Rud's yellow eyes gleamed. "We'll see it through, my Lord. If this path is what makes us useful to you, then we'll walk it without fear."
Nari grinned, baring his teeth. "I've always said books and spells weren't for me. Give me blood, steel, and a chance to grow stronger. This is better."
Jekka, quieter than the others, only nodded once, her hand tightening on the hilt of her axe. "We won't fail you."
Lumberling allowed himself the faintest smile. Their excitement wasn't misplaced. For warriors like them, this path might be the answer they'd been waiting for.
He turned, leading them deeper into the cell. The stench of blood and sweat thickened as they approached the chained Vikings, two Rúnbringers and one Spirit-Bound, each unconscious and bound in heavy shackles. Their breaths came ragged, but their presence still pulsed like smoldering embers.
