553 I Hold the Axe

"KILL IT!" shrieked Conman.

"I JUST WON trial by endurance and by combat!" I protested.

"Obey the voice of Loki!" he shouted. Someone repeated him, and the guards swarmed me.

A single swipe at the side of the tent, and I was through. Yup. Army camp, full of soldiers, all of whom recognized me on sight.

Not one of my more brilliant moves.

At least the clergy were at the outer edge of the camp.

I'd like to tell you I got away. But no, too many injuries and too little remaining health. No river or even a helpful tree to provide cover.

I took shelter in a supply tent, which was set on fire. They got me when I fled, coughing up streams of red, blackened by smoke. The Axe was forced from my grip, and all the injuries to my head immediately came back.