{473 AW}
“I have to visit Skjebnebærerinnen,” I announced, casting a determined glance at William. “You take Gwen home.”
“But I’d come with you,” Gwen protested, her voice filled with determination.
“Alright, follow me,” I relented, and together we continued our journey toward our destination an ancient castle ruin.
As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the rolling hills, I found myself riding alongside Gwen, her hair catching the light like spun gold. The gentle rhythm of our horses’ hooves echoed in the crisp evening air as we made our way toward the ancient castle ruin.
I glanced sideways at Gwen, her eyes sparkling with excitement, and a mischievous smile playing on her lips. It was then that I decided to add a bit of charm and intrigue to our ride.
Leaning casually in my saddle, I turned to Gwen with a suave grin. “You know, Gwen,” I began, my voice smooth as silk, “there’s something undeniably thrilling about exploring ancient ruins with a beautiful companion by your side.”
Gwen’s laughter tinkled like wind chimes as she looked at me, her eyes dancing with amusement. “Are you suggesting we’re on some sort of Pirate Expedition, Aron?” she teased, her tone playful.
I chuckled softly, the evening breeze tousling my hair as I shook my head. “Perhaps,” I replied, a hint of mystery in my voice. “But every good Captain needs a partner they can trust implicitly, someone who can watch their back in the face of danger.”
Gwen arched an eyebrow, her gaze lingering on mine with an intensity. “And do you trust me, Captain Aron?” she murmured, her voice low and velvety.
I met her gaze head-on, a smouldering look in my eyes. “Implicitly,” I breathed, the word hanging between us like a promise.
With a soft laugh, Gwen urged her horse forward, the wind catching her hair and sending it streaming behind her like a banner. “Then let’s see what mysteries await us, Captain Aron,” she said, her voice carrying on the breeze.
As we reached inside the ruins, the sounds of passionate moaning and murmurs of conversation drifted down from the upper floors. Climbing the worn stone steps, we encountered four adolescent boys emerging from a chamber, their faces flushed with excitement.
“Come in,” beckoned a woman’s voice from within the room. Stepping over the threshold, we beheld a sight that defied the expectations of our conservative society.
Before us stood a lady draped in garments that scandalized the norms of our time. Her attire, daring and provocative, accentuated her curves with unabashed confidence—a bold defiance against the rigid expectations of society. Her hair, the colour of moonlight on a misty eve, cascaded in silken waves around her shoulders, framing a face of exquisite beauty. Porcelain skin, untouched by the sun’s harsh rays, seemed to emit an ethereal glow, drawing gazes like moths to a flame. Looked like she was in her mid-thirties, she exuded a mature allure that spoke of experiences and wisdom of her actual age that was over two hundred.
“I was expecting you,” she greeted us, her voice carrying a hint of mystery.
“You wanted to meet me before I leave for Mirgrad,” I reminded her.
“Yes, indeed. But first, who is this young lady with you?” she inquired, her gaze shifting to Gwen.
“She’s Gwen, daughter of George,” I replied, introducing her.
With a swift motion, she tossed a ring in my direction. “Find the original ring and come back. It’s of utmost importance,” she commanded, her tone leaving no room for hesitation.
We emerged from the ancient castle ruin, the weight of our encounter with Skjebnebærerinnen lingering heavily in the air. Gwen’s curiosity bubbled forth as she turned to me with a furrowed brow.
“Who was she? And why are you obeying her?” she inquired, her voice laced with intrigue.
“She is Skjebnebærerinnen,” I explained, the words rolling off my tongue with reverence. “means Fate bearer in Ferehiem’s tongue. I follow her commands because she once intervened, saving both my mother and me from certain demise.”
Gwen’s eyes widened in realization. “So she’s the one they speak of,” she murmured, a hint of awe colouring her tone.
“I had no idea you were aware of that incident,” I remarked, genuinely surprised. “Regardless, our current task remains. We must locate this ring.”
Gwen paused, a thoughtful expression crossing her features. “This ring,” she began slowly, “it bears a striking resemblance to one I once possessed.”
“What?” I exclaimed.
“Yes, my mother gave me a similar ring,” she confirmed, her voice tinged with nostalgia. “But I traded it with the boat’s captain in Ferehiem to secure passage for our journey.”
A sense of urgency washed over me. “I know where we might find him,” I declared, a plan already forming in my mind. “It’s quite peculiar, though, that you financed this little expedition of yours yourself.”
