Trouble in Dead Town

"We are not doing well."

The man in a brown cloak said. Hildr detected resignation in his voice.

To sum up what has transpired, Hildr and Thrall finally found a lead to their destination. Unfortunately, it seems they are going to meet The Fallen sooner. It's not like the valkyrja complained about it, but for once after a chain of hectic events that has been happening, she wanted at least a smooth flight. Back at the matter at hand, they are going to face fallens who were known as vampires.

She recognized them immediately. Phrumen's long lecture has been proven fruitful. She wondered if her armor could withstand their attack. Especially how much it can penetrate it before those vampires' fangs reach her skin. Hildr is wary of this curse transferring Phrumen mentioned before. Getting bitten by vampires is said to turn anyone into a blood-sucking monster.

It seems Thrall took notice of distress.

"Something clouding your hugr (thoughts), Valkyrja?"

Hidr noticed she had been opening and closing her palms repeatedly.

"A little anxious," she admitted. "I–we never fought these enemies."

Thrall crossed his arms, looking thoughtful. "True, but we'll move forward or else we'll become a root."

"You are right," Hildr said, then turning her head to the brown cloaked man, Noah. "Can you tell us what your purpose is here?"

Noahsadiik rubs his head, er, hood. "To be honest, we don't have one. Quite simply, we are trying to survive and maybe help those in need along the way."

"I don't think sending explosive javelins is helpful." Hidr remarked sarcastically.

Noahsadiik raised his hands in defense. "You have to understand, both of you came from the direction that we haven't thread."

"The Root?"

"Yes–wait, root?"

Hildr pointed at the giant…root.

"Huh, so for you that is normal. Where I came from it was called The Tower."

The valkyrja internally snickered. Guess someone has the same notes as Phrumen.

"Names aside," she said. "Can your folk trust us now if we told you our aim?"

"I don't see any harm to it. You have breached our defenses and maybe…" Noahsadiik judgingly looked up to both Waydyntale agents. "...could tear us apart with ease."

Both said agents looked away for a moment.

Hildr coughed. "We are traveling to a land called Arc Luna. It was west of here which–" she pointed at the ruined city. "We have to pass through here."

Having said that, she does realize something. "I have been wondering. Your folk stationed themselves here. Isn't it peculiar that you know nothing of the ongoings around… the tower as you put it?"

"Have you seen how long the fall goes down?"

At that, Hildr cringed internally. Few moments ago she and Thrall fought tooth to nail to even reach the top. These people's size are already dead giveaway of their caution.

"Still, the dokkalfar, er, elf lady could have told you."

"All she said is to look for someone with association to 'Phrumen'," Noahsadiik said. "We have been sailing this green dank waters for a long time,"

He deeply breathes. "And now we are stranded here after our ship got caught by the seas' stream."

Hildr thought for a moment. With all of this having been said, she wondered how to deal with those flying menaces and maybe assist these small folk. She considered calling Fjorm and just flew west of here or…clear the path for these people. Therefore, leaving them. She can't have that, who knows what dangers lurk around here. Telling them to stay put is a no-no either. They could do a joint skirmish in the city, but…she can't guarantee their safety.

In times like this, perhaps she could ask for a second opinion.

"Thrall–" she stopped, noticing the aforementioned man tapping all the small folks' shoulders.

'What are you doing?' she called to him telepathically.

'Adding more confidants.' came his answer.

'But why–"

[It's to allow them to speak to us.]

Oh, that makes sense.

Beside her, Noahsadiik seems to approve of the larger man's action. When the last of the men finished, Hildr called Thrall closer.

"Something in your mind?" Asked the Jotunn.

"How do you think we should proceed?"

Thrall struck a thinking pose. After a minute and so, "I suggest Arc Luna can wait. This city is not."

"Can I ask why?"

"Simple, we can't leave these people alone. And besides, there will be hurdles in the skies with those winged Fallen roaming around."

Her thoughts exactly. She could have voiced the same words earlier. But it seems ever since she arrived here, she started to doubt many things, even herself. Back to the matter at hand, Thrall was right, she can't leave these people alone either. Her heart refuses.

