Wulfric and Beorn were hauling in their kill and were heading back towards the camp. The king in the north smiled proudly at his son and looked at where he had shot the beast, the arrow had pierced the soft spot just behind the shoulder of the boar and pierced its heart making it an instant kill.

"Well done my boy. I'll make sure to fashion its tusks into a necklace for you."

“Thank you father, it’s too bad Apple Jewel got squeamish and had to go back with Shining and Flash. I wanted to show off my kill to her.” Beorn said.

“I’m sure you would. Let’s get this beast back to camp so we can show it to your mother.” Wulfric said.

All of the sudden, a loud howl filled the air, making Wulfric and Beorn stop in their tracks.

“Is that Arya?” Beorn wondered.

“She sounds…upset.”

"Something's wrong..." said Wulfric in a grim tone before noticing a glint peer out of the bushes.

"DOWWN!!"

THWACK!!

Out of nowhere, an arrow shot through the air nearly hitting the prince as his father tackled him to the ground.

"King Wulfric!!" Shouted the one who shot the arrow.

"Prince Blueblood sends his regards!!"

Out from the trees came dozens of bandits armed to the teeth as they began to close in on the two hunters.

"Run Beorn." Wulfric said as he drew Kingslayer.

"But what about you?" Beorn asked looking worried

"I'll be fine, just run! RUN!!"

Beorn did as his father instructed and ran back towards the camp to get help while Wulfric blew on his horn to signal the others.

“It’s the King’s horn!” A Viking cried out.

“To the king! He’s in danger!” Another said before all who heard the horn ran towards it as another call was sounded.

Lock and Arya were also making their way to Wulfirc’s horn, along with the rest of the pack as they were running in full sprint.

“How?” Lock growled.

“How did they know we'd be here?!?”

Within moments, they could hear the clashing of steal and the sounds of men being cut down before finally spotting Wulfric.

As the fighting raged on, Beorn ran as fast as his feet could carry him all while evading the arrows coming from the bandits that got past his father.

"There he is!!" Shouted one of the bandits as he prepared to fire.

Before another arrow could be fired, Arya pounced on the bowman and clenched her jaws on his neck and tore his throat out. The rest of her pack followed suit and ambushed the bandits like ghostly shades moving through the trees.

“Beorn!”

Beorn looked forward and saw Lock run towards him in his wolf form.

“Where is he?! Where’s your father?!” Lock asked.

"Back that way!" Beorn panted pointing in the direction he came from.

"I will take the young master back to camp, go help my king!" said Arya as she allowed Beorn to climb onto her.

Lock nodded as she sprinted back to camp and ran the other way as he quickly transformed back into a winged human and summoned Surtr and Ymir. Lock pulled his hood over his head as he unfurled his wings and flew at top speed through the trees and drew both his swords. His rage was building as embers flickered off one half of his body and ice shards covered the other half.

“WULFRIC! WHERE ARE YOU?!” He called out as he flew as fast as he could to the sound of clanging metal.

When he arrived at the battle, he found himself surrounded by bandits fighting royal guards as shouting and battle cries filled the forest and in the center of it all was Wulfric surrounded by a dozen corpses as he hacked down one foe after the next.

"COVER THE KING!! COVER THE KING!!" A royal guard shouted as the enemy began to fire arrows towards Wulfric.

Lock was quick to act as he somersaulted in the air and flicked his wings just as the bandits fired. His feather blades soared towards the bolts and knocked them out of the air before they could land on their target as Lock planted his boots on the ground and stood back to back with Wulfric.

“Can’t ever get a moments peace around here, can we?!” Lock said as the bandits swarmed the two.

"Less yacking, MORE HACKING!!"

The two fought fiercely as the enemy surrounded them and victory seemed to be within their grasp. Then on a nearby hill, Wulfric spotted a hooded figure observing the battle and figured that was their leader.

"Now we end this!"

