Return of the General's Daughter

The storm of indecision gripped Marlon Norse like a vice. He stood at the manor’s threshold , staring past the horizon where the distant mountains cut the sky like jagged teeth. Two days. That was all the time left before his forces assembled. If he stayed, they would lose precious hours. If he left now, his body—already fraying from days of sleepless marches—might fail him before he reached them.

"General," Seveir’s voice broke the silence, low and urgent, "you must rest. You’ve been in the saddle for a few days without pause. You cannot lead men into battle if you collapse before it begins."

Marlon clenched his jaw. "But—"

"No," Odin interrupted, his tone firm enough to cut through Marlon’s stubbornness. "Stay the night. The horses are spent, and so are you. Galahad and Bener know a shorter route—faster, safer. If you leave tomorrow, you’ll still reach Mount Roca in time. Push any further tonight, and you’ll break both man and beast."

Marlon’s hands tightened into fists at his side. He hated weakness—especially his own. But Odin’s words rang with truth. His muscles trembled from exhaustion, and every breath felt like fire.

Before he could argue, General Odin approached, his presence like a wall of iron. "The matter is settled then," Odin said, his voice deep and calm, yet leaving no room for defiance. He turned to the butler. "Prepare a villa for General Norse. He is our guest tonight. See that meals are delivered promptly."

Odin’s gaze fell back on Marlon. "Rest, Marlon. A battle is not won by the fastest blade, but by the one who survives to wield it. You know that very well. It was what Great Grandpa Beor often told us when we were children."

He did not wait for thanks. With a brief nod to the butler at his side, Odin turned away, his black cloak trailing behind him like a shadow. At his side, Freya walked with an expression carved from cold stone. Rage burned behind her eyes, the kind that years could not extinguish. She would not look at Marlon. She did not need to.

The sight of Marlon—his very presence—was still poison to her.

Lara’ Manor— The Helias Manor