Bloodlines of the Ancient Pantheons

After those words, Dag looked at the boat docked at the pier in all its magnificence and grandeur.

Seeing it float on the water was a unique emotion and full of that feeling, he turned back, towards the crowd of people ready to listen to him.

"The big day has come! This moment will remain forever written in our lives, as well as our return! We don't know how long it's going to take, we don't even know what's ahead... all we know is that we will delve into the unexplored, discover the unknown and avenge our innocent victims! Let Odin, Thor, and Freya assist us on our long journey! May the Gods give us their strength more than ever and protect us from death! Citizens of Runar, this mission is for you! For Okstorm! For the Iron Alliance!" 

When Dag finished yelling, the crowd went crazy, shouting his name and that of the Masters behind him, on that day that seemed surreal, while the Iron Emerald was just waiting to be driven.

The soldiers were the first to board the ship, which did not move even an inch, being incredibly stable.

Frank approached Dag and Sander before they left.

"As you can see, the Brass Arrow is right there, hooked to the left side of the boat. You only need to loosen the chains that support it to slowly slide it into the sea and implement the plan as instructed" the master carpenter said.

Sander, without a word, put both hands on his shoulders, looking at him and smiling.

Then he hugged him, as a sign of friendship, ignoring the rules and the difference in rank.

"Thank you on behalf of everyone here, Frank... without your precious help, this would not have been possible!" Dag thanked, looking at him and smiling.

"I wish you a good trip, my lords. Let the wind always blow on your side. You'll get to Krypstorm before you know it, I feel it" Frank said happily, greeting them with a slight bow of his head.

After the greetings, the Masters also climbed the Iron Emerald, while the Sun illuminated its majestic sails.

Thalos stopped just before the wooden bridge suspended over the water, raising his fur and wincing.

"Come on, Thalos... I know you don't like water very much, but... believe me, you won't touch it with one paw! Look, we're going to stay up there" Dag said as he lowered himself toward the wolf and pointed to the deck of the boat, where everyone else was waiting for him.

Thalos made an unconvincing verse and then stood in fear, walking attached to the legs of his master, who was forced to move slowly so as not to lose his balance on the narrow bridge.

Once on the boat, the wolf calmed down, sitting at the foot of the master mast.

The rowers were already in place, divided into two rows of six, arranged along the sides of the boat, while two other soldiers were stationary near the double rudder.

Low wooden benches were located in the middle of the main bridge and were also divided into two rows, with a large corridor in the middle.

The boat had been studied in detail to allow everyone to be comfortable during the ride, even those suffering from seasickness.

Although still stationary, the oscillations of the waves were minimal, thanks to the very low and wide base, which made the boat more stable than every other.

With all his companions behind him and hundreds of people waving to them from the harbor, screaming and celebrating the departure, Dag raised his arm with his clenched fist, giving further strength to the crowd, who shouted his name. 

Two soldiers pulled away the thin suspension bridge that allowed access to the boat, while others hoisted the sails.

Loosening the ropes, the huge sails fell down, and immediately the wind, which seemed imperceptible, swelled.

The rowers, in an incredibly synchronized manner, began to row and the Iron Emerald set off, quickly moving away from the port.

"Goodbye, Okstorm. We'll see each other again one day" Dag thought aloud, looking at the sea and thinking that the next time he would rest his feet on land again he would be at Krypstorm.

After only a few kilometers, the crew made the first turn, to change direction and travel along the south coast of Runar. 

Once near the destroyed villages of the fishermen, it would have been enough to continue straight to reach the land of perennial ice.

Despite its size, the boat traveled very fast from the start, with the perfect combination of sails and oars: taking advantage of the force of the wind, in fact, the rowers seemed to make no effort and this would certainly increase their resistance over time.

The rocky shores of Runar were magnificent, seen from afar, with their sea caves and cliffs, enriched by the deep and blue sea, which thanks to those features had taken that name.

Reidar and Karl were seated next to each other, while Gridd was next to Sander, just behind them.

Freydis waited for Dag, who after a few minutes spent watching the sea sat next to her, while Kjell stood on the bow.

Within days, under the supervision of the Crows Of Odin and some of Gurn's sailors, the Hammers Of Thor and Sons Of Freya warriors had also mastered the basics of sailing and were now moving as well as being an experienced crew.

While those holding rudders occasionally changed, the rowers were also synchronized in the breaks, taking advantage of the currents off the coast.

"What do you think will happen when we get there?" Freydis asked as Dag put his hand on her thigh, continuing to look forward.

"Who can say, Freydis... it bothers me to admit it, but perhaps Kjell's hypothesis is the most reliable. Admitting that we can land smoothly and away from the gaze of the enemies, we must hope that there will be no big cities built on that side of the coast. The journey will be very long and, even if our soldiers will be full of energy, we would like to face the enemies a little at a time. Remember... you've never faced a Jotunn... and I assure you it's not an easy thing" Dag said, trying to think about the near future.