To the Empire's Northwest
The tribal settlement's expansion had gone off without a hitch this time. And after endless tournaments, the corporals were mostly locked in, finally stabilizing the rank system.
"Took a bit long, but damn, what a sight," Ragnar said.
"Hahaha! Everyone's been raking it in lately, so their houses are all big and sturdy!"
Thanks to Eirin and Thumstone's efforts, the settlement was now laid out with real planning. It could handle a lot more people without issue.
Afterward, Ulfrik walked the newly paved paths with Ragnar, chatting as they went.
"Son, aren't you thrilled we're finally getting a princess in the family?"
"About time we escape this gloomy three-brother setup."
Right after those tactless brothers had left the tribe, Helga had revealed the baby's gender.
Honestly, a sturdy boy to support the family pillar would be ideal. But after seeing the second brother run off in a fit of jealousy over Ulfrik, having a little sister didn't sound half bad.
"Father, have you picked a name?"
"Of course! Hilda fits perfect."
"Ooh, nice choice."
It had that perfect shield maiden vibe.
But the family had several issues right now. The big one? Advanced maternal age, obviously. Eirin was too old for this, and in these times, both mother and child dying in childbirth was all too common.
"Good thing Helga's helping out this time."
"She's a real lifesaver. Ulfrik? Make sure you treat her right always."
"Naturally."
To ensure a safe birth and pregnancy, Eirin was heading to the Frost Giant Tribe. She'd go via Helga's space teleportation ritual, so no travel hassles.
Soon after the tribe settled into stability.
"Grandma, ready to head out?"
"Hol hol hol, gotta go quick so the kids aren't uncomfortable, right?"
"N-not at all! Great Shaman!!"
"W-we'd love to stay with you forever, Great Shaman!"
"Kkhuh! The days with Master flash before my eyes!!"
Helga's departure loomed. The shamans were making a huge fuss, acting all reluctant. But Ulfrik could read their minds without mind-reading:
'Please go already!! Hurry!!'
'Hakon’s free at last!!'
'After all we've suffered for this day.'
Helga, clearly enjoying it, tossed out a tease.
"Should I stick around longer?"
"N-no!! No need for the Great Shaman to—"
"Master!! You've been away from the mountain too long!"
The shamans twisted like soldiers hearing the squad leader might stay another night.
With Helga leaving, out came Eirin and now-the-third-son Thumstone.
"Thumstone, take care of Mother."
"You got it, big bro!!"
"Heh heh heh, never knew our little guy's this reliable."
Thumstone was joining to tend to Eirin. Living briefly in the highest, most mystical mountains thrilled him—his grin never faded.
"But Thumstone? Stick to what I told you before."
"I'll come back stronger, promise!"
"Looks like farewells are done. Stay well, everyone."
"Helga! Take care of Eirin!"
"Grandma! Come back anytime!! Safe travels, Mother."
"No worries. Ready, Eirin?"
"Hee hee hee, yes, Helga. We'll be back safe."
Eirin and Thumstone vanished with Helga after final goodbyes. The shamans' faces lit up like the squad leader had finally left.
A few days after Eirin and the youngest headed to the Frost Giant Tribe, a messenger arrived—just like for the last Viking council—to confirm attendance.
"What?! The Thing this summer?!"
"I get the Yarl's surprise since it's late, but even the Great Shaman said gather intel first before the Thing."
Hmm, classic Helga. Charging in blindly would just make them like those dumb Empire northern troops.
The messenger added they were scouting the Empire already, and minor raids wouldn't draw heat. Ulfrik and Ragnar nodded.
"See you at the Thing then."
"Yeah, catch you later."
"Safe trip~"
Ragnar called Ulfrik and the elders right after the messenger left. The meeting wrapped quick.
"That messenger dropped a key hint."
"Never thought even the Great Shaman would back war..."
"We're pro-war too, so unanimous vote incoming?"
"Probably."
