It was after great consideration that Bruten decided that he would use this Breytast Vindar to attempt to become a Captain. He hadn't really been convinced that he wanted to be a Captain just yet. Running wild on Vikings had been far too much fun for him, in all honesty. After the thought about it, though, he came to the realization that there would be lions that would join his band - Sjurd, of course, and perhaps Shaji. Maybe others, as well. It was a pleasant thought, and in truth he'd be one step closer to Warlord, if his father did indeed lose his position in the pride.Bruten was not afraid of Ru. Ru was nothing more than an outlander. Ru would not be long for his position in the pride. The mere thought that Ruzanski could become Warlord made Bruten's chest ache with something that felt suspiciously like red-hot rage. Having Ruzanski as Warlord would be a distinctive step backwards - and it would be no better than having Aesir as Warlord once again. Female Reavers, Female Captains, even.
The thought alone made Bruten feel furious. His father had restored things to the way they ought to have been, and the last thing they needed - the last thing the pride needed - was to have things reverted back to the way things were. Outlanders didn't understand. They never did. Though Bruten hadn't really heard otherwise, he was simply assuming that Ru would change things to be as they'd been before. Hadn't had female Reavers with him on his stupid quest?
Bah. It all left a sour taste in his mouth, and Bruten could feel himself getting worked up.
This challenge would be something of a preemptive move in the game of power. If he became a Captain now, then during the next Breytast Vindar he could make his move to become Warlord if Ru won the challenge against his father.
It was interesting to think about, and that thought alone left Bruten feeling satisfied that he was currently making the right decision, win or lose. At least he could say that he'd made an attempt to do the right thing if he lost.
Bruten shook his head to clear his thoughts. It didn't matter, really. He would do what he had to do, even if it meant a more back-alley approach to things. It wouldn't be the first time that someone had risen to power through unconventional means. Bruten had heard the stories. He knew of Gunne through conversations between his father and Thorgrim. A rise to power was a rise to power, and Bruten was not afraid to do what needed to be done to secure what he considered his birthright as Njal's son.
After contemplating who to challenge, Bruten decided on Uhtred for no reason other than the lion was older and well-respected. It would hurt less if he found himself beaten by the lion, and challenging the old captain would undoubtedly make him feel better about losing.
Not that he planned on losing.
Perhaps it was silly of him to think so highly of himself, but Bruten had little doubt that he was one of the better warriors in the pride. He was smart, and he was cunning, and he would make a fine Captain. He knew this. His blood was old, and his father had been a respected Captain before him.
Approaching Uhtred's den, Bruten paused. How did one approach such an undertaking? Did he shout his intentions out? Did he speak softly? Did he roar, or merely barge into the other lion's den to make his challenge known? Bruten was not certain, so he merely grunted, set his claws into the dirt and let out a deep, dark roar.
Assured that he'd gotten the attention of the older Captain, Bruten continued.
"Captain Uhtred! I challenge you, Reaver to Captain, during this Breytast Vindar!"
Did he need to say more? Bruten really had no idea. He fell silent for a moment before continuing.
"I know you are no coward, Captain Uhtred! You are well-respected in this pride, and I know you will not let me down in this challenge."
That sounded pretty meaningful. Bruten cleared his throat. Then again, he didn't want to sound too demanding, and so he decided it best to follow up with another shout.
"Two days from now, I will meet you on the sands just after sun up, and we will see if I am fit to take your band of warriors from you."
That was good. Bruten hated feeling like he didn't know what he was doing. It was exciting, really, and he hadn't wanted to stop and think too much about his decision to challenge Uhtred. He hadn't wanted to speak to Sjurd about it, or his father. It was a decision he'd come to on his own, and it felt invigorating. He would be the first son of his father's to become a Captain. It would make Njal proud, of that he had little doubt. Perhaps the next year's Breytast Vindar would bring another chance for a rise in power. Bruten knew he might be getting a little ahead of himself, but he was high on the prospect of becoming a Captain, truth be told.
"Two days time, Captain Uhtred. I will see you then."
That being said, Bruten cleared his throat (without waiting for a response from Uhtred) and took his leave. There was nothing else to do now but to see if the old captain accepted his challenge or not. Bruten hoped he did. It would be exciting to see if he was as good a fighter as he thought himself to be.
He walked through the pride with his head held high. His destination was the sparring sands. As he walked, there was a definite 'holier than thou' expression etched on his features, a look that sank into his strange eyes. He was Bruten, the Warlord's son, and he'd take what he wanted by force, if need be.
Mtorolite
(wc: 1006, just in case of no response by Toro :B)
