Mists Of Midgard: The Serpent's Shadow

Chapter 4: King Oleg

"King Oleg the White" got his name from his hair and beard that mirrored the ethereal fog that enveloped the land. Despite his regal demeanor, Oleg was generally considered a fair and just ruler who singlehandedly transformed Hjaldrheim into the thriving capital of Jormundia. His snow-white hair was slicked back with a short, neatly-trimmed beard that graced his chin. His red, luxurious robes that were adorned with sparkling jewelry, only added to his royal bearing. He exuded a strong, prideful presence that commanded respect from all.

King Oleg approached the battlefield with his royal guard. Sigr's men quickly bowed their heads and moved out of the way. Calm enveloped the battlefield as he came eye to eye with Jarl Arvid. The two calmly talked for a moment and then Arvid nodded. Arvid turned around and motioned for the forces of Arvigrad to return home.

The mood in the valley shifted as Einar and the others stood bewildered. A burly man, his eyes wild with anger, stepped forward towards Arvid and shouted, "Why are we stopping for him? We're at war!" A shieldmaiden approached Arvid as well, her face smeared with warpaint and her voice filled with anger, she said "His army has shed the blood of our people! We cannot simply halt and negotiate!"

Arvid shouted for all to hear "Silence!" Once he saw he had their attention, he continued "The time now, is for explanation, and negotiation." The groups around him grew quieter. "Those who wish to bloody our soil even more, are not welcome within our walls!" he said as he spat blood onto the ground.

Arvid and the King made their way towards a small shelter just beyond Arvigrad's fortifications. It's rough roof provided some shelter from the elements. They invited those whom they held in the highest regard to join them under its meager cover, while the two armies were left outside, confused and shivering in the cold. Liv, about to follow them in, stopped when she heard a call for her name. "Liv!" Ulfdan shouted. She turned and saw Ulfdan holding an unconscious Runar, who did not look good at all. She ran to them, trying to hold back her tears. She looked to Ulfdan. They both knew they had to get Runar help quickly, or he wasn't going to make it. The obvious blade wound to the gut, and two arrows in the arm greatly worried her.

Einar tried to follow, but was promptly stopped by Jarl Arvid. He motioned for Einar to stay. "I promise you Liv will make sure he is taken care of. I want you here." Einar didn't know his Jarl very well, but he felt a bit of pride that he was among those Arvid would trust, even though they had only recently met.

Arvid crossed his arms. "Tell them what you told me" he said to King Oleg. 

A towering, lanky man that served the king stepped forward to reprimand Arvid for his bold demand, but King Oleg quickly silenced him with a firm gesture. Knowing his place, the chancelor relented. "I made haste upon my journey here," Oleg said, "It appears my general, Sigr, was misled."

Sigr looked down at his feet, obviously ashamed, although he was not sure why. He cursed to himself. Oleg smiled. "Raise your head, my general. You are not at fault." The general looked relieved, but more confused than ever. 

King Oleg's expression grew grave as he spoke. "We suspect that mistweavers' abilities exceed the limits of our previous understanding" he began. "Someone managed to convincingly impersonate me, even mimicking my facial features and mannerisms," the king explained. "I received a report about my army marching west, and I supposedly sanctioned it, but I was nowhere near where they said I had been. Many eyewitnesses claim I was the one pushing for the raid, yet others have corroborated my absence from the scene. I am horriblly sorry that our folly has led to blood on your soil. I intend to repay Arvigrad and her people " The King bowed to Arvid and the others, showing the seriousness of how he felt. "We must also be wary. This new development means we cannot trust anybody."