Without thinking, the king charged forward carving a bloody path to the robed figure with his soldiers cheering him on but as he came within reach of his sword another group popped out of the bushes and three arrows were shot into his chest.

"AUGH!!"

All went silent as Wulfric looked down to see where the arrows had struck while more bandits moved in to finish the job but instead of accepting his fate, the king roared in defiance and fought more fiercely than ever while his soldiers desperately tried to aid him.

"RRRAAAGH!!" He screamed with primal fury before being struck by another arrow.

Despite the pain now coursing through him, Wulfric fought on with all the strength he had left until he fell to his knees with one bandit holding a spear to him.

"WULFRIC!!" Called out Shining Armor who had arrived at the battle too late.

SHINK!!!

"NNOOOOOOOOOO!!!!"

Time slowed down as Wulfric fell to the ground with the spear still plunged into his chest, his killers smiling down at his lifeless body.

As this scene began to unfold Dimitri was trembling. His breathing was heavy, his power was flaring and his rage was boiling. Suddenly, flames, ice, and electricity erupted from Lock’s body as Lock summoned his webbed wings and roared a primal cry of fury and hate as he began butchering all in his path in a blind rage. No bandit could do a thing as Lock literally tore apart the enemy by flaying them alive, freezing them and smashing them to bloody chunks, or slicing them open to the bone.

"I'LL TEAR YOU ALL TO PIECES!!" Lock bellowed as he continued his rampage.

Realizing what they were up against, the robed figure seized Wulfrics sword and ran into the forest leaving his comrades to die.

"He's taken the kings sword!!" One of the men shouted while pointing to the thief.

“GET BACK HERE YOU SON OF A FUCKING WHORE!!!” Lock roared a he gave chase after the hooded figure, ignoring the bothersome bandits that tried to thwart his advance.

"Wulfric!!" Shining called out to his friend as he held him up.

"Come on open your eyes!"

Hearing his old friends voice, Wulfric was able to regain consciousness but felt very weak.

"Sh-Shining?" He wheezed unable to see his friend.

Lock snapped his head back to Wulfric, then back to the fleeing thief. He cursed to himself and sheathed his swords after killing the last of the bandits with feather blades and ran back to Shining's and Wulfirc's side while deactivating his power.

"Move!" Lock demanded as he knelt down beside Wulfric and activated his Hellfire and coated his hands with flames. He then pressed his hands on Wulfric's chest and the flames spread all over his torso but Wulfric was fading fast.

"Remove the arrows." Lock told Shining.

"But-"

"DO YOU WANT HIM TO DIE?! THE FLAMES WILL MAKE IT SO HE WON'T FEEL THEM BEING PULLED OUT SO DO IT NOW! WE'RE LOSING HIM!" He screamed in fury while keeping his focus.

Shining did as instructed and removed the arrows one by one with his magic while Dimitri did his best top the blood flowing from the spear wound.

"Come on, keep your eyes open!" Shining pleaded as Wulfrics eyes began to close again.

"Shining...swear to me, you'll look after my family..."

"H-hey don't talk like that, you're gonna be fine."

“Wulfric look at me!” Lock snapped as Wulfric barely did so.

“You’re gonna be a father again, remember?! Those children are gonna see your face! You’re gonna watch them grow and be as proud of them as you are with Beorn and Apple Jewel!”

The flames covering Lock’s hands grew brighter but Wulfric continued to fade away.

“YOU WANNA GROW OLD WITH YOUR WIVES, DON’T YOU?! DON’T LET SOMETHING LIKE THIS BE YOUR END!” Lock shouted.

"I'm sorry my friend..." he whezzed coughing up some blood.

"Please tell my boy i'm sorry...I really wanted to make that necklace for him..."

“WULFRIC! DON’T YOU DARE! I-”

SLUMP

Both Lock and Shining grew silent as Wulfric’s arm fell to the ground. Shining banged his fist in the ground repeatedly as he buried his face in his arm and Lock’s flames slowly faded away from Wulfric’s torso.