And so it was decided, she and Thrall along with the small folk will plan a skirmish inside the city. The Fallen hasn't reached the vicinity yet, but it doesn't hurt to repair the damage the larger fellows have caused. Of course, some materials are unreachable. Thus, the results are…

"It's alright," Noahsadiik commented. "This encampment is not ours in the first place."

"Any clues of your predecessor?" Thrall asked.

Noahsadiik shook his head. "It was already shabby long before you burst in. But, look at the bright side! Both of you are here."

Hildr sheepishly scratched her chee–the side of her helmet. "Hehe, our presence doesn't guarantee much, you know?"

"I agree with her in a sense," Thrall added. "But, it doesn't hurt to try."

Curse these men with their optimism. Why are they so firm in their choices?

The Waydyntale agents stayed up at the encampment after the clean up, both volunteered to take watch after…well, what they have done. Noahsadiik assured them that there is no need, but they insist. Now, Hildr and Thrall have to endure the monotonous atmosphere of guard duty. And there is the large amount of darkness around them, literally. Their lanterns at least gave them a contrast here. She doesn't complain, it's just that it brings back memories.

How long was it? The last time she was sitting in one spot? Ever since she finished her training, Hildr was thrusted immediately in herding thralls to battle. It is not the ideal life she envisioned. Rallying a rowdy bunch of vile individuals is the opposite of side by side with warriors of esteemed prestige. After all, the latter is what everyone promised. Besides, she is not the only one who has to endure it.

Thanks to a certain warlord, the increase of thralls reached an unprecedented level. Solblom Blomstraveturson might be "dead", but his ideas always live on.

Speaking of which, she had been wondering something too.

"Thrall."

"Hm?"

He is gripping that special axe. The one he used to parry the explosive javelins.

"How long was it since we ever met?"

"Hm, let's see," he said. "Around two hundred and forty winters."

Hildr softly laughed. "Impressive. I haven't kept track of numbers lately."

"When your downtime is being chained and doing nothing, it's bound to happen you will pick up hobbies to entertain hazy thoughts."

"Yeah, the curse…"

"Don't sound so glum," he assured. "Tis' just how it works."

Hildr is about to say something, but she holds her tongue. She realized what she wanted to ask is not appropriate now. They are still just people with common goals. Even after the stunt they pulled together and the trust she had given to him, it doesn't feel right…to ask.

She heard Thrall audibly inhale, his shoulders relaxed, hands still on the axe's handle. "Still feeling shame?"

She looked at him and then looked down. He read her like an open book. Her helmet dematerialized, letting her blond locks flow gently to the ground.

"I…yes. So many things I have done, and perhaps…the shame we valkyrjur carry," she pressed her palms together, trying to compose herself. "I am beginning to doubt myself."

Thrall didn't say anything, intently listening to what she said.

"I have told you at least a fraction of what is happening back at home, but it's more than that. Especially valkyrjur,"

"Thrall, what do you think of the War Maidens of Aislare?"

"Hm, honorable women who are fierce and headstrong in their duty to lift the spirits of warriors."

"Such an ideal look, doesn't it?" Hildr meant it had a jab.

"I still believe it." Yet her companion replied.

Hildr turned to Thrall, smiled at his words. "I wish we were like that. Not anymore."

"They still are, I have seen the living proof now."

"Please, I don't need your pity."

"I am not."

"If I was a good valkyrja I would have cared for the thralls I rallied. I would not turn blind to their plight and–"

Thrall cuts her off. "You mistaken me as the representation of every thrall. Let me tell you something, Valkryja," he is now looking straight at her. "I might be the only exception. Do not sympathize with every evil."

"Are you saying you are still 'evil'?"

"What do you think?"

Hildr pursed her lips. Loss at words at Thrall's question. Increasing her worries more should both of them thread further. She taps her temple, trying to calm herself.

"One day, you will give me the answer. We can't afford to be doubtful, Valkyrja. Believe what you can. I trust your heart can guide you."

She didn't reply, letting his words float in her mind. When the small folks awake, she managed to bury their conversation deep enough for her to focus on the task at hand. One of the purple garbed soldiers approached her.

"Peace be upon you, I came to bring you a gift," He presents a tool, a stick that has a trigger underneath it and a pouch full of shiny crystals. "A token from The Lancer."

"'Lancer?'"

"The honorable man, Beyefendi Noah Sadiik."

