Contents
Chapter Thirty-Four: Varg
Overview
The Bloodsworn break camp and advance toward the Boneback Mountains under Glornir’s orders, keeping a low profile. Svik’s tale bolsters camaraderie, while Vol worries about a missing woman. Varg again seeks an akáll and is rebuffed by Glornir, deepening his frustration and pushing him toward Skalk for forbidden help.
Summary
At dawn in a forest glade, Varg broods over cold porridge until Svik shares cheese and launches into a humorous tale of outwitting a troll with a round of cheese and a porridge trick. The Bloodsworn gather, laughter easing tension and strengthening their bond.
Glornir ends the mirth, ordering a swift, fireless march through the foothills toward the Boneback Mountains. As they break camp, Torvik calls Varg “brother,” stirring Varg’s grief for his sister Frøya and conflicting feelings about belonging.
On the move across meadows toward the snow-capped Bonebacks, scouts led by Edel range ahead. Vol confides to Glornir that a woman expected to meet them has not arrived, and questions their alliance with Helka’s agent. Glornir insists they are sellswords with a set path and that the missing woman must find them.
Driven by his oath to Frøya, Varg presses Glornir for the akáll promised by a Galdurman, but Glornir refuses again. Vol warns Varg not to push. Frustrated and fearing wasted time on Helka’s business, Varg falls back, wrestling with anger and loss.
As Skalk passes with Olvir and Yrsa, Varg fixes on the Galdurman as an alternative. The chapter closes with Varg contemplating seeking the akáll from Skalk, even if it defies Glornir’s orders.
Who Appears
- VargBloodsworn recruit; mourns his sister, seeks an akáll, is refused by Glornir, and considers turning to Skalk.
- GlornirBloodsworn chief; enforces stealthy march into the Bonebacks and denies Varg’s request for an akáll.
- SvikWarrior and storyteller; lifts camp morale with a clever troll-and-cheese tale.
- VolBloodsworn shield-bearer; worries about a missing woman and cautions Varg not to challenge Glornir.
- TorvikScout; calls Varg “brother,” prompting Varg’s conflicted feelings about belonging and loss.
- EdelLead scout with hounds; guides the forward party into the foothills ahead of the Bloodsworn.
- SkalkGaldurman with the Bloodsworn; draws Varg’s attention as a possible path to the akáll.
- EinarWarrior; revels in Svik’s tale, adding to the company’s camaraderie.
- RøkiaWarrior; trades barbs with Svik and joins the morning meal.
- OlvirWarrior; enjoys Svik’s story and later walks with Skalk, catching Varg’s eye.
- YrsaWarrior; listens to Svik’s tale and moves with Olvir and Skalk.