Ian walked down the plank with a smile as he could see a familiar face on dock waiting to greet him personally. It was the chief. A man unlike any you have ever seen. He was a hulk of a man with a thick beard and imposing stature. And we cannot forget about the fact half his face was burned to the skull. This was what earned him his name, chief Skullburn. He was grinning, or at least that was what it looked like. Half his face was none existent. Both he and Ian met with a handshake at the center." How's the face I left you chief Skullburn," asked Ian with a strained face.
" Apparently doing worse than your already healed eye," answered Skullburn with a strained face.
The two were testing the other's strength levels through the handshake. When it was a stalemate, they stopped and just chuckled as they hugged each other like old friends. They were chuckling as they pat each other on the back. Then they released each other and Skullburn saw John. He first looked perplexed for a minute, as if scrutinizing his existence. Then he just cheered and brought in John for a bear hug. Rubbing his skull end on his head." My men, my disappointment of a son has returned. He actually looks like he has meat in those bones," he announced as all the men cheered and laughed," Now get this foolish son of mine ready for the ceremony."
Then Skullburn slapped Ian on the back and said," Now old friend, why don't we catch up like old times."
Skullburn and Ian walked into the village to the center where there was a large ring already created. At one end, there were two giant throne-like seats covered in what I assume to be bear-skins. That was where Skullburn led Ian for the best seats in the whole event. At another end lay seats by the tens, most likely for the spectators. On the side was a giant arc, seemed to be a doorway, that was just there. Further behind the prior mentioned thrones, was a large feast being prepared and set. This was going to be a good feast, is what Ian was thinking. The two sat at the thrones and were about to begin chatting when a woman with grey hairs came to greet them. She had with her an even older woman. The younger one greeted Ian and Ian said," It's been a while Griselda, I hope this old coot is treating you well."
She chuckled. She said," My husband is treating my mother and I well. My mother wanted to pass her gratitude for taking in our son after... Well mother, here he is."
" Captain Ian, I see a journey of turbulence and peril. What you seek shall lead you down a dangerous path against all the gods in the mythic realm but in the end, I see joy and happiness for you and your descendant. Until we meet again, captain Ian the dread, slayer of gods and demons," said the old woman who turned around and walked away.
Skullburn looked at his mother-in-law and then at Ian. He was in utter astonishment." Looks like my mother just saw your future. I do hope it comes to be helpful," said Griselda as she followed after her mother.
" That woman. She saw my future again without my permission. But she is always right," said Ian looking at the sky.
" Captain Ian, how did her past reading go? If you don't mind me asking old friend," asked Skullburn.
" *sigh* It all happened as she said," said Ian," My father took away all my abilities and stripped me of my title as battle commander. Right after the death of my mother. All as she said, I lost all I hold dear. Including my wife Miriam. I will make that bastard Loki pay for this. Even the fucking Devil himself for all this I'm going through."
" Old friend, I know not of what you are planning but I know one thing, you are good at heart. I will lend you my power whenever you ask. I may not be stronger than you but I could bring might unmatched by many in the seven seas," said Skullburn with a serious face.
The two looked at the sky for a while before Ian said," I will take you up on that offer but not now. Now let's celebrate. Isn't this supposed to be a celebration."
Skullburn cheered ordering," You're quite right. Astrid, bring the mead."
Then a beautiful woman came with a tray of two drinking horns [ drykkjarhorn in Norse ] and a pitcher. She handed each of the men a horn and poured them a drink." So who is this beautiful maiden?" asked Ian when his instincts sensed danger.
He raised an arm and caught a punch that would have otherwise smacked his face. The punch was from the maiden in front of him holding the pitcher. Skullburn was still laughing. Skullburn said," Astrid here is the one to be wed to the winner of today's ceremony. And she highly despises being referred to as a maiden. Remember that."
" You did that intentionally, didn't you," said Ian as she finally poured him his drink.
" So when is the main event beginning. I feel like we are just wasting time here now," said Ian trying to calm his hand which was still shaking.
" Strong isn't she," said Skullburn as he chuckled," The main event should be beginning now."
In the seats were Vikings who were slowly arriving with smiles and chatter. Some vikings sat at the front with shields. I guess this fight was that excessive. Then, as if they heard Ian, two men entered the ring. One of which was John. He had on his gauntlets and what seemed to be viking battle attire. His opponent held two axes as he too was dressed in similar attire. Then Skullburn stood to take a speech. He announced," My citizens, today we are gathered for the rite of passage of the village's most up and coming youngsters. The winner of this battle is to marry the village's most beautiful yet strongest woman. the warrior Astrid. Before you is my two sons. The eldest, John Stowick, and the younger, Erick Stowick. They will duke it out with honor and pride, as the vikings they are. Now I will let our guest of honor say a few words."
Ian stood up and grinned. He announced," I'm not one for speeches but I do have something to say. JOHN! LOSE THIS AND I'M FEEDING YOU TO MY KRAKEN. Victory is the only thing I expect from my crew so teach your brother on why you are older and destined to be the chief. Finish this quickly, because your crew is hungry and that feast looking nice."
John smirked and raised his fist at his captain. It was his way of showing respect to the captain. The whole crew understood this and they too raised a fist. Ian gave Skullburn a nod and he announced the beginning of the fight.