Contents
Chapter Eleven: Varg
Overview
Varg awakens after his defeat by Einar to find his wound treated by the Bloodsworn. Svik feeds and updates him, and Varg learns Glornir saved his life. Røkia enforces Glornir’s orders, beginning rigorous shield and movement training despite Varg’s wish to see Vol. Varg accepts instruction, committing to the Bloodsworn’s ways.
Summary
Varg wakes in a mead hall after six days of fever, weak and in pain from Leif’s spear wound. Svik explains that the Bloodsworn tended him and that Glornir saved his life. Fed and given ale, Varg confirms his belongings are safe and recalls the brutal bout with Einar Half-Troll.
Outside, the Bloodsworn and Jarl Logur’s warriors are sparring. Varg searches for the Seiðr-witch Vol, but Røkia intercepts him with Glornir’s orders: Varg must learn shield work. Though he protests and asks for Vol, Røkia insists training comes first and hands him a shield and spear.
Røkia begins with fundamentals, correcting Varg’s stance and demonstrating proper spacing between shield and body so thrusts don’t penetrate into him. She hammers his shield with increasing force to test his brace and balance, then escalates to movement, stressing that a shield is both protection and weapon.
When Varg reaches for the spear, Røkia rebukes him, focusing on mobility and awareness. She darts around him, cutting his shoulder and nicking his throat to show the danger of losing sight of an opponent. Humbled, Varg agrees to learn, accepting the Bloodsworn’s discipline while Vol remains absent.
Who Appears
- VargInjured recruit of the Bloodsworn; recovers after fever and begins strict shield training.
- RøkiaBloodsworn warrior; enforces Glornir’s orders and rigorously trains Varg in shield and movement.
- SvikBloodsworn with easy charm; feeds Varg, explains his recovery and Glornir’s role.
- GlornirBloodsworn chief; saved Varg’s life and orders Varg’s training.
- Einar Half-TrollFormidable Bloodsworn warrior; previously defeated Varg and is seen sparring.