Bloodlines of the Ancient Pantheons

Chapter 178: CLXXVIII. The Golden Chariot

"Yes, I think it's perfect" Gridd said, smiling at his brother.

"Taya? What do you think? We are the founding members of the largest alliance Skjold has ever seen! We're going to rewrite history! We deserve a name that can be easily remembered" Dag asked, clenching his fists, laden with adrenaline. 

"Dag, I won't believe this until the other Clans adhere to the proposal. Anyway... yes, that's fine with me. It's simple and effective" said she, who for a few seconds shrouded the room in pessimism.

"Then it's done! We have a deal! I'm happy to consider you my allies! My Masters will be happy. I allowed myself to put my signature despite not yet being Master, but I think it is not a problem for you, considering that I was the one who devised the project" continued Dag, who rightly took the merits, clarifying the reasons for his gesture.

"Dag, I honestly hadn't even thought about it! I'm happy too, brother!" exclaimed Gridd, embracing him.

"Okay, now enough with this brother and sister cheating. I remind you that we have an important announcement to make to the citizens of Hevnen. When the Sun is high in the sky, we'll see you in Golden Chariot Square. Try to be on time" Taya said, taking his leave.

Dag, Gridd, and Jens also left the basement room, returning to the surface.

"I didn't think you were proposing such a thing to Taya... I'm talking about fighting to decide who the Warchief is going to be" Dag told his sister after Jens also walked away.

"I trust you will be the winner. You told me your powers grew, didn't you? So what are you waiting for? Prove it! Your allies will respect you and your enemies will fear your wrath" she replied wisely, continuing to walk toward the exit of Fort Skjonnet.

Dag did not answer.

"Perhaps Gridd is right. It's my time, I think there's nothing wrong with showing everyone what I'm capable of" he thought.

"Now stop babbling, brother! I know a place where they serve some great mead, let's go celebrate! Then we'll walk to the square" she continued, pulling Dag by the arm.

"Hahaha! All right, I won't have it repeated twice!" 

He and Gridd came out of the fortress and strolled through the crowded streets of the city, attracting the attention of many citizens, who when saw Gridd laughing and joking with a stranger, did not stop asking questions.

Questions to which Gridd always answered the same way: 

"When the Sun is high in the sky, head to Golden Chariot Square, the Clan has an important announcement to make!" 

After drinking and eating to celebrate, the two siblings made their way to the square, slowly.

Gridd asked Dag about his powers, how he had discovered them, and how he had done to increase them progressively.

Dag tried to explain it all, making it a little difficult because of the alcohol circulating in his body, the effect of which was amplified by the intense Sun pounding on their heads on that warm day.

After crossing yet another bridge, they found themselves at the foot of a wide staircase leading to an elevated square.

Around it, 4 high walls protected an imposing multi-story building, as if it was a jewel in a chest. 

In front of the building, the real protagonist of the square glistened under the Sun's rays: a huge statue depicted Freya on a carriage pulled by two large cats.

The carriage was completely made of gold and Dag, seeing it, was so amazed to stop moving, admiring it better.

"I know, this is the reaction of anyone who sees the Golden Chariot for the first time" Gridd said, noting his brother's reaction.

"It's amazing! How much gold did it take to build such a great and majestic thing?! Wow!" exclaimed Dag, slowly walking again, climbing the stairs.

Taya and Jens were already in position at the foot of the statue. 

"Hey there! We were waiting for you!" Jens shouted, waving to Gridd and Dag with his hand.

After the Masters gathered, a large crowd of people began to form at the foot of the stairs: the news of the speech had spread quickly.

After just over 20 minutes, thousands of people of all ages were standing in front of them, waiting to hear what they had to say.

"They... they're so many" Dag said, swallowing empty, fearful of giving a speech in front of all those people.

"Everything is about breaking the ice, brother. Don't worry, you're good with words! Hahaha!" exclaimed Gridd, giving a joking slap on Dag's shoulder, teasing him.

"So you're Dag of the Hammers Of Thor?" asked a male voice from the back of the statue.

Dag turned around and noticed a man walking towards them, after coming out of the great white building behind.

"That's Trym, Hevnen's Jarl. To tell the truth, he has no powers, but he serves the people as a symbol of power. We, warriors of the Clan, tell him what to do.

"Yes, it's me. Nice to meet you" Dag replied. 

He was a tall, sturdy man, with medium-length black hair, disheveled. 

He was not wearing any armor, but a floor-length dress, embellished with precious stones, also featured on a flashy necklace and the numerous rings he wore on his hands. 

"I am Trym, the Jarl of this city. Before you arrived, Master Taya and Master Jens told me about your project. It's a really good idea, I hope it will benefit your two Clans!" he continued.

"I hope so too!" replied Dag, smiling and noting that the man's words were meaningless, useful only in that circumstance.

The dialogue between the two lasted only a few minutes and both remained vague, Trym did not ask Dag about his provenance and military rank. 

"The square is full of people. I think we can start!" exclaimed Jens, enthusiastically. 

Gridd and Dag stood next to the other two Masters, in a row.