Chapter 10: The Decision

(Ace POV)

As the days passed and Father returned, we learned that there was one last enemy encampment on the beach shore to get rid of. The plan was to deal with them and head back home, but I had other plans. I decided to journey to Norway and adventure around before returning home.

Making up my mind, I kept my decision to myself for the time being until we dealt with the enemies on our lands.

We prepared all the supplies needed, heading to the last stop of this war campaign. You can see the excitement on the faces of the surviving men Since they knew that once we won this battle, they would return home to their wives and families.

.......

After traveling for two days, we reached the enemy's camp. It was much more guarded than the camps made inland since they also had to guard their boats that dock there. The plan was simple. It was to split into two groups, having one man sneak in to set the ships on fire as a distraction so that the second group could rush in while the enemy was trying to put out the fire to catch them off guard.

All agreeing on the plan, we sorted out the groups, with me volunteering to be the one to set fire to the boats. I admit that I had ulterior motives for doing this. I will create an illusion on everyone that I lit all the ships ablaze while secretly saving one, then during their celebration, I will say goodbye to my brothers and start my journey to Norway.

Commencing with my mission, I created distance from the other before casting a notice-me-not charm on myself, making sneaking into the enemy camp as easy as walking into my house.

Walking down to where the ships were docked, I lit fire to them all except one, waving my hand and placing it under cover of an illusion charm of the same boat burning.

(General POV)

The men grew restless in the distance, watching from a hill and waiting for the signal they needed before they started their last battle. "What's taking him so long? It's just setting a couple of boats on fire; a child could do it." One of the men spoke in an agitated tone.

"Oh, shut it, will you? I bet you would probably die before seeing the docks, much less reaching the ships." Chief Gunnar replied.

"There! I see smoke coming from where the ships are!" Another man shouted, catching everyone's attention.

"Seeing this, Gunnar couldn't help but smile. "Ha, the boy did it, Mikael; you have a good son there, alright men, let's go win this war!" he shouts, unsheathing his sword, and runs down with all the men doing the same running behind him.

(Ace POV)

Perching on top of a wooden post probably placed here for torturing people, I looked off into the distance. Using a spell to enhance vision, I see the guys running down the hill, charging toward the camp entrance. "Looks like the final show for this campaign is ending, so let's make it spectacular," I said, looking down at the enemies below, trying their best to douse the flames on the boats.

Unsheathing my sword, I jump off the post right into the middle of a bunch of men, startling them and causing them to spill the water in the buckets that they are holding. " End of the road, men, say hi to Hel when you see him in the underworld."

Dashing forward to the nearest man, I swung my sword, decapitating him and starting another massacre on my part.

.........

"ARRRGGGHHH"

Stabbing my sword through the last enemy, I look around to see the other men falling to the ground in relief that the campaign is over and that they have survived. I can't blame them, war is a lot more brutal than you can tell from seeing it on a television screen or hearing stories, and it will only get more so in the future.

Walking over to my brothers and ensuring they were okay, I looked for my father, finding him with the chief talking about the usual who gets what stuff. After sorting out the spoils, the celebration officially began with the men singing and drinking by a bonfire they set up in the middle of the camp.

Sharing a few drinks with my brother, I informed them of my departure before they got too drunk to remember. "Elijah, Finn, I have something to tell you both, and I know you won't like it, but it's something that I have chosen to do, so you can't stop me."

"And what is your plan that we won't like, Ace?"

"I will be making a voyage northwest to Norway." I said, looking both of them in the eyes."

"What! What about us, your family? What about Mother, Klaus, Kol, Rebekah, and Henrick? why are you making such a foolish decision?" Elijah, the family man as always, started firing questions nonstop.

"He is right, Ace; how are we supposed to explain this to them, especially Mother? She will be devastated hearing the news," Finn added, giving me a stern look.

"I know, but I won't get a chance like this again. Plus, it's not like I don't plan to return; I will return before I turn 24 name days."

I said, staring down into my now empty cup.

"Gods Ace, do you know how long that is to be away from home? Also, there is no way for us to gain any news about whether you will be alive or dead!" Elijah said in anger, with Finn nodding along.

"I know it's a long time, but it must be done; as for news about my life or death, Mother will have a way, do not ask how; just know that she will." putting down my cup, I got up and stretched my back. Looking back at them afterward, I continued, "Anyways, it has been decided, and you can not stop me; I will be leaving tonight. I will miss you and the others, but this is a journey I must make." I finished saying, picking up my sword, placing it on my back, and taking my leave to the boat.

(General POV)

Looking at his back, Finn and Elijah did not know what to say or do as this was something they never expected to happen. Ace was right; they could not stop him, so the only thing that they could do was begrudgingly accept his choice and wish him a safe trip.

"Just do not die on us out there, or I swear to the gods I will find a way to bring you back from the dead and kill you myself!" Elijah said, shouting at his back.

"And keep your word of coming back before your 24th name day, or we will come hunting for you!" Finn added.

Hearing their shouts, Ace waved while walking off into the night. Neither Elijah nor Finn saw the broad smile he had on his face that his brothers supported his choice.

Watching Ace's figure disappear into the darkness, Finn turned to Elijah, "So which of us is going to tell Father?"

Elijah just looked at him, unable to say anything because that situation would be scarier than any battlefield.

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A.N.:(I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter and the ending of the war campaign. Next stop is Norway, where a new adventure awaits.)