Bjorn journeyed through the night but they had to rest because otherwise they risked exhaustion and the last thing he needed was his horse buckling from the stress but he was grateful that Askild granted him this much support.
Bjorn felt a sense of relief because this was the first solid lead he had on Tyr ever since his departure.
He was happy about it and knew he could pay back his treacherous brother.
Viggo noticed the change in Bjorn's personality but that was something interesting to note because Bjorn did not look angry or distressed about meeting his supposed mortal enemy.
They chose to spend the night in an unmarked and unknown territory, Bjorn knew he had to be careful because these were lands that Askild avoided.
That not only signified the danger it posed but it also meant that they were people capable of causing him discomfort.
They ate and drank, it looked like it was going to be a peaceful night for them but they soon heard footsteps in the distance.
It was unnerving because they were supposed to be the only ones as they had surveyed the area and combed it's surrounding thoroughly but they were not worried because their numbers were nothing to joke about, they knew they could crush anyone or thing that attempted to raid or steal from them.
This included bandits, bandits were not as stupid to target an army as they usually picked on vulnerable people.
A howl echoed in the distance and they realized that it was wolves, they eased up a bit but that was before they heard the shrieking cry of one of their own.
But that cry soon went silent and another followed.
"Viggo, handle it…" Bjorn commanded him as he went to sleep, he was not worried despite a few of his men falling but this also showed the trust he had in Viggo despite his brazen nature.
Viggo equipped a curved sword strapped to his back and ran into the dark like some deranged lunatic.
"Commander Bjorn…" A voice called out, prompting Bjorn to open his eyes slightly.
"What is it, Ivan?" Bjorn questioned Ivan. Ivan was another formidable sword he had under his command.
"Is it wise to send Viggo out there alone? We do not know the dangers out there…" Ivan said but Bjorn kissed his teeth in annoyance.
"It is either a bunch of wild wolves or bandits, Viggo is my right hand because I trust his strength.." Bjorn said bluntly. Ivan was visibly irritated by this statement because he saw himself as someone more worthy of the respect given to him.
Ivan had a tattoo depicting the numerical value, 0, between his brows. He was a lot smaller than Bjorn but his frame was just as big, if not bigger than Bjorn.
He had focused on his muscles to make up for the disadvantage brought forth by his smaller height but this meant one thing, he had sacrificed his speed in return.
"Viggo is a wild beast, he is no different from Eri-!" Before he could complete his sentence, a sword found its way to his neck, pressing against his jugular.
Bjorn did not even look at him yet this was so precise and accurate.
The sword inflicted a small wound as blood dripped down Bjorn's blade.
"I-I am sorry commander! I did not mean to anger you!" Ivan immediately apologized.
"If you ever speak of his name, I will kill you where you stand. Do not forget your place, Ivan…" Bjorn warned as he retracted his blade and returned to rest.
He wanted to sleep and in the distance, the crying of wolves echoed, showing that Viggo had reached the threat and had begun doing what he does best.
"BRACE YOURSELVES!" His voice echoed and Ivan raised a brow upon hearing this warning.
Why would they need to brace themselves when they did not need to as he was taking care of them?
Ivan looked at Bjorn with anger and irritation through the back of his head.
Wolves had slipped past him, this was only normal considering that he was one man but now their horses were in danger.
Bjorn was still unbothered as he did not get up, it was tricky fending off the wolves as the Vikings barely had the advantage of sight and could barely see anything.
Wolves thrived in such an environment and one had managed to slip past everyone as they attacked in groups and went right at Bjorn.
Ivan moved to protect his commander but a sharp pain at the heel of his feet stopped him in his tracks, one had managed to bite him as he had his guard down.
His concern for Bjorn was what made him vulnerable to this attack.
"Commander!" Ivan shouted but Bjorn did not respond to his call and the wolf lunged at Bjorn but once again, without looking, Bjorn grabbed the wolf by its neck.
The wolf gnawed and struggled but he could not bite Bjorn.
Bjorn causally stood up with the wolf in hand, he looked exhausted and right now, pissed because his sleep was interrupted.
The wolf's neck snapped and he tossed the dead body like a rag doll, throwing it right into the wolf that had snuck its teeth into Ivan's heel.
This blow was enough to kill it and free Ivan from its clutches but the fight did not last long as his men had made quick work of the wolves as the remaining few retreated.
They had no casualties excluding the ones that fell before the siege but they had unfortunately lost a few horses, but it wasn't something to worry about.
Bjorn had shown a glimpse of his strength, he was not a commander just because he was a son of Ragnar, but rather because he was a formidable warrior.
Viggo returned, drenched in blood and the corpses of the wolves, they were managing food but with this.
They could feast tonight without a care in the world.
The men were happy, this was proof that the gods did not abandon them amidst the skinning and cooking of the food.
Ivan felt an arm around him, looking to his side, he saw it was Viggo.
"Ivan, Ivan, Ivan… My sweet Ivan, something tells me you will die in the forthcoming battle and your killer might be closer than you think if you keep going at this rate…" Viggo whispered into his ear before letting him go to join the feast.
"... Right back at you…" Ivan muttered to himself.
