" You know he was just being nice right " Candice laughed as she and her sister Clare watched him strike a tree repeatedly with his new longsword.
" He was not, you saw the way he looked at Syr, he meant it" Clare responded with a harsh whisper as the two sisters watched the young boy they both shared crushes on cut gouges in the thick tree with his impossibly sharp sword. " Besides doesn't he ... "
No less than twelve years old, the two girls pined over thr young eleven year old boy whose ingrained honour and strength of character drew them in like mothes to a flame. They knew, deep down that one day he would he a knight. And as he stood there, that longsword in hand as he swung over and over despite the weight of it. He pushed himself despite the limits of his body, as his brown hair fell marred with sweat, his rags damp and body roaring in pain.
Candace rose, jumping from the log she and her sister sat to approach the young man whose shoulders rose and dipped with each heavy breath.
" Come on tyr " She gently reached up as Claire rounded a moment later, gentle hands reaching to pry his new sword from his grip, the two young maidens gently urging him to rest.
" Come ... come on ... that's enough for the day " Clare whispered, with Tyr turning to them with his kind yet loving smile.
" I'll... " Tyr's world went black as three shadows struck from behind his tree, men of cloaks subduing them before they even knew what happened.
... HOURS LATER - IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE LONGHOUSE SCUFFLE ...ARINBJORN...
Flames licked at the village, gouts of fire spewing from open windows to spew flames and smoke into the skies beyond, the night lit by men dragging screaming men, women and children into the streets.
Two men stood at the front of the longhouse, standing with red furs and silver armor. Their blades reflecting the fires light around them.
" Bjorn should have gotten that vat by now " One of them spoke, not caring for the actions their men were taking as they dragged women by the hair to the ground.
" Can't wait to get out of this shit infested backwater place " The second hissed, turning a head to the first with a disgruntled smile.
They chattered for a moment, not noticing the longhouse door opening ever so slightly, as a man of silver and blue stood just behind the shadows, silver sword sheathed and ready to be drawn.
" I ... " He swung, a flash so fast it seemed like a hallucination, swinging the blade up amd downwards in a singular arc directly at the nearest man.
And like a sweet song, the blade hummed as blue light arced across its surface before leaping like a frogs tongue.
A crescent of blue came from the barely opened longhouse door, a wave that passed through the air before striking him in an instant, severing him from shoulder to hip before the two halves fell away and the attacker leapt from the door to simply stab at the second, running him through with that single strike.
That action stirred the attention and both villager and invader alike, as the steps to the longhouse creaked, a towering behemoth with a silver blade stepping down unto the ground that tudded at his footfalls .
" I give you but one chance ... lay down your arms or meet your gods." His armour gleamed with orange light as he strolled forward, walking leisurely towards the huddled villagers encircled by eight men.
" we are the men of house Craite, no mere warrior can stand alone against us, men ... lay him low and bring him with the others " The nearest grunted, not caring about his lost men, they were simply here for one purpose, that purpose being to capture jorund.
" I take it that means no then " He smiled slightly, raising his left foot slightly, and before his left foot touched the grounds surface, he vanished the next moment before their very eyes.
" WHERE'D HE " Silver sprung from his neck as their attacker appeared beside the leader, the blade separating his neck apart with a singular jagged slash before he swung at the next.
" Hrr guuhhh " The leader cradled his neck as he watched, as the man that opened his neck up simply slapped the blade out of another hand and slashed his compatriot in half.
' I... I'm gonna ' He felt fingers of black touch at the edges of his vision, the weakness over coming g his body as a third and forth of his troops fell as easily as children. Weary eyes turned slowly to the villagers he and his group had round up, he could see it in their eyes, the weakness overcoming his body l, the hope that began to rise behind their eyes as his own dipped with each clash of the blade that monster in blue and silver acted out as he danced between the four remaining men. ' I'm gonna die ... '
Try as he might, as blood flowed steadily down his fingers between the hole in his neck, he watched the fifth of his men fall, whose eyes were wide, neck opened widely for blood to flow freely from, cartilage wiggled and bone protruded. The man's blue eyes met his own, wide and fearful as his lips struggled to move to form words, any word trying to come out of his lips that wasn't a wheeze escaping the hole in his throat.
He didn't know when the last of his compatriots fell, just could barely hear when the clinking of swords ended, as a ringing in his ears assaulted his head.
He could barely wheeze out, the black growing with each passing moment. He knew they had failed, cursed his lord in his head as a foot stepped infront of his vision.
Slowly, and with the last of his ailing strength, he raised his head to see the silver armoured killer that had fell his men, eyes raising to meet the the black eye sockets of the man's silver helmet, black eyes sockets that glowed ever so slightly with ethereal light by the being of silver.
" Interesting that you persist... how amusing " He couldn't resist, as the darkness grew, he knew his death was here. As the man raised his silver blade. His teeth ground together, his outrage at his coming death a boiling river of anger. Yet he was powerless, as powerless as a newborn babe on the day of its birth, and with a single stroke... knew no else.
....