Lord Wulfric, King in the North, has died on the battlefield. Lock was silent as he slowly lifted his hands off of Wulfric and carried him as carefully as he could.

“I’m…so sorry.” Lock muttered as he trudged his way back to camp with Shining following.

As they walked back, not bothering to look ahead of him, Lock passed by the royal guards and Vikings who were devastated at the sight of their fallen lord. With heavy hearts, the soldiers saluted their king in true warrior fashion as his body was placed in the center of camp for all to see.

The first to come onto the scene was Beorn who had been eagerly awaiting his fathers return but the moment he saw him, his heart was shattered.

"Father?" He called out holding his fathers cold hands.

"No....NO!!"

The prince clinged to his fathers corpse desperately wanting him to wake up when Applejack and Rainbow came running through the crowd.

"FATHER PLEASE!! OPEN YOUR EYES!!" He cried out holding onto him. The sight alone was enough to break the hearts of both his mothers as they gently pulled him away.

“I…I tried to save him.” Lock said as he turned away from Rainbow and Applejack.

“His wounds…were mortal.”

All gathered around the King’s body as some wept and some bowed in respect. Both his children cried their eyes out as Applejack and Rainbow held each other close while shedding their own tears. Celestia and Luna both had sad frowns and small tears in their eyes as Marshall looked away with his fist clenched, unable to look at his fallen friend. As for Lock, he just stared at Wulfric with a soulless expression. The memory of the thief who stole his sword made his blood boil as it was now in the hands of their enemies.

After cleansing his body from the dirt and blood, the royal family returned to Canterlot with all due haste and very soon many would learn the fate of the northern king.

No one said a word, all were in mourning, his family were still weeping, and Lock had disappeared to who knows where. The carriages made their way through the streets so that all would pay their respects and some even cried for the fallen king. Once they arrived at the castle, the soldiers lifted the casket wulfric lay in and was placed atop the pedestal as the citizens gathered. Celestia stepped up to the podium and cleared her throat to steady her nerves so that she may address the citizens and inform them of this days tragedy.

"Moments ago....King Wulfric was murdered." She began as the crowd gasped in shock.

"Killed by assassins sent by Prince Blueblood..."

“No…it can’t be.”

“That bastard! How could he do this?!”

“What will we do now? We have no king!”

“Yes you do!”

All turned around to see quite the unsettling sight. A hooded figure, wrapped in bloody robes slowly walked through the crowd the hooded stranger made his way to the pedestal where Wulfric laid. He gazed inside the casket and looked up to the royals, one eye glowing red and the other glowing a deep magenta.

“…He was like a brother to me.” The hooded stranger said as he revealed himself to be Dimitri.

All the royals gasped as it was revealed his face was stained with blood and sweat showing he had been fighting but where no one knew.

“And now his son shall step up.” He said, his voice sounding distorted from exhaustion.

"Wait!" An elderly voice shouted as the crowd made way for two robed individuals. All recognized them shouted Thorodd and Froni; the wisest elders in all the four clans and the kings council. One of them was holding up a scroll after he paid his respects to the late king.

“What’s that?“Lock asked, making the elder flinch at his gaze.

"I hold in my hand the last will of our king!" The elder said aloud while handing the scroll to Celestia to confirm its authenticity.

The parcment was sealed with a ribbon baring the Warborn crest proving it was genuine and as the princess of the sun unrolled the scroll, all stayed quiet to hear what was written.

In the untimely event of my death, I Wulfric of the Warborn Clan, king in the north and lord of the four clans hereby pass the crown to both my children.

They have been a blessing in my life and the greatest treasure I could have ever had and I know in my heart that together they will lead this kingdom to greatness.

My eldest; Apple Jewel is as honest, wise and hard working as her mother and she will be great in guiding our peoples future.