Hildr picked the tool, getting herself accustomed to its handle. "How do I use this?"

The soldier pulled out his own, although smaller. He raised the tool and aimed at the ground. Turns out Hildr has been doing it wrong. She was supposed to hold the parts where it is thinner and the trigger nearby. She thought the wide barrel were the handle. After all, isn't this supposed to be thrown? Back to the soldier, he continued the demonstration.

The trigger underneath the stick is pulled. It let out a blast that left quite a lot of damage on the ground. Oh, and it is loud. Very loud.

"We call this manacasters. Yours is the one known as handcannon, and it is very powerful. Tread carefully."

Hildr repeated what the soldier had done. The handcannon as he put it, is indeed powerful. It left more decals than the soldier's

"I like it, I take it this is a potent tool against our soon to be adversaries?"

The soldier nods. "Yes, not just that actually. All our weaponry works against them, though, it doesn't say much when we are easily ripped apart if we are not careful."

A handy tool, she admits. Cannons back at home were still an experimental weapon. To think these small folks managed to make them into these small handy sticks. She wondered what kind of wonders their people do besides their weaponry.

"Any other tricks you have?" Hildr asked.

"We have our energy shields."

She tilted her head.

The soldier pulled a knife and began to lightly slash his own torso. Hildr instinctively tried to stop him, but she soon met with a peculiar barrier emitted from his body. So, that is what he means with "energy shields".

The soldier looked back at her. "I am afraid we don't have spare ones for this."

Hildr waved her hands. "No need, my armor is enough."

"I hope so, lady. Come, we shall brief the operation."

"You know, I haven't quite caught what your people's name is."

"Morsyah for as long as we have lived. Aviv as I was born."

Morsyah, or Aviv. Hm, at least she knew these people's tongues clearly not from her home. So that one theory shot down, she guessed.

At the middle of the encampment, all the morsyahs and Thrall gathered in a circle with Noahsadiik leading the bunch. They noticed the new arrivals and welcomed them. Now that she has a good look at all of the bunch, there are nine of them including the only odd one, the brown cloaked man.

"Very well, we are all now gathered," Noahsadiik began.

"We haven't explored much of the city, but our scouts managed to get a good look at what it looked like the last time we poked around."

One of the morsyah takes the lead. "We access the city through the bridge that lies beyond our camp,"

He then put forward a large paper with a hastily drawn map scribbled on it.

"As The Lancer has said, we haven't explored much, but upon reaching the city, we found out it was divided in parts."

"As in?" Thrall inquired.

"Districts. I count three gates leading to each one. And each of them bears a different look. Unfortunately, their architecture is foreign to us."

"Anything else?"

"The district that leads to north has higher grounds compared to the others. I noticed those flying menaces tend to stay away from them."

"Why?"

"Perhaps because it is cold. We tried to use ice ammos before," chimed another soldier. "It seems to make them angry. Heh, I still remember how funny they looked."

All the morsyahs shared a laugh.

Thrall placed his axe on the ground. "Perhaps we can capitalize on that." The weapon glows, ice emitting from it.

The soldiers awed at the weapon. Thrall seems not to share their eyes. He let out a bunch of rocks with runes inscribed on it. Runestones. All of them bear either the ice, fire, and thunder words.

"Unfortunately, my runestones are limited. Thus, I must use this sparingly."

"I see this is a charge for your weapon then." commented one of the soldiers.

Thrall nods, picking the runestones back. "When the time to strike is nigh, I could freeze them. Valkyrja, you can pull the same stunt, do you?"

Hildr draws the Isa rune. Ice formed around her palms.

"That makes the two of us the showstoppers." Thrall said. "We could storm the north district. Use ice as our weapons."

The giant then brought up another point, "How about your 'explosive javelins'?"

Ah, the thing that almost killed them before.

One of the soldiers left for a second and then returned. Bringing a larger stick no bigger than Thrall's axe handle. It was made out of the material as manacasters, but there one one sharp object protruding out of the barrel.

And this is the very thing that almost killed them.

"We could try to use them, but those monsters fly quickly, it's hard to hit them with this." said the soldier.

Thrall strikes up a thinking pose.

"Bring it. We need a last resort method should everything go down."