We arrived at the port after an arduous hour-long ride from our previous location, the weariness evident in Aron’s haggard expression. As we entered the bustling harbour, a palpable sense of vitality enveloped us, electrifying the air with the hum of maritime activity.
Ships of varying sizes and designs jostled for position along the waterfront, their majestic masts reaching skyward like sentinels of the sea. The salty tang of the ocean mingled with the earthy aroma of timber and tar, while the scent of freshly caught fish added a pungent note to the maritime melange.
Amidst the chaos of the harbour, sailors shouted commands and merchants haggled over goods with fervent determination. Colourful flags fluttered in the brisk breeze, a kaleidoscope of hues that danced against the backdrop of the azure sky and weather-worn buildings.
The docks, weathered by years of exposure to the elements, groaned beneath the weight of countless footsteps. Seagulls swooped and cried overhead, their plaintive calls echoing off the rugged coastline and verdant hills that framed the port.
Warehouses and trading posts lined the quayside, their stone facades weathered and scarred by the passage of time. Cranes and pulleys stood sentinel, their metal frames poised to hoist cargo from ship to shore with practiced efficiency.
As we made our way through the narrow cobblestone streets, the rhythmic clack of hooves and the murmur of voices filled the air. Lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, casting flickering shadows that danced across the facades of the timber-framed buildings.
At the heart of the port, a bustling market square thrummed with life. Stallholders hawked their wares, from barrels of salted fish to bolts of colourful cloth, while street performers entertained the crowds with feats of acrobatics and music.
I scanned the bustling scene, my gaze finally settling on our target. “Aron, there he is,” I murmured, gesturing towards the captain standing before his ship.
“Alright, let’s retrieve that ring and make our departure,” Aron replied tersely, his fatigue evident in the set of his shoulders.
Approaching the captain with determined resolve, I demanded the return of the ring.
“I want that ring back” ”what are you kidding me” He smirked and continued “4000 gold mark for this Elvin art piece” ”I don’t have that much” ”then fuck off”
Before the situation could escalate further, ”How about We keep the ring and you keep your life” Aron intervened with a chilling threat, his imposing presence causing the captain to pale visibly. In a swift capitulation, the captain relinquished the ring, his fear outweighing his desire for profit.
With our objective accomplished, we made our way back to where we had tethered our weary horses, the ring now safely in our possession as we prepared to depart from the bustling port behind us.
“Now, head on for the villa,” Aron instructed.
“You won’t be coming?” I queried, a note of concern creeping into my tone.
Aron’s gaze lingered on the horizon, his expression inscrutable. “Later,” he replied cryptically, his words hanging in the air like a shroud of mystery.
With a nod, I watched as Aron mounted his horse and rode off into the throng of activity, his figure receding into the distance like a shadow swallowed by the fading light of day.
****
After Acquiring the ring I found myself standing before Asger’s door, With a knock, I waited. Soon, the door creaked open, revealing Solveig standing before me, her hair still damp from a recent bath, cascading in loose waves around her shoulders. The sight of her in the green linen dress, clinging delicately to her curves, sent a jolt of desire coursing through me.
“Won’t you invite me in?” I teased, a playful smile tugging at my lips. Solveig’s laughter was like music to my ears as she stepped aside to welcome me into her home.
“I’ve been eagerly awaiting your arrival,” she admitted with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“You certainly made that quite apparent,” I chuckled, stepping over the threshold into the cosy warmth of her abode.
As I settled at the dining table, my gaze wandered around the room, taking in the soft carpet near the fireplace and the flickering flames casting dancing shadows across the walls. My thoughts briefly turned to Asger’s absence, but I quickly pushed them aside, focusing instead on the woman before me.
“So, Asger left for Heimgrad earlier this year,” I inquired, attempting to fill the silence that hung between us. Solveig’s gaze met mine, a hint of sadness flickering in her eyes.
“He didn’t offer much explanation,” she admitted, her voice tinged with resignation. I reached out to grasp her hand, offering a reassuring squeeze.
“For now, let’s set aside the troubles of the world,” I murmured softly, hoping to ease the weight of her worries, if only for a moment.
With a nod of agreement, Solveig rose from her seat, disappearing into the kitchen to prepare tea. When she returned, I watched as she carefully poured the steaming liquid into delicate china cups. As she took a sip, a faint grimace crossed her lips, the tea proving too hot for her palate. Without hesitation, I offered a solution.
