Chapter 17: Ancient Tales and Ancient Beings

Asha stood, her mind completely lost in a fog of fear, as the crowd stared expectantly at her. How was she supposed to think of a story for them and tell it loud enough for all to hear? As she scanned the faces, her eyesight blurred, and her breath quickened, she spotted Hakon's face in the crowd. He was smiling encouragingly. She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths in the encroaching silence. Surely, there must be some story that spoke to her.

“Kyne, give me a tale,” she whispered.

The breath of her goddess brushed her cheek, whispering something she couldn’t make out. Not that the wind could speak…except in tales. A tale from long ago, told by Orin before it was forbidden in their halls, rose to her mind. She was surprised she could even remember it, she had been so young when she first heard it. When she spoke, her voice faltered and nearly gave out and she had to clear it to give it strength.

“Shor, Hoar Father, King of all creation, was struck down by treachery. His love for men brought about their form while their breath was from the love of his wife, Kyne, mother of all. In his time, there was no need for the Dov or the World Eater, for Shor and his warriors roved across the face of Mundus and destroyed all that was evil in the sight of gods and men. In our new world, we rejoiced with peace and strength. But it was not to be. For what could be learned in the bosom of joy and men would not strive for greater things with so great a protector.”

She had their attention now. The silence was total as she paused to catch her breath and continue.

“The Elven Giants, with bitterness in their heart, looked on Mundus and sought within themselves how they could destroy it. For mankind was a blight to their sight, and they regretted ever aiding in the creation of things. So, they set a trap for him, an enemy they promised to aid him against in the Red Mountain of fire. But when the time came to aid his warriors, they turned on him. The Elves slaughtered his followers and the Elven Giants cut him to pieces and scattered him to the underworld. And Kyne wept upon the earth for the loss of her husband. The earth flooded and mankind pleaded to the gods for aid. Now they lived under the oppression of the Elven Giants. They pleaded to Kyne who could not hear them. It is said the first floods and torrential storms broke the earth. Mankind was on the verge of extinction.”

She paused, letting the words sink in, before continuing. “When she learned of the treachery of the Elven Giants, her wrath turned to gale winds and storm clouds, lightning striking the earth. She sought the aid of Alduin, the first and greatest of the dov, to punish the elves and their gods. In return, he received the promise to devour the world when its time came. And so, flame bolstered by wind swept the earth, and our people were forced into exile as the earth was cleansed. They pleaded with Kyne to spare them, to have mercy, and to end the destruction of Dov and elves alike. Hoar Father Shor spoke on our behalf. For even in death, he would not end but serve another purpose.”

She leaned in close, beckoning the crowd to listen more closely with her body movement.

“Shor was now lord of death and the underworld, master of all those who had passed on and herald of champions. He appeared and gave words of strength and courage to his wife and men. With his passing, mankind had entered into a world of conflict and struggle. They were made to struggle, fight, and endure to the end and by such heroic acts, become the best of what humanity could offer. And Kyne learned a lesson as well. To love the children Shor so loved and was forced to leave behind. And so, she had blessed us ever since with a determination to never allow the world to be destroyed again.”

Asha recalled how Orin liked to end his tales and, after a final pause, asked the question she had grown so accustomed to. “What can we see from this past? A god in death triumphant? the coming of the dragons? The beginning of our war with elves? It is on you to take what you will. I would only ask you to remember one lesson. It is incumbent upon us to remember Shor, even as Mother Kyne does, and his promises. Oh, noble Atmorans, remember these words of the hoar father: Fear not the specter of death, for he is the herald of glory and your guide to great Sovngarde.”

She ended her tale and felt suddenly drained of vitality. She swayed on the stage and had to steady her balance. The pause that followed made her feel embarrassed. She was about to scurry off the stage when the crowd erupted into cheers. They stomped their feet and clapped their hands, calling her name. She stood there, flummoxed. Unsure what she was supposed to do. Jarl Hamvir stepped onto the stage and raised his hands for silence.

“Thank you all for your generous thanks to our new friend. Asha, thank you for that tale of our forefathers and for reminding us where we come from and why we fight. It can be easy to forget in difficult times what glory awaits all who continue that fight. And now, let the feasting and celebration continue!”

A final cheer went up from the crowd and Asha was escorted through the crowd with many hands patting her back and taking her arm. Some even wept though with joy or sadness, it was hard to tell. She felt that surely she must wake up from all of this. This couldn’t be her new reality. Never had she imagined any life like this.

Hakon appeared in the crowd, smiling and shaking his head. “I told you. You have a skill. I wasn’t just complimenting you for no reason.”

“Why are they so emotional?” asked Asha, glancing at a woman walking past and wiping tears away.

“Story telling is a tradition with deep roots for us,” said Hakon. “It is how we keep our ancestors alive and how we try to live fulfilling lives. I believe your lesson was on topic. And for some…it is the hope in their dark days.”

Asha glanced at the crowd that began to thin out, making way for dancers as pipes began to play a slow song. The dancers began to pair up, swaying with a partner with their arms around each other and their bodies pressed tight. “We should move out of the way.”

“Wait.” Hakon grabbed her hand and released it almost immediately. He grunted, clearing his throat, then asked quickly, “Do you want to? Dance, I mean.”

Asha felt her heart skip a beat before nodding. “Yes. I would.”

He pulled her in softly and she felt their height difference when they locked their arms around each other. He was considerably taller, her head only reaching his chest. She could hear his heartbeat, wild and nervous as if he was ready to bolt like a dear. She imagined her’s must be just as fast if he could feel it. She could smell him, a pleasant, earthy aroma, as if the soil of the land had sunk into his skin. He was so warm, even a little sweaty. She didn’t mind.

