Gun of Ashes

Galron stood on the terrace, fully donned in armor, its metallic surface pitted and scarred from countless battles, with gaps revealing fur that fluttered in the breeze.

The Viking nations were in a state of transition, where ancient beliefs no longer held glory, and only steel and gunpowder ruled the future. Galron painted his war makeup, donned a horned helmet, muttering prayers to Odin, while grasping a firearm from Ingwig.

He gazed out at the sea of Ice Bay, where the ironclad ship from Ingwig silently anchored, resembling the mythical Nagilfah, bringing calamity from afar. Now, it cast flames upon Ice Bay, and soon would delve into the Silent Sea, heading towards the abode of the gods.

Just as the myths foretold, heralding the twilight of the gods.

In an instant, Galron felt he was transported back ten years, to a time when another ironclad ship from Ingwig also ventured into the Silent Sea, never to return.

”Sir, the Apocalypse Society has begun their actions, advancing step by step towards here, attacking civilians indiscriminately.”

His deputy appeared behind Galron, armed to the teeth, his face hidden in the shadow of his helmet.

”How are the guard teams arranged?” Galron inquired.

”Forces are primarily concentrated here and the shipyard. As of now, the Apocalypse Society shows little interest in the shipyard; their main target is indeed here.”

Galron remained silent, contemplating that the greatest value of Ice Bay was not its people, but its geographical position and the shipyard built upon it. Even if the Apocalypse Society set Ice Bay ablaze, as long as the shipyard and Froki remained intact, they could always regroup.

”Prepare to meet them. We can only rely on ourselves now.”

Galron glanced beyond towering walls, then descended the terrace, raising his firearm, loading it.

This entire conflict began with Froki’s return. He joined the Apocalypse Society to explore the Silent Sea but did not perish with the others at their final gathering; instead, he survived.

Froki’s survival was soon uncovered, and members of the Apocalypse Society from other regions viewed him as a deceiver, believing he had betrayed their sacred beliefs and should be punished.

Tonight would be the night of retribution.

It was a dire moment; perhaps the Willgardson lineage would be completely erased tonight, with no aid from kings or lords who all wished Froki dead, allowing them to fight for control over this area.

Galron tried to protect this place, but he was not a lord; he lacked supreme power and could only fight alone.

Flames surged along the streets towards them, the laughter of men echoed amid the inferno, advancing until they could go no further, dying amidst the raging fire.

The members of the Apocalypse Society pressed onward, having breached the patrol’s defenses, heedless of death as gunfire rained upon them, advancing with songs of triumph.

This fearless madness shook many. Those familiar with the Apocalypse Society began to be gripped by fear.

When death could not deter these men, what could possibly curb them?

Galron understood this as well, aware that these people were utterly mad, never imagining they would cease their attack, let alone sit down for a talk.

”Guests from Ingwig are also in the city,” the deputy mentioned.

Galron hesitated briefly, but then resolutely decided, ”We lack the strength to protect them. We can barely ensure our own safety.”

The deputy spoke no more, and the assembled team silently moved forward.

Everyone Galron could rally had gathered at the gates. Years ago, the ancestors of the Willgardson family had fought here, resisting foes intent on exterminating them.

Now it was Galron’s turn. Though he possessed none of the Willgardson blood, he regarded himself as one of them, determined to repay Froki for his recognition and trust by ensuring these men held this ground.

”The end of all things...”

Galron whispered, already seeing the flames ignite in the darkness, countless silhouettes approaching.

Through years of development, the Apocalypse Society held considerable sway among the Vikings, and Ice Bay, considered a neutral and ownerless place, enabled their unchecked gathering of power, unable to be individually vetted.

If Galron’s suspicions were correct, the king’s and lords’ spies lurked in the shadows, watching tonight’s farce with interest, like vultures circling the sky, ready to feast on Froki Willgardson’s corpse.

”Halt! Any closer, and we’ll open fire!”

The deputy sternly warned, but Galron bypassed him, raised his firearm, pulled the trigger, and gunfire burst into the night sky, quickly followed by more shots from Galron.

”There’s no point in negotiating with these lunatics... If they could be reasoned with, none of this would have happened.”

Galron spoke, continuing to fire, and the barrage temporarily halted the enemies’ advance. But it would only be temporary; these men were fearless in the face of death, and their numbers were vast, unknown how many there were.