Chapter Fifty: Elvar

Ilska’s Raven-Feeders descend on Ulfrir’s mound as Agnar arrays the Battle-Grim between their carts and the great wolf’s bones. Elvar, Grend, and Biórr move to Agnar’s side while Vörn perches atop her dead mother, mocking Sighvat and watching. Ilska arrives with two dark-haired brothers and a larger host supported by carts under linens.

A tense parley follows. Agnar declares his oath to find Ilska while Uspa begs for her son’s return. Ilska refuses and proposes holmganga to spare wider bloodshed. She names her brother Skrið as champion; Agnar accepts. Elvar encourages Agnar before returning to the line.

The duel begins with Skrið pressing hard. Agnar uses footwork and shieldcraft to turn the axe, wound Skrið’s thigh, and win momentum. Then Skrið’s eyes flash red and his speed and power surge, revealing Tainted strength. He smashes Agnar’s shield and cuts deep, dropping Agnar to his knees.

At the brink, Agnar stabs Skrið’s foot and rams his shattered shield into Skrið’s throat, killing him. The Battle-Grim exult, but Vörn suddenly cries “dragon-born,” identifying Skrið’s blood and warning the Children of Lik-Rifa back. Elvar realizes Ilska, Skrið, and Drekr are kin and likely all dragon-born.

Ilska signals her carts to circle; linens whip away to reveal benches crowded with iron-collared children. Uspa cries for her son. As Elvar and Grend rush toward the fallen Agnar, Biórr reaches him first. In a shocking betrayal, Biórr thrusts his spear down Agnar’s throat, killing the Battle-Grim’s chief as Elvar screams.