Year 2949: Kinstrife and Dark Tidings

[Vladim]

Beorn's frown deepened as he crossed his arms and nodded to Fundor: "I remember you. But this is not a time for grief. First, I have to understand how it happened. Now..." He turned to Dahr-Ol. "Tell me everything, from the beginning, warrior. If you do not know, then anyone - step forward and explain how this happened. If you've guesses, dont leave them out."

 

OOC

This is a Social Encounter.

As such, you may use Insight to gain Bonus Dice to your speech checks - each Speech Check may only be used twice in the encounter. So, if Idunn uses Awe once and so does Dahr-Ol, then Gramtyng cannot also use it, and must use another. Introduction Checks are exempt from this.

You must first Introduce yourselves, either by spokesman, or one by one. To Introduce yourselves, you use Awe or Courtesy - some NPCs prefer one or the other, and may deem one insulting. A Riddle Check will allow you to see which is better.

Failed Social Checks decrease Tolerance of the Encounter. Current Tolerance is the Highest Valour in the party + 3.

Someone who has Persuade or Riddle can tell Beorn the story. Persuade implies you're just telling it without anything held back or guesswork, and the TN is 12. For Riddle, it is 16 as it is the opposite. Also feel free to borrow a Success Die.

[Vladim]

Idunn stepped forth and spoke, saying plainly and directly what she believed to be true.

’Your kinsman speaks the truth, lord Beorn.’ she said first, confirming what Dahr-Ol had reported. ’We came upon them first: they were in their boat when we found them, but it was too late for them. I wished to hunt down the goblins who did this, yet my companions deemed it wiser to report to you first, and I agreed, for I did not wish to leave the Thanes to the wolves. They deserve better. I hope that our choice was right.’

Then she went on to report what they had found: ’They were returning here when they were ambushed, and in the confusion, the prisoner must have been able to steal Thane Merovech’s sword and escape. I found no trace of him, yet I deem him a coward, for he did not stay with them to help, and nor did he call for aid.'

As she spoke these words, a new suspicion dawned on her. 'But to know where the goblins would strike so accurately...' she said, as if speaking to herself aloud. 'Perhaps this prisoner had orchestrated his escape with the aid of the goblins. Goblins are too craven to dare attack so close to your homestead on their own. Some greater power must be at work here.’

[OOC: As stated elsewhere, I’ll invoke Forthright for an auto-success on the Persuade check. I still want to use Awe, but I will wait for a more appropriate opportunity.]

[Vladim]

Dahr-Ol waited for Idunn to finish explaining what she had uncovered.

"The prisoner Merovech and Odo were escorting very clearly ran from the place of their murder alongside the two dead goblins. The three sets of tracks stopped in a small grove near the river. There was sign of a battle. I found both goblins dead, one decapitated the other run through with a goblin made sword. The tracks of the man seemed to run parallel to the goblins for a time before the battle in the grove, but at other points not. I suspect that whoever Merovech had captured the goblins considered him more of a prize than an ally but I cannot be certain of this.

I discovered the grove shortly after dusk. I think the tracks might have been half a day old at that time, making it near dawn yesterday when the goblins ambushed Merovech. I regret to tell you that the man's tracks faded soon after he left the grove, and were beyond my skill to track.

Annungil and I believe that the tracks were made by boots of Dalish or Lake Town make, I do not believe the stranger to have been one of our people. With your permission I would like to send word to the other wardens, to beware of a man dressed as one from Dale or the Lake but bearing a goblin made sword.

As for these others who travel with Idunn, they offered us no violence upon meeting and she has vouched for them."

[Vladim]

Beorn is visibly troubled by the story, but nods, stands up, and opens the great doors to his home, beckoning the company into his hall and bids them sit down on benches on either side of the long table, while he settles his massive frame into an equally massive wooden chair. The light of the torches makes it easier to see his harsh features; Beorn is a giant of a man, dressed in a woollen tunic tied with a simple belt. He wears no jewellery or silver to mark his high standing, and the axe at his side is a plain, unadorned weapon, notched and scraped with a lifetime of use. The only sign that he is a great leader of men and not a lone woodsman is the fact that his hair and flowing black beard are now combed. Those who knew Beorn of old notice a few flecks of grey in his beard, although whether this is due to the advance of age or worry over his new responsibilities is impossible to tell.