“Let me tend to that for you,” I suggested, my voice laced with warmth. Leaning close, I brushed her hair back from her face, my fingers lingering against her skin as I leaned in to kiss her. As our lips met, a wave of desire crashed over us, igniting a fire that burned with undeniable intensity.
With each kiss, our passion deepened, our bodies moving in a dance of longing and need. I traced the curve of her neck with feather-light kisses, eliciting soft sighs of pleasure from her lips. Her hands roamed eagerly over my chest, fumbling with the buttons of my shirt as she sought to rid me of the fabric that separated us.
As our clothing fell away, discarded in a heap upon the floor, I lifted her effortlessly, carrying her to the warmth of the fireplace. There, amidst the soft glow of the flames, I worshipped her with tender caresses and fervent kisses, each touch a testament to the depth of my desire.
As the heat of our passion enveloped us, Solveig’s hands moved with purpose, exploring every inch of my body with an eagerness that ignited a fire within me. With a gentle push, she guided me to recline against the plush carpet near the fireplace, her eyes gleaming with desire as she hovered above me.
With a coy smile, she leaned down, her lips trailing a path of feather-light kisses along my chest and abdomen, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. My breath caught in my throat as her hands deftly worked to rid me of my remaining clothing, her touch sending shivers of anticipation coursing through me.
As I knelt before Solveig, bathed in the flickering firelight, a primal hunger surged within me. Her eyes, heavy-lidded with desire, met mine, and I could feel the intensity of her anticipation as I moved closer, my breath a sultry whisper against her skin.
With slow, deliberate movements, I traced the curves of her thighs, relishing the tremble of excitement beneath my touch. Each stroke brought us closer, igniting a fiery passion that threatened to consume us both.
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As I reached the apex of her desire, I paused, teasingly brushing my lips against the soft skin of her inner thighs. A low moan escaped her lips, a symphony of longing that echoed in the air. With each delicate caress, she arched toward me, silently pleading for more.
And then, with a hunger that bordered on obsession, I devoured her with my tongue, savouring the intoxicating taste of her arousal. Each flick sent shock waves of pleasure coursing through her, her breathless cries driving me wild with desire.
Finding her clit, swollen and throbbing with need, I worshipped it with reverence, suckling gently and drawing forth trembling gasps of pleasure. With every tender suck, I alternated between teasing flicks of my tongue and the insistent pressure of my lips, pushing her ever closer to the precipice of ecstasy.
Unable to resist the primal urge that surged within me, I took her clit between my teeth, nibbling softly as I continued to pleasure her with my tongue. The sensation sent her spiralling into oblivion, her moans growing louder as she surrendered herself completely to the wave of ecstasy crashing over her.
And then, with a hunger that matched my own, she dropped to her knees, her eyes filled with primal lust. Her warm breath teased my throbbing cock, sending shivers of anticipation down my spine as she licked her lips in anticipation.
With a devilish grin, she met my gaze, her tongue tracing a slow, torturous path along my length. Each flick sent bolts of ecstasy coursing through me, igniting a fire that threatened to consume us both. I could feel the tension building, the anticipation mounting with each tantalizing touch.
I couldn’t resist any longer. Gripping her hair firmly, I guided her eager mouth to my throbbing cock, urging her to take me deeper, harder. She complied eagerly, her lips wrapping around my member with greedy fervour as she devoured me whole. The sensation was intoxicating, overwhelming, as she took me in with reckless abandon.
I groaned with pleasure as she worked me with insatiable hunger, her movements driving me to the edge of madness with desire. With each stroke, I felt the pressure building, the need for release becoming almost unbearable.
And then, unable to hold back any longer, I let go. With a primal roar, I released my pent-up desire in a powerful surge of pleasure. My hot cum spilled forth, filling her mouth with my semen as she swallowed greedily, savouring every last drop.
“Aron,” her voice was but a breathless murmur, laden with desire, as I closed the distance between us. “Take me.”
“Aron,” her voice was a breathless plea, thick with desire, as I closed the distance between us. “Take me.”
Her body, a canvas for my deepest fantasies, fuelled an insatiable hunger within me. With reverence, I explored every inch of her with lips, tongue, and teeth, committing her to memory, relishing the taste and feel of her beneath my touch. The anticipation between us crackled like electricity as I teased her, rubbing my stiff cock against her dripping cunt, each movement sending waves of pleasure coursing through us both.
