The village of Torvald was bathed in pale light, the sun barely visible behind a veil of gray clouds. The snow had stopped falling, but the ground remained frozen, crunching under the boots of villagers going about their tasks.
Cassian stood near the borrowed hut, observing the bustle of hunters and women carrying bundles of firewood. He had spent the morning listening to the village's murmurs, catching furtive glances and hushed conversations. The two days before Hagen's response weighed heavily, and he sensed growing impatience laced with mistrust toward him.
Bjorn appeared around the corner of a cabin, his massive frame wrapped in his fur cape. His axe hung at his belt, but his hands were free, clenched into fists as if holding back inner tension. "Cassian," he said, his voice low, "we need to talk."
Cassian tilted his head, his smile faint. "Of course, Bjorn. Let's walk. The fresh air helps clear the mind."
They moved away from the village center, following the palisade to a secluded spot where pines edged the clearing. The wind whistled softly, carrying the scent of frozen needles. Cassian stopped by a rock, crossing his arms within his black cloak. "What's troubling you, Bjorn?"
Bjorn planted his heels in the snow, his gaze fixed on the ground. "The hunters. They're talking. Gunn's turning them against me. Says I'm your puppet, betraying the village for a banished man." He looked up, a spark of anger in his eyes. "And I'm starting to wonder if he's right."
Cassian stayed silent for a moment, letting Bjorn's doubt hang between them. Then he stepped forward, his voice soft but firm. "Gunn's jealous, Bjorn. He senses you're becoming more than just a warrior. You spoke to Hagen, stood up to a clan chief. Gunn's never done that. He barks because he's afraid of losing his place."
Bjorn grunted, his fists tightening. "Maybe. But the others are listening. Sven, Rolf… even Einar's starting to doubt. If Hagen refuses the alliance, they'll blame me."
Cassian nodded, his smile steady. "That's possible. But tell me, Bjorn, do you want to be the man who follows Gunn's grumbling, or the one who leads? If you back down now, Gunn wins. The village stays divided, and the Frostfangs keep raiding. But if you hold firm, if you show you can bring peace… they'll follow you."
Bjorn stared at Cassian, his face marked by uncertainty. "And if I trust you and it all falls apart?"
Cassian placed a hand on his shoulder. "Then I'll fall with you. But I don't think that'll happen. Tonight, we'll talk to the hunters. Not Gunn, not Torvald—the others. Rolf, Einar, even Sven. Get them to speak. Hear their fears. Give them a reason to believe in you."
Bjorn hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Alright. But if Gunn tries to challenge me…"
"Let him talk," Cassian cut in. "Every word he speaks against you weakens him. Now, come. Let's see what the hunters have to say."
They returned to the village center, where the hunters were gathered by a fire, mending nets and sharpening arrows. Gunn was there, his red beard gleaming in the firelight, his voice loud as he spoke to Sven and Rolf. Einar, older, stood back, carving a stick with a knife.
Cassian gave Bjorn a subtle nod, urging him to speak. Bjorn stepped forward, spear in hand, his voice clear but measured. "Rolf, Einar, Sven. We need to talk. About the alliance. About what it could change for us."
Gunn turned, his gaze hard. "Talk? More of your banished man's words, Bjorn? You've already put the village in danger with your foolish deal."
Rolf, the stocky hunter, frowned. "He's right, Bjorn. If the Frostfangs betray us, we lose the northwest lands for nothing."
Bjorn took a breath, recalling Cassian's advice. "I understand, Rolf. You're scared for your families, for winter. So am I. But the Frostfangs' raids already cost us too much. How much game have we lost? How many men? If Hagen agrees, we hunt in peace. We fill our stores."
Sven snorted, crossing his arms. "And if he refuses? You going to fight his whole clan alone, Ironfist?"
Bjorn squared his shoulders, his voice growing steadier. "If he refuses, I'll be the first to take up my axe. But I believe in this plan. Not for me, not for him," he gestured to Cassian, "but for you. For the village."
Einar, silent until now, set down his knife and looked up. "You've got guts, Bjorn. Going to Hagen's no small thing. But Gunn's right about one thing: it's risky. Why should we trust you?"
Cassian stepped in, his voice soft but clear. "Because Bjorn did what no one else dared. He looked Hagen in the eyes and offered a chance for peace. Not weakness, not submission—an alliance of equals. Tell me, Einar, how many times has Gunn proposed a solution that doesn't end in blood?"
Gunn stepped forward, hand on his axe handle. "Watch it, exile. You talk too much."
Cassian inclined his head, his smile provocative but measured. "Just asking a question, Gunn. If you've got a better idea, we're listening."
Rolf exchanged a glance with Einar, while Sven seemed to waver. Finally, Rolf spoke, his voice low. "Bjorn, if Hagen says yes, you swear we won't lose our lands for nothing?"
Bjorn nodded, his gaze firm. "I swear, Rolf. If it fails, I'll answer for it. But I believe it'll work."
Einar grunted, seemingly satisfied. "We'll see in two days, then."
Gunn spat into the snow, turning on his heel. "You're making a mistake," he muttered, Sven trailing behind him.
Cassian looked at Bjorn, a glint of approval in his eyes. "Well done," he murmured. "Rolf and Einar are with you. Sven will follow if they do. Gunn's isolated, for now."
Bjorn shook his head, still tense. "It's not enough. Hilda's talking to Torvald tonight. If she turns him against us…"
Cassian placed a hand on his arm, his tone reassuring. "Let me handle Hilda. You keep talking to the men. Show them the man you can be."
That evening, Cassian went alone to Torvald's large cabin. Hilda was there, seated near her father, who was speaking with two elders. The torchlight cast shadows on her face, sharpening her stern features. She looked up as Cassian entered, her gaze icy.
"Stranger," Torvald said, his voice rumbling. "Here to plead your case again?"
Cassian bowed his head, his smile respectful. "Not my case, Torvald. Bjorn's. He spoke to the hunters today, earned their trust. He believes in this alliance, and he carries it for the village."
Hilda crossed her arms, her voice sharp. "Bjorn speaks with your words, exile. Don't think I'm blind. You're manipulating, and I won't let you destroy this village."
Cassian met her gaze, his tone calm but firm. "Manipulate? No, Hilda. I guide. Bjorn has the strength, the courage. I just give him the tools to use them. If the alliance fails, I'll be the first to pay. But if it succeeds, your village will thrive. Isn't that what you want?"
Torvald grunted, his eyes shifting from Cassian to Hilda. "My daughter's right to be wary. But Bjorn's spoken, and the hunters are listening. Two days, stranger. If Hagen refuses, you'll regret coming to the North."
Cassian bowed his head. "Two days, Torvald. You'll see Bjorn is the man you need."
As he left the cabin, Cassian caught Hilda's gaze. She said nothing, but her expression promised heightened vigilance.
Outside, he found Bjorn by the central fire. "Gunn's rallying the young ones. If this goes wrong…" the Northerner muttered.
Cassian smiled, his gaze fixed on the flames. "Let them talk, Bjorn. Tomorrow, we'll visit the artisans. They have the families' ear. Win them, and the village is yours."