"Orcs..." He grimaces. "...so close to my house – they were either greatly daring, or very, very foolish. Either way, they have killed my men, and that I will not allow. I sent Merovech south, to the other villages along the Great River. I told him to sort out arguments and make sure all was well. I guess, from the sounds of it, that he and Odo were bringing a prisoner back to me for judgement.” Beorn shrugs his hairy shoulders and then continues.

“I never wanted to be a ruler of men, but if they choose to follow me, then they must keep to my laws, and them that break my laws must come before me for a trial at the Carrock.” He pauses momentarily, and then continues: "Tell me... When you found the dead, have you seen a small purse of silver near them?" Gramtyng shook his head and answered, thinking that it be best for him or someone else who wasnt close to the dead to answer, so as to not distract them from the grief; perhaps their new Beorning friend was someone who knew Merovech and Odo, after all. "We have not." He coughed, suddenly overcome by a malady. Was it the cold air? Beorn raised an eyebrow at such a prompt response, and the Rohirrim continued, embarrassed: "When we looked around, we found ropes severed by something sharp - presumably Merovech the Mighty's sword, which was stolen. But that was it... If they had anything on them, we do not know - none of us are the sort that would dig through the pockets of the dead... Er, sir."

For a moment, Beorn appears contemplative, then nods. "Very good." The large man sighed, shutting his eyes for a moment, then shook his large head and opened his eyes, looking at each of the companions in turn. "Have any of you news from the wider world? Has anything significant happened outside my borders that you know of? As one responsible for this land, I must ask." Beorn does not appear to be in a hurry and is quite contemplative, his mind occupied with something. "As for myself... There are quite troubling news. Orcs crossing my lands as of late, coming from the east; which means Southern Mirkwood. I understand that fellow Radagast has been looking into it. These orcs have headed for the Misty Mountains, and some travellers claim that due to the strength of the Free Peoples, the orcs are fleeing Wilderland..." He made a dismissive gesture. "Our lands would be calmer would that be the case, but do not think we should be so lucky - or as strong. There has to be something else behind these movements - so I think you are right" He nodded to Idunn.

 

OOC

This is a Social Encounter.

As such, you may use Insight to gain Bonus Dice to your speech checks - each Speech Check may only be used twice in the encounter. So, if Idunn uses Awe once and so does Dahr-Ol, then Gramtyng cannot also use it, and must use another. Introduction Checks are exempt from this.

You must first Introduce yourselves, either by spokesman, or one by one. To Introduce yourselves, you use Awe or Courtesy - some NPCs prefer one or the other, and may deem one insulting. A Riddle Check will allow you to see which is better.

Failed Social Checks decrease Tolerance of the Encounter. Current Tolerance is the Highest Valour in the party + 3.

Someone who has Persuade or Riddle can tell Beorn the story. Persuade implies you're just telling it without anything held back or guesswork, and the TN is 12. For Riddle, it is 16 as it is the opposite. Also feel free to borrow a Success Die.

[Vladim]

’News of the wider world?!’ thought Idunn angrily. She was anxious to act, and growing impatient. ’There is no time for that!’ she continued – inwardly of course, for she did not dare to challenge the bear lord so foolishly. But neither could she sit idly by while others exchanged news when the goblins still roamed the land.

’With respect, Lord Beorn,’ she begun with conviction, ’we cannot afford to tarry here long, not while the goblins are still at large. I came here to deliver the dead, and to seek your permission in hunting down the killers. You already know some of us: we have proven our worth once, when we captured Cenric the thief, and recovered the sickle, and I am eager to prove my worth again. Merovech was my cousin, and I wish to avenge his death before the goblins that killed him escape.

If you can help us, then I would ask for this only: horses so that we can catch them before they reach their dark caves and tunnels in the Misty Mountains, where we would likely lose their trail.’

[OOC: I know this is a bit rude towards one as mighty and short-tempered as Beorn, but I think it follows logically from her failed Riddle check and her desire to avenge her cousin. The Awe check is kind of like a boast; a sort of ‘we got this, we already proved ourselves in Theft of the Moon, so you should trust us to accomplish this also.’]

[Vladim]

Annungil stood beside his companion as the story was relayed to Beorn, arms crossed and eyes pensive as he listened. "Indeed, my Lord Beorn. They both speak truth to what we discovered." He stroked his chin in thought for a moment. "For news of the wider world, all that we can speak of is that the Hobbits at the inn have been aided and our swords slew many of the goblins that accosted the High Pass. So that cannot be a place of strength to have drawn these other goblins out."