With trembling hands, I guided the tip of my cock inside her, feeling her warmth envelop me. I started with slow, deliberate thrusts, savouring every inch as I sank deeper into her, drawing out soft moans and gasps of pleasure from her lips.
“Ah… yes… fuck… yes,” she moaned, her voice thick with need. “Harder, darling,” she begged, her words driving me wild with desire.
Granting her wish, I began to thrust with increasing fervour, pounding into her with a hunger that bordered on desperation. “Yes..yes..Oh…Oh,” she screamed, her body arching beneath me in ecstasy.
And then, as our passion reached its peak, she whispered those three intoxicating words, “I am gonna… I am gonna…Fuck, yes! Fill me up, Aron!” she cried out, her voice a symphony of pleasure. “I want to feel your cock throbbing inside me!”
I could feel my own climax building, the pressure mounting as I thrust into her with abandon. “You like that, honey? You like feeling me deep inside you?” I growled, my voice husky with desire.
“Oh, god, yes! Don’t stop, Aron! I’m so close!” she moaned, her nails digging into my back as she clung to me, lost in the throes of passion.
With a primal roar, I gave in to the overwhelming pleasure, my body convulsing as I spilled my hot cum deep inside her, filling her with my essence. And as we collapsed into each other’s arms, spent and satisfied.
As we lay entwined in each other’s arms, the heat of our passion still lingering in the air, Solveig’s voice broke the comfortable silence.
“Aron,” she began, her tone hesitant yet curious, “why is it that even though I know you’re dangerous, I find myself drawn to you?”
I turned to look into her eyes, seeing the vulnerability shining there. “Perhaps it’s because danger has its own allure,” I mused, tracing patterns on her skin with my fingertips. “Or maybe it’s because underneath it all, you see something in me worth exploring.”
Solveig nodded thoughtfully, seemingly content with my answer. But then she shifted slightly, her gaze searching mine. “Where will you go now?” she asked softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
I hesitated for a moment, the weight of her question hanging in the air between us. But instead of answering directly, I leaned in to press a tender kiss to her forehead.
“I’m a wanderer, Solveig,” I replied, evading her question with practiced ease. “My path is unpredictable, and I go where the wind takes me.”
With a sad smile, I pulled away, reluctantly untangling myself from her embrace. “Farewell, Solveig,” I said softly, my voice heavy with unspoken emotion. “May our paths cross again someday.”
And with that, I turned and disappeared into the night
{463AW}
In the heart of the Southern Forest on Norweth, where shadows danced with eerie whispers and unseen creatures prowled in the darkness, Raven and I found ourselves navigating a treacherous path. Hours had passed since we had fled the clutches of the Wylewood soldiers, seeking refuge amidst the ancient trees that loomed like silent sentinels around us.
As we pressed on through the dense undergrowth, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, a low growl shattered the stillness of the forest. With hearts pounding in unison, we turned towards the source of the sound, only to behold a ghoul feasting upon the torn remains of a freshly hunted soldier.
The sight that greeted us was a grotesque nightmare given form. The ghoul’s skin, pallid and leathery, clung to its emaciated frame like a shroud, stretched taut over sinewy muscles that rippled with each movement. Tattered remnants of clothing hung from its skeletal form, swaying ominously as it lumbered forward on twisted limbs.
Its face was a visage of horror, with sunken eye sockets that gleamed with a sickly yellow light, casting long shadows across its gaunt cheeks. Jagged teeth protruded from its gaping maw, stained with the remnants of its grisly feast. A snarl twisted its lipless mouth into a grotesque mockery of a smile, the foul stench of decay wafting from its very pores.
Raven and I exchanged a silent glance, the weight of our predicament hanging heavy between us. We knew we had to escape, to flee from this abomination before it turned its attention towards us. But as we moved to retreat, the scent of my blood from earlier wounds betrayed our presence, drawing the ghoul’s gaze towards us with malevolent intent.
With a guttural growl, the ghoul spat out the severed arm of its victim and began to advance towards us, its long, gnarled claws reaching out like talons of death. Raven raised trembling hands to cast a spell, but exhaustion from our previous conflict left her drained and powerless.
In desperation, I raised my wheel lock pistol, aiming for the creature’s grotesque head. With a thunderous roar, the shot echoed through the forest, the bullet boring a hole in the ghoul’s skull as dark red blood gushed forth. For a moment, relief washed over us as the creature collapsed to the ground in a heap.
