We Must Sacrifice

A large envoy is stationed outside the gates of Solgrad. Many of the kingdom’s citizens are present to see their princess off.

The town they will travel to is Selby, a small trading center near land in which every realm shares a border. It’s been a decade since the last meeting between all five realms and the leaders of Selby began immediate preparations after word from Freydis.

The journey itself will take a week, though only because the envoy wishes to take their time to ensure Freydis’s safety.

Ingrid, Alvis, and Runa are the three captains assigned to the envoy. With them are 20 of the strongest Solgrad guards, and the three visitors from Sanctuary.

“You three. Should anything happen, protect yourselves, the others here are tasked with protecting Freydis.” Ingrid said before approaching Sigrun, “So you are the one with the communication blessing. We could make a lot of money together.”

“It’s not as simple as you think.”

“Unfortunate then. Remember what I said, protect yourselves. Although, your parents are well off, I may consider helping for a price.”

After Freydis finishes her goodbyes to the people of the kingdom, she boards the carraige with her guest and the envoy sets off.

“What I am going to do?!” Freydis scratches her head as the envoy journeys forward.

Although she kept a brave face in front of her people, her worries about the meeting only continue to build.

“What should I say? What if I make things worse?”

“I think you will do fine, princess. If you are earnest as you have been with our people, then I believe they will reciprocate.” Runa said.

“But we’re meeting with the leaders of the five realms, I’m sure they will all be frightening to speak with.”

“Do you know any of them?” Eiric said.

“Only by name. Liva of Musfiraal, Hilda of Helgard, Fenric of Vidrvale, and Bjorn of Askrheim. The relationships between their realms are tame at best, it’s only Mithold that receives threats.”

“I assure you that they will be willing to hear you. None wish for war, though convincing them will be difficult. If nothing else, we can ask for a nonaggression pact while the five pieces of Ygdrasil are collected.”

“That would be best. It is the fear of an invasion that keeps everyone on edge. Even one small thing could make all the difference. Ok! I’m sorry everyone, I’ll give it my best!”

“Hold!”

The envoy is stopped. Runa joins the soldiers of the envoy as they surround a hooded figure that keeps their hands raised before removing their hood as careful as possible.

“Leif of the revolutionaries! Are you here to attack us?” A soldier asked.

“If he wanted to attack us, he would have done so a long time ago, he is here at my request.” Alvis approaches Leif, “Thank you for coming.”

“You didn’t tell them? They almost took my head off you know.”

“I had my doubts about my old friends allowing any captain to join us. But I’d like to have as much protection as possible on this journey.”

“Well, at least the lovely Ingrid isn’t quick to attack.” Leif smirks at Ingrid who remains seated atop Freydis’s carraige holding an open umbrella.

“Don’t flatter yourself dear, I wasn’t paid to fight weaklings today.”

“Weakling you say.” Leif summons his wand but is stopped by Alvis.

“Please, she finds no greater pleasure than getting under another’s skin.”

“I see. I’ll allow it, anything to make a senior feel better.”

“One more word and you’re dead kid.”

After Leif and Ingrid are separated from their yelling match, the envoy continues forward. Alvis joins Runa with the others inside the carraige.

“Runa, now that Leif is here, I want you to avoid using your blessed weapon. You have been putting too much stress on yourself as of late using it.”

“Have you been using it for a long time?” Eiric said, aware of the sacrifices needed to use such a weapon.

“Longer than I should have. I used them in the battle between realms, we needed every advantage we could get.”

“Runa is accredited for being a major part of preventing the other realms from advancing far into Mithold. Alongside Alvis and Tyran, they’ve kept our people safe for years.”

“But I am much weaker than need be to have such an effect. Vili and Ve allowed me to help everyone. Even at the great cost, I’m willing to give it all to protect Solgrad and Mithold. But…”

“You don’t have a lot left to give.” Alvis said, “What if you end with nothing more than your life, or the memories of your husband?”

“He would understand. He would find me.”

“There is no need to do that, you are strong enough alone. And soon, we will be at peace, I promise.”

Runa smiles. “I believe so as well.”

“Good.” Alvis grabs an information book created by staff of the castle, “We have all the information we’ve gathered over the years on every leader that will be at Selby. Since all realms haven’t gathered like this in years, our priority is to make sure there are no problems. What happens inside I will leave to you, Freydis.”

“I will do my best, but I hope the presence of you three will help.”

“Won’t they fear us?” Vilgur said.

“It is possible, btu demons were once part of the realms as well. I believe they will return one day; I’ll make sure they are welcomed.”

“You’re taking a lot of responsibility; you should let us take care of that. At least, that is what dad wants.” Sigrun said.

“Does Keldan ever mention his old teammates?” Alvis said.

“Only that he used to travel with a group of troublemakers.” Vilgur said.

“Hahaha, we were the strongest of Mithold. Remember you three, you have to become stronger than even myself, the other realms have plenty of warriors at my level that you may have to fight with or against. But all in due time, I say now is a good time to rest.”

The envoy sets camp on a hill overlooking the ocean. The soldiers sit around campfires as Freydis sits at the edge of the hill overlooking the moonlit waves.

At her side sits Vilgur. Both watch Sigrun and Eiric down below dancing in the water.

“How romantic. How long have they been together?”

“Hmm, seven years now? They often dance like this at night.”

“It’s beautiful. They’re so close and in sync. It’s like they’ve been dancing together for eternity. Can you dance?”

“I can’t. But I’d like to learn.”

“What you need is the right partner. Maybe after all of this is done we can give it a try.”

“I’d like that. Thank you, for trying to help us demons as well.”

“Of course. Wherever the rest of the demon race is, they will be welcome to Mithold and hopefully the rest of Ymirra as well. I can’t wait; I want a world united.”

“Do you think it is possible?”

“It’s difficult to imagine, but I believe it is. Unfortunately, I think it will take great danger for it to become reality. I believe the angels will be that great danger. Anything worse than that we may not survive hahaha.”

“Even if it is something greater, I’ll beat them.”

“If you won’t give up then I won’t either. We’ll take them down together, the four of us.”

“Hmmm, hm hm hm.” Sigrun hums as she dances with Eiric.

Their bodies are close, her head rests on Eiric’s shoulder. They have no memories of dancing together in previous lives, yet their bodies, their souls, lead their steps. It is in these moments that Sigrun feels safest, where she believes she will never lose Eiric again.

Eiric pulls away, spinning Sigrun before pulling her back in with her back turned to him. Their steps continue, the ocean and moon watching the two as they continue to twirl and waltz in the water.

“Eiric, can we stay like this forever?”

“I don’t mind.”

“Then I will find a way.”

“Sigrun, I’m not sure you keep looking for me, but I understand why I always call for you. I don’t tell you enough.”

“Tell me.”

“The world is beautiful when you are at my side. I believe in myself, I believe we will succeed. I don’t know how many times you have searched for me, but I’ll never stop trying to give the world you deserve.”

“I only want a world with you at my side.”

“Then I will do my best to make it happen.”

“No.” Sigrun turns, pulling Eiric close enough to steal a kiss, “I will make it happen. The moon is my witness, the shadows around me my supporters, I will make it happen.”

“Shall we have a competition then?”

“Oh you.” Sigrun rests her head on Eiric’s shoulders once more, “When I win, I’d like to live on a farm with you.”

“When I win, I’ll bring you back here to gloat. Then, a farm would be nice.”