, allowing for the voyagers to travel faster.
“Are you alright Cyrus?”, asked Gunvor.
“Do not worry about me”, said Cyrus while rubbing his legs here and there. “I will keep moving”.
Balder felt a whisper in his left ear.
“What was that?”
Balder directed his torch to his left. He could only see a snowy ground and a dark sky. He brought his torch back ahead of the group. Another whisper caught Balder’s ear. But this whisper was louder than the first.
“There’s something here”, said Balder in a hushed tone.
“Be alert”, said Stigr.
Gunvor and Hildr readied their bows. Gunvor watched the front while Hildr managed the rear. Balder gave his torch to Cyrus then fetched for his bow. Suni gripped both iron maces. Heimir’s right hand held the hilt of the long sword that hung over his back. Holding his blade, Stigr looked at the skies about them. The lurid air was quiet.
“Caw!”
“What was that?”, said Balder.
He felt a sharp pain in his left shoulder. Stigr and the others were shocked at seeing a ghastly feathered beast lift him into the darkness. His shrieks caused Cyrus to drop the torches and grab his ears. Gunvor and Hildr quickly shot arrows above. A bow and armor fell from the sky, landing before the feet of Cyrus.
“Caw!”
“Caw!”
“Head for the trees!” shouted Gunvor. Cyrus hastily grabbed both torches from the ground. He and the others hurried after Gunvor to the pines. Hildr shot arrows at the near winds. Another winged creature swooped in from the left. Suni lowered his head, barely avoiding its clawed hands. The dark feathered beast landed and stood before the Ullrkun.
“It wears our armor!” said Suni.
The creature unsheathed the sword that was hitched to its belt. Suni saw that the iron blade was also of their own.
“Suni, hurry to the trees!” shouted Stigr.
“Keep going forward”, said Suni.
He held his maces before the beast.
“Caw!”
The creature swung its sword at Suni’s head. The Ullrkun swiftly blocked the blade with both maces. But the strength of the beast brought the stout Suni to his knees. The creature swung its sword again at him. Suni stepped back, barely avoiding the edge’s tip. From left hand to right hand, the Ullrkun thrust each of the spiky maces at the winged beast. It parried each of his attacks. A flap of its wide wings pushed Suni to the snow. With his maces still held, Suni attempted to stand but was pinned into the ground. A heavy boot of the beast stood on his chest, shortening his breath. Suni stared into its dusk eyes.
“By Valhalla, what are you?”, he said.
“Caw!”
Suni closed his eyes, last seeing the sword approaching his head. He felt his breath again and reopened them. He saw that an arrow had struck the right shoulder of the stumbling creature. Its shriek caused Suni to grab his ears, watching it ascend into the lurid sky. The Ullrkun gathered himself and stood. He grabbed his maces and saw that Gunvor and Stigr were before him.
“Come Suni”, said Stigr. “The others are in the pines. We must hurry there”.
After a few coughs, Suni ran with them. Gunvor kept his bow ready, keeping wary of the faint caws. The three Ullrkuns hurried into the woods and met with the others.
“We should’ve stayed in the village”, said Suni while inspecting the marks on his armor. “The winged creatures of the night are too powerful for just us”.
“But what of Balder?”, said Hildr. “We should look for him”.
“Balder is gone”, said Stigr.
He pounded his fist into a pine.
“Gunvor, how far down this road are you going?”
Gunvor looked at Cyrus. The Minosian shook his head and kept the torches held within the dark woods.
“We need to reach the end of this pass”, said Gunvor. “Hrafn might be there”.
“Might?”, said Stigr. “We’ve lost one of our own and now are being hunted for just a might”.
“He will be there”, said Gunvor.
Stigr retrieved his blade. He carved a rectangle on a tree with three diagonals etched within from left to right.
“This will lead us home”, he told Gunvor.
With Cyrus by him, Gunvor led the others into the northern pines. Stigr left his mark upon some of the trees they passed. Caws could be heard from above. Drafts were felt from the west. Hildr and Gunvor kept their bows ready for the monsters of the sky. Cyrus looked ahead. In the distance, he saw a faint light.
“Gunvor, the end must be there”
The bluish purple glow caught Gunvor’s eyes.
“Let’s hurry forward”, he said.
Heimir grunted and followed the archer along with the other Ullrkuns. Beyond the light they went, leaving the dark forest of the mountains behind them. Gunvor and the others awed at what they saw ahead. The ice mountains had come closer together with a passage that led to an opening. The pebbly passage ended at a bridge before a great castle. The castle was built into a mountain. Its height almost rivaled the surrounding peaks. A vibrant aurora filled the skies above it.
“What is this place?” said Stigr.
Gunvor looked at Cyrus. The Minosian had grabbed the dark cloth he wore and shut his eyes. After reopening them, he pressed the fiery ends of the torches into the snow.
“This must be where it is”, he whispered to Gunvor. “The treasure lies within there”.
“Hrafn, stay strong”, Gunvor quietly told himself.
The archer took his cooled torch back from Cyrus, securing it to the belt beneath his fur.
“Stigr, this way”.