My youngest; Beorn is as loyal, brave and strong as my Rainbow Dash and will be steadfast in his duty to defend his kingdom.

Should any oppose this rule, the elders have the right to invoke trial by combat and may choose a champion to fight on the crowns behalf.

The scroll was handed back to the elders as Celestia returned her gaze to the crowd.

"Are they any who wish to challenge the kings will?" She asked but all stayed silent.

Seeing that this was a traditional affair, Lock took the opportunity to slightly quell his already seething anger but only temporarily. None said a word, many wanted to, but they felt as though they would be dishonoring Wulfirc’s last request.

“I shall step forward!” I deep gruff voice called out.

All turned to see a large Caribou warrior, with many scars donned along his face, arms, and legs, dressed in heavy Viking armor, and armed with a large battle axe stepped forward. He was easily a head and a half taller than all who he passed by and he bowed respectfully to the elders and Wulfirc’s family, even Lock.

“And who might you be, sir?” Lock asked in a somewhat calm tone.

"I am Gregor. I served with King Wulfric during the great war and believe I will be a more suitable successor." The warrior boasted thumping his plate armor.

“Tell us, Sir Gregor, why do you object to the royal children taking the throne together?” Elder Thorod asked.

“And are proposing that you be the one to take the throne?” Elder Forni added.

"I am! But know that I will step down once the children are of age now tell me...who will fight on their behalf?" He shouted to the crowd but none would accept his challenge. Save for one.

"I will." Called Shining Armor much to the crowds astonishment.

"Wulfric was my friend and I will see his last wish fulfilled."

Gregor nodded as both warriors prepared for battle. Lock walked over to one of the elders, despite his wary gaze on the man, and leaned in to whisper.

“Pardon me, elder, but do the rules state that only one match be permitted? For example, if one loses, can another step forward to fight in his place?” He questioned.

"So long as the challenge is accepted." The elder whispered back while keeping an eye on the combatants.

Shining was dressed in full plate armor and given his trusty crystal halberd while Gregor unsheathed his massive axe ready to do battle.

“This shall be a battle to the death, if necessary.” Elder Forni announced. “Are the combatants ready?” Both warriors nodded. “The battle shall bow commence, BEGIN!”

Shining was quick to act as he dashed forward with his halberd raised to deliver a downward stroke as he prepared to strike the large Viking.

Gregor stood his ground as he prepared to deliver a crushing blow with his axe but was caught off guard when the prince dashed to the side at the last second and smashed his chest with the blunt half of his weapon.

"AAGH!!" He shouted in pain and looked down to see that his armor had been dented.

"Had enough?" Shining asked coldly while taking his stance again.

“NEVER!” Gregor snapped as he swung his axe again.

Shining dodged but Gregor seized the opportunity to grab his leg before he lept out of reach and swung Shinning over his head, slamming his body into the ground knocking the wind out of the stallion, making him drop his halberd. Gregor then released his leg and raised his boot over Shining and prepared to crush him, but the prince barely managed to roll out of the way before Gregor brought his boot down with an earth shattering stomp. Shining grabbed his halberd and stood back to his hooves, but grunted in pain since that slam cracked a few ribs and his vision was slightly blurry.

The crowd watched in anticipation as they prepared to clash once more but things began to look grim for the crystal prince.

"....let it be finished." Gregor said in a hushed voice as he brought his axe down once more when to his surprise, it was parried away and he was struck once more by Shinings halberd but this time on the jaw.

CRUNCH!!

All cringed at the sound of Gregors bones snapping while Shining stood there stiff as a statue. Many of the soldiers had seen this before but were still amazed at his technique. This stance came to be known as the iron wall in the great war for none were capable of piercing its defense.

Blow after blow, Shining parried Gregors attacks and slowly began to wear down his opponent to the point where he could barely stand, let alone lift his axe.

