Power Play: Act 1 Svartalfheim (Ragnarok on Ice) Read Free Page A

well.
    I looked on at my four beaten teammates.  “For the first time working together, that was actually much better than I expected.  We will do this a few more times, but I implore you to use teamwork.  Communicate with each other and make me pay for cutting you open.”  I really wanted them to succeed and tried my best to motivate them.
    It took two more tries, but by the third time the team was working much better and they were able to cut me.  I saw how tired they were and judging by the limited amount of light on the field, it was getting late.
    “Excellent job everyone.  I think we will call it a day and tomorrow we will make our first field outing.  I say we do something simple, maybe just a hunting trip in the north part of the forest.  Does anyone have any objections to that?”
    “That sounds most exciting!”
    “Yes, a hunting trip would be an excellent way to refine our skills!”
    The brothers’ enthusiasm was a bit much, but it also seemed to be rubbing off on Maya and to a lesser extent, Ryle.
    “I agree, I feel much better today about being assigned field work.  It will be a good test, before our real assignment I assume?”
    I nodded, “Yes Maya, we do have an actual assignment we are training for.  I will tell you more about it when the time grows closer.  For now, I suggest we go eat and rest up.  Tomorrow is going to be a trying day.”
    With that, they all made their way back to the Darklighter complex.  The trip from Svartalfheim to the Great Forest would take us into the lower reaches of Jotenheim and we would all need to be on guard.  Plus, we were not heading far into the forest, but it still was filled with dangers, such as dire wolves and the rogue troll that made its way too close to our realm.  No, we all definitely needed to be prepared.
    I was lost in thoughts when I entered the stronghold, so I did not even see my father standing there waiting for me.  “Rumil my dear, what am I going to do with you?”
    I tried to hide my smile.  “Why father, what is wrong?”

Chapter 5 - Tracking
     
    We exited the cave that led to Svartalfheim and were now at the bottom of the Dokkalfar Mountains.  A fresh layer of snow awaited us, as did the cold wind whipping down from the top of the mountain.  Knowing the ice giants could possibly be on the move, I motioned my team to move forward and make our way down the mountain trail.
    My worry was all for naught as we made it into the forest with no trouble.  Once we were a little ways in, I stopped and gathered everyone around.  “Our objective is to kill a giant boar.  I figure between this afternoon and into the evening we should come across one.  Ryle, you are our tracker and it will be your job to locate a suitable target.”
    He looked on and gave a small smile.  I took that as his understanding his job.
    “Once we locate the boar, Drexler and Krang will be the ones to bring it down, with the three of us acting as their support.  Maya, if any of us get wounded, as our medic that will be where you come in.  If there are no questions, I suggest we get to it.”
    With that, Ryle got to the front of the group and started the tracking process.  Tracking can be slow and tedious, but if done properly can save a lot of time.  Ryle was one of the best, even at his age, so I knew we would be on the trail of a boar at any moment.
    “Lady Rumil, these tracks are fresh.”  And just like that he pointed to a set, a very large set of boar tracks.  “I would guess that the animal had been through this area since we entered the forest.”  His voice was very quiet, but for someone so young his composure was refreshing.
    “Then by all means, lead us to our prey.”
    With the track established, Ryle moved on at a much quicker pace.  Everything seemed to be going well, when he abruptly stopped.  He put his hand up, motioning to keep quiet.
    I listened to the forest, what had caused him to stop so suddenly?  Once I quieted