Chapter - 9

I sat there with my head buried into max's shoulder, tears streaming from my eyes. I had decided to stay there for a moment as I put myself back together. I looked up to Max, the left side of his face was covered in a bloody bandage, I was about to ask if he was okay but felt a sharp pain in my stomach, I looked down and saw myself covered in bloody bandages. I placed my hand on my stomach holding it tightly. With every breath I took, I felt a sharp pain, I let out a deep breath as I attempted to stand. "Easy boy, do not move to hastily, you will reopen those wounds," Max said as he placed his hands on my shoulders to make sure I didn't stand up. I looked up at him and asked, "Are you okay? Are my men okay? Where is the dragon? How many of them die-" Max cut me off and said, "Calm down, I will explain everything once you have eaten and relaxed." I stared at him with sadness in my face. I nodded in acceptance. Max walked out of my tent to gather some food and drink for me. I just sat there my mind blank, I had tried to remember what happened but my mind was blank.

A while had passed before Max had returned, he brought me some water and some warm fresh cooked meat. I took it without hesitation, I began to eat, every time I swallowed I felt a sharp pain in my stomach, but I was so hungry I ignored the pain and kept on eating.

Max sat beside me, he had a grim expression on his face, I was scared to ask him about what had happened. I was silent for a moment, but I needed to know what happened. With all my might I squeezed the words out "What happened, I want to know everything" Max looked at me, his face had crusted blood around his bandage and had several bruises on his face. He took a deep breath and began to speak.

"We killed the beast. It can no longer terrorize these lands. Two of our men were killed in battle. Dreng and Egil are now feasting with the gods. Most of our men are injured and may not be able to carry on." Max explained as I heard the names of the two men that had died my heart stopped, I could feel the blood drain from my face as the memories of the men being torn apart by the beast flooded back to me, their screams echoed in my mind. I looked at Max with a look of agony, rage, and guilt and asked "How long have I been asleep.", "Three days," he replied. I looked back to my stomach for a moment, I clenched my fists and closed my eyes, I swung my body around so my feet were on the ground now, I took a deep breath and pushed myself up off the bed. Max rose and said "No boy! You will hurt yourself!" he attempted to grab me but I swung his hand away. He was shocked by the sudden movement and looked at me confused. My head was facing the ground, I was on my feet now. Max tried once more to place his hand on my shoulder but I then slowly straightened my back. I looked straight into his eyes, he was shocked by the expression I had on my face. I was no longer filled with fear, My expression was filled with pride, rage, honor, and determination. "I refuse to rest any longer, I am the leader. And I refuse to rest any longer, I will not let my men remember me as someone who rests when times are this tough. It is my duty to honor the dead and prove to my men I am a capable leader." A grin crept onto Max's face, he nodded towards me and stepped aside soi could leave the tent.

As I stepped out of the tent I could feel the sun against my skin, it was warm and reliving in away. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the light, as my eyes adjusted I saw my men gathered around in a circle in complete silence. One of the men saw me standing in front of my tent, his jaw hung open and his face was filled with amazement, the other men were confused as to why he had this look on his face, and slowly one by one they turned to face me, they where all in shock and I heard whispers going around them. I began my slow walk towards them, with every step I took they made less and less noise. I held my head up high with pride, I was now a few steps away from my men, they all waited patiently for me to speak. I took a deep breath and began to speak "Brothers, we have suffered great losses on this excursion. We lost two great fighters, they may not be with us but we will not let their legacy die. They died fighting for their village, for their families, for all of us. The gods will welcome them into Valhalla with open arms. From this day forth they will be feasting with the gods. May they never be forgotten. Dauði ok stolt!" My men placed their hands on their chests and joined me chanting Dauði ok stolt, which means Death And Pride.

Cheers started to rise from my men, they were no longer gloomy but they were now content with the loss of their brethren as they knew they were feasting with the gods in Valhalla.

I asked one of my men to gather the elder warriors in my tent so we may discuss our plan of action. About an hour had passed, now inside my tent was myself, Max, a battle veteran named Bodolf, his hair was long and had grey streaks running throughout his hair. We all sat around a table, Bodolf was the first to speak "The men are in a very bad state, and I do not believe they will be able to carry on the hunt." he said with his deep intimidating voice. "We have taken down a great beast, I believe there are a few smaller dragons still lurking in these woods." Max said Bodolf replied with "A dragon is a dragon, even the smallest ones alive are capable of killing a man", "I have faith in our men, we can handle it." Max said with an irritated tone, "You would send good men to die!" replied Bodolf, "How dare you!" shouted Max. I slammed my fist on the table, both of them jumped slightly, I had a serious expression on my face and began to speak "The men are tired, they are grieving the loss of two great warriors. They are injured. We have come far. But to stay out here and endure another battle with weakened men would be suicide. Some may see it as running away, but I care more for the lives of my brothers than my pride. I am the leader of this hunt and my decision is final. We will return to the village and inform the chief of what has happened. And if he sees fit we will send out those who can still fight to return and kill the rest of the dragons. Are there any objections?" both of the men looked at me and bowed their heads in agreement. "Good, we leave at first light tomorrow. Bodolf, you will inform the men and prepare them for the journey back. Max, you will help those who require medical attention." They both nodded at me, they then rose and placed their hands on their chest with respect to my decision and left the tent.

I laid back down on my bed, my stomach was in a great deal of pain. As I laid down my mind began to think of Asta, I needed to see her, I needed to keep my promise. I thought of her warm touch against my face, her soft skin and her beautiful eyes, I wanted to have her in my arms, I wanted to feel the soft touch of her lips pressed against mine. "Asta.," I whispered before passing out.