Slowly emerging from the forest canopy, a young man with fiery red hair slowly came into view. Strapped behind him a worn but trusted bow, though its wood old and string only just started to fray, it has served it's wielder well.
Along with a meager 10 stone arrow heads in a quiver made of loose fibers and thatch. He survey the clearing from this point on there was a smattering number of trees, only the hardiest and deep rooted ones can grow beneath the summit of the lonely mountain.
Sven POV
Gone, they were all gone, Father, aunt, friends and tribesmen alike. People I knew as a lad just seeing his second winter. I knew the life of a Free folk is hard, unforgiving and the weak willed dies out first. Well unless your sweet little Merica.
'At least the gods spared her at least' I thought about the girl, delicate and kind. Nothing like your typical bastard you see this side of the wall.
But to die being eaten, there are fates worse than death. And seeing as your liver cut out of you was up there. I shiver at the reminder of the last moments of poor Kajus, at least he took out 3 of em as he died that's some comfort for him at least.
I waited near the cover of the trees for my companions, Beautiful Helga, scary as hell Meron, old Nose Bitter and of course Merica. The last of the Snowblood tribe.
"No tracks, but it snowed recently here, most of it was covered" I said
"Then we best start climbing Sven, at least with the high ground we can have some warning of dangers" Nose Bitter said "Finally calm down enough Hawk claw?"
I winced at the terrible name I was given, it came about because as they understand it I have the eyes of a hawk and the claws of one since once I see prey, it would die sooner than later by my bow the "claw" as they put it.
"Please stop calling me that"
Nose Bitter scoffed "Ya earned that name so get use to it"
" Where's Helga and the twins?" I asked as only Nose Bitter was the only one I heard approached.
"Pissing and shitting, Helga said she didn't want you to hear her passing one, and the twins just followed along. Honestly we should have called you the "winter rabbit" instead for how sharp that hearing of yours are"
I shrugged I honestly like that better
"Their done by the way, Merica is saying she's tired and Helga is saying you carried her most of the way"
Nose Bitter smiled "Brats lazy still, me thinks its still a good idea to start the trek, snow storms a day out"
I nodded "I'll carry her then"
"And risk you dropping her yah cunt? I'll do it you and Nose Bitter can lead I'll stay at the center and Meron can watch our backs" Helga said as she walked towards us.
Gods she was gorgeous, chestnut brown hair with hazel doe eyes, and the body not even her furs can hide, oh and the scattered freckles on the bridge of her nose.
"What are you looking at Sven? Get going and scout ahead for shelter or I'll hit you with my axe!"
The outspoken personality is also a point in her favor, a proper spear wife she'll be... If only she liked me enough.
We began our truck up the mountain, winds battered against us, I had to pull Meron along with me since he started to vear off the rest in this blinding snowfall. Nothing but white for hours until it let up, I looked back and we made good progress.
"I see the storm, its closing in, just a few more and we'll be safe once we're high enough!"
I called out the rest, Nose Bitter was feeling his age, an hour maybe two before he needs to rest. Same with Helga and the twins... Hells even I am feeling like collapsing right this instant.
Meron POV
Father is dead, mother too, only Merica is left.
"Protect her my little wolf, be the alpha that looks after his pack no matter what"
"You tired Meron? Just a few more paces then we can find a cave and be away from most of the storm" Sven said he was a little ways from us, I nearly got lost a few steps back because of the snowfall and winds blocking my sight.
"Be there for your sister, you are strong enough for the both of you"
"No" Is what I said but I can feel my chest burn, I want to sir down and just sleep. But I can't, we can't.
Sven gave me a look but nodded all the same, he was a bit cowardly to people that knew him, the best hunter of the tribe, able to bring big game when we needed it the most.
I glance at my back, Helga and Merica and Grandfather in the back. He should be at the front, and I should have been at the back, but one mistake and now he needed to make up for it.
Merica met my eyes and she smiles, she's shuffling rather that walking by this point but she tries, the moment she noticed Helga struggling carrying her. She started to walk on her own.
I return a small smile of my own
"You are twins Meron, though both of you are your own person's, it cannot be denied that both of you share a connection deeper than other siblings"
I turned my face forward, no more thinking, just keep walking, look for shelter and then I can rest.
3rd person POV
As the group made their way, just above them. Overlooking them all as it flew through the air, a hawk tilted it's head. It's eyes gleaming with intelligence as it looked at Merica. And it shrieked in delight, as if the young girl pleased it.
Turning east, it flaps wings and the hawk continues it's call.