The Forgotten Warrior

Challenge pt 2

Astrid

   Instead of being met with everyone on the other side, I quickly stop myself from almost plummeting off a cliff and into the cold ocean.

The footprints were to throw me off!!!

   Preventing myself from groaning in annoyance and frustration took about all the patience I had.

   I ran along the cliffs edge, going the direction that felt right. There was no definite answer, but I knew how to follow my gut. Before long, I made it to the crowd of people dressed in black. Without hesitation, I ran straight to up to the queen.

   Making direct eye contact with me, then with the Savior, she nods to throk.

"Completing the first challenge meant you were quick and strong. Winning the second challenge showed that you had stamina, stealth, and followed your instincts. This next challenge will test your decision making skills, leading abilities, and war knowledge." Throk then paused for a dramatic effect, "On to the final challenge!!"

   With the last line, the crowd goes wild, all except the warrior that I fought in the first challenge. She was eyeballing me with confusion, annoyance, and distrust. She obviously took her defeat to heart.

   The sea of villagers head back into the village and into a large building closest to the throne. This building was definitely a Great Hall of some sort and a serious place where generals and their leaders met to make alliances or construct battle plans.

   In the middle of this hall, there was a large table. Sitting in the center of the table, was a detailed map of the island, along with some vikings and boats carved from wood.

"In this challenge you will have to defend the island with the given men against the attackers. Win and you will get to approve of your name, loose and you will have to get the name we choose tattooed on your person; branded for life." Throk informs.

"You may begin!" Mala announces.

   I approach the table and notice that there are 11 men, one noticeably larger than the others, 3 with bows, 4 with close combat weapons, and two with no weapons at all.

   Taking a look at the map, I notice that it's all cliff on the Northern and Southern side. In the East there is a group of small mountain and in the West there is a beach.

   On the Northern and Southern sides there is a balista one each side. Right away I place the two men without weapons there.  On the Eastern side there is the heighth advantage, so I place the three archers there. As for the Western side, I place the four with close combat weapons  on shore. The last thing that I do is put the general by the throne, protecting the queen.

   When I finished, I looked up at the queen, who steps forward with her hands clasped behind her back, and observed my work.

   After a long moment of silence, she finally looked at me and responded, "This is a very well thought out plan. You used your men wisely, protected all sides of the island, and most of all protected your queen. All while using the islands geography to your advantage."

"She has successfully completed the final challenge!!" Throk announces.

   I couldn't help the smile spreading across my face or the great sense of pride bubbling in my chest. It felt good to accomplish something where no one knew who you were or your past. It was like starting fresh, but equipped with all the right tools. It felt amazing.

"So, I have two names you shall choose from." Mala starts, "You can either choose the General or the Warrior."

   I liked the sound of both of them, but the word warrior meant a lot to the Hofferson name. I didn't need longer than a second to provide my answer.

"Warrior." I simply replied, trying to prevent my pride fom overflowing.