As Gregor knelt there exhausted, Images of his service with Wulfric played back in his mind, how proud he was to stand by his king. He loved his country, his people, and even respected Wulfric’s decision to welcome the human into his family. With a mighty roar, Gregor stood up straight and pounded his chest and glared daggers at Shining.

“I DO THIS FOR THE NORTH! AND FOR MY FALLEN KING!” Gregor shouted as he charged at Shining. Shining held his stance, he knew Gregor was acting on impulse Gregor lifted his axe and brought it down for another swing but Shining dodged and went to deliver another blow to the jaw…big mistake.

Gregor, being the seasoned warrior that he is, twisted his head so that Shining’s weapon met his large antler.

CLANG!

The halberd struck Gregor’s antler, but was sent flying in the air, completely catching everyone off guard. Before Shining could react, Gregor’s fist impacted across his muzzle, causing a loud crunch and sent him tumbling in the dirt.

The crowd gasped as it looked like this was the end of the duel. Both warriors were pushed to the brink with barely any strength left until finally one stood tall. It was Shining.

THUMP!

Gregor fell to the ground, exhausted and unable to move as he looked up at the prince who had retrieved his weapon and prepared to deliver the final blow.

"You fought valiantly Sir Gregor but the duel is mine. Please yield." Shining pleaded while raising his weapon.

Gregor looked up at Shining and then to the royal family. He wanted to keep fighting, but his body said otherwise. He knew Shining was skilled but underestimated how resilient he was. With a heavy sigh, he nodded in defeat.

“Sir Shining is the winner!” The elder announced, earning a roar of applause.

All members of the royal family were proud of Shining’s victory as he limped away with the help of his men, no doubt on his way to get treated for his injuries. Celestia and Luna were proud of their former Captain and Applejack and Rainbow were happy he kept Wulfirc’s promise. All had smiling faces, except for one.

Dimitri's eyes looked at the empty scabbard that once held king slayer. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fist in anger before storming off towards the lake near the castle where he began to wash off the blood from his face and weapons.

"Dimitri." A voice called out when he turned to see Marshall holding out his flask to him.

"I thought you quit drinking?"

"Relax. It's Apple Cider."

Lock took a whiff from the flask and immediately took one large gulp before handing it back.

"So where were you?" The lord regent asked while sitting on a nearby rock.

"I tracked down the bandits who attacked us...same ones who took Wulfrics sword." Lock sighed washing the last of the blood from his face.

"I tore down their hideout but found nothing! NOTHING!!" He shouted angrily while pounding the grass.

“Dimitri-”

“HE WAS NEVER MEANT TO DIE!” Lock shouted again.

“HE HAS A FAMILY AND UNBORN CHILDREN HE’LL NEVER BE ABLE TO MEET!” He snapped his head to Marshall who just stared at him blankly.

“They all died…by my hand. Every. Last. One of them.”

"...good." Marshall replied bluntly while taking a swig for himself.

"We were planning to hunt down those bastards tomorrow. You find the sword?"

Lock shook his head bitterly as he continued to clean Surtr.

“I must’ve tortured dozens of them but they all said the same damn thing, that whoever took the sword had already gone and they didn’t know who it was. One even had the balls to threaten me, saying that the other bandit factions will hunt me down to avenge the lot of them. If I were to guess, the sword’s probably with that son of a cunt Blueblood.”

"Alright. You've done what you can, go rest and that's an order from the lord regent." Marshall commanded in military fashion before heading back to the castle.

A bit later

In the council room, Marshall stood at the table with his best captains and was fuming as he demanded answers.

"Today's hunt was supposed to only be known by the royal family so someone better tell me-HOW THE ENEMY KNEW WHERE WE WERE?!?" He roared slamming the table.

“W-we checked everywhere!” One captain said. “None of the guards said a word to anypony!”

“If that were the case then WULFRIC WOULD STILL BE ALIVE!” Marshall snapped.

