The Lost Tale

The First Journey

I match the looks of disgust on the men's faces and jerk against the grip of the scarlet haired teen as he pulls me to my feet to no progress. Skeleton man peaks over his shoulder, his creaking voice sounding "Bring her." as his scrawny finger points back to where my village burns before scurrying away with intent. As he walks ahead of us he almost looks like a ghost- his pale skin matching those of some corpses that I'd seen today as they drained of blood. My mind drifts to what will happen next, it can't be helped now.

Charcoaled and smoldering body heaps come into view as we approach the village and its smoking edifices of ruined homes. The Jarl of my enemies, Harald- his pale hair harsh against his fair skin as he walks sternly. He looks powerful and cruel, healing red scars are swept across the bottom half of his face. His eyes are like mud- though the brown of them glows in the light. Beside him is his champion warrior Vali, walking in step as the giant's thick red braid thumps against his back. They meet the clawed man at the edge of the forest.

I don't hear what they say; but, their eyes study me. I feel teary drops welling up and stifle the flow that wants to come. This is it... these men decide my fate. "Thank you Eluf. Go now.", as Harald motions for the red head holding me to leave and Vali to take me. I notice a striking resemblance between the soldier and Eluf as the younger man hands me off. The two younger men part ways with us for now; though I can feel their eyes as the giant keeps a vigilant hand on my shoulder. A shiver runs down my spine- this man's palm is the size of a boulder, and it is no surprise that he looms over me as if I'm an insect.

The bone man, named Asger, hisses under his breath that they should move this conversation further beyond the prying of curious ears. Faust, the round man from earlier joins the party curiously- he seems to be the most friendly but less respected by the others. He gives me a once-over look, his dark mustache twitching as he shrugs and scratches at a spot on his bald scalp. The other three men turn and walk away while Vali forcefully tugs me along in pursuit. We walk towards the other side of the village, all too close to where my mother fell. As they come to a stop, I am set down while a heavy hand rests on my shoulder pinning me. Asger turns to Harald, his eyes flashing with excitement: "she is the one from the vision; the one Odin named as a Raven." The Jarl's eyes widened for only a second and I bite my lip- I'd not told a soul about that night....

The massive hand lifts from my shoulder, yet I know I am watched carefully by Vali's piercing blue eyes. "No one else must know of this- no one. She will be of more use that way." Harald's voice sounds sharply and I wince from the cutting sound. Asger and Harald take turns looking at me before stepping to the side and leaving me with the lumbering mountain who could turn me to dust. Tonight I will be Haralds prize goat from his conquest- and his hesitant but choiceless dinner guest.

Harald sits on my right and the man he called Faust is close to my left. Harald spends most of the night drinking the village's finest mead and boasting of his victory while Faust points to a few men telling me their names as if I'd like to know. Asger moves like a shadow throughout the room watching. After a few moments of Harald studying me he leans in closely: "What would Odin want with a little scrap like you?" His not-so hushed question is laced with curiosity and a hint of menace.

I look to the floor, not knowing how to respond and not terribly fond of his gaze. The next thing I feel is a hard hand across my cheek and the Jarl knocks me from my chair. I hear Asger hiss as he slithers towards us from across the room. Harald stands over me looking happy with himself and a bit angry through his dark muddy eyes. "Answer me you foolish girl", he spits as Asger pulls me to my feet.

My cheek bursts with a quickly darkening bruise forming where he struck me and my eyes lift to meet the Jarls with amusement. "I don't know what he wants from me; yet I DO know he warned me of you- and your men." My answer seems to bounce off his head before his face crumples. Asger hushes me; his clawed hand grapples my arm and tugs me away. I'm sure the Jarl follows close behind- he sees me as his property now; that I know.