' Pathetic... ' Arvernus stared down at the corpses of eight, strung about, bloody gashes spraying blood upon the floors, coating the villagers in the blood of their captors.
" Get into the longhouse " He stood a monolith, staring throughout the village alit in flames, looking for more men that would assail these good folk. " You'll be safe there, I swear it "
They scattered, the first being a child of five rushing forward towards the longhouse doors, the others hesitated for but a second before making a break for safety. One by one they fled, until naught but a singular man stood outside the longhouse doors.
" I'll stand guard ... i wont let anyone get in" An aging man with a grey beard, rotund with a harsh expression stopped just before the entrance to the longhouse, taking up a sword from one of the fallen men, glaring harshly at the stretching shadows.
" See that they don't... by my count ... there should be eight more " Arvernus stood alone in the towns street, glaring from left to right. The rotund man doing the same with a harsh glare.
" I'll kill the bastards " Eyvind glared, hand curling around the hilt of his sword.
They became alert by a sudden commotion, a horse breaking away through the streets, one of the Craite soldiers taking the chance to escape.
' No you don't ' As it neared, the riding intending to ride past and up the roads to escape, Arvernus lurched.
A fist lurched as the horse stepped right up to his side, where he flexed and let out a sungular punch. A thunderous crack escaped the location his fist struck, a shockwave blowing thw winds away as the world shook. The horse collapsed like a stringless puppet, it's rider tossed away, as it fell to the ground, deceased.
" By the gods " Eyvind, robbed of breath , watched as Arvernous strode up and simply separated the Craite soldiers head from his body, amazing by the sheer display of strength.
" Now ... where are the other seven " Eyvind stepped down, suspicious of anything that moved.
" When we get out hands on them " He prepared to search for them, only for another sound to draw their attention.
Eyvind jumped to Arvernus's side, both pointing their swords at the commotion behind the trees, lasting only a moment before two girls broke the treeline.
They wept, crying as they crossed the ground, throwing themselves at the two twusted men with their arms wide.
" UNCLE EYVIND ... " Clare cried as she threw herself at the bard. " MEN ... IN THE FORESTS"
Eyvind knelt, hugging Claire and Candace tightly. " Where sweetheart, what did they do "
He looked over them like a doting father, worry clear in his face.
" No...nothing . They didn't get to, Tyr ... he ... he freed us and ... he " Claire began to openly cry harder, as Eyvind turned to Arvernus with panic in his eyes.
' They're the girls from earlier ... so tyr must be ... the boy ' His eyes narrowed before he pulled out a whistle, summoning Torrent whom galloped from the shadows of a building, galloping forward and stopping before his rider.
" Can you show me where they are ... " He approached Eyvind, looming down at one of the two girls whom looked up at him with shrivelled hair and bloodshot eyes.
" I ... I can ... " She came forward, nodding as she wiped the gears from her eyes.
" Then we go ... come " Eyvind didn't stop them, rather called out, his desire to protect as strong as his sword arm.
" You take care of her, save the boy ... but you make sure she is safe" Eyvind cried, cradling Candace closely, vowing to keep atleast one of these precious children safe, trusting in the villagers newcoming to protect the other and save the third.
" I will ... I vow it " And so he turned, before turning back to Eyvind with a single long stare once more.
" PROTECT THEM "Arvernus looked up at the cat crouching upon the roof, with Eyvind only now noticing its presence. As the Tarnished lifted Claire onto torrent and the two rushed into the underbrush, moving as fast as they could to the location tyr was at.
" I will " Eyvind vowed, holding Claire tightly as he watched them vanish into the cold tundras treeline.
.....
They happened upon the clearing, and the hope Arvernus felt to save the boy from his gruelling end dipped as they happened upon a scene of blood and corpses. Six men scattered about, painting the snow red with their blood, swords scattered about as they formed a ring around a child leaning against his tree.
Torrent trod up as the Tarnished slid off and landed upon the ground, eyes dipping as he regarded the child whose breath came out in small fits of mist.
" SAVE HIM ... " Clare cried as she tried hopping down from torrents back, yet wasn't able to do so as the Tarnished looked upon the field of dead Ken with a pensive, regretful stare.
" torrent ... take her back to the village " Clare didn't get the chance to retort as the steed turned and sprinted into the dark, leaving Arvernus to approach the young boy alone with six men dead around him.
' Such fine blade work, yet a young life snuffed by the greed of man ' rage simmered below his flesh as he stepped upon the chest of one such man, a wheeze escaping the still dying man.
" Child " He came to stand over the still barely breathing boy of eleven, lips thinned as he scanned the child's grievous wounds.
" Are they safe ... " Tyr managed out, despite the gashes tearing open flesh, the blood backing his body, leaving only his eyes unstained by his own blood and the blood of those he killed.
" They are ... young knight " His teeth ground out, his blood running as hot as a boiling magma rivers surface, anger and hatred spilling out towards the man around the boys dying body.
" Ah ... then I die a good death " Tyr whispered out through lips going pale, a smile breaking onto his lips despite his incoming doom.