Hildr silently watches as the soldiers and Noahsadiik murmur among themselves.

After a while, the brown cloaked man brings the attention back to him. "Brothers, we have heard our allies consul, what shall be our consensus?"

"I'd say we go all in so I agree with the giant's plan." answered one of the soldiers.

"I agree too."

"North district seems to have lots of cover to hide so I'll go with that."

"Hear, hear!"

"Agree, brother."

A resounding agreement. Unfortunately, Hildr has to be the one to break the ice,

"While this is a good plan and all, we have yet to tell you what we know of these menaces we are about to face."

"Why haven't you said so!"

Hildr turns to Thrall who is still calmly sitting cross-legged.

She coughed. "I am sorry. It was a slip of mind. I'd try not to repeat it." The valkyrja bowed.

The soldiers resoundingly accepted her apology.

"Very well…" Hildr began.

Thus, she bombards the morsyahs with everything Phrumen has told her. Thrall was there to add more information should she leave some. Suffice to say, she realized how difficult it is to be one who does the explaining. Wondered how large Phrumen's brain is to store all of that knowledge.

After that, everyone went silent. All deep in thought. It was Noahsadiik who speaks first,

"The plan hasn't changed. Only the context is. We have to tread carefully, keep our distance," he turns to both Hildr and Thrall. "This might be too much to ask, but could you both lead the front as we guard your flanks?"

Both Waydyntale agents agreed. And so, they and the morsyahs leave for the abandoned city, all of them carrying tools for illumination. Morsyahs' lantern looked like a small pipe. Nobody is staying at the camp, thus, they won't worry about anything attacking from the back. The only downside she noticed is that they are walking beacons that can be seen from afar. Still, everyone threaded with caution. Slow pace and high alert.

As promised, Hildr and Thrall lead the way forward. The once long extending bridge seems so short now. Obviously because the morsyahs' camp is located near the end of the structure. Still amazes her how sheer desperation can sprung a group of people to make such a shoddy base during their last moments. If what Noahsadiik implied is correct, that is.

Beyond the bridge lies the city. Just as the one who provided the map earlier said, it does lead to three areas. Based on what morsyahs said, the one with high grounds and snow is due North. Hildr hit with a pang of nostalgia she didn’t expect to receive when she gazed in that direction. Besides the buildings, the snow covered district reminds her much of the Vidblainn. The place where war maidens were born. Thrall seems unfazed though, perhaps he deals with it in his own way or perhaps not.

“Hold!” Hildr heard Noahsadiik say. “Let’s check our gear again.”

Him and the soldiers crouched, forming a circle. They inspect their equipment, prompting each other to do the same back and forth.

“Shield, check.”

They reload their manacasters. Some have the longer sticks with a circular object attached near its trigger, some have the one that needs to be cocked, and the ones she is using now. They then counted their ammo. The cylinder crystal shone as it was being pulled out in the open. Hildr was curious how her handcannon works so she mimicked the motion morsyahs had done. Folding the stick a bit, it reveals the crystal that is the ammo. She guessed that should this deplete, she needs to insert a new one. So that is why the soldier earlier gave her the pouch.

She then noticed Thrall did the same as them. He too wields a manacaster albeit longer and wider than hers. Perhaps the most notable part she saw was how he had two holes at the end of the stick.

“Ammo, check. We are good to go.” The soldiers declared.

With all said and done, they all proceed to the north district. Hildr and Thrall, being the one on the front, slowly pushes the gate open. What welcomes them is an open straight road with buildings at each side. Nothing less, nothing more.

What worries her is that the street lights are dimmed. Vision will be hard to manage here. Alleys gave in to shadows, many pathways for ambush.

The Morsyahs seemed to discuss something, but Hildr paid no mind because…

…here comes the first sign of trouble.

Loud screech, akin to bats.

Thrall’s axe frosted, Hildr’s left palm is ready with the ice.

Atop of them, the monster already set their

sights on them. They really looked like what Phrumen had shown. The bone-like features around their face–especially the jaw, wings that resemble bats, long claws, and their bloodshot eyes.

The winged menace lunges towards them only to be met with resounding cold. The ice spread across the vampire’s body. The disgusting creature whose face shrieks with anger fell. But, they can rest easy now. The body is frozen yet still alive. It doesn’t take much for them to melt the ice. The vampire unleashed an energy, it covers their entire body.