The four major Nord tribes would push war at the Thing—except maybe some weird holdouts. That salty old Rimann would scream for it, and war-hit tribes would demand blood revenge.
Bear Claw Tribe needed full prep.
"Son, you up for this round?"
"Heh heh heh, perfect timing."
Ranks were stable now—time to deploy 'em. They'd move in individual squads for max intel.
With Ragnar and elders' okay, every warrior assembled.
"I'm appointing temporary squad leaders now!!"
""""Waaaaah!!!""""
"Corporals, run mock battles till three remain!!!"
""""Ugh!""""
Battle royale for speed. Privates and privates first dropped fast. As corporals traded punches, Ragnar asked Ulfrik's plan.
"Four squads infiltrating the Empire."
"Squad's 30-50 men, right?"
A midsize longship held max 50—one ship per squad.
"Squad leader commands it?"
"Spot on, Father!"
Normally, squad leaders were lieutenant-grade, squad under fireteam leaders manned by troops. But officers were troops' enemies—no such limp ranks for Vikings! Regulars built authority via nods like this selection.
Predictably, the original three instructors remained.
"Hahaha! Knew it'd be you! Corporal Egill!Corporal Aslak!Corporal Vidak! Front and center!"
"""Sir!"""
"Congrats on squad leader for recon!"
"""Honor, Sergeant Ulfrik!!"""
Squads reformed, they launched with roaring cheers.
Cold sea wind whipped Ulfrik's skin as four longships cleaved the North Sea.
Shwaaaaa!
"Dreng!! Time's near!"
"Mission complete or bust, Sergeant Ulfrik!"
"Yeah!! See you home!!"
""""Ugh!""""
Back before summer Thing. They wished luck/honor, veered off.
"Westward ho!! Row!"
""""Yes sir!""""
Four squads mixed corporals/privates. Theirs strongest, so riskiest Empire Northwest. Hakon, now glued to them, briefed.
"Uh... Duke of the North's turf?"
"Vassal kingdom, basically separate."
Weak Empire couldn't conquer it, tossed duke title instead.
"Heh, Empire classic."
"Pathetic, Sergeant Ulfrik!!"
"But exciting."
Endless Empire fights got boring. Squad roared at fresh foes.
"New glory awaits!!"
"""Waaaaah!!"""
They rowed hard at top speed—then sea battle sounds ahead.
"Other tribe out?"
"Scouting Empire like us."
Others prepped war too.
"Sergeant Ulfrik, orders?"
"Join in!!"
"True Dreng!!"
"Glory calls!!"
Shwaaaaa!
Cheering with Vikings, they cleaved waves. One longship vs. three Empire ships. Hakon/warriors ID'd shields.
"Ulfrik! Fire Scale Tribe!!"
"Fought with us last decisive battle."
"Can't leave comrades hanging!!!"
"Horn pipe here!"
"Perfect!!"
Blasted horn pipe to signal Fire Scale. Deep bass boomed over sea; Empire/longship paused, watching.
Might as well join spectacular!! Now with Mjolnir and kiheup, unlike before!
"Ship killing prep!!!"
"""Yes!"""
Mjolnir surged kiheup; thunder compressed massively.
Empire flustered or not, longship charged. Collision imminent—Ulfrik swung from prow.
Fire Scale Tribe panicked mid-battle at sudden horn. Never dreamed aid in desperation.
Warrior leading longship—Salmir Ignison—eyes widened at reinforcements.
"B-Bear Claw Tribe!!!"
"For real?!"
"And that lightning...!!"
They'd seen thunder warrior last decisive battle. True to hopes, Bear Claw charged Empire ship—
────KABOOOOOM!!!
────and murdered one instantly.
Absurd scene stunned Empire navy, Salmir, Fire Scale warriors. But no time!
"Dreng Ulfrik to the rescue!! Regroup fast!!"
"Haha! Can't look weak to him!!"
"Salmir warrior!! Arrows/spears stocked!!"
Fire Scale synced with Ulfrik's longship.