NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10: Chapter 10: The Warrior's Path
Norway, 972 AD
The crunch of snow beneath boots echoed through the winter morning as Mikael led his four-year-old son through their training exercises. Magnus moved with fluid grace, his small practice sword cutting precise arcs through the crisp air. At his father's instruction, he had been drilling since dawn, yet showed no signs of tiring.
Nearby, two-year-old Freya watched from a safe distance, clutching her wooden doll as she observed her brother's training with fascination. Her presence always seemed to sharpen Magnus's focus, driving him to excel beyond even Mikael's expectations.
"Your form improves daily," Mikael noted with pride, watching Magnus execute a complex series of movements that seemed impossible for one so young. "You have the makings of a true warrior."
Before Magnus could respond, a cry rang out from the longhouse. Both father and son turned sharply toward the sound - Esther had gone into labor with their third child earlier that morning.
"Go," Magnus said, looking up at his father with those striking violet eyes. "I will watch over Freya."
Mikael clasped his son's forearm in their now-familiar gesture, pressing their foreheads together briefly before hurrying toward the house. Magnus watched him go, then turned to his sister with a warm smile.
"Come, little one," he said, extending his hand. "Let us welcome our new sibling together."
Hours passed as they waited. Magnus kept Freya entertained with stories and games, all while his enhanced senses monitored the proceedings inside. He could feel the pulse of magic in the air - their mother's power mixing with something else, something that spoke of destiny and fate.
Finally, as evening approached, Mikael emerged to summon them. "You have a brother," he announced, his face glowing with pride. "Strong and healthy. Come meet him."
Inside, Esther cradled their newest addition. Despite her exhaustion, her eyes were alert, watching carefully as Magnus approached with Freya. The adult mind within Magnus noticed how she seemed to hold the baby closer as they neared, her protective instinct heightened by the knowledge of what her bargain with Dahlia would eventually cost.
"His name is Finn," she said softly.
Magnus studied his new brother intently. Even as an infant, Finn had an air of seriousness about him that would define his character for centuries to come. Carefully, Magnus reached out to touch the baby's hand.
"Welcome to our family, little brother," he whispered, his voice carrying a weight of promise that made Mikael's chest swell with pride.
Later that night, after the celebrations had died down and most of the household slept, Magnus stood watch over both his siblings. Freya had refused to leave her new brother's side, eventually falling asleep in a chair near his cradle. Magnus kept his vigil, his violet eyes gleaming in the firelight as he considered the future he knew awaited them.
He had one year left before Dahlia would come to collect her price. One year to grow stronger, to find a way to protect what was his. The warrior in him - both from his past life as a ninja and his present training under Mikael - understood the need for patience, for perfect timing.
Mikael found him there in the pre-dawn hours, still standing guard. Without a word, father and son shared their special gesture, the clasp of forearms and touch of foreheads speaking volumes in the silence.
"You cannot protect them from everything," Mikael said softly, though his voice carried pride rather than criticism.
"No," Magnus agreed, his young voice carrying ancient wisdom. "But I can try."
From the shadows, Esther watched this exchange with growing unease. There was something in Magnus's dedication that went beyond normal brotherly protection. Something in his eyes that seemed to see too much, understand too deeply. But for now, she pushed these thoughts aside, focusing instead on the image of her eldest son standing guard over his siblings like a warrior of old.
The flames flickered low in the hearth as the night deepened, casting long shadows across the sleeping children. Magnus remained at his post, patient and vigilant, while the adult mind within him continued to plan, to prepare, to plot ways to protect what he held dear.