in he came through the window. His hand raised to fend of the knife that greeted him. Gunnar it is I, Fromia.

The knife lowered quickly and they embraced.

What news do your bring at this hour?

Baragia

HERE?

Ya

Impossible

I saw his soldiers with my own eyes, Gunnar.

Fruehans, my dear Fromia, I thought he would never find me here.

I am sure your killing that legionnaire captain didn't help matters. There is always talk that spreads for miles when things like that happen.

Why does he yet hound me after all this time? Can his desire for revenge be as strong as mine? I slept with his daughter not his wife.

Well, your killing his only son in that duel to protect his sisters honor, after she committed suicide, might be a key. That and the fact you remain a threat to his kingdom.

He kneels down silently at the foot of his bed.

We have been here before, we shall go further south as we have always done.

I could fight him, I am better now, end this between us.

No, you are not that skilled, remember this. **He takes his hand and draws aside one piece of Gunnar's shirt to reveal a small slice along his rib cage. ** He did this when he was not even angry with you. You know how he will spit you alive now and carry you aloft from his horse.

Ahhhhhhhh, **his cries echo into the night**

You cry for her, who started it all. My sister, may she be attended to by the Gods and happy now.

He keeps bringing it all back, as he is the one. The one man you hate the most and fear the most at once. I believe that holds true for the both of you, locked into a destiny that can only end when one of you is dead.

You were too young Gunnar and he was already a grown man when he raided your village and took her. You fought beyond your years as it was. Only the Gods know why he spared you then.

She was your true love, betrothed to you in spirit, though never in body. This is what drove you for revenge, using the woman to get at their men. One by one you found them all, and in so doing lost yourself into a life of idleness and debauchery.

I am your bond brother and have stayed by your side for love of you and for love of my sister. But to remain here, this is not the place to make your stand. We go farther south, to Greece, where the sun will cure your heart and bring back your spirit.

By the night which surrounds me, I shall yet get faster, and deadlier. Practicing as I have never done before, foreswearing woman from my life. In Greece I shall make the stand where by he meets his end. If he follows not to those shores then it is I who shall hunt him down. Bring this to an end and reclaim my birth right.

He rises from his knees. We pack and we are off..