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It was strange to hold him close, forget the world for a second, that she was here to spy on them and learn any news from them. What could she tell Krosis? They certainly had no love for dragon’s and even less for the dragon priests. If she exposed their true feelings, their hatred for the dragon cult…what might he do with that information? What could happen to all these people? They only seemed to want to live their happiest lives and yet they were against all the order and safety that the dragon priests brought. Perhaps, they didn’t realize the benefit the cult brought…perhaps the cult wasn’t what she thought.

That thought so panicked her she felt her breathing increase and she felt a shiver run through her. Hakon felt it too and pulled her even closer. She could feel his hands gently press against her shoulders and back, a pressure of reassurance and comfort. She wanted to meld into that warmth he offered. Hold tight to his strong frame for support. But it was wrong. Was it wrong? She didn’t know what she should be feeling now.

Then she saw Hakon’s father, old Kolak, smiling at them both and nodding, his eyes drooping in satisfied slumber. His son mean’t the world to him, that much was obvious. And he believed she made him happy. But it was a lie. Or maybe it wasn’t. One thing was certain…she hadn’t been honest with him.

The music stopped and she felt Hakon begin to release her slowly. Embarrassed, she quickly pulled away and smiled awkwardly. His uncertain look made her feel terrible for it and she laughed to push aside the moment. Her gaze flicked to the cliffside not far from the stage. The giant stone raven above the Skyforge loomed over the gatherings and she gasped. “Oh. Sorry. I forgot…I just noticed the Skyforge.”

He glanced up at it and then back to her. “Would you like to see it up close?”

“Is it alright to be up there?”

“It will be if we aren’t caught,” he said, chuckling.

***

The Skyforge was truly magnificent. The giant, stone raven was perched above a large forge, its fire still burning in the base of the birds feat and heating the open stone area. Several anvils were beside it and a host of weapon racks surrounded the edges of the stone platform. Asha looked up at the raven, seeing the detailed carving in its feathers as well as the fire burning in its eyes and mouth. It was almost as if the fire came from the bird within even as it seemed to rise from the flames of the forge.

“I have never heard of any myth about this,” said Asha.

“No one knows where it came from,” said Hakon. “Ysgramor’s companions found it while searching for the enemy. It had been abandoned a long time ago, even by the snow elves.”

“Not quite,” said Asha. “The elves knew about it and it was said they feared the great bird, believing the place to be cursed. Jeek of the River settled his people here as protection against them since the wars of Ysgramor and the snow elves still raged.”

Hakon chuckled. “Even without living here, you know more than I do about this place. You are…remarkable.”

She heard the tone and knew there was more to it. She turned away, unable to look at him and stared at the giant bird. “Can you imagine how many weapons have been forged here? How many wars they have fought in? I’ll be there are many famous weapons with names now that came from this forge and will continue to do so-”

“Asha.”

His tone was now serious and she couldn’t pretend not to hear it. She grimaced and turned back to Hakon. He was standing with his arms out, a confused look on his face. He sighed and shook his head. “I don’t know if you are playing with me or if you really aren’t interested in me. And I’m sorry…I am not an expert speaking words of love. And maybe it is different where you are from. But among my people, life is to short to hold back our hearts. We speak our minds and let our intentions known.”

Asha felt unsure, completely caught off guard. Romance was different among her people. It was true, many in her tribe would establish feelings for one another and would secretly be together. But your intended was chosen for you by a dragon priest…not by yourself. “I’m…sorry,” she said. “We don’t…we don’t speak so freely where I am from.”

“Well then, let me be clear,” he said. “I have felt…for some time, a strong connection to you. I believe it is love. And if you love me too, I would ask for you and I to be bonded together.”

Wulfin. His name echoed in her head. Her intended, chosen since they were children. She loved him and he loved her…or she thought she did. She hadn’t seen him in months. She might never see him again. But there was more than that at stake. She shook her head. “It would never work,” she said. “I am a hunter of Summer Falls, bound to the service of Lord Krosis-”

“Then I would ask him,” he interrupted.

“I am not free to do so,” she said, feeling her voice catch. “I’m sorry…I can’t.”

She could see the pain on his face but there was still hope. “Can’t is not the same as wouldn’t.”

She remained silent, looking down. He spoke again. “Do you love me?”

His voice was powerful and authoritative, desperately searching for the answer he hoped to hear. She only wished she knew the answer. She had never given herself the opportunity to decide if she loved him or not. She felt something…but what?

“Do you love me?” he asked again.

“It doesn’t matter if I do,” she said, trying to put off the question.

“But it does,” he said, his face flushing with hope. “If you do, we can find a way to make this work. I swear to you-”

“Stop!”

She had let it slip out harsher than she wanted. A silence stretched between them. The sounds of revelry filled the tension. The wind whistled across the plains, causing the fire in the forge to spark and crackle. A strange sound was born on the wind, barely audible. There was nothing for it. She had to tell him. “Hakon…I…I am not able to. I have…”

“Shh!” he said, raising a hand. “Do you hear that?”

A rumble on the wind. Asha felt her heart catch and fear fill her heart. “Dragon.”

A roar slip the air followed by a second then a third. Three dragons, born by the eastern wind, descended on the village and swooped over the forge, nearly knocking the two over with the blast from their wings.

“Jarl Hamvir!” roared a dragon, his next words filling her with dread. Though she couldn’t understand them, she could hear the accusation within.

“TahRODiiS NONVUL!”