BTtNR - Book 2 - Chapter 060 - The Enemy of My Enemy

“Word has reached me that we may have a common dislike for a certain Viking.  Tell me, Guat Hagisson, is this true?”

Spitting on the stone floor, the warrior nodded as he scowled.

“That bastard has stolen everything from me and I can’t stand it anymore!”

“Even though he helped you perform well in the trials?”

Snorting, the younger man picked up the silver goblet and drained it, banging it against the table once it was empty.

“I’m no fool. He had and still has my father convinced he’s something special but I know the truth.  Using him and his lapdog Osvif to help me was the greatest thing to ever come from my relationship with him.”

Koigrim’s fingers tapped the wooden table.  He glanced at the servant and nodded.

Without hesitating another moment, the young woman came forward, pouring more honey mead into the empty cup.

“Tell me, Guat, what can you offer me to prove that you are against him?”

“Outside of killing him? What do you want?”

Leaning against the table, the older man smirked. 

“I need knowledge.  Information about Einar and how he works. I need to know what his plans are.”

“Lots of people believe they have that,” Guat replied. “What I think you’re asking for is something only someone who had to grow up in his shadow their whole life would know.”

Nodding, the older man reached into his robe and pulled out a small pouch. Sliding it across the table, his brown eyes watched as the younger man picked it up, opened the drawstring, and peered inside.

“A rune?”

“An advanced rune.  One that would be beneficial to you. Surely you could use this and I have another waiting if you provide me with what I need to know.”

Cinching up the cords, Guat grinned. 

“I would have done this for free but I’m not foolish enough to turn down that kind of power and strength.  Tell me what it is you need me to do.”

Perfectly straight white teeth appeared as Koigrim smiled in a way he hadn’t in a while.

“Let’s see how you perform a few things first. Prove yourself worthy and I’ll show you true power.”