laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

Jilahd studied the young accused Varangian that now stood before the elders. Alone and afraid. He would not be given the chance to die like a true warrior. How had it come to this?

"Harald of Chatelet," Hismena began. "You have been found guilty of high treason against your people. You've disgraced all that you stand for and gave your word to uphold. You've invited devils into your own halls and lands that now prey on your own that you swore to protect. You will die an outcast and your name wiped from history, forever." With that proclamation, everyone stood and turned their back on the accused, sealing his fate.

Jilahd soon felt the air chill and knew what was coming. He closed his eyes and prayed like never before as his right hand immediately grasped for the necklace that Anna had made him. Suddenly, a shrill cry of pain erupted from the courtyard behind him as he could feel the thundering of huge wings surround Harald as the valkyr claimed their prize. Not for the gilded halls of Aesir, but the Underworld. The chaos soon quietened as Jilahd found himself shaking like never before. His body uncontrollably quivered and he sighed loudly, then relaxed.

He stole a glance around to the elders and noticed Hismena turn, then calmly walk towards the side street as everyone else soon followed suit. It was over.

A quiet walk back towards their tents as Jilahd led Sigurd and his men to an equally quiet campsite. He continued on to Hismena's tent to notice the older woman sitting at the fireside, her long platinum hair cascading down the back of the white robes of her station. He sat on a carved wooden stool, hands clasped before him and glanced at the oracle.

"What should be done about his kingdom now?"

"What does your heart tell you? His family will join him, but the kingdom must come under the leadership of someone that will clean up the mess that he's brought to that land."

Jilahd thought on that for a long moment. "His cousin, Kavan is a good man. I've met him on many occasions. He's faithful to the Aesir and I'm surprised that he allowed such things to go on."

Hismena nodded. "Because he's been locked away in the dungeon, that's why. I saw Harald's deeds in his mind and know who's responsible. He hid his practises in the shadows with a few. His most trusted promoted to stations of high esteem and they had hoped to claim De Haan one day as well. Now you know why we can't allow this to continue. Our judgement will be swift."

Jilahd nodded as Sigurd listened from the fringes along with his men. He turned and glanced to his brother. "How did you know?"

Sigurd glanced to the oracle, then back. "I noticed the necklace last evening during our celebration," he informed, then approached. "Allow me to lead a group to release Duke Kavan from prison and whomever else they've tried to keep quiet."

"No," Hismena stated emphatically. "His people have to be the ones to do this. It's not time for your quest for glory to be completed. I have another use for you instead." A comment that grabbed the attention of both men.

"What would the Aesir ask of me," Sigurd inquired.

"You are to take a fleet to Vyg Bay and prepare for your king's coming. Tell the baron of Brynmar that his services are required. He's expecting you in two months, so ride back to De Haan and prepare the army."

"Right away," Sigurd replied with renewed enthusiasm, spun and disappeared beyond the men and tents around them. Jilahd began to wonder at the new revelation as he studied the oracle's deceptive demeanor. Reading the woman was impossible, but he found himself attempting to at times.

"Your destiny lies in a faraway land, my friend. An ally has been taken by their gods, her city destroyed and it's up to you to reclaim their name and legacy. Grimnir has smiled upon you since your birth. Go with confidence. Go with the strength of your ancestors and let them guide you to victory." She leaned forward, her staff gripped in both hands and resting against her. "But first, we have to accomplish another matter."