Chapter 26 Chapter 22 Prove by Blood, or by Merit

A small, warm flame brought Wulfgar back to consciousness.Although he was beginning to regain consciousness, he was still dazed, and he didn't know where he was when he squirmed out of the blanket that he didn't remember bringing.Then he recognized Icedeath, its dead body lying a few yards away, huge icicles lodged firmly in the dragon's back.The dark ward had dissipated, and Wulfgar stared blankly at the well-aimed arrows the dark elf had fired earlier.An arrow was stuck in the dragon's left eye, and the other two black arrow shafts protruded from the mouth. Wulfgar groped down to see if Aegisfang's familiar hammer handle was still there.But the hammer was not near him.The Savage struggled to shake off the numbness that had spread through his limbs, and stood up, frantically searching for his weapon.He also began to wonder, where did the dark elves go?

Then there was a knocking sound in the room next to him.His legs stiffened, and he turned carefully.He saw Drizzt standing atop a mound of gold coins, hammering away the ice covering with Wulfgar's hammer. Drizzt noticed Wulfgar approaching, and he bowed deeply in greeting. "Good to see you, Dragonslayer," he yelled. "Me too, dear elf," Wulfgar replied, delighted to see the dark elf again. "You've been following me." "Not far from you," Drizzt replied, knocking another chunk of ice off the treasure. "There's no excitement in Ten-Towns, and I'm not going to let you take the lead in a killing contest between the two of us! It's ten and a half to ten and a half," he declared, smiling frankly. "There is still one dragon to be divided. Half of it should be mine!"

"I agree," Wulfgar admitted, "that you are entitled to half the spoils." Drizzt revealed a silver chain hanging around his neck, with a small pouch attached to it. "Trinkets," he explained. "I don't need riches, and doubt how much I can take away, any way! A few trinkets will suffice." He poked through the gold and silver treasures in the broken ice, and found a knife handle inlaid with gemstones. The black fine gold handle was skillfully carved into the shape of a cheetah's sharp teeth.The fine workmanship captivated Drizzt, and with trembling hands he plucked the weapon from the pile of gold.

It was a machete.Its curved blade was of silver, edged with diamonds.Drizzt held the knife up, marveling at its brilliance and perfect balance. "I just want trinkets...and this knife," he corrected.    Before Wulfgar had met the dragon, he had doubted his escape from these intricate subterranean caverns. "The current is too strong, and the waterfall too high, for us to go back through the melted ice," he said to Drizzt, though he knew the dark elves would have thought of that too. "Even if we get through these obstacles, I don't have deer tallow to protect us from the cold out of the water."

"I have no intention of going through the melting pool again," Drizzt said to reassure the barbarian. "But because of my experience, I've been fully prepared for such a situation! The wood for the fire and the blankets are all brought to you by me, wrapped in sealskins. And this," he said from his belt Three claw hooks and some light but strong rope were taken out.He had found a way out. Drizzt pointed out a small hole in the roof above them.The icicles were knocked down by Aegis' Fang and a hole was made in the ceiling. "I couldn't throw this hook that high, but your strong arms should think it's not such a daunting challenge."

"Perhaps so when I was in better shape," Wulfgar replied. "But I don't have the strength to try it now." When the dragon's breath fell on the barbarian, he was closer to death than he knew, and the adrenaline pumped up in the battle was used up. Incomparably cold. "I'm afraid I can't hold the hook with my insensate hand!" "Then run!" the dark elf yelled. "Let your frozen body warm itself." Wulfgar immediately began running along the entire wall of the huge ice chamber, forcing blood into his numb legs and fingers.After a while, he began to feel the warmth return to him.

With only two tosses, he let the hook go through the hole and hang firmly on the ice.Drizzt went first, and the agile elf climbed up quickly. Wulfgar had done what he was supposed to do in the cave.He picked out a bag of treasure, and a few items he knew he'd need.He climbed the rope much harder than Drizzt did, but with the help of the dark elves on it, he made it to the top of the ice before sunset. They camped by the melting ice pond, feasted on venison, and took much-needed and deserved rest from the comfort of the warm steam. Then they set off again for the west before dawn.They ran west side by side for two days at the speed that brought them so east.When they came to the trails that gathered the tribes of the barbarians, both knew that it was time to separate.