But our respite was short-lived, for no sooner had we let out a breath of relief than the ghoul’s body began to twitch and convulse. Horror dawned upon us as it rose once more, unyielding and relentless in its pursuit.
“It can’t be killed with our weapons,” Raven gasped, her voice trembling with fear.
With dread clawing at our hearts, we knew we had no choice but to flee for our lives, the ghoul’s unearthly shrieks echoing through the forest as it gave chase, a spectre of death following close behind.
We ran to the edge of the forest, the trees opening up to reveal the vast plains of Edenberg, but the ghoul was still hot on our heels, its hunger driving it to tear us apart. With a savage lunge, it aimed straight for Raven, knocking her down and pinning her beneath its weight. I braced myself for the worst, but to my surprise, there was suddenly no movement. The ghoul lay still, a lifeless heap, an arrow protruding from its hide.
Quickly, I rushed to Raven’s side, helping her up as she gasped for breath, exhaustion etched across her features. “Thanks,” she murmured, her voice a mixture of fatigue and gratitude.
From the shadows emerged a teenage boy, perhaps seventeen, with a shock of ginger hair and a constellation of freckles dotting his cheeks. He was clad in a short-sleeved black leather vest, matching bottoms, and a wide belt adorned with sheathed daggers. As he slung his bow onto his back, he gestured for us to follow him. I had a million questions.
“Who are you, boy?” I inquired, eyeing him warily.
Once again, he gestured with his hands, his expression unreadable beneath the dim light filtering through the trees.
“I think we should trust him,” I suggested to Raven, my own weariness evident in my voice. “He just saved us from certain death, and besides, he seems to know this area better than we do.”
Raven hesitated, her fatigue evident, but ultimately nodded in agreement. “Alright, let’s go.”
And so, with weary steps, we followed the boy’s lead.
As we trudged along behind the mysterious boy, my mind couldn’t help but drift to Raven beside me. Her determined stride matched my own, her loyalty and steadfastness unwavering even in the face of danger. I admired her strength, her resilience, and couldn’t deny the protective instinct that stirred within me.
“Raven,” I began, my voice breaking the silence between us. “You’re holding up alright?”
She glanced at me, her expression a mixture of weariness and determination. “I’ll manage,” she replied, her tone soft yet resolute.
“We owe him a debt of gratitude,” I remarked, gesturing subtly toward the boy leading the way. “If it weren’t for him, we might not have made it out of there.”
“He seems capable,” she conceded, a hint of respect colouring her words.
“He does,” I agreed, “But I trust you more.”
“I know”
“I just can’t stand the thought of anything happening to you,” I confessed, unable to keep the truth from spilling out.
A softness entered her gaze. “I know,” she said simply, her tone gentle yet reassuring.
Suddenly The boy pointed his finger to distant village, and ran towards it. So did we.
As we followed the boy into the village, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief wash over me at the sight of shelter. The village, though small, exuded an ancient charm with its cobblestone houses standing stoically against the passage of time. Our guide led us through winding streets until we arrived at a modest dwelling. With a gesture, he opened the door and disappeared inside.
“Looks like we’ll have a roof over our heads tonight. I didn’t expect that,” Raven remarked, her voice tinged with gratitude.
I managed a weary smile, though her words stirred a pang of resignation within me. “I gave up on my expectations for the night long ago,” I admitted, the weight of our situation pressing down on me like a leaden cloak.
Stepping into the dimly lit interior of the house, I surveyed our surroundings. Moonlight filtered through the window, casting ethereal shadows across the bare room. A lone table stood in the centre, adorned with a scattering of pillows, the only semblance of comfort in this desolate place. As I reached for one of the pillows, preparing to settle down on the hard floor, Raven’s voice broke the silence.
“Didn’t it affect you?” she asked softly, her gaze probing yet gentle.
I paused, her question striking a chord deep within me. “What?” I replied, momentarily caught off guard by the raw honesty of her inquiry.
“Turning orphan in the span of a few hours,” she clarified, her voice filled with empathy.
A heavy sigh escaped me as I lay back on the unforgiving floor, the weight of my newfound reality settling upon my shoulders like a crushing burden. “I am no longer the same person,” I murmured, my words heavy with resignation.
Throughout the night, as sleep eluded me, I couldn’t shake the feeling of Raven’s gaze upon me.
{473 AW}
I stormed into Gwen’s room, my heart pounding with urgency. The air crackled with tension as I burst through the door, my voice echoing off the walls.
“Move, Gwen, we must leave now!” I roared, my words slicing through the stillness of her room.