" A knight should not court death so early ... I have use for a knight so strong of mind such as yourself ... would you accept my accord" Arvernus didn't even let the notion of allowing the boy to die to pass for even as moment. He wouldn't allow it, couldn't allow it. And so he made a vow, a silent vow to the stars, his wife and their shared lord God. ' Allow me... my dear ... do forge a dynasty unto our own, to save this boy ... in your name '
He didn't recieve any form of response from her, as unreachable as she was currently. But he could feel the moon, the entity they allowed to guide them in its otherworldly grace and timeless knowledge, he could feel its approval and couldn't help but role his eyes.
' Of course you'd happily accept another follower ' He could feel its mock outrage at his thought, yet it didn't deny, and so he went forward with his thought and plans.
" I am a lord without men to act is his name ... and a lord needs his knight's... I would have you become one ... become a knight of Caria ... my squire " Arvernus stood tall, his glowing blue eyes meeting the boys own, his chin set as thr young one stared up at him in wonder.
" Would you ... forsake your gods, your religion, your identity, to protect them, to stand in the shadows so they may stand in the light. Murder in their name ... do what has to be done so they may live forever more in bliss " Arvernus hissed, his voice carrying across the cold shadowed wilderness as the boy, in a haze, listened and felt his heart race.
" I ... I would " Tyr whispered back, the chance to live and achieve his dreams a seductive whisper, he had already condemned himself to this fate, a few more clauses were not beyond his reckoning.
" Verywell ... Allow me to give you these tenants to live by " Arvernus looked up to the stars. "Do you accept God Queen Ranni as your Queen and saviour ... do you accept the guidance of the wisdom of the moon ... to walk a path into the unknown, lit by nothing but faith ... hope and belief... do you accept this tenant, my loyal squire "
" I do ... "
" Verywell then ... then I Lord Consort to the God Queen ranni ... vessel of the elden ring, ruler of the lands between ... and avatar of the dark moon... hereby accept your appointment " Tyr's eyes widened as Arvernus reached up towards the moon. And before his eyes, the moon seemed to shift, a blackened hole appearing at its centre as a swirling blue mass began to orbit the black void ... looking just like Arvernus's own eyes, as it stared down upon him like a god.
" As my first and only sword sworn... I can't have you dying on me " Under the gaze of the staring moon, Arvernus stood over tyr, whom looked up at his new lord and the moon and looked as if he was having a sort of divine revelation.
" And so " A golden radiance surrounding what looked like a darkened pupil materialised in Arvernus's hand.
" Accept this lords rune... allow me to make its strength your own ... I will turn you into the finest warrior this village will ever sire..." The world began to go black as the golden radiance was lowered to his chest, the last thing he saw being Arvernus's kind yet hardy face giving a small comforting smile.
....
Scattered images assaulted his mind as he floated in a void darker than any night he had ever seen. Stars, moons ... oceans and co.ets swirled together all at once. Life, maggots and death, the churning infancy of life and the swarming of chaos all assaulted his mind all at once.
' Where ... Am... I... ' Tyr gargled out as he saw the sight of a castle, a castle more fantastic and alien than any he had ever seen. Of a woman dressed blues and reds with a towering golden hairdress.
' What ... ' She had pale features and kind eyes, cradling a golden effigy that rippled with light. For but a moment she gave him the barest of stares, as he looked upon the most beautiful lady he had ever seen.
" I would have thought my dearest daughters consort would have had better tastes ... but very well, I suppose you shall suffice ... dear blade of Caria " The woman's regal tone carried as Tyr felt as if her voice soothed his very soul. " begone now... I must wait ... "
The woman's brow seemed to slacken, as if her intelligence was but a fleeting thing, curling over and cradling the golden nectar in her grip.
" Mi...milady ... " He stuttered out, yet she waved her hand a single time ... and the world went black for him once more.
...
" But my boy ... " The voice of a worried mother, his worried mother, was the first thing he heard when he came to. The blackness that had been swallowing him whole receding as he found himself plastered on a bed ... his bed.
" Will be the most recognised name in skelliege " He spotted the man that had saved him, still dressed in blues and silvers, as he spoke gently to his dear mother. " In truth milady... he has sworn himself as my squire as ... a knight of Caria ... , I intend to teach him well, he will have the support of Caria ... and our protection "
" I ... I don't... he's just a boy ... twelve he he ... can't" She cried back, his sisters looking on as the trauma from the previous night had the bags under their eyes deep, had them swollen with fright and sleepless night.
" I was five milady... you have my word ... he shall live a ... very long life ... a life of prosperity ... honor and happiness, and when he has finished, when he is right to travel on his own, he shall return here .. and spend the last of his days toiling away with his two ladies... " He sold it like he was selling the finest of intricacies, his words honeyed and his voice low. Carrying the power he held as the woman tried futilely to deny the will of Caria itself.
" I.... I... " He could see his dear mother's fear, as she clutched a white handkerchief, tears streaming down her face.
" I... I want to mother " She turned to him, snapping to him, her arms flying wide as she cried, wept and held him dear.