"Farewell, friend," Wulfgar said as he bent down to inspect the tracks. "I will never forget what you did for me." "Me too, Wulfgar," said Drizzt, a little sadly. "May your hammer hold all foes down in the ages to come!" He started to hasten forward without looking back, but wondered if he would ever see his tall companion alive again.    When Wulfgar first caught sight of the combined camp of the clans, he was lost in his own thoughts, momentarily putting aside his urgent task.Five years ago, as a young man, he proudly carried the elk tribe's banner into a camp like this one, singing the song of Tempus and talking to those who would fight with him, and possibly The dead men share strong ale.He had seen war differently then, as an honorable test of a warrior. "Innocent savagery," he murmured, listening for contradictions in the words as he recalled his ignorance.But his thinking has changed a lot.Bruenor and Drizzt had become his friends, and had taught him the intricacies of the outside world, and they had made flesh-and-blood individuals in his mind the inhabitants whom Wulfgar had previously considered merely enemies.This forces him to face the brutal consequences of his actions.

Wulfgar's throat welled up at the thought that these tribes were about to launch another attack on Ten-Towns.Even more disgusting, their proud people will fight alongside goblins and giants. When he walked towards the outskirts of the camp, he found that there was no mead hall, no banquet hall in the entire camp.There is a row of small tents, each with the banners of different tribal kings, in the center of the camp, surrounded by the campfires of ordinary soldiers.Wulfgar scrutinized the flags and knew that almost all the tribes in the tundra were here, but their combined power was only a little over half that of the United Clans five years ago.Drizzt thought the barbarians hadn't recovered from the carnage on Bryn Sandhill, an observation that was unfortunately true.

Two guards came to meet Wulfgar.He hadn't deliberately tried to hide his presence, and now he put Aegis' Fang at his feet and raised his hands to show that he was harmless. "Who are you, unguarded and uninvited, to the conference tent at Heafstad?" one of the guards asked.He eyed the stranger, impressed by Wulfgar's strength and the powerful weapon at his feet. "You must be no beggar, noble warrior. But we don't know who you are." "You know me, Riverje, son of Jon the Red," Wulfgar replied, recognizing the man of his tribe. "I am Wulfgar son of Beornegar, warrior of the Elk Clan. I lost you five years ago when I marched into Ten-Towns," he explained, choosing his words carefully to avoid mentioning them The fact of being defeated.Savages do not recall such unpleasant memories.