Gwen’s eyes widened in shock, her confusion palpable as she tried to make sense of my abrupt entrance. Her gaze flickered like a candle in a storm, uncertainty clouding her features.
“What?” she exclaimed, her voice a mixture of disbelief and fear, her mind struggling to grasp the gravity of the situation unfolding before her.
“I’ll explain on the way. Now hurry!” I commanded, my tone brooking no argument as I suppressed her impending flood of questions.
She nodded, her movements swift as she snatched up her sabre, the familiar weight comforting in her grip. Without hesitation, she followed me as we dashed downstairs, the urgency of our situation propelling us forward.
William was already in motion, his movements frenzied as he packed essential belongings in a flurry of activity.
“Are we done?” I questioned, my eyes scanning the room for any overlooked items, every second precious as we teetered on the brink of danger.
“Yes, we’re ready,” William confirmed, his voice strained with urgency as he secured the last of our provisions.
With a shared nod, we made our way to the door, only to be met with a chilling sight that froze the blood in our veins.
A horde of Ferehiem soldiers marched towards us, their menacing presence casting a shadow over our escape.
Instinctively, we retreated back into the villa, the sound of gunfire echoing in the distance as the soldiers relentlessly pursued us.
“Take her to the basement and meet me at the castle ruin,” William ordered.
I nodded, determination hardening my resolve as I took Gwen’s hand, guiding her towards safety.
Together, we raced towards the basement, the urgency of our footsteps echoing off the walls as we sought refuge from the encroaching danger.
As we reached the stairs leading down, a flicker of light caught my eye, a lone lantern sitting atop a nearby table.
Without hesitation, I lit the lantern, its warm glow illuminating our path as we descended into the darkness below.
“Hold it,” I commanded, passing the lantern to Gwen as I moved to reveal our escape route.
With a heave, I pushed aside the old closet, the wooden frame creaking in protest as it revealed the hidden trapdoor beneath.
“Let’s get out of here,” I said, my voice steady despite the tumult raging outside as I lifted the door, beckoning Gwen to follow me into the unknown.
As the tunnel opened before us, revealing the breathtaking vista of rugged hills, quaint cottages, and verdant forests, Gwen’s patience finally wore thin.
“I won’t take another step until you tell me what’s going on,” she demanded, her voice firm with resolve. Her eagerness to escape danger had turned into a thirst for truth.
“Fate bearer,” I began, the weight of the situation pressing heavily upon me. “She was executed this morning. The soldiers are now hunting for me.”
Gwen’s eyes widened in shock. “But why?” she pressed, her curiosity piqued by the cryptic revelations.
“Your arrival in Ferehiem alerted Henry’s spies,” I explained, my tone grave with the seriousness of our predicament. “Now he knows I am here.”
“And Fate bearer, what did she do?” Gwen inquired, her voice tinged with a mixture of awe and concern.
“There is an ancient law in this kingdom,” I began, my thoughts drifting back to a time long past. “Back in Aurrevile, you must have heard the tales of Skjebnebærerinnen’s legendary deeds.”
Gwen nodded, her expression thoughtful as she recalled the stories of the enigmatic Fate bearer.
“Twenty-five years ago,” I continued, my voice tinged with emotion as I recounted the events of my own tumultuous past. “When Lord Earle and Lady Earle visited Ferehiem to sign a peace treaty with the king, my mother was carrying her third child—me.”
I paused, the memories flooding back with startling clarity.
“My parents didn’t anticipate my birth in Ferehiem,” I explained, my voice tinged with bitterness. “But during my delivery, my mother’s condition turned dire. The surgeons pronounced both of us doomed to die.”
“It was Skjebnebærerinnen who intervened,” I continued, my voice softening with reverence. “But her aid came at a price—one of the forbidden rituals from the Old School of Magic.”
Gwen gasped, her eyes widening in understanding as the gravity of my revelation settled upon her.
“The ritual demanded sacrifice,” I whispered, the weight of my words hanging heavy in the air. “A sacrifice of a loved one.”
“So, my parents had to make a heartbreaking choice,” I concluded, my voice heavy with emotion. “They abandoned me after my birth, leaving me to be raised by Skjebnebærerinnen herself.”
“I spent my childhood in the unforgiving streets of Ferehiem,” I continued, a hint of defiance creeping into my voice. “And eventually, I took up bounty hunting as my profession—forging my own path in a world fraught with danger and deceit.”