One last saga [PK]

[Wulfery 832]

 

 

Heil’ja buati ir aska. Vows made in ash.”

 

How many winters was it now? Too many for sure. Seasons passing one by one, and yet old conflicts were never solved. Battles that happened again and again, unnecessary deaths and betrayals. South would always remember what had happened on Poppy Hills, and many others would never forget the gruesome fight with Avendal amongst frozen wastelands. Vaeyl Order lived on, even after nearly fifty years of conflicts. Torn into two, broken at many places, but nevertheless present in world of Atlas. And the war they have waged against “invaders” was for many sole purpose of their lives. So it was with Wulffrey.

 

ᛜᛡᛜᛡᛜ

 

Crushing and everlasting lack of light in Darkways was driving many people insane before him. But so he was here, stuck, taken away from his kin, even if only for so briefly. Just moments ago he stood proud in ballroom of Markev palace, seeing his new king be crowned, just to be taken away into this cold world where all sane turned into wicked forms of their former selves.
And the familiar voice that spoke to him. Changed so much, and yet remained still the same. Haevolt. Speaking to him of one last task. One last thing that he and Wulff will have to do, before they can part their ways once and for all, as the Gorundyrman have desired for so long. There was no hesitation. He had to bring it to an end, just so his life may find new meaning.

 

ᛜᛡᛜᛡᛜ

ᛜᛡᛜᛡᛜ

And here he was back again. Just moments ago released from darkways, put back to his brothers and sisters in realm of living, just to return into the exact same light deprived place. He had to get back the seal from Vaeldrin. It was his one and only task, one and only purpose set in his life at this current moment. Nothing else mattered, be that old quarrels between him and Karl Amador, or be that his sanity. But he was not alone this time, as his family stood by his side, ready to fight for what they didn’t even know of, putting trust into him. He was their leader for so many years, that even when he was not able to explain anymore why, they still followed him. Maybe that was their mistake? Or maybe that was the exact reason why elder of Skarpefanger clan felt at peace with himself, knowing that whatever is to come, he’ll not have to face it alone.

And then there were only images. Travelers, those corrupted by darkways creatures. Shouts and screams from Karyssmov, Ingvildr and Karl. Dainn, his son standing close and pleading for him to move. Those were no longer his own actions or memories, as he stood idly to the side, simply doing what his body had decided to do. Pressure of this place was too strong even for him.

 

Bright lights, odd music. Jazz? What in the hell even is jazz? Screams of an old man, tall and more sane traveler blinking around. Fist fight with the creature. Thumbwar with knives? Oh, it was crossed out. Thumbwar with BIG KNIVES scratched in instead. But no, it turned to be a race, one in which Wulffrey did not participate. Participate? Ah. That fucked up wheel of fortune, as the insane old man have called it. And then there was the last part of it? Yes, the third “round”, or so it was called. Duel of the Fates.

Duel of the Fates.

 

Suddenly he was back in his mind. Fully in control, sane and well, no longer wandering along the travelers. Vaeldrin standing in front of him, asking if he trust him. Who was “he”? There was no doubt that he meant Haevolt. Why would he trust that old man? No, there was no reason to. He did not trust him, but he swore, and Skarpefangers are not to betray the word given. He couldn’t shame name of his clan and bring dishonor to his kids.

- That’s a shame. You understand consequences? - Loud and screaming voice turning into calm and wise. Yes, it was obvious that Vaeldrin wasn’t exactly normal. He had a bloody hotel in Darkways. And apparently more than one mask to put on in each and every act.

 

Aye. I do.

 

Within a blink of an eye they were no longer there. Or maybe so it felt to him. Standing once again in front of Vaeldrin, this time holding axe in his right hand. His mind was filled with only one thought, repeated again and again, screamed and branded into heart.

 

Finish it. Finish it. FINISH IT. FINISH IT!

 

Despite the fact that it was his own voice roaring so wild in his head, it did not feel as if it belonged to him. It felt so out of place, but how couldn’t he understand why? Of course he did.

 Sound of wind, sudden burst of light, ground shaking as lighting have struck just next to him. He couldn’t stop right now, he had to continue, he had to fight on. Wild roar. Then wave of heat so strong that side of his face instantly turned bright red, despite not being hit by it anywhere directly. Pain. More pain. Too much pain to bear. Anger that grew more in him, as it was obvious that he couldn’t stop now. He was too close.

Yet another charge, forcing himself to stand on top of his legs. Screams. “Nei!”. So desperate, so filled with sorrow. “You can not die here! Please!” Voices that were merging into one massive buzzing of sounds, and yet he was so easily able to understand every single one of them, even knew who spoke them out.

And then explosion. Felt out of place, as if made suddenly in panic. Links of his chainmail breaking as if it was made out of grass, not steel. Once again Wulff have landed on the ground, gasping for each and every breath.

 

Don’t stop. Stand up. Fight! FINISH IT!

 

Sharp pain with each and every move was a clear warning to him, that if he were to continue this fight any longer, his body will not recover from that at all. So with last bit of strength, he threw his axe in Vaeldrins direction. Loud thud followed by squishy and floppy sound was enough of a sign that it did hit. Now was his chance.

Stumbling forward Wulff was closing the distance between himself and crawling on the ground Vaeldrin. With nothing but his fists he had to bring it to an end. Blood dripping from corner of his mouth, right side of face swollen from burn damage. Chainmail hanging on him as if held only by a miracle, and determined look in his eyes.

And then he saw the old man. On edge to the abyss below. Only meter away from himself.

 

Finish it.

