The path to new goals: Training with nightshade

Zarrara became increasingly impatient and wanted to settle the matter as quickly as possible. But just as he was about to turn around with Mortis, he suddenly heard a "Stop!" This caused everyone to turn around and see what was going on. It was Algrim Greenmane, riding up with several armed men in armor.

"What is the meaning of this, dwarf?" asked Zarrara. "My wife is escorting the women of the human king to the north. So I thought I might as well stretch my legs and join in. After all, we invited ourselves to this meeting, and it would be a fitting gesture," Algrim explained.

Zarrara shrugged and said, "Do what you will, dwarf. But what about the other troops that have gathered here? Even vampires in the midday sun - you've got to be kidding."

Mortis patted Zarrara on the shoulder and said, "It's fine the way it is. The more we are, the better, though I would prefer to send the women north with us. We can still make good use of them."

Zarrara thought for a moment and finally agreed, "Hmm, you're probably right. We don't know what that devious weasel is up to. We should be armed then, especially since we can't fight at full strength anyway."

So different squads rode outside the city, where they separated at the gates to go different ways. Mortis hesitated for a moment, for he had to say goodbye to all his women. They planned to each go their own ways for the next two days, especially with the troops from the north, so as not to disappoint the counts.

Edna, Helga, Marina, Elara, Elysia and Kathrin set off for the Tyrol. Leonie stayed with Shiva to continue paying attention to politics, while Valeria and Jasmin roamed the stores to check the market and see what was needed and how the situation could be improved. Lumina took care of the children, teaching the two girls manners and how to deal with boys as time passed quickly and they grew up.

Mortis personally said goodbye to each of his wives and then swung on Nightshade to head south with the highborn.

The troops marched in well-coordinated and disciplined formations, with only the expectant king amusing himself with Nightshade, for the young dog still had much to learn, as did Mortis in handling him in various combat situations. Since the dog was smart, he could be helpful in fighting the Cyclops and did his job well. Still, there was always room for improvement, and they both needed to practice. So why not practice along the way with a troop where they were safe from enemy attack.

Mortis swung his scythe alternately right and left, watching how Nightshade behaved. The dog remained calm and unimpressed, seeing the training as a game. However, he also had to learn to pace evenly, especially when Mortis was on his back to keep his balance. Likewise, he always kept an eye on Mortis when he jumped off and walked beside him, to be ready to support his master in any position.

The Countess of Vampires watched the two attentively and seriously, ready to meet any challenge. But with the dog Mortis played like a carefree child. Zarrara snorted and said, "This is not a game, watch carefully. Both are getting faster, more accurate and more dangerous. This magnificent animal, if he can continue to develop, could make a great king dog. He is very smart and perceptive. He knows what Mortis wants, and they coordinate perfectly. But I wonder where he got this extraordinary dog. His mere appearance makes us animal people shiver."

Algrim interjected into the conversation, "Not only the dog, but the guardians are a rarity. I know of no dwarf capable of making such a thing. It seems that this hero is truly blessed."

Suddenly, a loud stomach growl was heard. Mortis laughed and said, "It seems the training has made you hungry, too. Let's go hunting for a bit then." When Mortis said this, Nightshade yowled in delight and took a deep breath through the air. When he caught a whiff of an enticing scent, his expression turned serious, and a dark mist surrounded him and Mortis. In the next moment, they were invisible to anyone as they sprinted into the dark forest.

Through the shadows, the wolf ran past small prey that nevertheless looked dangerous, until he spotted a large stag trudging unsuspectingly through the forest with its colorful antlers. Suddenly, the dog jumped out of the shadows and attacked the stag right at the neck. Mortis was impressed with Nightshade's new ability and was not about to let the stag suffer needlessly. He assisted Nightshade by driving the blade of his scythe into the deer's skull with full force, killing it instantly.

Nightshade immediately wanted to pounce on the massive animal, but Mortis stopped him. Otherwise, the dog would have ruined the beautiful leather and other materials. So the dog had to be patient while Mortis skinned the animal. He put the meat aside for Nightshade to eat later.

After the dog finished eating, Mortis packed the deer carcass into his magic ring and set off with Nightshade to join the convoy.

After several hours, they neared their destination, but now they still had the task of finding a ship that would take them to the small island where Helius the Beastman had gathered his dark allies and dark demons.