Phrumen has warned both Waydyntale agents of this so both will take their chances. Together, they strike the monster down with a swing of an axe and a thrust from the spear. The latter one is the more critical one. The Fallen’s core or…the native of this land can be severely injured when their “core” is damaged. Most of the time, it’s their heart.

Thus, Hildr plunged her spear deeper with Thrall making sure the monster didn’t move one bit.

As life escapes the body, the vampire let outs a loud shriek.

This is not good.

As expected, the vampire called for reinforcement. The flock came in full force with them circling around the group on top of them. The morsyahs huddled together. Preparing for the worst.

"FLARE!" one of the soldiers behind shouted.

The small folk behind her throws a ball that emits bursts of light. Giving the group a visage of their enemies.

[Here they come!]

All hel breaks loose.

The vampires lunged forward. Hildr and Thrall immediately use their ice as a shield. The flock retreated a bit before circling the group again. They really are averse to cold. The Morsyahs already switched their ammo during the intervals. All of them now wield the tip of the iceberg.

"Aim." Noahsadiik muttered.

Everyone raised their manacasters.

The vampires' wings furled, they screeched.

Then, the clash begins again.

The barrage of ice coming at them seems to not deter their determination to hunt their prey. All they can think lies behind their bloodshot eyes. When the vampires are close enough, both Waydyntale agents and the morsyahs instinctively spread themselves out. Giving them space to engage although the street is not wide enough to their liking.

First line of defense are the tall ones. The morsyahs form a wide circle with Hildr and Thrall in the middle. Once the vampires land, both powerhouses lock steel against the clawed winged menace. There are six of them with two combatants to go against and nine as support circling the battle.

Thrall was first to draw blood with his ice enchanted axe. He swings the weapon at the vampire's neck, a clean cut…except the cut didn't chop anything at all. The monster merely glances at the perpetrator and roars. Hildr was quick to send an ice rune towards its mouth. Giving Thrall an opportunity to beat it down.

It seems the other vampires took notice of this and began to aim at the morsyahs. And then, it happened.

They are gone.

No, they are still here. At the rooftops, their lanterns beamed to give away their position. The small folk already took aim at the poor suckers. Hildr and Thrall immediately know what to do. Both attack the vampires whose focus went disarray as they switched targets between the ground and above. The barrage of ice didn't stop though.

When the morsyahs reloaded their weapons, Hildr quickly pressure the vampires by drawing the ice rune below. Everyone including her now slowed down until their feet turned to ice. Fortunately, she won't turn to ice as hers and Thrall's resistance to ice far exceeds the monsters'. The best it can do is to limit their mobility.

But even then, that's enough.

The vampires realized that they wouldn't go anywhere, take their stand. Their claws furled. Just as Hildr and Thrall thought they gained the upper hand, the vampires' wings sent a shockwave to them. Pushing them back from the rune's range. This means if they keep pushing them backwards, they won't get the chance to attack at all.

"Damm, for a monster they sure know how to rile me up." Hildr irritatedly expressed.

"They used to think after all." Thrall comments back.

Of course, this reminds Hildr of something.

"Thrall," she called to him.

He turned to her, Hildr's spear appeared and wordlessly, he understood her intention. Their hands grab ahold of the spear, together, they tapped the ground.

Behind them, Fjorm came. Her wings flap against the current that is vampires'. Both are evenly matched in its impact. Allowing Hildr and Thrall to charge forward. There is still a little knockback since there are only two wings on their side against enemies' twelve.

Both ground combatants are getting closer. The ice rune on the ground is about to fizzle out. The vampires' jaw turned to a grin.

"Isa!" Hildr's rune formed, continued with, "Laguz!"

The ice that stands still, moved forward by the flow of the wind, combined with Fjorm's current.

The result: Ice spikes that fly at a speed of sound.

The vampires barely have the time to react. The morsyahs from the rooftop above leap together. Their swords drawn and its tip aimed at the skulls. It pierces through the spines, making them screech and squirm. But, that is not enough.

To kill a Fallen, their core must be destroyed.