" My boy ... my sweet boy "
.....
" I'm sorry to have kept you waiting milord " Tyr, a youngster compared to any squire the lands had known, trod from within his families humble abode with a thick sack his mother had put together to help with their journey.
" I expect you to be more punctual henceforth child ... I have high expectations child ... I should not be found wanting " Arvernus watched Tyr sling his sack onto the horse he had purchased for the boy.
" Of course milord, I will not disappoint " He struggled, using the strength grafted unto him by his new lords lord rune, the lift himself up and into the table with strength no child should have.
" I know ... " With Tyr, the frail looming broan haured blue eyed boy now garbed in thin chain mail and blue robes baring the sigil of Caria, he joined his lord whom was atop Torrent, as they began a slow trot towards the village front gates.
" WAAAAAIT " A loud cry from the stables stopped their passing, as a short warhorse galloped forward, the same rotund man from the previous night quickly making his way over to the side of the two steeds. " Wait dammit I thought I had more time "
" Can I help you ser " Arvernus looked curiously at the man wearing a thick wooden black sat for a hat, wearing a blue and red tunic with armoured greives, his thick aged beard toiled with bells.
" I ... I've been asked to accompany you by the boys mother and ... his girls " Eyvind puffed his chest out infront of the man that seemed almost oddly tall for his steed.
Arvernus, head hidden below the intricate silver helm of Rellana, gave a long purposeful stare at the short rotund man. Whom looked mighty proud yet somewhat nervous, feeling as though he was partially intruding.
" Verywell ... however you shall not impede our progress... and time is of the essence " Torrent shook his mane of hair, snorting as Eyvinds warhorse neighing as if trying to commune with Torrent.
" Verywell where are we off to " Eyvind grunted, swirling slightly at the rather lacklustre if any defence Arvernus gave at his joining the journey.
" Craite ... I'm going to have a chat with them about their actions last night ... " Arvernus grunted, the boiling anger he felt towards the Craite still simmering just beneath the surface of his skin, he was rather cross with then and wanted to have ... a simple chat with their clan leaders.
" Aye ... then I look forward to seeing those cowards faces when we lay them low " Eyvind smirked, gripping the reigns to the warhorse tighter as they slowly picked up the pace.
" Hm ... perhaps " And so they strode forward, past villages giving them smiles and best wishes, and onto the cold snow covered path that lead along the coasts to north and Skelliege.
Eyvind came up to the young boy, whom looked at the old man he considered uncle, feeling not so stressed now that the trustworthy man would be accompanying them beyond the village boundaries.
" Ah your sweet girls asked me to look after you boy, and I'm going to be making sure I do just that " Eyvind trotted along with his own horse, the bagpipes he usually carried slung to his back as his trusted shield and sword hung from his hips. " Even if it's the last thing I do miboy "
....
For a day and night they trod along the paths of an skellig, crossing the Drommund territories before setting up camp just before the boundaries to Craite territory.
" rumour amongst Arinbjorn was that you're a lord... is it true " Eyvind asked as he strummed a lute Arvernus wasn't quite sure where he got it from.
" I suppose ... " Arvernus had long removed his helm, placing it upon the ground with a stern look, as he stared Into the fire, torrent wandering about to eat the grasses about whilst the other horses were tied to a nearby tree. " I cannot in truth deny the accusation"
" Though i do prefer mine own actions to speak in place of my title ... as it should he " His blue eyes glowed slightly as Tyr looked upon his lord in awe, staring curiously as his lord seemed to pull out a tome out of thin air.
" Aye I understand that lord ... as it should he " He understood the sentiment, many a lord were less than deserving of their titles, corwards and leaches the lot of them. But from what he knew, the man he sat across seemed a different breed to those he had encountered on his travels ... a warrior first... a lord second.
" I take it Caria of what you're lord of " Eyvind had heard the conversation he had been having with the boy all day, Caria this, learn to read that, tenant of the house and more.
He had watched as the so called lord of Caria had used some kind of magic to instil in the boh the gift of language, to understand how to read near instantly, a feat of magic he hadn't yet seen nor heard of though he was sure images were more than capable.
