![]() Meilin stood on the table beside her friend. “I am Cera Firehair, daughter of Belende Ragnarson the shield maiden and stepdaughter Kjell Ragnarson, Captain of the Blackravens! I will come with you to the Ironbound Isles!” Loud cheers echoed around the Hall, especially from the Blackravens present. I’m just… me.” “It’s your choice,” Cera told him and then stood on their table. Then again, what was also a fact was that he had a price on his head – and going far away might just be what was needed. He glanced at Skittles and she gave him a doubtful look. He was just a halfling sorcerer and not a very powerful one at that. “Will you come with us to the Ironbound Isles and join White Estrid’s raiders?” “Yes, join us!” Meilin added, slapping the table. “What about you, Garadun?” Cera asked him excitedly. “White Estrid is an honourable woman and a great warrior.” “Then you’ll join me?” “I will,” said Meilin enthusiastically and clasped Cera’s forearm. And this is White Estrid! A real king not that mindless savage, Ingimundr the Unruly or that lying piece of troll dung, Opir Eightfingers.” “True,” Meilin agreed. “Father invited me to join his patrol, so I know he won’t object. “We’re both of age,” Cera reasoned, grinning. “Meilin! This is what we’ve been waiting for! A real chance to prove ourselves in battle!” “But will our parents allow us to go?” Meilin asked worriedly. New raids! This was what had made the Ulfen famous and had sent fear into those who saw their longships approaching. Men, women, dwarves, sorcerers, skalds – all that matters is a stout heart and the desire for an equal share in the spoils!” Cheering broke out around the Hall. If anyone here is interested in seeking glory and riches and a chance to prove their skill and courage to the gods, then make your way to the Ironbound Isles! White Estrid wishes it to be known that she is accepting anyone who wants to join. “Aye, new raids! The King is sending envoys across the Lands to invite warriors to join her forces for these raids. “Be it known that White Estrid is planning new raids come the spring,” Gunhild told the crowd with a smile. “I am Gunhild, daughter of Thora, and envoy of White Estrid, King of the Ironbound Isles!” she declared loudly and there were murmurs around the chamber. Their leader, a tall and attractive blonde, stood on a bench so all could see her. The shield maidens came to a halt in the middle of the Hall and one blew a small horn and everyone fell silent. ![]() The noise in the Hall began to soften as people took note of the arrivals. ![]() Each had a large wooden shield slung over their back two carried swords, one a battle axe and the last a long spear. The newcomers were shield maidens, four of them, clad in warm fur cloaks and a mix of armour. ![]() He woke up Skittles and motioned to Cera and Meilin, pointing. Garadun sat up a little straighter when he noticed the Hall’s front doors open and a group of warriors come striding in with resolve. It was another typical winter evening in Lightning Oak Hall. Occasionally the sound of a goat or other animal could be heard among all the conversation, and now and then a raven would caw from the rafters. ![]() A group of drunken Ulfen were singing loudly at a table halfway across the room a couple of Blackravens were arm wresting near the central fire pit to the shouts and wagers of those watching and three dwarves were having an axe-throwing competition using a big round wooden target attached to a post. Cera was sitting to his left and across from her was Meilin, the two young beauties playing hnefatafl (using Garadun’s new board and pieces) and it wasn’t the only game of hnefatafl going on in the Hall. It was now Starday, three days after Nyord had told him an evil dire wolf was likely on the hunt for him in an attempt to collect on Foul Meg’s bounty. Thirteen Stones - EpilogueEpilogue Eldentre, Hagreach Lands of the Linnorm Kings 8 Abadius (January) 4722 ARSitting at a long table in Lightning Oak Hall, Garadun took a sip from his mug of mead and idly petted Skittles who was snoozing on the table beside him. ![]()
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