Chapter 50: An opportunity offered by God
Tobias keeps his distance, his boots crunching softly against the forest floor as he trails Amari, Freyr, and Apollo. The trio’s hurried movements betray their desperation, weaving through narrow pathways that seem etched into the mountainside. Tobias remains calm, his hand occasionally brushing the revolver at his hip, his sharp eyes calculating the next move.
Back at the battleground, Erling struggles to his feet, his metallic armor fractured, and his breaths labored. Blood seeps from the exposed cracks in his skin. Though determined, his body falters as he begins his slow march toward the castle.
Every step feels heavier than the last, and he soon collapses onto the side of the road, his vision blurring. A few civilians rush over, drawn by the echoes of explosions. Their eyes widen at the sight of Erling’s battered state. Without hesitation, they work to stabilize him, using strips of fabric to stem the bleeding and offering water to soothe his pain.
Erling mumbles faintly, barely able to register the aid. His consciousness teeters on the brink as the civilians share hushed, frantic words about the battle they heard.
"Is he the one who fought the stranger?" whispers a middle-aged woman.
"I think so," replies another, her hands shaking as she presses a cloth to Erling’s wounds. "The explosions were terrifying. Who could possibly match his strength?"
Two figures arrive swiftly—a pair of Erling’s friends, their expressions grim as they take in the scene. The taller one, Fjorn, kneels by Erling’s side, his hand resting gently on the warrior’s shoulder. The shorter, stockier friend, Rurik, scans the area for any signs of the attacker.
"What happened?" Fjorn asks, his voice tight with anger.
"He was fighting... fighting someone who was powerful," one civilian explains hesitantly. "We came as soon as we heard the noise."
Another civilian speaks up, her voice trembling. "It could be the man who killed those five men earlier today."
Fjorn and Rurik exchange shocked glances. The weight of the news only fuels their determination. Rurik stands tall, his hands clenched into fists.
"We need to find him," Rurik declares. "Spread the word—let everyone know we’re hunting the one responsible."