The Northman hunched just past a great stone gate that bared signs of recent activity. The snow was immediately sparser beyond the door which had stood as an impasse to his progress before his battle on the Windswept Cliffs. Blood dripped onto the ground as he carefully cleaned his blade with a piece of cloth from his knapsack. There was a look of forced concentration on Sigurd’s face as he worked, the look that often marked those who worked to forget. Sighing, he applied snow to the meagre burns on his left leg, noting the damage to his boots and leggings with a shrug. It would be of little consequence, or so he believed.

Hefting his Dragon-scale shield the tall man stood resolute once more. He slid slightly marked steel back into its scabbard and resettled his belt, the axes resting there jangling as if eager for use. Time for business then, the path ahead meandered further up the mountain yet the snow was thinning. To a man accustomed to such climes it had the edge of magic to it, the snow should grow thicker and icier, more compact and unforgiving. Yet as his long stride carried him forward dirt and moss prevailed under foot, he climbed higher, his purpose burning in his breast. 

The Stoneheart was starting to see patterns in the path he walked, though one would perhaps think it unlikely if they gazed upon the loutish horned helm of the warrior that an observant mind was contained therein. The path ahead was narrowing, forcing him into another combat, to shed the blood of another unfortunate who climbed the great mountain. Almost forced to turn sideways to push through the narrow entry point due to the bulk of his iron and leather armour. With one last effort he stumbled onto soft mud and moss, and it was as if he had entered another world. His eyes lit up in rare enjoyment as he took in the impossible forest around him. It was quiet, serene even, and it shouldn’t be there. His lips turned in a smile, before the reality of the situation once again dawned upon him. 

He stood awaiting a foe who would match him, test him, and perhaps even slay him if the gods demanded it.