The Hero (Part 1)

Thorgard lay against the large willow tree in a soundless sleep. The ground beneath him was slightly wet, and the grass was cold and frozen. Behind the tree he lay his head against was a rushing river which sparkled in the dim sunlight. The waters were pure and clear as crystal. The dirt road was ahead of him which led west to the huts in Conarch Village and to the east where the wilderness rested. The skies were grey and murky and the pale colorless sun was at the highest.

Young Thorgard was only 19 winters old, his muscular body was well toned and his flesh was pale. He was dressed in leather pants and a black wool tunic. His snow boots were slightly worn, and beside his sleeping body was a large axe and a long sword.

It was a grim time for everyone in the clan. They were soon to meet blades with the Clan Swiftfeather which long held a grudge against War-Cheif Steel, Thorgard's father.

Sounds of steel clinging against the shields and the crunch of leaves beneath the many feet awoke Thorgard. Quickly the young barbarian opened his icey bright blue eyes and grasped the handles of his weapons, leaping to his feet. He grunted, looking to his left to see many warriors walking from the west path.

Leading the warriors in the very front was the cloaked father of Thorgard, War-Cheif Steel. He grunted and lifted his massive fist in the air, ceasing the warriors behind him all at the same time. War-Cheif Steel smiled at his son and spoke in a booming voice. "Thought I told ye to wait back at camp an' prepare th' herbs f'er y'er kinsman Odis, son."

Thorgard took a step foward, clearing his throat. "That be a woman's job, men fight f'er th' clan." said Thorgard with confidence in his voice. War-Cheif Steel laughed aloud with a few of his best warriors and sword brothers. "Aye, ye be a fierce youngin', lad." War-Cheif Steel said with laughter.

Thorgard frowned deeply as his father laughed, feeling embarrased and ashamed. War-Cheif Steel walked over to his son and lay a massive hand on his right shoulder. "Y'er time to fight will come, not now. In due time, son. In due time." War-Cheif Steel said with a loving smile. He patted his son on the head, then turned around to join his men and continue the walk to the eastern front where the enemies drew near.

Thorgard watched the clan warriors pass by, and began to head back to the village in the west. Slightly disapointed until surprised by a shrill voice which came from behind. Thorgard turned around quickly to be knocked on his back by an athletic figure. His weapons in his hands, his wrists held down by slender agile hands. A young woman around his age giggled as she lay atop him, her silk black hair blew in the breeze as her dark blue eyes gazed into his own eyes.

"Dawn!" Thorgard shouted at the giggling woman. Dawn was a slim Cimmerian lass who was about Thorgard's age, her hair was long and black as the night. Her dark blue eyes were always glossy and cheerful looking. A slight grin upon her face which never left, and her left eye was blocked behind the black hair. Her skin tone was pale and her lips were soft and red. She was dressed in a leather skirt, her wool tunic was worn and grey colored. Her pair shaped breasts were the perfect size, and many men sought to wed her.

"Y'er askin' f'er trouble ye know... Knockin' me down when I be off my guard, ye fight with little honor..." Thorgard muttered in a deep voice which sounded like a younger War-Cheif Steel's.

Dawn giggled with glee, and spoke in a soft tone. "For the son of War-Cheif Steel's, ye sure go down easy..."

Thorgard grunted and pushed her off him to his left. He rose, brushing himself off and picking up the weapons. Dawn leaped to her feet and folded her arms, looking at his expression with a smirk. "Why ye be upset, Thorgard? I just came over here to ask ye for some help liftin' some things... Been needing me a strong hand for help..." Dawn said in a tranquil tone.

Thorgard arched his eyebrow as he tilted his head. "Aye, suppose I can help ye... But from now on, don't be doin' that ambushin' me thing again... Aye?" Thorgard said in a tone which sounded serious. Thorgard never had a sence of humor, he was as grim as his father. Many thought that War-Cheif Steel and Thorgard Steel were very much alike in every aspect. Dawn nodded with a wide grin and extended her hand. "Aye!"

Thorgard returned a grin and accepted her hand, the two hugged and then walked slowly down the west path, talking to each other as they took their time.

"So why upset?" asked Dawn in a concerned voice as she looked up to Thorgard with a caring expression upon her sweet face. Thorgard released a deep sigh before he spoke. "Aye, my father keeps me from battles, ever since mother died from th' illness. Father been makin' me do tasks that th' woman preform n' carry... Promising me place upon battle field when I be ready... I trained since a youngin', and yet to get a place I have... It ain't fair!"

Dawn frowned slightly as she squeezed his hand. Looking away from him as she spoke with slight anger in her voice. "There be nothin' wrong with gatherin' and cookin' dinners... Nothin' wrong with my jobs! I can still knock y'er bum down on th' dirt!"

Thorgard chuckled, and stopped to turn her and place both hands on her shoulders. Her eyes looking to her lower left as she now crossed her arms. He brushed the black hair from her face and looked into her eyes. "Aye, there be nothin' wrong with y'er jobs... I'm sorry f'er being rude aye? It's just... I be strugglin' to find me place... And I know that it be upon the battle field with me father... Understand me and please forgive what I said, ye do a better job at what ye do than I, and that takes great skill which I 'ave yet to master..." Thorgard said softly. Dawn's deep blue eyes looked up at him. She smiled slightly for a moment before the smile faded. "Aye, apology accepted... It just be... Well, maybe y'er father be worried for you... aye? After y'er mother died, he may be afraid to lose you too... Just as I be afraid to lose ye..." Dawn said softly and quiet. Thorgard smiled and the two turned and continued to walk slowly down the path which led to a small bridge over the rushing river. The village lay ahead.

"Ye be a good friend to me, Dawn." Thorgard said. Dawn smiled as she looked up at him, blushing. She held his hand as they walked over the bridge and entered the village.

"I know." Dawn said with an affectionate and loving voice.