He paced back and forth for a moment, eyes bright. "If they flee southern Mirkwood and across Wilderland, perhaps a host can be assembled and hunting parties dispatched." After a moment he caught himself and shook his head. "No, we have not the strength or wealth to field such an army."

The man turned on his heel and gave a nod of respect to Beorn. "I am but a new traveler to these lands in the North, my Lord Beorn. I shall accept your judgment in this matter as to where best to give my strength."

[Vladim]

"If you would forgive me, my Lord Beorn," Nori interjects loudly. The dwarf seems to have taken on the appropriate measure and tone to be apologetic and worthy of garnering attention as opposed to rude and boisterous. Stepping out of his somewhat sheltered position near the rear of the group, the dwarf slowly approaches the front of the small audience that has gathered before the Bear Lord, his hands clasped together in front of his chest as if praying or asking mercy. As he approaches the front, he nervously looks towards Gramtyng and his other compatriots, his eyes wide with anxiety - as if silently asking them, "What have I gotten myself into?"

When he's made his way to a spot in front of Beorn, definitely within arm's reach of the massive beast of a man, Nori looks up at the lord and clears his throat. Without removing his eyes from Beorn, as if staring down a literal bear, Nori gestures towards Idunn as he says, "My sister speaks reasonably given the urgency, but she speaks with passion. We mean you no offense and your request is equally reasonable. However, I know we will not be able to ease the burden that must weigh on your shoulders without some expediency - assistance that only you can provide. That said..." Nori drops his hand from Idunn's direction and now places both hands on his hips as his chest puffs out a little, making him seem a little stalwart and resolute in what he asks.

"I would be more than willing to tell you about our travels in Rhovanion as my companions prepare themselves. They must make preparations to leave, but I would happily tell you of what we have learned and experienced this past year as they do so. With your generosity, they might bring these vile creatures to account for the wrong they have done to your kin. You can gain the knowledge you seek and justice you deserve with but a word." And with that, Nori exhales heavily through his nose, continuing to stare - unblinking - up at Beorn as he waits for a response (and hopefully one that does not require bed rest).

[Vladim]

The Beornings chief's brows knit themselves together akin to storm clouds at Idunn's words, and for a moment, Beorn seem much, much bigger than he truly was - his 'throne' creaks pitifully as the one that it upholds shifts, his colossal hands capable of crushing orc skulls as if eggshells gripping into the weathered wood. Indeed, when he speaks, his voice is reminiscent of distant thunder, his yellow eyes narrowing, boring themselves into Idunn. "Respect?" He finally asks. "Your grief has made you forget that my duty is first and foremost to the living, not the dead. They chose me, despite my warnings - and so, I will see it through. Merovech is your cousin - a man you've not seen for years. But me, both of them were as sons; your words wound far deeper than any spear." The wooden armrest creaked and began to crumble under Beorn's grip. "...Your words are cruel, but your heart is true."

He shut his eyes for a brief moment, relaxing his grip, and the oppressive air had vanished from the room; looking at the giant of a man now, it was clearly visible that not even he was invincible to time; some of his hair had been grey, and there had been deep wrinkles in his forehead, there due to the worries and responsibilities he'd now had to shoulder. As Nori began to speak, he raised his head slightly, but his eyes remained shut. When the dwarf finally finished, he sighed, and straightened up, opening his eyes - his wrath had been gone, and only sorrow and tiredness remained. "I asked you of news because in order to safeguard the rest of those who remain, I require far more information than I can gain myself. It was the duty of Merovech to gather such news as he traveled, but now..." Beorn looked at the large hole in the ceiling that served as an outlet for smoke and sighed. "The reason that you need not hurry is that orcs and goblins will not move in daytime. They will get nowhere within my lands, where there are few places for them to wait out the sun's rays. Two. If one of my people, used to the area, was not able to pick up any of their vile trails, I very much doubt you could. Three... My duty is to the living..." Beorn rose from his seat.

"But I will not disrespect the dead. Their funeral must be seen to. Your Company seems to share many different bonds with my Thanes... I am certain they would have liked for you to see them off, as well; not to mention the questions their closest of kin would have. Odo was unmarried... But Merovech left behind a wife and son. They're on their way from Stoneyford now." Beorn rubbed at his temples, and turned to Idunn. "I will not provide horses. At least, not to everyone - just to you, who is blood kin. After we bid them farewell, we will set out when night descends. You as well, Dahr-Ol. I must warn you, daughter of Theodwen; after we finish with the orcs, I do not think you will be able to keep up."