Thus, the morsyahs have been a good distraction for Hildr and Thrall. She threw six of her javelin, each stabs the chest. With a snap of a finger, their center ripped open. The vampires' core is plain open now. It is a pitch black emptiness that is condensed in one single heart. With haste, Thrall's palms reach two cores. So does Hildr, and the rest of the morsyahs as they worked together to get ahold of them.

Their hands swiftly crushed the vampires' lifeline. Their screams died down as they turned to ashes. Leaving nothing behind.

Yet, it's not the end.

The Waydyntale agents and the morsyahs heard footsteps. Sounds of bags and weapons bopping. Perhaps another small folk, but they can't take any chances. Once again, they ready their weapons, huddled together…and exhausted.

From the shadows; the alleys and from the buildings, the threat emerges. All clad in black with orange lines. She estimates they are around Phrumen's size.

"What are they?" said Thrall.

"No clue, but it seems they won't go down without a fight." one of the soldiers responded.

Hildr had a feeling that's not the only way this encounter could go. They might be Phrumen's people.

Hildr hailed at the strange fellows. "Halt! we meant no harm! Please, we only wish to help."

They didn't stop at their tracks. Hildr kept pleading with them. It was no use. One of the Phrumen-folk–yes, she is calling them that–charges forward. They raised their left arm, revealing an ornate gauntlet emitting fire from it. In an instant, they unleash it.

Hildr's shield manages to block it all.

One thing she noticed is that these people, despite unleashing such powerful attacks…

…is slow.

Hildr blinked to confirm what she was seeing.

Yup, it's not her imagination. These people move sloppily. It reminds her of…

"Thrall,"

"Yes?"

"Didn't they remind you of something?"

"Indeed, they move like a–"

–thrall. Among the thralls she once rallied, there are those who must be shepherded like animals. And there are others who can help to do so–someone like Thrall whose mind is still intact. Before knowing the true nature of the thrall curse, Hildr thought of the loss of sanity merely because thralls are composed of insane people which is a menace to society as a whole.

She is not wrong though. They are crazy and beyond help, but perhaps Thrall is the only exception who so far seemed to be willing to repent.

Back to these Phrumen-like people, it feels sad to just kill them.

"Are you thinking about what I'll do?" Hildr said to Thrall.

"I reckon your earlier question implies you wish to offer another solution."

Hildr nods. "Yes, we should incapacitate them. They are not in their right mind."

"Are you sure that is what occurred here, Valkyrja?"

"I am. We can't waste more lives. If we can find the root of these enthralled people, we might be able to free them."

"And bolster our numbers." Thrall continued, although that's not what she had in mind.

"I hear what you both have discussed," Noahsadiik chimes in. "Your plan is risky, but we'll do what we can. When push comes to shove, we have to take their lives."

Hildr eyed at one of the soldiers' backs, the explosive javelin dangling behind. "...right."

But still accepts the condition.

Noahsadiik and the rest of the morsyahs then have their manacasters raised.

"Our objective is simple. We push through until we reach a good vantage point." The brown cloaked man declared.

The path ahead is filled with street lights as their guide.

Just as promised before, Hildr and Thrall once again pave the way for them.

The larger man and the sole woman pressed on. Knocking out the Phrumen-like people with a single strike. They are quite frail which leads to further complications should their punches lead to lethal results.

"Curses, why can't we face strong ones like vampires before." Hildr said as she gently put down one of the enthralled people.

Thrall did the same. "Why? Itching for battle?"

"No, I am merely lamenting how limiting it is to measure our punches."

"This is your idea in the first place, remember?"

She sighed, knowing he was right.

Their journey went well although it started to wear the group down. Trying to knock them proved to be tedious. In fact, it started to get tiresome as these people came like a swarm. The group has no choice, but to run for it.

Of course, it wouldn't be that easy.

They have reached a higher ground in the district yet…

Three vampires already await them in front of an entry to long stairs reaching the mountains above. The monsters were flanked by quite an ample number of enthralled.

Hildr clicked her tongue, knowing blood will be drawn here and she is sure these innocents will bleed.

"Isa!"

"Eiwaz!"

She sends the runes to the morsayhs, herself, and thrall. Giving them an ice shield. A precaution should these vampires try to get close.

The aforementioned vampires eyed their opponents. Their claws stand still, so do their wings. The enthralled bunch still mindlessly stood.