 

It was his own voice, quiet and hard to understand. But Vaeldrin did understand. And then old man just tilted himself back and before Wulffrey was even able to react, his body disappeared over the ledge. And so it was over.

 

Falling to his knees, supporting himself up with left hand, right one shaking too badly to even grasp onto anything. All the sounds felt so dulled out, as blood rushing through his body felt as if ocean waves were crashing with all of their might against a cliff.

 

And then the next thing old Gorundyrman have felt was a push from behind. Ah. Of course. It couldn’t have ended that simply. Vaeldrin was no mere human as he have proved so many times, and once again he pulled out a trick from his sleeve, just as he always loved to do just to wow the audience.

With roars of wind around him, all have turned black. Distant isle stuck up in the abyss of Darkways was becoming smaller and smaller, as his body wouldn’t respond anymore.

 

I’m sorry that it had to end this way. But truth be said, I never understood the idea behind heroes.

 

You don’t have to understand it Haevolt. I am no hero as well. I only kept true to my promises. So now you do the same, and make your promise come true.

 

I tried to do so for so long... Ah, that’s the thing about heroes. The real ones are those who aren’t standing there at the end, to see the better world they created.

 

And then abyss have swallowed him once and for all. His life coming to an end. Knowing that yet so many things were left undone, but just as many were already finished.

 

ᛜᛡᛜᛡᛜ

 

Boat on top of the lake was rocking gently from one side to another. Body of Wulffrey atop of it, with gifts from his family left by his side to accompany him in afterlife. Drakkar, his family flagship slowly drifting away along Czena river. Then a short thud, as arrow covered in burning oil have struck the pyre upon which Clan Elder way lying on, flames soon after covering his body.

 

And so, a burning boat drifted away along the Czena River, smoke signaling from far and wide passing of a man who lived and died the way he always found to be most honorable. Accompanied by one long and how filled with sorrow sound of horn. Arberrangs great horn have sent the message far and wide to many cities and villages that Wulffrey Ruryksson Skarpefanger, Yfmidar of Skarpefanger clan, Kossin of the Graise Fleet, Drakeslayer, have met his end.

 

 

 

[Sky 0]

Demetrius would be noticeably absent at any ceremony held for the fallen Wulffrey.

[sandey0000 216]

"It was an honour to fight alongside you.. be it your last.. may you rest safely now." Karl mutters out as he looks over the Czena, being absent from the funeral

[Security_ 2287]

Ihsahn sits in his ditch, hearing of the man’s passing, “May your soul be put to rest, old comrade.”

[Juststan147 277]

I wish we could have fought more battles together Wulf.... You were supposed to outlive me. May you rest in peace my old friend let's hope you can have some in the afterlife "Ithilian would mumble, going to sit down in his castle suddenly feeling very tired "I will meet you soon I hope....

[Th3_11th 181]

William would have returned from a scouting mission as he received the news from his wife, "It was an honor to fight alongside you for the short time we knew each other." 

[Slothtastic 761]

Asbjorn saluted the Elder at the funeral. “You have done well, brother. May I see you in the afterlife.”

[Imperium 3495]

Rhys places a hand over his heart, “Peace and fire, rest easy old friend.”

[Papa Rock 2400]

Delvin lifted his fist in the air above him as he leans on the staff Wulf made for him. "There never was a better leader, friend or brother.." He said as his hand opened up letting a hand full of ash fall from his palm as the wind carries it away. "Vows made in ash.." Delvin spoke softly as he watches the ash ride the breeze, he then turns and walks away.

[GhostSHTR 1205]

Bjolfr places his hand on his chest for one last salute” It was a honor to have fought alongside you not just as a friend but as a brother, may you have peace in the afterlife.”

[Jondead 260]

Sighard hearing of this grunts as he leaves for the Firelands "I suppose I cannot afford waiting anymore, the Ascended refused the call and so many others.... I think it is time to put the carade to rest." He lets out as he places on an illusion shifting his form as he looks on with a angered look on his face "Ahr'aaut ata'gjayy, attaita'ghaklr wlit." he lets out in a twisted tongue as he begins to head out a look of worry on his features as he looks to his new friend Alexander "llir, I cannot wait anymore, with his passing... with his passing it has shown me that time is short, people die and wither and I am FORCED to sit by and watch as this pain unfolds, first my family, then Wulf... and soon many more will fall." he lets out escaping the room and letting his friend out as he does the same.

[lemonke 6014]

Hiro makes a fist with her hand and puts it on her chest (near the heart!), And with tears coming out of her eyes, she starts talking with a sad  tone of voice

"It was an honor to fight against you and fight by your side, see you soon ... Wulf, we'll meet again soon"

Hiro raises her fist to the sky and looks with a smile  at wulf's body.

"Be safe... in your new adventure!"

 

[Farryn 860]

Elvira would stand amongst those at the ceremony, a soft look on her face. She did not know Wulffery well but she knew his suffering, his pain, and his grief. It was just the same as hers, having to bear too many burdens on ther shoulder because no other would take them.

 

As she watched the boat burn, from one warrior to another, the Ascended swore to do all she can for Wulffery's sake and ensure this all ends in the best way possible.

[Mathijs 5]

Reikan would let out a slight tear. He'd comment "Farewell, father".

[Vindicant 642]

Two crows had rested upon Wulffrey's shoulders as he was sent out to sea. From the shore, Karyssmov watched, the axe granted to him to determine the next leader of the Skarpefanger clan rested in his hands. "Why would you put this on me, brother? To find someone to fill your shoes? No one could. No one ever could..." he whispers to naught but the flitting breeze.