Night came over the mountains and the days were shortening, declaring the arrival of winter. There was only one thing a wise man would do if anything in the wilderness: Stay away from the tall misty peaks covered in snow and crowned with thunderclouds. Wunjo tried to get a fire going and his mind went out to these thoughts. Yet also to old stories about monsters that came out at night to steal children from cribs. Hungry beasts with sharp teeth and long claws who hunted in large packs. It was a race against time now. He had realised this too late and it ate at him. Ursell sat next to him, not noticing the worries on Wunjo's brow. All she did was keeping the howling wind from blowing out the embers they had managed to get going. Succes! Flames rose up from the mouldy grass that they had kept from when they were in the forests beneath the hills. Thick fumes rose up to the sky, but they did not care. The need for warmth was now too great so caution had to be put aside at this time. It soothed their shivering bodies and they smiled with the joy of accomplishment, for that it was given their circumstances. They were not the only two that went ahead of the larger group of northmen. Nearby Froeydis was sitting on a large boulder, which must have tumbled down from the mountains in a bygone era. Now remaining still in the pinegrove that they had chosen as shelter. She was keeping a watch, forced to narrow her eyes as the wind brought with it snowdust. Lucky atleast that she was less affected by the cold.
Still despite her watch, they were soon punished for their lack of wariness. Unknowingly to them, there was a large figure that had it's eyes on them for quite a while. It stood up higher, it's figure shown in the moonlight. In the dim glow of the nightly orb the beast it's fur seemed to be the colour of charcoal. It began it's descend from the high perch it stood from, it's grip seemed sure and strong although it may not have been the youngest anymore. It did not take overly long before it was but mere feet away from them. Staring with quiet interest. It was a very large specimen for certain and there was no mistake to be made about what it was. A bear.
Froeydis had turned her head as she heard a heavy thud on the ground. She immediately made grabs for her sword.. Wunjo had seen the movement of the girl from the corner of his eyes. Both Ursell and him froze on the spot as they saw the formidable creature there, gawking at them. Their hearts began to thump in their throats and their mouths went dry on the spot. The charcoal bear just stood there with the light of the fire reflected in it's eyes, it's mind processing perhaps on what to do with these three interlopers. Froeydis was the first to respond in the stalemate!
"To me quickly!!", she commanded! Wunjo startled out of his trance, but wasted not a moment! He pulled Ursell along towards Froeydis now, she laid herself on her belly and grabbed her arm. The young girl was awed, as if a spell had caught hold on her, such was Wunjo's assumption. While Froeydis pulled, he in all his haste (unsure yet of what the bear did at the time) bent through his knees and set a shoulder against her behind! It was with such speed and strength that the girl was nearly catapulted on Froeydis, almost as if that had been the idea! Wunjo turned now towards the big animal.. It still was there, like a lord of the forest, amused perhaps or uncaring about the little stunt of these three jesters. Ursell rolled clear, or was pushed aside atleast by Froeydis, she held out an arm to Wunjo. Her eyes begged him to do nothing foolish! "The fire..", Wunjo thought grimly, but then another thought occurred.. he needed to turn his back on a wild beast. A deathsentence for certain and the idea of the bear turning on the girls instead of him did not appeal either, "Hrm hrm.. think mann.." His hand fell on a flask of his, as if it was helping and he then realised something. He held up the leather container and remembered that he had kept this for the tollmen that were rumoured to dwell in the mountains. His eyes went to the bear.. and a flicker of hope settled within him! The beast still took note of their antics, now paying special attention to Wunjo as he sidestepped while sniffing from the flask after opening it and taking a swig.. He left it for the mighty beast to take just before he went a few paces back without turning.. He had created space between the girls and himself now and drawn the attention on himself. The bear then went forwards to the flask. It sat down on it's backside while it's paws clumsily held the mead within before it's snout.
All of the contents went down. It's long tongue sought to reach inward, while voicelessly commanding those around to remain where they were and await for it to be pleased or angered. Time went by slowly, every heartbeat felt like an age. Then as it was done it decided to come closer to the one who gave him this treat. Wunjo spread his feet, "Hrm.. a little closer and maybe I can-" Then all went awry..
"With me!", Froeydis shouted out as she jumped from the rock with sword and now also her shield held at the ready! Attempting to intercept the attacking bear! Ursell remained on her spot. Her head ached and her limbs shook at the mere thought of harming such a majestic beast, "No..", she muttered.. Froeydis broke off whatever else Ursell may have said, "You will not harm my friend!" The charcoal bear immediately swiped at her whilst jumping forwards to Wunjo! Before the man had time to respond he was on his back, with a shield upon his chest that protected him from the pounds of bone and muscle that now stood there! It's claws had not yet appeared and it would only be a matter of time! Froeydis prepared to slash it along the snout and drive it back! But then a fifth figure appeared from where the charcoal bear had come! Ursell shrieked! A relative in breed to the charcoal bear this creature was! A bear atleast as large, it's fur was black like scorched stone and it's eyes were two blazing embers! It opened it's maw and a sound that embodied carnal rage thundered through the grove! Wunjo managed to get air in his lungs again as the charcoal bear turned around, he winced and clutched at his ribs..
The charcoal bear did not flee before this fearsome rival and went upon it's hind legs, it's mouth opened wide and an equally deafening roar came out while ropes of drool flew from it's teeth! Perhaps sitting there Ursell may have understood a word in that, if her mind had not finally decided to shut down.. The word might have sounded like, "Toll!!"
A fierce duel had started and the beasts brutally clawed, bit, mauled and bashed eachother! Ursell snapped out of her amazement over these feral wonders! She had to get away. Now! She rushed over towards Wunjo and together with Froeydis who had been denied to partake in the fighting they both helped him up. As the fighting raged onwards and their unending attacks brought them further uphill so they vanished swiftly from sight, if not from hearing.
All that was left behind afterwards, was the torn flask and the embers of the dying fire in the now abandoned grove.