 

OOC

This is a Social Encounter.

As such, you may use Insight to gain Bonus Dice to your speech checks - each Speech Check may only be used twice in the encounter. So, if Idunn uses Awe once and so does Dahr-Ol, then Gramtyng cannot also use it, and must use another. Introduction Checks are exempt from this.

You must first Introduce yourselves, either by spokesman, or one by one. To Introduce yourselves, you use Awe or Courtesy - some NPCs prefer one or the other, and may deem one insulting. A Riddle Check will allow you to see which is better.

Failed Social Checks decrease Tolerance of the Encounter. Current Tolerance is the Highest Valour in the party + 3.

Someone who has Persuade or Riddle can tell Beorn the story. Persuade implies you're just telling it without anything held back or guesswork, and the TN is 12. For Riddle, it is 16 as it is the opposite. Also feel free to borrow a Success Die.

[Vladim]

Ingi had been quiet since they discovered the bodies. Despite time passing, the immediacy of their death brought back troubling memories from the previous year. In this introspective mood it seems his presence in the party had not been noted by the scouts of Beorn when the introduced the company at the great hall, perhaps he had been taken to be a squire or underling much like Belgo. Following the suggestion that the culprit may have connections to laketown Ingi felt even less inclined to make himself a conspicuous member of the party. He had instead busied himself with keeping both Munir and the puppy Veth out of trouble as neither seemed to have an appreciation of the halls in which they stood.

However Idunns outburst caused Ingi to snap out of his pensiveness, and although given her brashness of tone contrasted against her diminutive size in comparison to Beorn caused him to fear for her saftey he also felt here was something that he as a son of laketown could also do to try and redeem any besmirchment of those of Laketown, at least in the eyes of the bear-lord. Taking his lead from the conciliatory tone adopted by Nori Ingi emerged from the back of the company and cleared his throat. "My lord I also travel with this company, but I am also from Laketown. As it has been suggested that one of my people may have something to do with what transpired here I seek your permission and offer my bow in the service of those that would right this wrong."

[Vladim]

Idunn seethed inside with frustration and anger, but she clenched her fists and bit her tongue as the great chieftain spoke. His imposing presence did not frighten her; not presently at least, when she was overwhelmed with sorrow and a burning desire for vengeance.

’I have not come here to argue with you, Lord Beorn.’ she retorted defiantly – too defiantly for her own good, perhaps. ’I came here to seek your permission to hunt those who did it; yet even if you would not grant it, I would undertake the hunt still, against your orders.

But we seek the same things now - vengeance, and justice-and thus there is no need to quarrel. It would be foolish to do so, as it is foolish to weigh who of us valued the dead the most. Yet I assure you that I loved Merovech as a father, even though our paths ran apart years ago. Witness this for yourself before you speak of me again.’

Upon saying those words, the huntress approached, and laid her great spear at Beorn’s feet. The weapon had once belonged to Merovech; a spear of great lineage that he had used in his younger days, and that he would not part with lightly. But he had gifted it to Idunn regardless. It stood as proof of their friendship.

Some time passed before the woods-woman would speak again. When she opened her mouth, her tone was different, softer and less confrontational.

’For your gift I thank you.’ she said, referring to the horse. ’I know well that your hounds and horses are as children to you, and I swear to return him unharmed. As for the orcs… I wish that we could set out now, and catch them unaware, and weakened by the light. It would be just, for they dealt with the Thanes in the same way, giving them little chance to fight back. The funeral would feel less heavy if all knew that justice was done.

But I will abide by your decision, if that means that I will be granted a chance to deal the killing blow.’

With those words, she started recounting everything that had happened during the folk-moot at Rhosgobel. She held no information back, and spoke of many things: the werewolf’s attacks, the 'bloody ghost' of the forest, the goblins they had encountered in the Narrows, the elves that followed king Thranduil’s son, the wizard Radagast and the proposals of Amaleoda, Ceowin and lord Ewald. In the end, she spoke of Mogdred and his arrival, and of the outcome of the folk-moot, the battle of Black Tarn Hall and its rebuilding.

Recounting all these news from the land of the Woodmen took much time, but she answered all of Beorn’s questions as best she could, and she allowed her companions to voice their views of the events and fill in the parts that she had forgotten or deemed less important…

[Vladim]

Dahr-Ol held his tongue as long as he could while the elders spoke, but his misgivings forced him to interrupt.

