Deskraussian Narrative
The Queen’s Will is mysterious, and it is not ours to question.
The Mad King’s army has been vanquished. Some fled in fear and some sacrificed. The Queen in her infinite wisdom, deferred judgement upon the scouts of the Hawk banner, a Family of northern giants. Unfit to live in our lands, the Hawks and their fearsome wolves were sent to find their fate on the barren mountain in the west.
Among them lived a holy warrior named Snorri Mistwalker whose ancestors traveled across the lands in wrapped in clouds. Even among the Hawks, Snorri was unmistakable. Standing a full 5 palms above a normal mann, carrying 20 stone upon his body, his yellow hair and beard were knotted with carved beads. Snorri’s words were heard through the silent nights, and much was learned by those who listen.
On the day of the Adonika's sacrifice, Snorri descended from the mountains. Far from his home, his feet led him to the sacred lands. He arrived as the Deskraussian sacrifice reached its’ conclusion. Through Snorri’s axe and spear, Death selected the Queen’s most loyal servants R’fili and Ar’nela to join Lord Deskrausser. The ritual complete, the youngest son, Ian, still lived.
Many wished to finish Adonika’s Will, and hurry Ian to his final fate. The Priestess forbade them. The Queen had spoken, and the death’s had been received. Adonika’s Will was not the Queen’s Will.
Ian was taken to the West. There to remain until he came of age. Raised by Wolves.
Excerpt from the oral histories of the ‘The Long Tale of the Goshawk Pack’. An earlier excerpt can be found here … Hawks Waiting
“It’s not my fault. The Waerd are crazy!”
Einar turned the spit. The slightest upturn crossed his lip.
“Don’t worry, I covered my tracks well.”
Einar shifted his eyes, WHAT THE HELL
“It’s not mine.”
“The blood, I mean.”
Blood stains were streaked across his broad chest.
“Or the boy.”
A small, dark boy was standing in his shadow.
“Well, ok maybe he is mine now, but not before.”
Spirits save us.
“They were burning everyone … and chanting.”
“The boy was howling, but the torch kept coming.”
“He is so small.”
“What’s wrong with them?”
“I couldn’t live with myself.”
What did you do, Snorri?
“I surprised them. The torch lady is dead.”
“I grabbed the boy and ran. A couple of Waerd followed.”
“There was there was a lot of screaming. I speared one, and the rest fell back.”
His fair beard reflected red in the fire light, could be the fire, maybe the blood.
“I took the long way round. No one is following. I think I got away clean.”
Hafnar! Pull in the sentries and set another place at the table.
-
Fingers clenching, “Hawks at rest. Our paths again cross.”
Einar drinks from his tankard and holds it out to the smaller figure.
The Waerd takes a small sip.
Einar shrugs, Yeah, it’s watery crap, but it is all I have to offer.
So you have come for Snorri.
Palms together, “I am here for the boy.”
What if I told you he wasn’t here
Palms down and fingers shaking.
Didn’t think so. Snorri is an idiot.
Stillness, “The Queen’s Will works in mysterious ways.”
You wish to kill him?
Hand on dagger. Hand on lips, “This death has already been paid by another.”
Then why are you here?
Empty palms forwards, “He is the image of his parents”
and they are?
Arms extending to the sides, “He is the son of Our Noble and Beloved Lord, Adonika Deskrausser”
Snorri is the heir to throne of the kingdom of idiots
A ring is placed delicately on the table
Fists clenched, “On the day Ian comes of age, this must be returned to House Deskrausser.”
And if it doesn’t appear that day …
Hand to dagger, palm forwards, “We will seek it out. Starting in its’ last known location.”
I listen and learn.
