Ingrid stared at the stone walls of the city with awe. They seemed to tower above the trees as they approached. The dark stone looked intimidating, and Ingrid was sure that was at least half the reason they got that stone.
"We will have to talk to someone at the gate and then pass through the outer ring." Astridr pointed ahead, and Ingrid could see the red-yellow wood of solid oak. She had only seen a few mugs made from the stuff.
"They made the doors of this place from oak?!" Her mouth worked as she thought about the cost, not that she understood much about money.
"Yes, oak wood is expensive, but it becomes harder over the years," She gestured to frame the door, "It's likely that the wood is harder than the stone should they be attacked." Her eyes passed over the space a few more times.
"Since they seem to be in good shape," Astridr nodded a few times, "Then, your fears were unfounded." It might have been a slight, but Astridr had heard her comment about the possibility often on the walk.
"Could even the Bloodaxe Clan break through such walls?" Ingrid's eyes widened from her own words. It seemed like she was understanding how little of the wider world she knew.
While most of the islands only had the small towns and villages. There were a few of these larger cities, and they were the reason those smaller towns had people or were rebuilt when they fell. It was a not-so secret truth about the world they lived in.
"It's possible they could, especially with their Chief being a Karl Warrior." Astridr responded after a moments thought, "He alone would be able to punch through those doors if they were normal, but it's likely they were empowered with Seidr."
Astridr's lips twitched into a half-smile. It would have been amusing to watch one of the most powerful people in the Veil attempt to break a gate empowered by Seidr. The wall would likely give up long before the wood would.
Though, and this thought soured her mood, the man would likely be able to jump over the fifteen foot high structure with little problem. Karls were something else to see when they choose to use their powers to the fullest.
---
The clear sky cracked with thunder as it rapidly filled with clouds colored like forged iron. The air tasted of the storm's rapidly growing fury and howling winds changed directions violently. Astridr stood on the hill looking out at the towering creature in the distance.
"Fate blesses us this day." The woman next to her spoke, the blue paints on her face making her stand out to all. Midera's eyes flickered towards her before returning to her daughter.
"They have, Volva Wyrn." The woman, Wyrn, sighed and turned to look at Midera. She made a gesture with Seidr coated hands for a few moments until the winds seemed to bend around them.
"In the middle of this grand Hunt you wish to make an issue of this?" Wyrn's eyes were half-lidded, and her mouth turned down with a fierce expression. Midera bowed deeply and remained that way.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
"I wish only for you to accept the path of this child of mine." Midera kept her anger in check the crone might have bent her storm, but she only held the title of Volva through tradition not through power.
Many would argue that tradition was just as powerful as Rank and power in Seidr within the Conclave. Yet, Midera wished they would promote those of greatest strength rather than those born to such positions.
However, this wasn't the time to be confrontational. Midera was looking for a favor, it would seem like begging, and that rankled. But, there wasn't much she could do about that in this moment. This WAS the best time to ask.
The old woman stroked her chin as she looked down on the bowed back of Midera. Each moment tested her self-control and also the ward Wyrn placed on her storm.
"I will agree to your request," The response was almost gleeful, and even though it was what Midera had wanted it made her want to reject the acceptance, "Under the condition that she spend the first three years only on the outer islands."
Midera stood straight up, eyes blazing and flashing dangerously. Wyrn laughed harshly and folded her arms across her chest.
"Oh, come now, it's a good chance for her to learn her trade. The one that only I can approve the chance to practice." The old woman's eyes challenged her to do something, but Midera drew on more Seidr.
The energy cooled her emotions and helped to center her. The woman was right even if she was stretching her influence out to do this. A Journeyman's wander would usually be in the Conclave's lands to help ease them into the craft.
Putting her in the wide world so early would likely be a death sentence, but at worst it would be a slap to the face of her honor. Yet, it would be worth it if her child could follow the path that she wished. The old bitch wouldn't understand given her own lack of children and ambitious nature.
"The Fates mark this deal." Turning back to her task she threw the held on power into the twisting winds around the great beast in the distance. Astridr watched the clouds unleash blinding cracks of lightning upon it.
---
"If I could climb those walls," Ingrid began her gaze locked on the pieced together constructs, "Then other Warriors could do so." Astridr turned around to face her using her senses to continue walking backwards.
"Yes, but Warriors stand atop those walls. It wouldn't be easy for them to scale them." That and the surprise of Astridr walking backwards made Ingrid nod her head. It did make sense.
It took only a few more minutes of walking before they entered into the shadow of the walls. The gate was guarded by a pair of Warriors as Ingrid could almost taste the Megin in the air. Though the energy felt dirty to her.
"Stand and declare yourselves!" One of them shouted, his features typical of adult men to Ingrid's eyes. Astridr noted his graying hair but still toned body as a sign of a worthy man.
"Astridr, Daughter of Midera, Healer of Merin." Astridr called back, her voice strong and carrying the twenty feet or so they stopped at. Ingrid looked puzzled until she was nudged with an elbow.
"Ingrid, Daughter of Olaf, Warrior of Red Fall." The man who called out gestured at them to approach.
"You are welcome to the city of Wyrdian. Follow Honor and fear the Fates and things will go well for you." His eyes narrowed at Ingrid, "I didn't expect a healer to be teaching a Warrior brat." The second guard was watching Ingrid with a different look.
"How old are ya girl?" This was a younger man, blonde of hair and darker of skin. Ingrid immediately didn't like the way he looked at her.
"Old enough to have made many Hunts along the road here." Astridr responded with a cutting gesture, "It has been a long walk and we wish to be resting as the sun will." The older man nodded, but the younger one continued to stare at Ingrid.
"There is a tavern another candle down from us here. They should have rooms for travelers." The older one pointed to a smaller door within the larger gate. It stood open now and he gestured at them to continue.
As they passed through it, Ingrid felt the eyes of the younger man on her, and her rage started to burn.