"My lord Beorn, I must remind all present that we should not assume we know who our quarry truly is.

Merovech was indeed slain by foul goblin-kind. But we know not if the prisoner was their goal. Three sets of tracks left the ambush site. Two goblin, one human. A goblin sword was left in the belly of of one, the other goblin beheaded. The only tracks leaving the second site were human.

My gut tells me the slayers of our kin have already met their end. My heart tells me this was no chance ambush.

We seek the man who can tell us why. Who is this man that he is neither friend to the Beornings nor to his goblin rescuers? This reeks of those who follow the shadow. Their plans are deep and always clothed in deceit.

We must bridle our anger if we are to know the truth."
Dahr-Ol glanced from Beorn to Idunn as he finished speaking.

[Vladim]

From behind the others, Fundor goes close to Idunn and Nori and speaks calmly "For Idunn and your own feelings toward Merovech and Odo tragic end, your missing men deserve to have their task finished. They were bringing a prisoner in order to have your judgment on the Carrock. After the funeral, we could hunt him, catch him and sent it back to you. If you wish to..."

[Vladim]

Beorn nodded heavily, his wrath passing as stormclouds, with his eyebrows separating themselves - he simply looked tired and grieved, as he looked at the spear before him, picking it up. The weapon looked like a toy in his hands, as he gently looked it over. "Gave you this, did he..." He muttered, tracing the carvings in the spear. "It is a spear I gave him when he became a thane. He would not have given it to anyone, unless they meant much to him." The giant of a man shut his eyes for a moment, and for a moment looked far older than he seemed, but then opened them, looking over the company sharply, and having Idunn her spear back. "You will have your vengeance, Daughter of Theodwen. And I will have mine. We set out this night, as the sun sets." His tone had an air of finality to it. "My warrior and your companion have a point. We must find this escapee and question him. If he is the prisoner, then he will be judged by our law, as is the custom. But with my Thane of Judgement dead... Yes. This would be just." He nodded to Nori with an approving look. "You speak as one who seeks to uphold justice, Daughter of Theodwen. Then, I will impose on you and yours the completion of the task Merovech was to do. After the funerals are done, after we avenge Merovech and Odo - track down this fugitive, and bring him to me. Dahr-Ol. Annungil. Your paths crossed with theirs not by chance - go with them. Perhaps it will be a bit easier to investigate in my lands, then. Of course, I will not let you do this without any reward. But for now... We must prepare a funeral worthy of true warriors."

THE FUNERAL
The funeral of Merovech and Odo is held that evening. Only Merovech was married, but Odo was betrothed to a young shield-maiden named Avila who stands quietly with red-rimmed eyes, refusing to weep. The red-haired Ava, Merovech's wife, who rushed from Stoneyford by horse, cries openly, simply staring at the lifeless body of her husband. Whatever the disagreements they'd had in the past clearly amounted to very little, and in the face of such grief... Merovech's son, Ragnar, is white as a wall, and doesnt seem to fully understand what it is he's watching. Someone had fetched the spear Merovech had thrown at the goblins earlier - the lad clutches at it almost feverishly, his hands trembling. The bodies are taken back to a line of burial mounds nearby to be interred, and Beorn himself wraps the bodies in funeral cloth, decorated with golden bees, attaching the silver bear-pin as they are lowered into their graves. As the graves are filled, Avila wordlessly takes a spear from Beorn and thrusts it into the burial mound of her betrothed, finally breaking down itno tears as she steps back. Beorn gently nudges Ragnar to follow the woman's example with Merovech's spear, but the boy doesnt seem to understand what is required of him. The chieftan then looks to Ava, but grief has consumed her whole - she doesnt respond to anyone, not even her son. Beorn then looks to Idunn, and nods, stretching towards her the spear Merovech used, that Ragnar dropped.

Behind them, the Beornings begin to sing. It is not like the songs of the elves, with some of the companions heard in the Halls of the Elvenking, with their otherworldly grace - nor the slow, solemn songs of the dwarves. The song was one that celebrated the valour of the fallen, and spoke with pride of their achievements. Of Merovech's strength, and Odo's loyalty, of their friendship and how many foes they felled, of how cunning they had been, and how just. In places, Beornings who knew the two speak out, telling stories of their deeds.

