CHAPTER 57

His damaged armor creaked and groaned under the pressure, and Ragnar remembered his personal gratitude for his master's careful handling of the ancient suit. It served him well in his first real mission. Ragnar smiled as he felt a heavy weight fall on his shoulders. I owe you my life three times today, Strybjorn, he thought. But now Ragnar has decided that he can only do it when both appear. Ragnar startled and climbed to the surface of the tunnel. He hoped it wasn't far. The cold night air hit Ragnar's face as if it came out of the mouth of the cave, adding a strange chemical smell that smelled of oil and kerosene. There was a time when even he wondered if it had occurred to her in her sick mind. It took another second to register that the entire area around the cave entrance had been cleared of vegetation. It took him a second to realize that fifty barrels were heading his way. His nostrils flared and he could smell his brother's bowels. most of them. "It's me, Ragna." he said, maki