The Return of Edric Vildr

[Sham404 464]

 

Clan Vildr

Family, Faith, Fury

9th of Sun's Smile, 22nd year of the Second Age

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     Cold winds blew across the snow covered fields and forests of Norland, howling down the roads that crisscrossed the countryside, hidden beneath the leftovers of past blizzards. Most inhabitants of the northern country knew these roads by heart, and so their hidden nature presented little obstacle to the well travelled. Along these roads one such well travelled Norlander made his way, seated upon a cart laden heavy with unknown goods, hidden similar to the roads, beneath canvas and snow. Heavy cloak wrapped about his shoulders, a fur laid across his knees, Edric was glistening in the pale light too, with snow-melt across his shoulders and among the hairs of fur. The air coiling, mistlike, with every exhalation. At his side sat the eponymous Witchslayer Hammer, aurum spike resplendent and unmarred by his years away from home.

 

     Deep grooves in the white tracked behind the cart, with the sound of wind accompanied only by the creaking of wooden wheels and the whinnying of horses pulling it. Varhelm was now in sight, the tall, grey walls imposing and stark against the wilderness, gates shut to ward off whatever enemies may lay in wait, be they man, mage, or monster. Normally this would have worried the old warrior, but he had heard on the road of the declaration of war against the Kingdom of Oren, and so the closed gate was to be expected.

 

     Pausing on the road for a moment, Edric took in the sight. It had been some five years since his departure. Five years spent in the wild of Norland, and the wilder lands outside of their borders to the north, with only a word to his wife that he would be gone for a while. A task from the All-Father, he had told her, though he knew it was more than that. The journey was rooted in faith, yes, but it was not a mission given by the All-Father, rather it was one of discovery of self and belief, driven by Edric’s desire to understand what the All-Father desired from him, beyond the Three Tenets he lived by.

 

     He wondered how his children would view his return. While his elder two would remember him, Eirik and Astrid had been but babes when he departed. He knew they would understand, as they grew and he explained his absence. More importantly, he wondered how his brother Agmaer had handled affairs in his years away. With that thought in mind he urged on the horses, and the cart continued on its journey toward the gate.

 

     Though his absence from the lands of his people had been extensive, Edric remained a Warden of the Northguard and chieftain of one of the clans of Norland. His approach to the gate was met by guard, though their caution was replaced by surprise and respect when he lifted his hood. His visage held new scars, his blonde beard now flecked with grey, but it was enough. Still, they were at war now, and the Northguard insisted on checking the cart.

 

    Pulling back the canvas sent the veneer of snow cascading away, some being caught and carried by the gale. Beneath was revealed the bounty of five years in the wilderness, a wealth of stories and glories. Upon the cart lay a bed of hides and furs from wolves, boars, and bears, slain and skinned. Upon that bed lay trophies from all manner of beast and monster, from tusks and teeth to claws and horns and more. While most were from mundane creatures, there could also be found scales and fangs and other trophies taken from servants of the Long Dark that make their lairs in the shadowy and forgotten parts of the world. It seemed the Witchslayer had not been idle in his spiritual journey.

 

     A low whistle was the only response of the guard, as he waved for the gate to be opened. The cart was once more urged into motion, as Edric Vildr finally returned from the hunt.

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Edited May 2, 2021 by Sham404

[_pr0fit 2944]

Vane smiles the suns smile "Even the great house Carrion would be scared of this man, he would erase them from history if these two clans ever faced off."

[Enyahs V. 173]

Agmaer sits in his shop, of which bows are sold, and sharpens the amazing quality arrows he sells for less than pennies. "About time...", he says as he watches one of workers comes in to make tool rods, which pays a handsome price. Behind them coming a cart with logs, of which the shop also buys. He was glad his brother was back, but even more glad to see such activity in his store for the war effort.

[Qaz_The_Great 1189]

Caedric lets out a hearty laugh as the Norlander makes his return, he'd prepare to meet him for a drink.