" I'm not the lord of caria per see, more consort to the princess to be of caria ... my title is more honorary than anything else ... I care more to act than rule " Arvernus informed them of his true status, for lord and Ladyship of Caria belonged to Renalla, and if ... if she ever died, Ladyship of Caria would fall to his dear wife. ' Good ... I don't have much patience for ruling and shrewd people's bullshit... let my dear handle it ... I'm more content to simply be her blade in times of need '
" Oh ... im not going to pretend to understand allll that " Eyvind hissed as he gestured, as he turned a keen eye to Tyr who was staring at a thick tome like it was some kind of religious text " how did you come to be consort lord to be as you put it"
" I performed a great service for the princess, performed tasks none ever could, slew enemies in her name... I performed so much far greater than anyone else, there was no other choice than myself for her hand. As countless men and beasts lay at my feet, I alone held the right ... and the sharpest blade " He smirked ever so slightly, the memories etched in his mind, the gods ... their children and their orders felled by his blade in her name. ' A life ... of purpose '
" I see" Eyvind almost winced slightly as he looked upon the smirking face of the Carian lord. ' That is the face of a man who has killed many, in and out of war ... and felt alive '
He shivered slightly, he had seen Arvernus punch a horse to death with a single hit to the chest. Had seen the man that stood at over two metres tall seemingly teleport around and slay men before he could blink. ' I can't imagine how many men have fallen at his blade '
" Tell me my friend ... what are your goals in these lands ... I can't understand why you're here while your lady waits for you " Eyvind eyed Arvernus carefully, whose eyes remained shrewd yet unclouded, strangely honest.' What is your purpose in these lands '
He wasn't suspicious of him per se, the man had proven more than once that he was trust worthy, he didn't lie, he worked as one of them, bled as one of them, lived and slept like one of them. He didn't keep his sorceries a secret nor openly hid his station.
" I ... was stranded here by an enemies magics in a battle against a great danger to mine lady wife, I made sure she was safe, and was split up in the process ... now I desire to either find my way back ... or wait for her to retrieve me when the time is right and all is safe " There was a pain there in Arvernus's eyes, a real, expressive pain that showed just how much each moment ate at Arvernus, to be split up from his lady.
' Now that ... is a man who loves his lady wife ' Eyvind had seen that same look in many a warrior and love struck man, to be separated from the lady whom held his heart, it was a pain indescribable. Sympathy plagued his features, wincing as he looked away from the forlorn stare the man across from him held.
" So I wish to explore these lands, help who I can and protect what I must... and now ... I happened upon a purpose enough to guide me while I wait ... " A wavering smile came to Arvernus's face, as he gave a half contemplative stare at the young man whombwas reading the very first book he had ever read in his life.
' A distraction... a purpose ... but that could take years... how long do you intend to wait see... ' Eyvind looked between the lord Caria and his squire once more, his hands sweating as he held them before the fire between them.
" Tyr " Eyvind called, startling the boy from his studies.
" Huh ... " The boys soft features, flecked by the night around, became taunt as he squinted slightly. " Yes ... "
" Lord Arvernus is a mighty lord to learn from, you become strong under his teaching boy" Eyvind, hardy as he was, gave his support in the only way he could.
" I will ... " The young boy smiled and quickly turned his attention back to the tome.
" What's in that book anyway " Eyvind asked, the crackle of the fire popping around them, as he fiddled with his bagpipes.
" A beginners guide to Carian sorcery ... it's history, it's beliefs and religious contexts... " He went on to explain the books synopsis, chapters and each of their meaning, while most of it was lost on Eyvind whom only understood one thing.
" You're teaching the boy magic... you're saying he can use magic " Eyvind turned to Tyr , staring at the boy with new light, new understanding behind his eyes.
" No ... his talent and capability will be his own. I simply built the first step, the rest of the building blocks are in his hands now. I will simply provide the resources " Tyr turned to Arvernus whom squinted into the flames, wringing his brown gloves which let out a low creaking sound before he let out a deep breath.
" One cannot and should not simply give knowledge and power to those that do not and cannot understand it. The boy may ask for assistance, but every step he takes will be with his own talent... " Arvernus turned to Tyr, his blue moon like eyes staring unblinking at the young boy whom dipped his head slightly in understanding.
" And if he is to surpass you one day " Eyvind whispered, that question lapsing the clearing into an almost uncomfortable silence, as Arvernus slowly turned his gaze to Eyvinds own.
" Then I would he proud to call him my pupil, that he may inevitably day forge a path worthy of being followed... but that is enough chatter now, now is time for rest " Without further waiting, he reached forward and clapped his hands at the fire. A pop sounding as the flames dispursed, the embers scattered and coals became chilled, as the clearing dark, the only thing visible being the silhouettes of those shuffling about as they moved to the furs they would be sleeping within.
Except for Arvernus, whom simply sat where he had the whole night, his cerulean eyes turning to the skies above.
' Ranni....' He pondered how she was, was she safe, was she alright. He could feel it, ever so slightly, the slowly, agonisingly slow strengthening of their bond m, the feedback between their distance passing by slightly quicker than before. .. she was getting closer ... slowly, oh so slowly.... but she was none the less.
' Hopefully by then ' He clenched his fist as power, unbridled amd dangerous unfurled within his core, the grafted power of the outer gods having started fusing within him into a new existence. Strangely enough... it seemed almost natural the way they interacted once they settled, like they were in a melding pot the whole time rather than being from separate beings ... and that ease to which they interacted ... was worrying.
...CRAITE TERRITORY ....
" Careful now " Tyr, his blue cloth shifting, curled his fists around his longswords hilt. The strength grafted unto him by his lord curling beneath his fleshly layers. They trod down the main road as if they weren't passing through rival territory. The horses they rode trotting along.
He stood behind his towering masters loyal steed, of which it was no doubt loyal to the utmost, whilst the lapis lazuli tapestries that fluttered from his lords silver armour billowed in the strong winds.