The valkyrja is the one who makes the first move.

She throws her javelin…

…but it never reaches the vampires. No, they don't even catch it. It was deflected by a shield that formed around them. And the perpetrator of that said protection is those enthralled people. From their ornate gauntlet, it sends an energy to form said shield. It seems that this thing has another function besides being an offensive tool.

One of the morsyahs shot at them, but the shield extended to its caster too. Great, now they have to think of solutions for dealing with walls. To make matters worse…

…The horde from before finally catches out to the group.

They are now surrounded on both sides. The morsyahs and the agents now stood back to back.

There is only one option. No way they are going to engage them all. Thus,

Hildr and Thrall's hands touched. The Spear of Valkyrja summoned, and with a tap, the majestic sleipnir is once again summoned.

The enemies on both sides immediately began their offense, but they were too late. Fjorm's wings enclosed, engulfing her masters and allies. When the wings furled open again, everyone was already on her back although some of the morsyahs had to hold her wings to ride. The sleipnir takes off, leaving dust as its parting gift. The eleven passengers are content with holding onto their lives for them to not fall. Unfortunately, another misfortune strikes.

Some of the vampires who have been standing by in the sky now chase them.

"Drats!" Hildr cursed. "Hold on everyone, er, hold onto Thrall!"

Her warnings are absolute as she rolls around to avoid the vampires' claws. The monsters begin to use their wings to unbalance Fjorm.

Two of the morsyahs brandished their manacasters. Attempting to halt vampires' advance.

"Keep the horse steady!" said the soldier.

They fired at them. Burning through their ammo and sloppily reloads their weapon. It's hard to keep Fjorm in balance when there are three vampires on her tail flapping their wings.

"We will not get anywhere!"

Hildr can feel Thrall moving in the back.

"Valkyrja, keep riding, I'll distract them."

"No, that will be suicide!"

He didn't heed her words. The load on Fjorm's back is getting lighter. Thrall already leaped onto the vampires. Hildr tries to turn the sleipnir back, but for some reason she refuses to do so.

'Are you…trusting his decision more than mine?'

The sleipnir came in the form of simple yes. The valkyrja swallows her words. Letting Fjorm fly away from Thrall. From afar, Hildr witnessed the cursed warrior fend off the monsters. His body flails around their wings, still resolute in his decisions.

"Turn back this horse now! We have to get him back!" Noahsadiik shouted.

Hildr remained silent. Her words will be wasted at the moment as her partner already set up her mind to follow another. The two shooters from before stood, holding onto Fjorm's saddle. The valkyrja noticed another new hurdle.

Two vampires are heading towards them.

The war maiden desperately tried to rein her ride to steer her away from them. But once again, she paid no mind to her commands. The monsters are catching up to them. Once again leading to another scuffle.

"Avniel," said one of the shooters, addressing the other. "You know what to do."

"Yonah, stop!" one of the soldiers cried out.

The two shooters, Avniel and Yonah, jumped from the sleipnir. Hildr once again failed to catch them in time as her hands were seconds too late to grab one of them. They both already stood firm in their choices.

"From God we belong to Him we return!" Those are the last words Hildr heard from them…and to the remaining morsyahs.

"NOOOOOOO!" The soldiers' cries ringed on the valkyrja's ears. Reminding Hildr of her failure.

'Phrumen, we need to have a wor–'

Suddenly, Fjorm's wings struggled to flap. The sleipnir steadily losing altitude.

"Fjorm! Don't give up!" Hildr cried, keeping her hands ruffled on the steed's neck.

"We are about to fall!"

"Hold steady!"

Before they all crashed, Fjorm disappeared. Prompting Hildr to launch herself first to the ground to catch morsyahs that fall off balance during the landing. Suffice to say, the small folk barely needed her help.

"That…was close." Noahsadiik said.

One of the soldiers kneeled. "Avniel….Yonah…"

Other morsyahs come to him to comfort the grieving soldier.

Noahsadiik and the other soldier who remained standing not comforting the other looked sullen. Hildr can't make out what they look like behind their helmets, but she can see their slouched shoulders and their head's direction as a giveaway.

What a day(?) it has been.

Hildr concentrated her mind again.

'Phrumen, I need to have a word with you.'