Man Of Steel, Shield Of Ice

Skor's Challenge

Skor's green eyes gleamed as he stared at Clark. The stream's sudden appearance had stirred the Ice River folk, but Skor was not so easily impressed.

"You've shown us a trick," he said, his voice sharp as the wind. "But tricks won't keep us warm, won't guard our backs when the dead come crawling. We need more than promises, outsider. We need to see your worth."

Clark's shoulders squared, his calm gaze meeting Skor's challenge. "What do you have in mind?"

The leader grinned, baring teeth like a wolf. "A trial. One that will show us what you're made of. Endure this, and you'll have our trust."

Tormund stepped forward, scowling. "Skor, enough of your bloody games. You've seen what the man can do. He's stronger than—"

"Stronger isn't enough," Skor cut in. "Not here. Strength alone doesn't survive the frost or the dark. Let him face the Trial of Fire."

Gasps rippled through the gathered wildlings. Even Tormund looked uneasy. "That trial's madness," he said, his voice low. "Nobody's walked it and come out whole."

Clark glanced at Tormund, then back at Skor. "If that's what it takes, I'll do it."

---

The Trial Begins

The Ice River folk led Clark to a barren ridge just beyond the encampment. Snow blanketed the ground, but blackened patches of earth dotted the landscape, steam rising faintly from them. At the ridge's center stood a wide circle of jagged stones. Within the circle, the ground glowed faintly red, as if the earth itself was alive with heat.

"The Trial of Fire," Skor announced, his voice carrying over the murmurs of the tribe. "You'll cross the circle without faltering. Do that, and you'll have proven your strength—and your resolve."

Clark stepped forward, his boots crunching on the snow. The heat from the circle was palpable even from a distance. He could feel the skepticism in the crowd, the weight of their expectations.

Ygritte touched his arm briefly, her voice low. "You don't have to do this. The Ice River lot, they're not worth—"

"They are," Clark interrupted gently. "If they join us, we're stronger. If we fail here, we lose more than just one tribe."

Ygritte studied him for a moment before nodding and stepping back.

---

The Walk

Clark removed his boots, feeling the icy bite of the snow beneath his feet. He stepped to the edge of the circle, the heat from the glowing earth making the air shimmer.

The first step was easy—too easy. Clark knew his Kryptonian physiology would protect him, but he couldn't let that show. Each step had to look deliberate, each movement an act of will.

The heat intensified as he moved further into the circle. He felt the searing glow against his skin, the acrid tang of scorched air filling his lungs. He stumbled deliberately, letting out a sharp breath as if in pain.

The crowd murmured, some leaning forward as if to catch him should he fall. Clark straightened, his face set with determination, and continued.

Step by step, he crossed the circle, his movements slow and measured. By the time he reached the other side, the murmurs had turned to cheers.

---

Skor's Decision

Skor approached Clark as he stood at the edge of the circle, his bare feet red from the heat. For a moment, the leader said nothing, his expression unreadable. Then he clapped Clark on the shoulder.

"You've got more guts than I gave you credit for," Skor admitted. "You've earned my respect—and my people's trust."

Clark inclined his head. "Then you'll join us?"

Skor nodded, his green eyes gleaming. "Aye. The Ice River folk will stand with you. But know this—our loyalty isn't blind. You falter, and we'll be the first to remind you of the frost's bite."

"I wouldn't expect anything less," Clark replied, his tone steady.

---

After the Trial

As the Ice River folk began preparations to move south, Ygritte found Clark sitting by one of the fires, his gaze distant.

"You didn't have to do it," she said, sitting beside him.

Clark glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Maybe not. But it was worth it."

Ygritte studied him for a moment before shaking her head. "You're a strange one, Clark. But you've got guts. The other clans won't be so easy to sway, though. The Thenns—"

"We'll deal with the Thenns when the time comes," Clark said, his tone resolute. "One step at a time."

Ygritte smirked. "One step at a time. Just don't get yourself killed before the real fight starts."

Clark's smile widened slightly, but his gaze turned back to the horizon. The Ice River folk were just the beginning. The true challenge lay ahead, with the other clans—and the Walkers—waiting in the shadows.