The War for the woodlands pt2

*Big thanks to Charlie Puente-Duany for your continuous support*

At the entrance of the village two groups stood as two men faced one another, "come back alive brother" Arthor finally spoke as he shook hands with his brother, "of course I will" Benjen responded as he let go and began heading towards his group.

"Oi Benjen, I'm serious if you die I'll bring you back and kill you myself" Arthor called out to his brother with a wide smirk. His words caused for Benjen to burst out in laughter, "Hey hey, you may be the high chief now but don't forget I'm still your older brother brat!".

With those final words Benjen got upon his Unicorn and led his men away from the clan. Arthor watched his brother leave before turning to his father who stood at the entrance with a few of his good men at his side.

"We are leaving father, the clan is yours to hold until we return" Harwood responded with a smirk on his face, resting his hand upon his waist "Do not forget I led this tribe before you. It will be safe, and anyone who tries to invade will meet my axe".

"If all goes according to plan then none will meet your axe this winter" Arthor placed his hand upon his father's shoulders. Giving a smile of his own before setting off with his own group on foot, Harwood watched them vanish beyond the tree line before heading back into the village to see Shyra wo was leading other wood witches to perform some rituals.

"You refuse to see him off yet pray for him?" Harwood stopped looking at Shyra with curious eyes. Shyra simply turn around to face him keeping numb for a second before she spoke.

"The tribe needs a devil, that does not mean I must love said devil", Shyra's words caused Harwood to squeeze his fist with his jaws tightening and his lips thinning.

"To call a man's son a devil before him, Shyra you get bolder with each passing day" the frosty tone Harwood spoke in seemed to invade the bones of those who heard his words.

Shyra tilted her head looking at Harwood before she let out a sigh. "He may not have revealed himself just yet..." those eyes she saw flashed in her mind once more, "but one day he will, maybe you will be alive to see it maybe you won't. But at that time, Skagos, the mainland and even the people across the narrow sea, they will all see him as I do".

With her words she left Harwood who was frowning at her retreating figure.

********

A few days had passed and already a tribe had fallen under them, Benjen's men were swift in taking down the paltry defense of the ones who stood in their way.

Their quick victory was the cause of their celebration as they sat around a fire passing goats milk laughing and telling tales.

Benjen watched it all with a faint smile as he knew the true enemy would soon be upon them. He had seen the animals who had observing them, he knew the wargs had notified the enemy of their presence which only left the question of how many of his men would return home with him.

"Oi quit at it with the moping would ya!" Benjen turned to the man who had bumped into him. He was wrapped up in his furs but they did little to hide the figure under them.

"Nay, Locke I'd rather keep my wits about me for the battles to come." Benjen chuckled to his friend, "Bah!" Locke slapped Benjen's back as he plopped beside him. Taking a swig from the wineskin he turned to Benjen once more, "don't tell me the Undying is afraid of a little drink".

Locke shook the wineskin before Benjen, and spoke in a teasing tone, with a short laugh Benjen grabbed the wineskin and took in the one with one draught. *hah* Benjen let out a breath which formed a mist before him.

"Haha that's the spirit, nothing gets a man more pumped for battle than wine in your veins."

"Wine? you sure this isn't piss?"

"Bahaha maybe it is!" The two broke out in laughter at that. "So tommorow aye?" Locke questioned loosing his jovial tone, "wargs been watching us for a long time took a few done but there be more eyes watching us all"

Benjen looked up at the stars letting out another sigh before continuing. "The strong arms already know bout us, they were just waiting for the red bones and white tusks. I won't be surprised if we meet all three in the battlefield on the morrow".

"It would be a blood bath" Locke spoke as he realized just how fucked they were. "aye it will be" Benjen spoke as he took another swing "but it will be their blood we bathe in".

Locke had a wolfish grin as he heard those words, "aye we best have a good bath then" the two burst out laughing as they thoughts of the battle that awaited them.