Mists Of Midgard: The Serpent's Shadow

Chapter 5: A Gathering Storm

The spectators roared with enthusiasm as Jarl Arvid trumpeted the start of the tournament, which took place in the Colosseum of Arvigrad. Every few months, the town's warriors & champions gathered to engage in mock battles with blunt or wooden weapons, creating an atmosphere of friendly rivalry and celebration. This particular tournament had been hastily organized in honor of Runar, and the event organizers had labored diligently to make it happen. However, this was no ordinary contest. Today's first event was the most significant - Runar's ascension to Valhalla.

Runar, Halfdan, and Ulfdan sat in a row at the foot of the stone steps that traveled up to the arena above. Though he wore a faint smile of determination, it was clear that Runar was struggling. He had a lot of trouble walking, as Halfdan and Ulfdan carried him to this point.

"I will do the rest myself" Runar calmly said. The twins attempted to protest, but were quickly dismissed. Halfdan and Ulfdan watched in admiration as Runar slowly made it up the stairs. 

The crowd cheered once more as Runar entered the field of combat where Einar awaited him. They cheered his name.

As Runar stepped onto the arena stage, the crowd erupted in a frenzy of support and applause. "Runar! Runar!" they chanted in unison, their voices echoing through the Colosseum. At the center of the combat zone, Runar found himself facing down Einar, who had been awaiting him for this ceremonial battle.

Einar unsheathed his sword. He was by no means a swordsmen. He adopted the blade for this fight, for he knew it would mean a quicker and cleaner death for his friend than an axe would.

With every ounce of strength he could muster, Runar charged forward, his war cry barely making a ripple in the deafening noise of the crowd. As he ran, it seemed as though time itself had slowed down. Without breaking stride, he took the chance to glance around at those gathered in the stands for friends and those he would call family. There was no sign of Liv among them. Suddenly, his eyes landed on Arvid's enclosure, where a raven perched atop it. This sight filled him with confidence; he took it as an omen from the gods. His axe clashed loudly against Einar's shield, and Runar closed his eyes, a smile tugging at his lips. Einar retaliated, a single tear forming in his left eye while doing so.

                                     II

Liv layed in her bed, as instructed by her father. The Seeress, or sometimes also called a Volva sat in a chair next to her. She was also instructed by Liv's father. Arvid's hall was mostly empty as most people were attending the tournament. The Seeress had lit multiple candles in the room which was a surprise to Liv, considering the Seeress always wore a blindfold. The candles and the Seeress provided a strong calming feeling to Liv that she had not felt before.

The Seeress wore long off white robes with various jewelry that honored the Gods. Her hood and her blindfold hid what Liv thought was a beautiful face. She was obviously older than Liv, but not by too much. Her pale skin was illuminated by the many candles. Her robes clung to parts of her body, revealing her shape.

"I've been expecting us to meet for a long time, daughter of Arvid the Night" the Seeress said.

Liv had found herself experiencing bouts of lightheadedness ever since the encounter. It was Halfdan who discovered her lying unconscious and alone in the mead hall. When Liv came to consciousness, she babbled incoherently, speaking of a giant woman - a jotunn - and the resurrected dead. Strangest of all, however, her recollections of the incident were fragmented and unclear, leaving her puzzled as to why she had spouted such alarming words.

"What is your real name, Seeress?" Liv asked.

The Seeress smiled, placing her hand over Liv's. "A messenger of the Gods does not need a name. I do not live in this world in the same way that you do."