 

The funeral

A successful Inspire or Song roll impresses the crowd, especially if the companion mentions some deeds that they know one of the Thanes performed. A failed roll means the character cannot find the right words, or exaggerates. The Beornings do not mind boasting, but hate lies. If the companions act respectfully at the funeral, then the Standing of any Beornings in the group is temporarily raised by one for the rest of the year.

[Vladim]

Idunn remained silent as the bear-lord spoke: a quiet nod indicated her agreement, and her resolve to see the task through, to the bitter end if there was need.

’I will do so,’ she said plainly as a response, ’this I swear before you, your kin and my companions. May Bema the hunter be my witness.’ These were the only words that broke her silence, and upon saying them, Idunn recovered the spear – the Thane’s spear – from where Beorn had left it. She thought it good and fitting that this spear would be the instrument of vengeance and justice.

 

---

 

Before the funeral

Many were the funerary practices of Idunn’s folk, as diverse as the peoples that lived in towns and villages of the Western eaves of Mirkwood. In Woodland Hall, where the Woodmen dwelled inside the forest, it was customary for those who grieved the passing of a friend or relative to cut their hair short as a marker of mourning. Once before Idunn had done this, as she grieved the passing of Grimborn five years earlier. Now, she did the same using Guthred’s dagger. Yet she refused to shed any tears, not while the killers remained at large.

 

---

 

The funeral

As the others spoke of the valour of the dead, the huntress found herself unable to speak any words to exalt the virtues of the Thanes. She understood that the Beornings meant well, yet it all seemed like boasting to her, and she felt as if this was not the time for it. Instead, now it was time to act: actions spoke louder than any word, and she would have her vengeance.

She also knew full well from first-hand experience that no words, however eloquent, would bring any comfort to those Merovech and Odo had left behind. Out of compassion for Ava, Ragnar and Avila, she did not burden them with lengthy condolences, but she would see them as family now on, and swore to herself to help them in any way she could.

She took the spear from Beorn when he offered it, for she was less distraught than Ava or her son. Yet she knew that both of them were closer to her cousin than she ever was, especially during his last years. It felt somehow wrong for her to be the one to bid Merovech farewell for the last time. She paused for a few moments, holding the spear in one hand, looking at Ragnar, Ava, and the Beornings. Then, she approached the child and the mother and, leaving the spear to rest aside for a while, she offered to take their hands as she spoke gently.

’Let us do this together, if you wish it so.’ she said finally in a mournful, yet kind, voice. ’I did not know Merovech as well as you, but I think that he would like us all to be by his side, together, in this final farewell.’

[OOC: I will skip the Inspire / Song roll for the crowd, but I’d like to at least offer Ava and Ragnar to do this together. I am happy to roll for it (I guess Persuade or Inspire work best), or invoke Gruff if I can get away with that (probably not).
@Diofant: Just let me know and I will follow your ruling! If this fails, Idunn will not insist, as she, above all, does not want to be disrespectful or to add to their grief.]

[Vladim]

Dahr-Ol watched the lad struggle with his grief. He knew all to well how it felt to be cut adrift in the world before you were ready. He stepped into the fire light and caught the boy's eye before he spoke.

"The lives of Merovech and Odo can never truly be taken from us if we remember them. Their deeds were great, their hearts true.

When I was barely old enough to be allowed to wander from Stonyford to gather berries and fuel, I came across Merovech and Odo. They were tracking a goat along the foothills and told me to leave so I would not spoil the hunt. I foolishly followed them from a distance thinking they would not notice me. I slipped from a high perch and cut my leg, nothing siginificant but I made enough noise to scare the goat. Merovech and Odo were angry as they climbed down the slope to help me.

Worse, they were distracted and did not see the wolf which was also hunting. It leapt upon me and it was everything I could manage to keep it's jaws from my neck. In one leap Merovech crossed the gap, drove his spear through the wolf's neck, and pinned it with such force that he cracked the rock upon which he pinned the beast. If you doubt my words that blood stained crack is visible today, on the trail to Mountain Home.

Merovech was greatly angered at my disobedience. He was right I deserved it. He was merciful and protected me when I could not protect myself. And he was just when made me skin the wolf and carry it's hide and his gear limping all the way back to Stonyford. It was a valuable lesson for a stubborn young boy.

Remember these tales of your father Ragnar. No one can take them from you. Remember them, and no matter how dark the night your father's example will shine like the light of this fire."


Dahr-Ol stepped back into the shadows.