Tales of Nyandor 4: The Blood Hunt

Chapter 8

They gathered outside the village receiving instructions from Olaf. 'The worlds stone is the most northern top of Kandiva. But you must bring the blood of a slain dragon there before hand.

There is an ancient ritual in Kandivan lore shared by orcs, vikings and occasionally dwarfs. In the valley of death, on the tip of the tundra, lies a cliff shaped like dragon claws. There blow the horn to challenge one of the winged beasts and one will come accepting your challenge. This way you don't have to travel all the way dragon peaks and risk getting caught on more than just one.' 'Is there some kind preparation that's needed beforehand?' 'Not for the dragon no but the worlds stone I'm not sure. I heard there is a ritual involved but the knowledge is only available to the gifted. And you have two of them so there shouldn't be any trouble.'

'Thank you for your hospitality Olaf, you have been of more help than you realize.' They said their farewells and went up the road northeast. Morrigan sighted deeply in disappointment, after the twenty two years of her life she finally met another gifted but he left the very next day. The things they could have learned from each other..

'So Morrigan...maybe we should start preparing? We have a many days of sailing till we reach the the six territories..' Morrigan felt a cold shiver running down her spine at that comment. Several days....stuck on a boat...with Jorgen??

'Say father can I request something?' 'What is it?'

'Well its this...'

*

Eldarin seemed almost disappointed to leave, his head looking at the ground and sighting in that depressing tone.

'Miss her already?' Rebecka asked him. 'What are you talking about?' 'Don't bullshit me Eldarin I saw the way you acted with that cute blondie last night. The way she insisted you sat next to her.' He tried to hide his blush at that comment but she kept digging. 'So who was she?' 'The Jarl's daughter and a mage. We spent the afternoon practicing that's it.' 'That's it? Oh I think there was more to it than that. You really can't get to a new continent without shagging someone can't you?' 'Shut up.'

They started hearing running behind them and turned around to see someone approaching fast. As they readied for battle they quickly relaxed when they saw it was the viking girl from the feast. ' Ther...There you are...Glad I caught up to you.' she seemed out of breath. 'Morrigan? What are you doing here?' 'I talked with dad and we agreed on that this might be my one only chance to study with another mage in my life! So for the remainder of your stay I'll accompany you. Besides I always wanted to see the Axe of Blood up close and personal.'

Rebecka could have sworn she saw a sudden smile creep up on Eldarin right then and there. 'What about your people?' Elena asked her. 'They will be fine! Vikings are known as the toughest humans in the world for a reason. We have mastered the art of naval warfare and close combat.'

'Well I suppose its alright with me. It will be good for Eldarin to have someone to practice with other than an old man.' Rainar stated before turning to Gundarr. 'You're the guide so whats your say in it?' 'So long as she carries her own weight I don't care let her come.' 'Anyone else?' No one said a word. It appeared as Morrigan was welcome. 'Well lets go to the Valley of Death then.' she gave an obvious glance to Eldarin as she started walking with them that did not go unnoticed by Elena who gave her a subtle glare. Rebecka walked beside her 'You just can't catch a break can you?' 'I don't know what you're talking about.' 'Look if you don't start acting up some woman is going to steal your man.' 'Rebecka.' 'Ya?' 'Shut up.'

And that ended that conversation but Rebecka knew all to well this was going to be a very interesting journey.

*