“They were waiting for us, all of them. WE WALKED RIGHT INTO THEIR TRAP AND WERE COMPLETELY IN THE BLIND! SO SOMEPONY BETTER GIVE ME ANSWERS OR SO HELP ME, I’LL SEE THE LOT OF YOU COURT-MARTIALED!”

The soldiers began to sweat not only because of the amount of pressure they were now feeling but also because of their lords unbridled rage.

"There is a spy amongst us and I want him or her found! Check every staff member in the castle if you have to!!"

“E-even the recruits?” A captain offered.

“EVEN YOUR OWN DAMN MOTHER! NOW GET THE BUCK OUT THERE AND FIND ME THAT BUCKING TRAITOR!”Marshall roared with another heavy slam of his fist on the table. The captains immediately scrambled out of the room as Luna walked in holding a cup of tea for her beloved knowing he would need it.

“Thank you, my dear.” Marshall said in a more calm tone before sitting down. He took a sip of his tea before placing it down on the table and rubbed his temples.

“What a mess…” He sighed as Luna sat beside him.

“This whole world feels like its being turned upside down with all this war. One was enough, yet this happens.”

"You're doing all you can my love." She said massaging his shoulders.

“He was too good for this world.” Marshall sighed.

“If maybe the world weren’t so thick headed, he’d be laughing his head off boasting how wrong we were. I can only imagine what his family is going through. Especially his children.”

It was then that they heard a knock on the door followed by the sound of giggling as their daughter peeked into the room.

“Oh! Mother! Father!” She said before peering out of the door for a moment.

“Wait right there, I wish to tell them myself.” She then closed the door and happily skipped to her parents.

“I have the most wonderful news!” She beamed.

"You seem happy. What is it?" Her father asked.

“Ok so, you know how you two always tell me to follow my heart whenever I feel lost?” Selene asks and they both nod.

“Well…I followed my heart and I found my special somepony!”

"Oh how wonderful!" Luna squealed in delight, clapping her hands together.

"Who's the lucky stallion?"

“Hehe, you can come in now!” Selene called out to the door. There was a brief pause until the door slowly opened and to Marshall’s and Luna’s surprise, Dimitri stepped through with a sheepish grin as he rubbed the back of his head.

“Yo…” He said with a mock wave.

Both Marshall and Luna went slack jawed as Selene happily skipped over to Dimitri and wrapped herself around his right arm and nuzzled it.

“As you can see, mother and father, I finally worked up the courage to confess to Dimitri!” Selene said proudly.

"Oh my." Her mother said in bewilderment.

"But honey you do know he's with your aunts right?" Asked Marshall feeling a bit shocked.

“That’s kinda what I said.” Dimitri said.

“And? Who is anypony of denying my feelings? Dimitri has been nothing kind to me ever since he arrived here. He’s sweet, brave, and treats me like any other mare. Plus.” Selene said as she reached into her dress and pulled out a necklace. Hooked onto it was the crimson red feather that Lock gave her when they first met.

“He helped me be more honest with myself, Imperius included since he spends his time with Gummy. He’s the perfect stallion for me, and no other shall be a better coltfriend.”

“She actually called me that…” Lock muttered under his breath.

"Ehh I see...well i'm happy for you." Marshall said with a smile but as he shook hands with Dimitri he gave one very clear warning.

"Break her heart and i'll cut out yours..."

“Trust me, I don’t plan to.” Lock reassured him with a grin. No sooner did they release their handshake, Selene jumped on Lock forcing him to catch her bridal style and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply on the lips.

“Oh my…” Luna sighed.

“I love you so much, Dimitri!” Selene squealed as she nuzzled into the crook of his neck.

“Yeah, I love you too.” Lock said.

“My lords and ladies?” A servant called out.

“The funeral arrangements have been set. Princess Celestia has summoned everypony to the royal cemetery.”

The mood immediately changed as everyone frowned.

“Wel…” Lock said as he set Selene down.

“Guess it’s time we see him off.”

"Yes." Marshall sighed before finishing his tea.

