Bloodlines of the Ancient Pantheons

Dag, Gridd, Freydis, and Reidar looked at each other, thinking back to the words of the wise Egill, who had made them think from a different point of view.

"I still believe it's just bullshit" Kjell replied, who after finishing the meat on his plate, grabbed the mead bottle and poured some into his mug.

"Mine is just a hypothesis, like yours... Master Kjell" Egill replied, smiling at him politely.

"I've heard a lot about you, Master Egill... the great healer of the Temple Of Orn! Everyone thinks you're a legend... well, it may be you have been that in the past, but judging by your speeches, it seems that your time is over! You just say nonsense. Flying or aquatic shape-shifters... what are you babbling on about?" Kjell asked in a haughty tone, knowing Egill only for his fame, having no idea what he was really capable of.

The wise Master Of Healing did not respond, immediately acknowledging that Kjell's were just stupid provocations and Dag broke the silence again: "Master Kjell, I think this controversy is pointless and misplaced. We have a lot to discuss and any opinion can be crucial. None of us know Krypstorm, so no one can say for sure that we know what we're talking about. The enemies knew about our movements, that's for sure. Now, specifying the method through which they succeeded is not relevant. What matters is to organize a good strategy to dock safely for our troops. If your naval prowess is combined with the experience of Master Egill, who with Master Sander has fought more wars than all of us combined, maybe we will have greater hopes of success, don't you think?" 

Kjell wrinkled his nose, failing to counter Dag's speech, which made perfect sense and explained everything clearly. 

Without objecting, he began drinking and eating again, while Egill smiled at his former pupil, encouraged by his ability to speak, as well as the one with which he wielded the axe and hammer.

"Then, Dag... how do we organize in the next few days? When are we going to leave?" Gridd asked, resting her back on the chair with her belly full.

"As soon as the boat is finished and tested, we will be ready to go. Waiting too long wouldn't be a wise choice, because if enemies really had an informant, they'd have time to prepare a defensive plan. We can take advantage of the time we have left to train or rest. I ask you only one thing, sister: explain to your men the details of the mission, pointing out the naval strategy we talked about just now. I'm going to do the same with my troop, as will Master Sander with his... is that okay?" Dag said, trying to make the conclusion of that dinner productive.

"Yes, that's fine with me. Master Kjell will prepare the men, also excellent sailors, while I will try to speed up the process of building the boat in some way, staying at Gurn for as long as necessary" Sander answered, while next to him, Kjell merely nodded his head.

"All right, brother. I will explain to my men how we will behave once we leave the shores of Okstorm and leave them the freedom to choose whether to train or rest during the preparatory phase" Gridd said, pumped for the upcoming mission. 

Continuing to talk about this and that, Dag noted that between Kjell and Egill there was a certain hatred and he could not understand why: his beloved Master was a very simple man, generally uncompetitive and did not know Kjell, who seemed to be envious of him, as if Egill's fame obscured his boundless ego.

After dinner, as usual, Dag and his friends headed to the dormitory, where, after exchanging a few words with some of the Hammers Of Thor enthusiastic for departure, they retreated to their rooms.

Caught in heavy fatigue, he and Freydis fell into a deep sleep, awakening directly the next day.

...

*yaawwn*

A yawn woke Dag and his woman, who hugged each other for about ten minutes before getting out of bed, exchanging lots of cuddles, repressed in recent months.

"I will walk out of Skjegg today and go to the arena outside the walls. I'm going to practice my new skill... do you want to come with me?" he asked, tying his hair, sitting on the bed.

"Yes, of course I'll come with you. I'd like you to teach me some new fighting techniques, too! I know you're not used to spear fighting, but I love your style and your counterattacks... with your advice, combined with Gridd's, I'm sure my contribution will come in handy during the mission" Freydis replied, explaining her choice.

Dag smiled, appreciating that she wanted to spend as much time as possible with him.

When they were both dressed, they took their weapons and left the dormitory, heading for the wooden elevators.

On the way, they found Reidar and Egill talking.

"Good morning!" Dag exclaimed, happy and rested.

"Good morning to you, Dag! Reidar was telling me about an arena outside the city walls, where you trained the last few days. If you're going there, I'd like to join you and involve Karl as well, to take note of his progress" Egill replied.

"I'd love to! I'm sure Karl will appreciate this proposal! Although I suppose he's still sleeping, because he's not here" Dag replied, touching his forehead, embarrassed for his friend, chronic retardant.

Reidar nodded his head, confirming his captain's thesis.

The four teammates greeted each other with the promise of meeting at the training arena in an hour. 

Freydis and Dag continued their walk and within minutes reached their destination. 

"So... Master Dag! How are you going to proceed?" she asked, smiling at Dag with a seductive air, putting him in trouble with his embarrassment.

"Uhm... I think we could warm up a little bit together... then when the others will come I will walk away from you and continue my solo training... is that okay with you?" he asked while his cheeks turn red with embarrassment, provoked by Freydis's winking manners, despite having reached a certain degree of confidence.