A deep rumbling came from the ashen sky.

Icy blue eyes focused on the castle of Mercia. Many had granted Zeus a fool for many reasons yet the army at his back was still there.

Zeus was glad the only object affected by fear was his heart.The daunting castle looked down on him and his army but retreat was not his peoples way.

He was not a warrior by trade. His wife, however, was one of the best warriors they had ever seen. If he had been captured, Hera would've retrieved him by now. So efficient, determined and ruthless when it came to battle. That was his third motivation.

His second motivation was the most obvious one. His love for his wife was unending, immeasurable. They had been through too much, too long for him to simply accept the fact that she was gone.

His first and most compelling reason was his daughter. Almost a month or måned had passed since her birth. For a few days he walked with her cradled in his arms to the sea, to the forest and she would scream and even stop breathing. We soon found out that Harmony needed to be as near as possible to her mother to survive.

It had taken little for Zeus to convince the army to pursue Hera's captors, and he was right in front, Harmony in his arm. Perhaps he was a fool to bring his new born to battle but he had no choice.

"We are ready. On your word." Sven stated, calm yet a massive smile on his face. Leader of this great army and a massive, battle-hardened man.

Dozens of men and women, eager for battle walked about. Swords, axes, shields, bows, arrows and greaves ready for crimson paint.

"I say! Archers provide cover while we storm her and pilage!" Sven ordered, courage traveling through the, somewhat, ranks.

Zeus gripped his tomahawk, a small axe, in his left hand. The other hand itched to Hera's dagger, safely secured against his waist, but he paused. Rather he brought it to the squirming pouch against his chest, right against his heart. Harmony's face peaked through. I'll get her back for you, little warrior, he silently promised.

He turned to the army. "This day is the last of Gormanudur! Today ends the month of Slaughter! Let us honor Freyr by giving him the greatest slaughter we can! For Freyr!"

"For Freyr!" Dozens of warriors shouted in unison and charged up the hill, led by Zeus himself to the melody of a sounding horn.

The sky momentarily took on a orange tone as lit arrows sailed over taking out almost all that guarded the walls. Zeus and his army barreled through the gatehouse, exploding into the main courtyard of Mercia.

Zeus was ultimately aware of his daughter strapped to his chest as the air took on the sounds of battle.

As his army stretched itself into the Queendom's roots, for a moment he paused. He had done his research. He'd known that at least a thousand men would guard Mercia and her castle yet only half seemed present.

He closed his eyes. Golden eyes shone in the darkness of his mind as he tried sensing his wife. Barracks? The main hall? Where?

His eyes snapped open and Harmony gave a squeal of delight. It was a miracle that they were alive, standing in a siege with his eyes closed.

"SVEN!" The noise was unfathomable, yet his friend heard him, turning almost immediately. "WITH ME."

Harmony's laughter mixed with the sounds of battle as Zeus and Sven charged, determined to enter the castle.