Bloodlines of the Ancient Pantheons

It was a map of the Okstorm Clans.

"In addition to our two Clans, our nation is home to the following Clans: Fangs Of Jormungandr, Horns Of Heimdallr, Crows Of Odin and Hands Of Tyr" Dag read aloud, beginning to reflect on which of them might be the least hostile.

"That's right. Gridd and I were trying to imagine which Clans among them might be interested in your idea" Jens exclaimed, as Gridd nodded his head, confirming.

Dag was thrilled with the news and listened.

"While Fangs Of Jormungandr and Horns Of Heimdallr are the most hostile and wary, I think Crows Of Odin and Hands Of Tyr are willing to listen to your proposal. I don't know their leaders, but since I remember, they've been neutral during the wars" Gridd said, looking at his brother's thoughtful expression as he looked closely at the map.

A region in the far north of Okstorm was under the rule of the Fangs Of Jormungandr, just above Kvete.

Skjegg and the Crows of Odin-dominated region was south of Jordstäl, just below the nation's capital, Jernhest.

The Horns Of Heimdallr, on the other hand, were established on a small island, southwest of Jordstäl.

The Hands Of Tyrs were also on an island in the far south, but their dominance was much larger, perhaps the largest among the Clans.

"I think the most logical thing is to reach the nearest Clans first. So in theory, after Hevnen, it would be Skjegg's turn and the Crows Of Odin" exclaimed Dag, who every time he uttered the name of that Clan, thought of his woman.

"Jens, as you see, my brother already knows how to move. He has become a versatile warrior by now, able to devise winning strategies" Gridd exclaimed, smiling with content that Dag had already figured out how to move.

"I see it! Well then, see you later, Gridd, I'm going to come and call you when Taya's ready for the council. I take care of the recruits today, I think it's fairer that you spend some time with your brother" Jens smiled, walking away toward the exit of the fortress. 

Dag and Gridd greeted him warmly, thanking him for his concern.

"Sister... I'd like to finish telling you yesterday's story if you don't mind" Dag said.

"Of course! I'm impatient! Come, let's go to my room, this hall is too crowded" she replied, leading Dag upstairs.

When they entered Gridd's room, they sat on her bed, next to each other.

"I told you there was a part of the story about Brann... and another one that was about me" he said.

"Yes, I remember. You've already told me about Brann, and I couldn't sleep tonight. But you know, because of your story, I've understood a lot about my real father, and maybe if I hadn't been so naive, I could have talked about him a long time ago with our mother. But I never asked her anything, fearing that talking about him might hurt her. I'm sorry it was up to you to know the whole truth. I'm really sorry" Gridd replied.

"I know you've always been the most mature in the family, but you were just a little girl at the time. You couldn't have borne such a heavy burden. Besides, I think Asa felt the real pain when she lost Stein not long ago. As you know, it was a man from Lies Of Loki who wrongly killed him, and believe me, they will pay for what they did" Dag continued, justifying his sister's misgivings.

"In fact, don't believe that my goal of getting them out has changed! You made me a promise, Dag, and I intend to carry it out" she replied, with a severe expression.

"Of course, Gridd. I doubt those sons of bitches would agree to join an alliance. They are evil beings, ready to kill innocent people mercilessly. We will find a way to avenge the deaths of Brann and Stein, but without lowering ourselves to their level".

Gridd nodded, satisfied with Dag's answer.

"Then, tell me about you, brother. Let's consider your speech about Brann concluded. I think you've talked to me about him enough" she continued.

"Well. You know, if I'm in this position of duty... well, I don't just owe it to the powers I developed by fighting in the Clan. During my exile, I had a lot of time to think and focus on my body. It all started as I was walking along a bridge that would lead me across Mount Torden, under the indication of my Master, Magni" Dag said, looking at the floor of the room.

"I'm listening to you, brother".

"I found that the Xis don't just send us humans to the target planets... just as I was crossing the bridge, a corpse, after being torn apart by some crows, devouring the carcass, took to life and began to attack me". 

"What? A corpse? Do you mean an undead? It's ridiculous, Dag. Undeads do not exist in reality. And what does the Xis have to do with it?" asked Gridd, who struggled to believe Dag's story.

"Those crows... they weren't normal animals. Their eyes were purple and they had developed incredible abilities, for example, their beak was as hard as iron. Well, those same animals tried to kill me... and not just that time. There have been many episodes where I have been 'ambushed' by them" he continued.

"Ambushed? Are you telling me that the Xis spy on you using animals?" continued Gridd, with a smacked face.

"That's right, a kind of. And animals are not the only protagonists. After facing undeads and infected mutant beasts, I was kidnapped by a group of Renegades, who locked me in their secret fortress, the Mork Castle. I've found that even human beings can draw power from the Xis, just give up believing in the Gods".

Dag told Gridd about Myr and Hjalmar and their transformations into 'demons', while his sister kept struggling to believe him.