Pack (The Ulfhednar Saga bk 1)

Deal

He was numb. He could see the steam rising around him, the water was scalding hot and he couldn't feel a thing. His heart was beating but he only knew because he could feel the thrumming of it with his hand. Without Valdis, he had no idea how to breathe. Bran's plan was insane and would probably get them all killed, but he knew it was the only option they had. He was helpless, terrified she was being hurt and that he couldn't protect her.
Burning the dead that afternoon was one of the hardest things he had ever done in his life. Caring for the dead enemies, giving them proper rights while Val was missing. He did it, covered in their blood and reveled in the fact that he caused some of them pain before they died. He was reluctant to wash the gore out of his hair, he wanted to leave it, as a symbol of everything he had just been through. The whole world would see what he was capable of and what he will do to those holding her hostage. Soon, blood would flow. He was also afraid that if he washed it out, he would lose the last bit of Val he had left.
Once he was dressed he gathered all of his weapons and went to meet Bran.
"Ready?" Bran asked him.
"Yes. Everything is set?" He asked in return. Bran nodded. It was time.
They boarded a snekkja followed by his parents and all combat ready pack members. The ship was massive, not quite the size of a skeid nor was it as ornate as their drekkar, but it was a decent ship that held the whole of their group safely while still providing the versatility needed to travel into unknown waters. The wood was carefully sculpted by the most talented of ship makers making it smooth and flexible. Their ships always held a wolf sigil rather than the human made ships that often terrified their opponents with dragons and sea serpents. Hugin and Munin were soaring high above their heads heading out to open sea. His father blessed their mission himself so as not to waste any more time.
Waitng on the dock, a young wolf with hair the color of the sunrise brought around a large bowl of water for the pack members to cleanse themselves with. Each member washing their face and clear their airways as they concentrated on their mission ahead. Ulric stood before them, Mjölnir held high as he spoke to his father on their behalf.
Clouds gathered overhead as Ulric spoke. Torstein could feel the energy in the air, electrifying the sky.  "Odin, father, we fight to protect our roots, to honor you. We ask for your blessing. Tyr, we ask for you to be with us in battle, fighting along side us to destroy our adversaries. Hail to the Aesir and Vanir." Lightning crashed around them in a stunning display of power. The pack yelled "hail" in unison, all except Torstein who was speaking to the Gods on his own.
Frigga, protect my mate, I beg of you to be with her. I am on my way and I will make them pay for betraying the Gods.
His simple prayer held all of the emotion and feeling he had in him. He knew his unspoken words were heard as well.
"Don't worry, we are going to get her back, I know it" Bran told him. He responded with a nod, jaw clenched. "Why do you think they took her?"
"To make sure she doesn't save the Ulfhednar? Not that I know what she is supposed to do in order to save us, but they obviously know something we don't."
"Well, all they did was make me angry and bring the Ulfhednar to their doorstep." He would take down as many of them as he could, he thought.
"Father, what do you know about the humans with them?" Ulric turned to him, a stern look weighing heavy on his features.
"The humans with them are misguided. They worship Loki the way most humans pray to Odin. They still fall like humans, so my only worry would be the few among them that know our weaknesses and are actually decent fighters. My worry is that of the magic Ingrid wields and the Draugr. They smell bad." He chuckled. Leave it to his father to laugh while contemplating war.
"What is special about Ingrid's magic?" He asked. His father looked him in the eyes and hesitated. Suddenly his eyes lit with power and Torstein could feel that it was not something he needed to know. "Fine father. I'll leave it until you're ready to share." He was frustrated with his father but it wasn't the worst thing that could happen.
He heard a croak overhead, the ravens were heading north. The ship was moving forward, following the great birds within minutes. The uncertainty of their travels weighed on him, but it was in his blood. Battle, protection and the unknown voyage.
They sailed relatively close to shore. As they glided across the water, he could feel the air getting colder, spring hadn't yet reached this far north he realized. After a full day and night of travel they came upon an island, the ravens guiding them towards it with eagerness. The ground was still covered in snow and ice, great mountains within sight. It was an incredible sight, regal and terrifying.