To his left Eyvind grumbled, the wheezing of his bagpipes giving a low wheeze with each off step his warhorse took.
" My apologies milord " He contemplated not for the first time as they approached the craite stronghold, the seat of their power. He didn't contemplate Craite and their savage ways. No ... he contemplated his lord.
He still remembered that vision even now, that vision of that ethereal woman of red and blue, whose gentle eyes beheld him like a matron mother as she cradled gold.
' She called him ... son in law ... so that must mean she is the lady of Caria ... ' He didn't understand how she had communed with him from wherever she was, all he knew was she had spoken in her ethereal chime and given her gentle approval. He wanted to ask, of so desperately, about that woman. Yet a moment of privacy was robbed of them constantly by Eyvind, and so he kept it to himself. Choosing instead to focus on reading, something he had never been able to do now did so with gusto.
" Steel yourself... and remain calm. Do not cause any problems ... " Kaer trolde, a blackened crustacean looking construct etched into the side of an skelligs shoreline.
" Of course ser ... " Tyr curled his fists tighter around the steeds reins as the gates to the port city grew larger and larger with each passing moment.
' Look at these fiends ' Soldiers of clan Craite guarded the gates, joking about as a group of eight stood at either side of road leading into the port city.
" Just pass on by .. they're not expecting us " Eyvind mumbled as he leant over his warhorse slightly, liking away from the guards as Arvernus simply trot on past the gate keepers, whom were more there to keep a loose guard of the gate rather than check every individual traveller.
She smell of salt wafted into his nose, a fierce glare painted upon his young rounded features, as he couldn't help the hard stare he gave the guards.
" What ya looking at boi " One of the hardy guards grunted, staring back as he sat on a crate, hand curled tightly around the sheeth of his sword. " Get on going ... "
" Forgive him ... he's had a hardy life " A rumbling drone assailed their lungs, shaking their heads as a migraine assaulted their faculties. Tyr winced as he turned to his sworn teacher, whose rumbling voice caused their ears to ring, cowing his head as he realised the towering man was staring back at them and his interaction with the guards." He's rather stubborn "
" Ah ... " The guard Tyr had passed off by staring looked to perhaps the largest man he had ever seen. He realised, as soon as he played eyes upon the titan of man, that he perhaps shouldn't proceed further. " I see, I'll forgive it ... keep on going ... keep a tight leesh on your boi ... "
" Will do " And so, with one alst long stare from his teacher, tyr followed them through the busy streets, craite loyalists and villagers parting around them like waters on a ships bow, until they disembarked their horses and stored them in the stables.
He kept low, head staring down as he mulled over his thoughts. ' I almost blew it ... '
" Do you know why we don't simply start killing them for what they tried ... " Arvernus came up to his side as they left the stables, the strange steed he had ridden in on simply gone in the wind as Eyvind followed.
" Why ... " He genuinely wanted to know, he his master had the strength for it, he knew somewhere deep down in his soul that his teacher could do it, yet to his frustration he simply didn't.
" A man, loyal and honest, follows orders despite his reservations from his superiors" The gave their pay to the stable keeper as they stepped onto the stone road beyond the stables, as Arvernus gave a nod towards the brothers at arms loitering about. " I do not judge a man on what he might do, but what he does ... and why he does it ... to bring justice before a man moves is to remove the right, the will and freedom of another ... and that is wrong "
" These men had nothing to do with what happened to your village " He urged Tyr to follow as they turned away from the sitting soldiers and slowly started making their way towards the structure standing over the city port like a looming shadow. " No .. the men that acted out their lords orders have met their fate ... now who does that leave to meet the unforgiving hand a justice "
" The ones ... that gave the order " As much as he hated it, he could see the logic behind it, yet a part of him couldn't help but try and refute, and speak up he did. " But what if they try and kill you after you spared them, what if they come back to Arinbjorn anyway "
" Then they die ... a man who kills or is willing to kill, must accept he may die in turn. But do not try and say that these men must die because of something they might do... you want them to die simply because you want them to... nothing more ... nothing less ... don't try to put up false airs boy it serves no purpose " Tyr shrunk back at the harsh crushing of his own hubris, his simmering anger smothered by the cold harshness of realisation. " Kill them if you must ... kill every single one of them ... I will not help you. But as you fell a father and kill a son, terrorise the people who deserve none of it, do not pretend you do it for justice or honor... you do it because you want to "
Eyvind stood to the side, giving a careful look between the master and the student, wincing slightly as he too understood Tyrs position, but he also understood the logic, the truth of the teachers words ... and found he agreed completely.
" He's right boy " Eyvind quickly offered his two cents, placing a comforting hand on the boys shoulder, yet followed it up by a frown that made the boys head continue to dip in shame. " There is no honor I'm murder... we are not like those ... pirates "
" I ... I understand " Sulk as he would, he burned the lesson garnered unto him by his teacher with a cooling understanding, realisation dawning as he chose to control his emotions rather than let them rule over him.