Stigr, Suni, Heimir, and Hildr followed Gunvor and Cyrus to the bridge ahead.
Cool drafts blew throughout the mountain pass as they neared the bridge.
“What is this place?” said Suni.
The stone architecture of the bridge had caught the Ullrkun’s eye. Though it appeared aged, it had the build of Norsian craftsmen.
“Stay aware Suni”, said Stigr while keeping a hand on his blade’s hilt. “I feel an eerie magic surrounding this place”.
Gunvor and Hildr held their bows. Cyrus stayed in the rear, holding an end of his dark cloth and the unlit torch of Balder. Suni brandished his maces. Heimir grabbed his long sword with both hands. The group carefully stepped on the ice that covered the stone bridge. Cyrus saw the lake below. A sheet of ice covered its dark waters that went beneath the bridge and to an opening under the castle. To the west, the Minosian saw pines beyond the lake. An uneasy feeling besieged him, causing him to return his view towards the grand castle. Ice covered the stone built castle. Crows could be heard from atop its roofs. The high doors at the entrance were of iron make. Upon reaching the end of the bridge, Gunvor looked at those doors. Creaks and cracks could be heard as they opened. Hail from within blew against the voyagers. Hands and arms were brought to faces as more of the icy rain came.
“What is this mischief?!” said Stigr.
Cyrus peaked through a gap between his arms. Beyond the cold storm, he saw a mist. A shadow slowly approached them from it. The crows upon the roofs cawed louder.
Seeing the emerging dark figure, Stigr quickly turned his eyes from the doors.
“Everyone look away!” he shouted.
Gunvor kept a hand upon his eyes. Hildr, Suni, and Heimir shut their eyes. But Cyrus was allured by the one that arrived. He was entranced by the bluish glowing eyes of the white haired lady he saw. Though he wanted to look away, he couldn’t.
“You must be the treasure”, he said. “The divine gift wielded by the old kings of this land”.
“What are you saying Cyrus?!”, said Gunvor. “Cover your eyes!”
The lady of the castle went before Cyrus. Her frosty left hand grasped the black cloth he wore.
“You’ve traveled a dark road. Now behold your treasure”.
Cyrus felt uneasy. He began coughing uncontrollably.
“Cyrus, are you alright?” said Gunvor while keeping his hand over his eyes.
Cyrus held his neck, gasping for any cup of air he could take. Through his trembling, he looked at his left arm. It had become shiny and rigid, no longer under his beckoning. With a last turn of his head, he looked at Gunvor. Through his fingers, Gunvor was shocked at what had become of the Minosian.
“It was Brynja”
After saying this, Cyrus fell to the ground, shattering upon his fall. Gold is what the eyes of Gunvor now saw of his remains. The goldish right eye of Cyrus rolled before the boots of the archer. Gunvor reached down and picked it up, shedding a tear while looking over what was left of Cyrus.
“Monster!”, he shouted at the ominous lady.
With his eyes focused on the silver greaves of her legs, Gunvor quickly placed the gold eye in a pocket then shot an arrow towards her head.
“Caw!”
“What now?!” said Stigr.
Gunvor looked up. He found that his arrow had struck a winged beast that wore the armor of an Ullrkun. Unlike the others, its eyes had a purplish glow.
“Hrafn!”, said Gunvor.
Stigr and the others uncovered their eyes and saw the transformed warrior that stood ahead of the lady. He held his sword with his wings outstretched.
“Come and serve your Queen”, whispered the wintry lady behind Hrafn.
“Did you hear what she said?”, said Stigr, keeping his eyes on Hrafn.
Hildr looked to her left at Suni and Heimir. The two Ullrkuns fell to their knees, yelling loud enough to reach the distant mountains. Stigr looked behind. Dark feathers had spread across the skin of the warriors. Wings sprung from their backs, piercing holes into their body armor. Beaks had replaced their mouths and noses.
“Hildr!”, said Stigr. “Step away from them”.
Though startled, Hildr readied her bow. She went by Stigr who held his edge before the transformed warriors.
“Kill them then bring the gold to my chambers”, the cold lady told Hrafn before returning to the castle.
The feathered Ullrkun cawed then ripped the arrow from his chest. He rushed at Gunvor, his edge steered towards his chest. Gunvor hastily rolled across the icy ground, watching Hrafn pierce the air above him. Away from Hrafn, Gunvor leaped to his feet. He quickly took another arrow and shot it at Hrafn’s right shoulder. But Hrafn flapped his mighty wings, sending the arrow away from him.
“We need to retreat!” yelled Stigr.
He and Hildr dodged the blows of the feathered warriors they once knew. They had made their way to the bridge, avoiding slippage, blade, and mace.
“I only have a few arrows left”, said Hildr.
“Gunvor, we’re heading for the woods!”, said Stigr.
Though he could hear their words, Gunvor had kept his eyes upon his feathered friend. Hoping for any remembrance of his old self, Gunvor took the brass medallion from his pocket. He held it before the charging Hrafn.
“Caw!”
The beastly warrior halted. His purple eyes glared at the raven etched brass.
“Hrafn, you’re one of us”, said Gunvor. “Remember who you are”.
