Forgotten brothers

Chapter 2

The ruined castle stood atop the hill, a stark silhouette against the backdrop of a misty twilight sky. Its crumbling stone walls, cracked towers, and weathered battlements spoke of a history lost to time, a tale of grandeur now swallowed by the relentless embrace of nature. Ivy snaked across its surfaces, moss clung to every crevice, and trees had rooted themselves in its courtyards. The air was heavy with the scent of earth and damp stone, a testament to the centuries that had passed since the castle had seen life within its walls.

Where the massive wooden doors had once stood, there was now only an arched void, overgrown with vines. But within this emptiness, something unnatural began to stir. A soft, otherworldly glow pulsed, spreading outward like ripples in still water. The light grew brighter, its intensity silencing the natural sounds of the forest around it. Slowly, the glow condensed into a portal, shimmering with an ethereal radiance, its edges flickering like the embers of a dying fire.

From this portal, two figures emerged as if melting out of the light.

The first to step through was Hati. His piercing red eyes glinted like embers in the dim light, scanning the overgrown ruins with a mix of wariness and recognition. His long, dark hair swayed slightly in the breeze, the two braids in front of his ears framing his angular face. The earrings on his left ear caught the faint light: a black stone, a white stone, and a claw-shaped piece, each a subtle symbol of his identity and heritage.

Hati's outfit was practical yet imposing—a traditional Viking ensemble accented with red colour.

Leather armor protected his chest and wrists, its edges worn from countless battles. His belt, decorated with the intricate designs of a crescent moon and a lone star, rested snugly on his hips, a quiet nod to his connection with the night. Over his shoulder hung a sturdy bag, bulging slightly with supplies: food, a rolled-up sleeping bag, and various items essential for their journey.

He stepped forward, his boots crunching softly on the overgrown cobblestones, and turned back toward the portal. Emerging next was Skoll, his figure taller and broader than Hati's. His short, curly white hair gleamed faintly, a stark contrast to his pale skin and sky-blue eyes. There was a calmness about him, an air of gentleness that seemed almost out of place in the eerie, ancient ruin.

Skoll's outfit mirrored his brother's in design but carried hues of blue instead of red, a reflection of his lighter, more serene nature. The sun emblazoned on his belt glimmered faintly in the residual light of the portal, a counterpart to Hati's lunar motif. Over his back, he carried his own bag, a testament to their independence and preparedness.

As he stepped away from the portal, it began to flicker and wane. He glanced at his hand, where a faint glow of blue magic with white specks swirled and then faded completely. The portal behind him dissolved, its light swallowed by the encroaching shadows of the castle.

Hati's gaze swept the ruins again as he spoke, his tone dry but tinged with a subtle satisfaction.

"So, we really are back. Midgard."

Skoll let out a soft chuckle, his voice light but touched with awe. "I have to admit, it looks a lot calmer than usual."

He held up his hand, observing the residual magic dissipate into the air. But just as he finished his sentence, a deafening bang echoed through the castle ruins, shaking the ground beneath their feet. The noise reverberated off the ancient walls, sending a flock of startled birds into the air.

Hati turned sharply, his hand instinctively reaching for the small knife strapped to his thigh. He shot a glare at Skoll, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"You were saying."

Skoll raised his hands in mock surrender, a wry smile on his face. "Alright, point taken. Let's figure out what's causing this."