" Good boy ... now let's head to the citadel" Eyvind turned to the fort etched into the mountains, contemplative, his eyes following the black stone roads that lead up the mountains side, crossed the straight and onto the mountain where the fort was built, perhaps the most fortified place on Ard skellig.
" Are you sure about his ... I'm all for getting payback but ... we're kind if in the middle of enemy territory right now " Eyvind quickly rushed up to Arvernus's side, whom gave a simple grunt as he began to ascend the mountains stairs, passing boy forges and houses as the sound of hammering strikes echoed throigh the streets.
" Do not fret, we are perfectly safe. They will grant me audience ... their response will determine how I choose to deal with it. .. but do not worry, neither you nor the boy shall come to harm ... I will ensure it " And so, despite Eyvind grunting in exertion the higher they rose, making fine time as they headed towards the very heart of their enemies throne, he saw Tyr follow without fear and reluctantly followed after the boy like a doting mother. ' Forgive me Martha... they're mad '
....
' Another one ' Crach grunted, sitting back upon the cushioned seat to which he ruled Trolde.
" Of course, we will reimburse you for the loss of your sheep, please go to my steward" Crach gestured to the aging man that had served loyally at his side even since ebeofre his yarlship at Trolde.
' I'm so ... damn tired ' He grunted as he gave a subtle glance to his young boy, Hjalmar, whom one of his dear wives had bequeathed him, a young man he was proud of, with broad shoulders and a hearty attitude. ' I can't wait for the day you take my place here boy '
A small line of his people stretched from the large wooden doors that lead from his keep to the bridge that lead to Trolde. ' I could go with a meal right now ... and some excitement '
He smirked slightly as he thought of his dear wives, almost rubbing his hands In excitement at the thought of leaving the throne and bedding them the next moment.
With each passing meeting, with his people asking for this and that, always wanting something or rather, he felt his excitement at the thought of leaving this place for the day rising.
" Father are you listening " He startled as his daughter biting tone startled him from his rather sultry thoughts, the red-headed woman he called daughter standing behind him as one of his people looked up at him, seeking his approval for selling something in the markets.
"Oh yes yes you may do so " He waved off the ailing father whom gave his thanks and made his way back past the line, of which there were few left to tend to for the day.
" Father do you wish to retire for the day, you seem distracted" His doubtlessly beautiful daughter whispered as the red curtains she had for hair cascaded down her cheeks, lush lips biting slightly as she leant over his throne.
" Nonesense ... I can do this all day " He grumbled back through low whispers, refusing to meet his fierce girls look.
" Then do so " She wiggled her brow and stepped back, leaving him mumbling as he saw to the rest of his peoples needs.
For another half an hour he did just that, sitting restlessly through the drivel and small needs, simple things that could have gone without his intervention yet they still desired his input. One wanted to be played what he was owed by a swindler, another wished to he absolved of an accused crime and a woman wanted recompense from being abandoned by her husband during her child birth, of which all were solved rather easily in the best way he could manage.
It wasn't long before the last of his people were let back through the doors they came, satisfied or not, as the sun began to dip over the horizon amd the cold night called for their presence.
" Shut the doors now ... I wish to do ... anything else " He decreed, slowly rising from his chair as the guards grabbed the frame of the door to his citadel and began to close them, eight men, four to each side of the door.
It was just before the doors were closed by his men that a trio appeared to darken the floors at their presence. ' Oh for fucks ... sake '
The doors that were mid way through being closed were pushed open as easily as parting reeds, as a man of blue and silver gave not a single grunt as he pushed several men back as he reopened the doors with force.
The tracks left by his flabbergasted men were carved into the stone by dust, as they stumbled back as a titan of a man walked straight into the chamber after dusting off his hands.
' By the kind mother Freya ' Crach froze as he stared at the man who dwarfed even the tallest he had ever known. He wasn't thick or fat like one would expect from a titan, but a man obviously muscled yet not constrained, like a towering body builder. " Just what did they feed you when you were a boy"
Taking no offense to the Jarls words, Arvernus strode leisurely across the grand chamber of the citadel, seeing Crach's son and daughter nearby while noting the rest of the individuals present in the chamber " Greetings , Jarl Crach an Craite ... I am Arvernus of the Carian family... I come on behalf of mine lady wife along with her authority as ruler... to ask a simple boon unto you "
Confused by the rather presumptuous greeting for a house he had never met nor cared about, his neck twitched as he spied the giant whom stopped several paced before the stairs that lead to his throne.
" Never heard of them " Crach joked, sitting back down into his chair as he waved off the looks his guards sent him, while his daughter Creya circled to the side of his throne.
" Father ... I've never heard of this ... Carian family before ... maybe he is some kind of beggar king .. a liar " Creye gave a harsh glare to the newcomer, the expensive clothing they wore not withstanding, a foreign entity with no evidence of existing was little more than hearsay in the court.