“Caw!”
Hrafn swung his sword at Gunvor. The archer had stepped back, only taking a cut from the edge’s tip on his right shoulder. Though slightly injured, Gunvor hurried after Stigr and Hildr.
“These ones are Crow Men now”, said Stigr as the three hurried over the bridge.
“Caw!”
“Caw!”
“Caw!”
Hrafn led the two other Crow Men into the air and after the fleeing Ullrkuns. Gunvor and Hildr shot arrows at the attacking Crow Men, keeping them from nearing. The warriors rushed up the mountain pass and into the woods, avoiding the claws of the winged beasts. Within the dark trees, Gunvor stopped. He removed the torch from his belt and relit it with the remaining fluid of his canister and glove. Stigr looked at the trees. Upon a bark, he found his symbol.
“This way”, he said to Gunvor and Hildr.
Stigr led them through the pines, following the etched symbols. More and more caws could be heard from the lurid skies the further they went.
“We’re almost back to Bord’s Pass”, said Hildr. “How will we face those things again?”
“We’ll have to hurry through them”, said Stigr.
By the end of the pines, Gunvor stared at the dark snowy grounds.
“Hildr, take these”, he said, while taking five arrows from his quiver.
“But this won’t be enough”.
“Stay near and use my torch to light your arrows”.
Hildr placed the arrows in her quiver and readied her bow.
“Let’s go”, said Stigr.
They headed into the darkness. Caws roamed the skies with fierce winds pushing against them. Two Crow Men immediately dove from the air, charging towards the warriors. Hildr quickly tipped an arrowhead within Gunvor’s torch. She shot the fire arrow at one of the flying beasts, striking its right wing. That Crow Man screeched from the flames that robbed its wing. It fell to the ground, writhing about the low snow. The other Crow Man struck its blade against Stigr’s edge. Sparks lit the grounds from the clash between Ullrkun and Crow Man. Though the winged beast was powerful, Stigr held his own. The Ullrkun swordsman avoided thrusts of the creature’s sword. Hildr lit another arrow and shot it at the distracted Crow Man, hitting its feathery neck. The Crow Man screeched and hurled its sword at her. The blade pierced Hildr’s left thigh, leaving her to fall into the snow.
“Hildr!” said Gunvor as he rushed to her side.
Angered, Stigr stabbed the Crow Man’s neck with his sword. He watched the beast fall before removing his blade.
“Hildr, can you still move?” said Gunvor.
“You two hurry ahead”, she said while gathering her bow and arrows. “I’ll hold as many back as I can”.
“Gunvor”, said Stigr who approached them.
The swordsman cut a few strands of hair from his head. He handed them to the archer.
“Take this to Harjit. Tell him my warriors fought valiantly”.
“But we should all go together”, said Gunvor. “I can’t lose anyone else”.
Stigr patted Gunvor on his right shoulder.
“Find a way to save your friend. And our deaths will not be in vain”.
Though saddened, Gunvor left the torch in the ground by Stigr and Hildr. With one last look at them, he headed into the dark. From a distance, he could see the shadowy figures of the winged beasts approaching them. Yells and screeches were heard as a tear trickled down Gunvor’s cheek.
“I have lost so many for just one”, Gunvor said to himself.
He looked ahead. A faint light that glowed and dimmed caught his eye.
“The end of the Pass”, he uttered.
Gunvor hurried to the light. Though the snow had thickened, he trudged forward.
“Caw!”
Gunvor felt a hard knock against his back, sending him into the snow. The archer quickly stood with his bow. He looked back and saw a pair of purplish eyes, glowing in the dusk.
“Hrafn”, said Gunvor while fetching an arrow.
The feathered Ullrkun cawed again then attacked Gunvor. His sword pierced the evading warrior’s fur coat. Gunvor shot an arrow below the glowing eyes, aiming for a shoulder. But Hrafn caught his arrow and snapped it. Hrafn swung his blade from right to left, just missing Gunvor’s forehead. The archer rolled away from him. He took another arrow and shot in the direction of the vibrant eyes. A fierce wind threw him and the arrow back from the flapping of Hrafn’s wings. Again Hrafn pushed Gunvor to the ground, but this time placing a boot upon his chest. Gunvor gasped for air. He could no longer see his friend who’d closed his eyes. Hrafn held his sword above Gunvor’s head.
“I’m sorry Stigr”, uttered Gunvor through gasps. “I’m sorry Cyrus. I’ve failed you all”.
Before Gunvor could shut his eyes, he saw that a pocket of his was luminous. He quickly reached within it, and retrieved the vibrant object. A goldish light surrounded the archer, causing Hrafn to caw and step away from him. Gunvor saw that he was holding the golden eye of Cyrus that he’d taken earlier. More caws could be heard from above Gunvor. But neither Hrafn nor the other Crow Men attacked him, merely watching from afar.
“Hrafn, I’ve failed you again”, said Gunvor while holding the shiny eye and returning to his feet. “But someday I will find a way to save you. And I will honor those that have given their lives in doing so”.
With one last look at the purple eyed warrior, Gunvor turned away from him and headed for the end of Bord’s Pass.