Raveye moved closer to the young man for a closer look.He had been Beornegar's friend, and he remembered Wulfgar as a boy.He counted the years, comparing the boy's age when he last saw the boy with the apparent age of the man in front of him.He was soon satisfied that similarities outweighed coincidences. "Welcome home, young warrior!" he said warmly. "You're having a good time!" "Indeed," Wulfgar replied. "I've seen great and new things, and learned a lot of wisdom. I have stories to tell, but I don't really have time for meaningless conversation. I'm here to see Heafstad." Riverje nodded, and immediately led Wulfgar through the rows of fire pits. "Heafstar would be delighted to see you back." Wulfgar said in a voice too small to be heard, "No."    As Wulfgar made his way to the tent in the center of the camp, a crowd of curious people gathered around the impressive young warrior.Revje went in to report Wulfgar's return to Heafstad, and came out immediately with orders from the Clan King to allow Wulfgar to come in. Wulfgar hoisted Aegis-fang onto his shoulders, but did not move toward the raised curtain of the door that Raveje had thrown. "What I have to say must be said publicly in front of all the people," he said, so loudly that even Heafstad could hear him. "Let Heafsta come out and find me!" Whispers of bewilderment at the words of these challenges spread around him, for none of the rumors that had reached their ears mentioned that Wulfgar, son of Beornegar, was a noble descendant of royal blood. Heafstar rushed out of the tent.He ran to within a few feet of the challenger, his chest swelling, and he glared at Wulfgar with his one good eye.The crowd fell silent, hoping that the cruel king would kill the rude youth in one fell swoop. But Wulfgar also met Heafstad's menacing gaze, and he didn't flinch an inch. "I am Wulfgar," he declared proudly, "son of Beornegar, grandson of Beornier; warrior of the Elk tribe, fought in the battle of Bryn Shander; Master of the Fang of Sith;" He raised his warhammer high in front of his face, "I am the friend of the dwarf craftsman, I learned from the ranger of Gwaeron Stormwind; I invaded the giant's lair and killed all the giants, I am the frost giant Leader Belin's brave." He paused for a moment, and his eyes flicked sideways because of his smile, which increased everyone's expectations for his next claim.When he was content to have everyone's undivided attention, he continued, "I am Wulfgar the Dragonslayer!" Heafsta flinched.In the entire tundra, no one dared to give himself such a top title. "I now claim my right to challenge," Wulfgar growled in a low, menacing tone. "I'll kill you," Heafstad replied with as much calm as he could muster.He wasn't afraid of anyone, but he noticed Wulfgar's huge shoulders and strong muscles.The King of the Horde had no intention of risking his position at this moment of victory over the fishermen of Ten-Towns.If he could discredit what the young fighter said, the fight would not be allowed to happen.They would force Wulfgar to retract his words, or kill him outright. "By blood, what right do you have to make such a claim?" "You're putting our people at the behest of a wizard," Wulfgar retorted.He listened closely to the voices of the crowd, to ascertain whether they were in favor or against his charges. "You'll make them fight goblins and orcs for the same cause!" No one dared to protest loudly, but Wulfgar could sense that many other warriors were secretly angry at the coming battle.This can also explain why the banquet hall disappeared, because Heafstad was smart enough to understand that the anger that was usually stored and suppressed often exploded during the banquet. Reveye cut in before Heafstad could respond, which could have been with words or with a weapon. "Son of Beornegar," said Raveyer firmly, "you have not yet been given the right to question my king's dominion. You have just declared an open challenge; our tradition is that you must fight with blood or with merit." Prove that you have the power to challenge." There was surprise in Revje's words, and Wulfgar knew immediately that his father's old friend had intervened to prevent a scuffle that was not recognized as a formal challenge.The old man was clearly confident that the impressive young fighter could meet those demands.Wulfgar further sensed that Raveje, and perhaps many others, expected him to complete this daunting challenge. Wulfgar straightened his shoulders and smiled confidently at his opponent, as he continued to receive proof that his people followed Heafstar's shameful plans only because they were controlled by the one-eyed king and couldn't find a suitable challenger to defeat him That's it, thus adding to Wulfgar's power. "Prove it by my exploits," he said quietly.He didn't take his glaring glance away from Heafstad, and at the same time he unwrapped the blanket wrapped around his back and pulled out two spear-like objects.He casually dropped them on the ground in front of the clan king.Those in the crowd who could clearly see the scene let out a unanimous sigh, and even Heafstad, who was hard to be shaken, took a pale step back. "We can't deny his right to challenge!" Raveyer shouted. Those are the horns of Ice Death.    The cold sweat on Heafstar's face showed his nervousness as he sharpened the last few strokes of his greataxe. "Dragon Slayer!" he yelled at the man in charge of carrying his banner, who had just entered the tent. "It looks more like he accidentally bumped into a sleeping dragon!" "Your Majesty, forgive me," said the young man. "Riveye sent me to tell you that the appointed time has come." "Good!" said Heafstad contemptuously, running his fingers across the gleaming ax blade. "I will teach Beornega's son how to respect the king!" The warriors of the Elk tribe formed a circle around the two duelists.While this was a private matter for the Heafstar Clan, the other Clans watched with interest from a good distance away.The victors will not gain formal dominion over them, but will become the most powerful and important tribal kings on the tundra. Raveje stepped into the circle, between the two rivals. "I declare now, Heafstad!" he yelled. "King of the Elk Clan," he went on, telling many heroic stories of the One-Eyed King. During this narration, Heafstad seemed to regain his confidence, though he was a little confused and annoyed that Raveyer had chosen to read his part first.He put his hands on his massive hips, then glared menacingly at the nearest onlookers all around him, laughing as they all backed away.He did the same with his foe, but once again the bullying tactic failed against Wulfgar. Raveyer faced the two of them and withdrew from the circle. Their