Mists Of Midgard: The Serpent's Shadow

Chapter 2: The Abyss

Falki and Runar made their way through the underground tunnels beneath Osvik, their footsteps echoing softly through the darkness that only their sole torchlight cut through. Falki had a slender yet agile frame. His dark chestnut hair was slicked back, contrasting against his pale complexion. The sides of his head are cleanly shaved, revealing intricate tattoos that match the ones on his arms. A long brown cloak hangs from his shoulders, and furs peek out from various openings in his well-worn chest plate, adding a touch of ruggedness to his figure. His trusted crossbow rests on his back, always within reach.

Falki slowed as they approached the spot where they had cleverly placed their bombs. Barrels of gunpowder were neatly stacked underneath where Falki believed the eastern log wall was. The raiding party from Arvigrad had spent almost a month digging this tunnel for the surprise attack on Osvik.

Falki's hand lingered briefly on the rough wall. They exchanged a quick glance, Runar's eyes gleaming in the dim light, their anticipation palpable. Without a word, they continued out of the darkness, knowing their plan was now ready to be set into motion.

                                 I

Falki looked upon his people, proud of what they were about to achieve. Osvik had been a thorn in Arvigrad's side for longer than Falki's years out of the womb. In fact, some of his friends had called this a suicide mission, Runar included. Jarl Arvid had received information that Osvik would be attacking Arvigrad soon. He sent this group to essentially slow Osvik down, while Arvigrad awaited reinforcements from King Oleg in the east.

Jarl Arvid had a way of placing these ill-advised bets, but they somehow always found a way to work. Runar had previous conversations with Falki about this raid. Together they came up with the plan to take down the wall. Falki, being the scholar that he is, spent the time and energy to measure and calcule what was needed to pull this task off.

Falki found himself lost in thought. He was nervous. He swept back his chestnut mane and smiled as Ulfdan and Halfdan approached him. Falki could recognize their flowing manes a mile away.

The two brothers have the same cleanly shaven features, but there are subtle differences between them. Ulfdan, the elder brother, is the quieter of the two, often observing in silence. Halfdan, on the other hand, is the more outspoken one, his voice often carrying through the halls. Both men are dressed in overlaying furs, and the red tunics they wear underneath complete the outfit. If not for the difference in hair colors, Halfdan with blonde, and Ulfdan with brown, they would look like identical twins.

Halfdan grasped Falki's shoulder and pulled him into a quick hug. "If you pull this off brother, you will be a legend, and we will be there to recount the story in Arvigrad" Halfdan said with a big smile. Halfdan had a habit of calling everyone his brother, even though Ulfdan was the only one who could claim the title.

The three walked together to the entrance of the man-made cave where Runar and Einar were waiting for them. Falki grew up alongside everyone here except for Einar. He did not know much about him, except for that Runar held Einar in high regard. He saved Runar during a battle in the North he had heard. This was Falki's first chance to meet him.

Einar had a noticeable scar next to his right eye, the mark is a testament to his many battles in the north. His long, fiery red hair is braided, matching the well-groomed beard on his face. He wears an old tunic, the fabric faded with age, but paired with a black fur-lined cloak to keep out the chill. On his left arm, he sports two armbands - one signifying the mighty Jormungandr, the other representing Thor. His pale blue eyes, sharp and observant, hold the wisdom of a seasoned warrior.

The five gazed into the small dark cave. "The gunpowder leads all the way back" Runar said, pointing at the newly layed trail. Ulfdan relit his torch. "When do we go boom?" Falki pulled out a map for all to see, pointing at the landmarks surrounding Osvik. "After we run by, count to forty."