Contents
Chapter Two: Varg
Overview
Varg, exhausted and hunted, reaches the market town of Liga and hides in plain sight as a thrall. Seeking a Seiðr-witch to perform an akáll, he learns the Bloodsworn have Vol but refuse outside work. With no other path, Varg volunteers to fight Einar Half-Troll in their weapons trial to win access.
Summary
Varg runs along a river to the fjord town of Liga, convinced pursuers shadow him. Fearing capture, he dons an iron slave collar and enters the town claiming to serve a master. The market’s smells and crowds overwhelm him, but hunger drives him to buy stew with hacked Helka-coin and to quietly arm himself with a trader’s cleaver.
Focused on finding a Galdurman or Seiðr-witch, Varg learns the Bloodsworn are in Liga and possess a Seiðr-witch thrall, Vol. He heads to Jarl Logur’s longhouse, where a crowd gathers for a weapons trial to replace a slain Bloodsworn warrior.
At the gate, Svik Hrulfsson questions Varg. Varg admits he seeks an akáll from Vol, but Svik refuses, saying Vol serves only the Bloodsworn. In the square, Einar Half-Troll crushes challengers bare-handed, shattering shields and felling opponents.
With no alternative to reach Vol and desperate to secure the invocation, Varg commits to fight Einar, stepping into the trial despite the overwhelming risk.
Who Appears
- VargFleeing unseen pursuers, disguises himself as a thrall in Liga to seek a Seiðr-witch for an akáll; volunteers to fight Einar.
- Svik Hrulfsson (Tangle-Hair)Bloodsworn gatekeeper; denies Varg access to Vol and explains the weapons trial rules.
- Einar Half-TrollBloodsworn champion in the weapons trial; defeats numerous challengers bare-handed.
- VolBloodsworn Seiðr-witch thrall; the only person Varg believes can perform the needed akáll.
- SlydaLiga gate guard who challenges Varg’s entry; lets him pass after scrutiny.
- Grey-bearded gate guardSenior guard at Liga’s gate; prompts Slyda to allow Varg through.
- Stew traderSells Varg food for hacked Helka-coin; unwittingly provides Varg a cleaver.