moment of glory has come. They walked carefully in circles, watching each other for any signs of weakness.Wulfgar noticed the impatience on Heafstad's face, a common flaw in barbarian fighters.He might have been the same if he hadn't taken the lessons that Drizzt Do'Urden had honed him.A thousand insulting blows from the drow's two cutlasses had taught Wulfgar that the first blow was not as important as the last. Finally, Heafstar snorted and rushed over with a growl.Wulfgar yelled too, footsteps that looked as if he was going to meet them, face to face.But at the last moment, he stepped aside, and Heafsta was pulled by the force of his heavy weapon rushing forward, and fell over the enemy and onto the first circle of onlookers. The One-Eyed King recovered quickly and charged back again, this time doubly angry, or so Wulfgar thought.Heafstad has been king for many years and has fought countless battles.If he hadn't learned how to adjust his fighting skills, he would have been slaughtered.He ran towards Wulfgar again, clearly more out of control than the first time.But when Wulfgar moved out of his way, he found Heafstad's great ax waiting for him.The One-Eyed King had expected him to dodge like this, so he swung the ax sideways, cutting a gash from Wulfgar's shoulder to his elbow. Wulfgar reacted quickly, and Aegis-fang hammered forward, defensively blocking any incoming attacks.He didn't use much strength, but his strike was so precise that the mighty hammer knocked Heafsta back a step.Wulfgar took a moment to examine the wound on his arm. He can still fight. "That's a good move on your part," growled Heafstad as his opponent took the defensive a few steps away. "You could have made great achievements in our clan's army. It's a pity that I have to kill you!" The ax swung in an arc again, and the violent blows that wanted to end the battle quickly rained down. But Heafstad's ax seemed too slow compared to Drizzt Do'Urden's swift blades.Wulfgar had no trouble missing these blows, and occasionally countered with calculated blows into Heafstar's broad chest. The blood of defeat and fatigue made the One-Eyed King flush. "A tired foe will fight all at once," Drizzt explained to Wulfgar during training. "But he rarely goes in the direction he thinks you think he's going!" Wulfgar watched the expected feint intently. Heafstar gave up the idea of ​​breaking through the younger, quicker foe's defenses in one fell swoop, and the sweaty king raised his ax above his head and charged forward, shouting frantically to emphasize the attack. But Wulfgar's reflexes had been tuned to the limit for the fight, and Heafstar's overemphasis on the attack made him anticipate the sudden change in direction.He held up Aegis-fang, pretending to parry the blow, but he reversed the handle when the ax suddenly ran below his shoulders and swung from low. Trusting fully in the sturdiness of the dwarf-forged weapon, Wulfgar drew back his straddled foot and turned to face the approaching axe, swiftly moving Aegis-fang across at a similar angle. The two weapons collided with incredible force.Heafstar's ax shattered in his hand, and the violent shock knocked him to the floor. The Fang of Aegis is intact.Wulfgar was able to walk over now, taking out Heafstad easily in one blow. Raveje clenched his fists at Wulfgar's imminent victory. "Never confuse glory with stupidity!" Drizzt scolded Wulfgar after he put himself in danger by letting the sleeping dragon go.But Wulfgar wanted more than to win leadership of his own clan in the present battle; he wanted to make a lasting impression in the eyes of all who saw it.He threw Aegis-fang to the ground and walked towards Heafstad on fair terms. The Barbarian King didn't question his own good fortune.He jumped at Wulfgar, wrapping his arms around the young man, trying to push him back to the ground. Wulfgar stepped forward to meet the attack, planting his legs firmly on the ground, before blocking the heavier opponent from advancing. They grappled with each other violently, exchanging blows before getting too close to punch.The eyes of both fighters were blue and swollen, and there were bruises and cuts on their faces and chests. Heafstad was still rather tired, though, so his vat chest grew heavier with each gasp.He wrapped his arms around Wulfgar's waist, trying again to wrap his relentless opponent on the ground. Then Wulfgar's long fingers rested on either side of Heafstad's head.The young man's knuckles began to turn white, and the muscles in his forearms and shoulders began to tighten.He starts to squeeze. Heafstar knew he was in trouble, because Wulfgar's grip was stronger than Ice Bear's.The clan king began to struggle crazily!The huge fist slammed into Wulfgar's unprotected ribs, hoping to break Wulfgar's deadly concentration. This time it was Bruno's lesson that inspired him: "Think of a weasel, boy, you take a weaker attack, but never let the enemy go!" The muscles in his neck and shoulders bulged, and he The One-Eyed King fell to his knees. Heafstad, startled by the strength of Wulfgar's grip, began tugging on the young man's steely forearm in an ineffective attempt to relieve the mounting pressure. Wulfgar found himself on the verge of killing a member of his own clan. "Back off!" he yelled at Heafstad, hoping to find a more acceptable alternative. The proud king answered with a final punch. Wulfgar looked up. "I'm not going to be like him!" he yelled helplessly, trying to show his heart to anyone who would listen.But there was only one way to go. The young barbarian's huge shoulders turned red as blood rushed through them.He saw the terror in Heafstad's eyes turn beyond comprehension.He heard the crack of bones, felt the skull crack under his strong hands. Then Revye walked into the circle and announced the new king of the elk tribe. But, like the other witnesses around him, he stood without blinking or closing his jaw.    Helped by a gust of cold wind behind him, Drizzt covered the last few miles to Shirou in a brisk pace.On the night he left Wulfgar, the snow-covered summit of Cairn came into view.The sight of home made the dark elf go faster, but there was always something on the edge of his consciousness reminding him that something was not quite right. Human eyes would never have been able to capture the sight, but the dark elf's keen night vision allowed him at last to see what was happening.A dark, growing column obscures the lowest stars above the southern horizon.Another smaller column is to the south of the first. Drizzt stopped suddenly.He squinted to confirm his suspicions.Then he started walking slowly, taking time to find a closer route. The towns of Kekkoni and Kedi Neva were engulfed in flames.