Contents
Chapter Thirty: Varg
Overview
Varg and the Bloodsworn finish their river journey and make landfall at a deserted farm, confirming signs of abandonment without blood or bodies. Glornir shifts the company to a mountain march, loading ponies and sending scouts ahead. Edel sets her hounds on a scent as the band advances toward the Bonebacks.
Summary
Varg and the Bloodsworn beach the Sea-Wolf at a pier on the River Slågen after five hard days of rowing. A nearby farmstead lies silent: no smoke, no workers, and a creaking half-open gate. The barrow-field stirs Varg’s memories of bondage, fueling his anger and resolve as Glornir orders the band ashore.
Preparing to march, Svik advises Varg to wear heavier armor, but Varg declines the captured lamellar, choosing lighter gear. Most of the Bloodsworn arm in mail, signaling expectation of a fight once they leave the river and enter the hills.
Glornir leads a search inside the stockade and longhouse. They find the farm empty—no bodies, no blood—while Jökul secures two ponies from an overgrown paddock and teams load them with supplies. The emptiness hints at sudden flight or abduction rather than a stand and slaughter.
Edel cuts a tunic to give her hounds a scent and moves out with scouts into the barley and rye. Glornir forms an outer line, then commits the company to the land route toward the Boneback Mountains, intent on continuing Helka’s northern hunt.
As they step off, Varg focuses on survival and his private quest to learn the truth about his sister’s death, even as the Bloodsworn anticipate danger and battle-fame ahead.
Who Appears
- VargBloodsworn recruit; reflects on his past as a thrall, chooses lighter gear, and steels himself for the mountain march.
- GlornirChief of the Bloodsworn; lands at a deserted farm, finds no bodies, organizes scouts, ponies, and overland push into the Bonebacks.
- SvikVeteran who advises Varg to wear heavier armor; helps organize gear before the march.
- Einar Half-TrollSecond-in-command; echoes orders, sounds the horn, helps marshal the company.
- EdelScout with hounds; uses a tunic to set her dogs on a scent and leads the forward screen.
- RøkiaBloodsworn warrior; helps moor the ship and joins the initial search.
- VolBloodsworn veteran; accompanies Glornir in the farm sweep and departure.
- SkalkCompanion to the Bloodsworn; enters the farm with Olvir and Yrsa, ready for a fight.
- OlvirWarrior; draws sword during the cautious entry of the deserted farm.
- YrsaShield-bearer; advances with spear ready during the farm search.
- TorvikYoung scout; moves out with Edel to probe fields and guide the march.
- JökulSmith; wrangles ponies and oversees loading supplies for the overland trek.