They exited the room and walked solemnly through the halls. Lock snapped his fingers and in a puff of flames he was dressed in a black tuxedo with a black tie as was the appropriate attire for the funeral. Luna’s horn glowed and she was dressed in a black dress with a white crescent moon embroidered on her bust, Marshall was dressed in his soldiers uniform, and Selene was also dressed in a black blouse. The group made their way to the cemetery where many Vikings and ponies all gathered dressed in black or traditional Viking funeral attire. The group made their way to the front of the audience where the rest of the royals, Twilight and her friends, and even Cadence and Flurry Heart awaited them.

Canterlot City Center

A large pyre was built in the center of the main square and atop rested the body of Wulfric. All of Canterlot had come to pay their respects in honor of the fallen king with many weeping for the loss

As the torch bearers moved into position, Shining Armor stepped forward to begin the ceremony.

"Today we have all come to honor one man. A king, a father, a friend...and a hero." He before standing by his fallen friend.

"Wulfric, son of Hjalmar, Lord of the clans and King in The North. His courage inspired many of us to rise up against Dainn Stonehoof during the great war! He restored honor to his nation and people and his legacy will live on in all of us!"

Many stepped forward to say their own words of praise and fond memories of Wulfric. Applejack stepped forward along with Rainbow to reminisce the day they met Wulfric and how they fell in love with him. Celestia and Luna talked about how they took back Canterlot together and when they were honored to have crowned him King in the North. Soon Dimitri stepped forward to say a few words. He glanced back at the burning pyre and smiled as he began his speech.

“Back in my world, I too was a soldier like Wulfric Warborn.” Lock said, earning everyone’s attention.

“My comrades and I would always have each other’s backs, even if the world around us was nothing but conflict. We fought to protect our home from the enemy and trained ourselves for the betterment of others. There were times in our lives of battle when we thought we wouldn’t make it out alive and the enemy would end us without a second thought.” Lock said and looked back at Wulfric and smiled.

“But Wulfric reminds me of an old friend, a comrade in arms I used to know during my days as a soldier.” Lock said.

“As soldiers of war, our lives were discipline, duty, battle, and death. Life during those times of conflict and war was grim, and we greeted it grimly. But my friend was unlike the rest of us, his name was Joshua and he wore a smile even in the worst of times. He was…happy.” Lock said sadly as his scars started to throb.

“Joshua inspired us to hope, that though we were soldiers of war…yet there was still humanity in us, goodness.” Lock said as a lone tear escaped his eye.

“When the day came for him to lay down his life in battle, his sacrifice saved countless others and turned the tide in our favor. My fellow soldiers and I personally carried him to his home and we made sure he was buried with all the honors and praise he deserved for all he had done for us and his country. His memory was a comfort in dark times…” Lock said. All the ponies and Vikings were too in awe of his story to say anything. Lock smiled and took a breath to compose himself so he could finish his thoughts.

“Wulfric Warborn gave his life to protect his family and those he loved because it was not only his duty, but his right. He was a dear friend to most, a loving father and husband, but he was probably one of the most honorable Caribou I’ll have ever met. So do not feel sad that he is gone, be proud and happy that he was alive and continued to protect you all to the end. Like my friend Joshua, let his memory be a ray of light in these dark times.” Lock said as he looked back to Wulfric one last time.

“Rest well, King Wulfric Warborn, your actions shall inspire many to rise above just as you had.” Lock finished.

Shining then took one of the torches as they formed a circle around the king.

"You have earned your warriors death old friend. Rest now and watch over us."

The pyre was soon lit and as the citizens watched, Beorn stepped forward with anger and tears in his eyes.

"My father....is dead." He shouted before looking to the crowd with resolve and determination.

"Who among you...will help me avenge him?"

In that moment, all the northlanders raised their fists in defiance and cheered with tears still falling from their faces for what they saw was the kings strength and spirit now residing in his own son.

End.