Bonds of the Fallen
Chapter 17

Val weaved his way through the dense forest, feeling the weight of worry in his chest and on his broad shoulders. The Norn brokered a fragile peace, and now, a new enemy threatened to unravel everything - followers of a New God.

“Einar,” he called out, his voice low and urgent. “I need your best men to continue tracking the followers of this New God. And I need you to go to Slaingard and tell Bat what we discovered in person.”

Einar nodded, his eyes reflecting Val’s concern. “I can stay here while you go to her,” he offered.

“No,” Val replied firmly, shaking his head. “The gods have summoned me, and there’s talk about the treaty breaking down. Tell Bat I’ll be back as soon as I can. I have to leave right now.”

Einar gave a solemn nod. “What message would you like me to relay to her?”

Val hesitated, the words catching in his throat. “We’ve found traces of her mother. She’s alive, and she may be with the followers.”

Einar’s eyes widened. “Have they taken her hostage?”

“We don’t know,” Val admitted, the uncertainty weighing him down. “It’s possible. They attacked Bat outside the compound.”

Einar laid a comforting hand on Val’s shoulder. “I know it’s tough, but you did the right thing. It’s okay to open up, to let someone in.”

“Thanks, my friend,” Val said, giving Einar a nod before setting off to meet with the gods.

Val navigated out of the dense forest, the crunch of leaves underfoot filling the otherwise silent space. His heart raced as he drew nearer to the edge of the woods, dreading the encounter that awaited him.

Drawing in a deep breath, Val steeled himself and closed his eyes. When he reopened them, the lush forest had vanished, replaced by the otherworldly realm of the gods. A brilliant white light filled the space, emanating from no particular source, bathing everything in its glow. The air was heavy with the scents of exotic blooms and incense. Though beautiful, Val couldn’t help but despise this place. To him, it felt hollow and empty.

“Val,” boomed a voice, reverberating off the walls and jolting him from his thoughts. He looked up to see Odin, the leader of the Aesir gods, standing before him.

“We’ve been waiting for you,” Odin continued, his penetrating gaze locking onto Val’s.

Val hesitated, swallowing hard before stepping forward and kneeling before the gods, who sat upon their towering thrones. Odin stood at the front, a commanding presence that demanded respect from all.

“What news do you have for us?” Odin’s voice was like thunder, resonating in Val’s chest.

With a deep breath, Val began, “The followers of the New God are amassing. They’re organizing to recruit more for their cause. I fear an attack is imminent.”

Odin’s eyes narrowed.

“We’ve been watching their movements,” Odin said, his voice dropping to a low growl. “They are not to be underestimated. We must prepare for the battle that lies ahead.”

The thought of war brought a deep sense of dread to Val’s chest. He had witnessed firsthand the havoc and destruction it had, and the last thing he wanted was to be the catalyst for such chaos among his people.

“I understand,” Val spoke, keeping his voice steady despite the turmoil. “But must it come to war? Is there no way we can replace common ground and negotiate with them?”

Odin’s features darkened at his words, and a wave of anger emanated from the god. “Negotiate?” Odin’s voice was sharp, filled with ridicule. “These people are savages, Val. They forsake the old ways and bend their knee to a false deity. Their goal is to erase our history and achievements. Negotiation is not an option.”

Head bowed, Val felt the full brunt of Odin’s disappointment. He was caught in an impossible situation, tethered to the old gods and their whims, even though it went against his convictions.

“I will ready our forces for battle,” Val’s voice was barely audible as he relented. “But if there’s any possibility of averting this war, I implore you to take it.”

Val felt Odin’s intense gaze upon him for a moment, and he steeled himself for a possible wrathful rebuke. But instead, Odin gave a curt nod.

The exchange felt like a game to Val, and he wasn’t the one holding the cards. He met Odin’s gaze squarely, his voice unwavering. “I will not let you down. No matter what it takes, I will safeguard my people, even if it means facing the followers of the New God by myself.”

As he bowed low before Odin, he felt frustration and a sense of injustice. Odin and the other gods had the means to quell the rise of the New God and halt the impending war, but they chose not to. They used him as a mere pawn in their cosmic chess game.

Anger smoldered within Val like an uncontrolled blaze as he rose. Val took a deep breath, eyes closed, and when he opened them, he found himself back at the forest’s edge again.