" Neither have i " He gestured her aside before sitting up again " where did you say this Carian family is from... and who might these two be " Crach waved his hand and gestured to Tyr and Eyvind who had come up to Arvernus's side, showing no nervousness in their stances ... mostly, they were however adjusting the positions of their feet every couple of moments.
" Across the seas im afraid but i none the less hold my titles regardless... and these two are Eyvind of Arinbjorn... and Tyr ... my squire "
" Yes ... I'm sure " Crach almost laughed at the hubris of this foreigner, to come into his city not to mention his citadel and spew lies, not to mention bringing townsfolk of his clans sworn enemies was a joke at best ... an insult at worst. " And what can I help this lord of Caria with"
" Recently a party of craite soldiers came into the town of Arinbjorn and attacked its people in an effort to capture a member of house Drommund... I wish for you to cease any attempts that may harm the people of Arinbjorn.. " Arvernus didn't hide behind falsities or honeyed words, he stood tall and made his demand despite the strange looks he received from the people within. " I do not care for your fued with that of clan drommund, but I am rather taken with the kind people of Arinbjorn... I will not see them harmed "
" Hm. ... I do remember sending my men down there ... am I to believe they have failed ... what has become of them " Crach asked, curious as to why this man had made the journey Nd yet his men had not, it was then he knew something untoward had happened to his people.
" They died bravely in battle following their lords orders ... " Crach blinked at the honest answer, mulling over the words for several seconds before asking a question once more.
" By whose hand " He clicked his teeth as he dipped his head, glaring somewhat at the man.
" By mine own blade ... they were to cull the people I have claimed as my own and refused surrender... thus I was forced to act " Arvernus adjusted the cloth wrapped around his waist and subtly summoned his twin Carian swords, which unnoticed to the men surrounding him, appeared on his hips under the cloth that hid them, ready to draw them at a moments notice. He would leave here today, with either Arinbjorns safety guaranteed, or leaving behind a trail of corpses.
" So you come here into my hall, after killing my men, claiming to be a lord of a house nobody has ever heard and make demands ... of me ... in my home... " Crach slowly rose, sneering as he did so, squaring his shoulders as his men began to step forward, bolstered by their anger at the news.
" Give me .. one good reason why I should have you lot killed right here ... right now " Crach growled as his men encircled the trio.
" Are you .... " Tyr's neck visibly bulged, dragging his hand to the hilt of his longsword as he made to draw the blade from its sheeth. Only to be stopped by Eyvinds hand grabbing his arm. " What are you "
" Let him handle it " Eyvind, though he had only known Arvernus for a few days, found himself trusting somewhat in the man Tyr had chosen to follow. And so he listened to the Carian lords next words.
" Sending your men to certain death is your prerogative... I would not recommend it. I have slain your men yes, but those men died with honor ... listening to your command amd knew what they were getting into. I have come before you today , honest and forward coming not to ask you to stop you fighting with clan drommund, but to spare an innocent village of the fighting ... If you would not spare the innocent who have wrong nothing, then I will stand between you and them, I will do my best to protect them... so I ask, spare them ... or forge my hand " He slid the blue cloth that covered his right and left hips to the side to reveal the sheethes of his twin Carian swords, gloved hands slowly falling to the hurts of his weapons as the guards about began to tighten their grips around their weapons.
" You would fight us all ... a sure to lose battle, for a town whose people you didn't even grow up with " Crach smirked viciously as he stared at the silver helm the tarnished wore, slowly rising from his throne as his red beard fluttered slightly with his movements. All around them the craite soldiers slowly stepped forward ready to engage.
" I have done and killed alot more for far less ... " There was no fear in his voice, just cold acceptance that struck many of the craite soldiers as the titan of a man visi ly reached down for the sheeth containing two blue coloured swords on his waist, his hands crossing eachother in an X as he made to draw them.
" That so..." Crach now stood fully his will colliding with Arvernus's despite the towering man surrounded by his best most loyal, and yet he showed no fear, as the towering man's hands wound around the hilt of his twin carian swords, a cold coalescence slowly beginning to leak from him.
" ha ... " Crach's face broke into a wide smile, his shoulders shaking up and down as he grabbed his belly and began to let out a joyous, gallivant laugh that rumbled through the chamber. " HAHAHAHA I ... I see the truth in your words, you would run us all through for a simple village ... a man you are ... true as day ... you have my word Arinbjorn and its people will remain unharmed, now ...WELCOME LORD CARIA .. TO TROLDE ... "
The tension within the chamber cleared as soon as his hearty words registered in the ears of all present, Eyvind and Tyr relaxing slightly as the Craite soldiers began to confusedly put away their weapons.
" Ahhh so much excitement for one day, come I yearn for a feast, Hjalmar go get the girl, oh put away your weapons the lot of you " Crach walked right up to Arvernus, staring up into the silver helm. " Come lord Caria... I wish to hear of your lands, its nor everyday a foreign lord makes their way to my shores "
" Arvernus will do fine... I am mere lord Consort... " Crach waved off his technicality, giving an appraising look to the two accompanying the towering man.
" Ah semantics... now let's eat "
.... CHAPTER COMPLETE ...
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