The Strategos
Thanatos
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2002
- Messages
- 1,175
Spoiler Part II :
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Now Raven-Feeder truly ranks among the treasures of Varica, as I shall relate. In the days when Hroth ruled from his mighty throne, he placed his servant the Foldenadrian Blargramr on the Raven Throne, to rule over the north in justice and in truth. It came to pass that Blargramr lost the iron weapons his valor had won. But he lost these weapons not due to his own neglect, but they were destroyed during a great battle with Foldenadr. For the coiling serpent’s blood boiled with toxic poison. Therefore when battle-brave Blargramr stabbed the serpent’s golden-tip scales, it melted.
So Blargramr resolved within himself to replace the arms which he lost. Of all the blacksmiths in the land, the greatest was nimble-fingered Lodur. Lodur was an earth spirit, who lived under the mountain Hnit. One hundred iron golems, which he had created with his own hands, served the forge. Forty golems, made out of the purest silver fashioned supple armor. Ten gold-fashioned golems carved enchantments of the strongest magic on all forge-fashioned crafts.
To Lodur Blargramr went in order to have him make him arms and armor. With him he brought rich gifts, gold, silver, precious stones, and everything a king would desire. But when he reached Lodur’s halls, he found them barred to him. For Lodur had a daughter, Idunn, who was said to be the most beautiful creature in the world. But it had also been prophesized at her birth that her husband would kill Lodur. Because of this, Lodur refused to let any man near her. But Blargramr did not know of this prophecy. So, not realizing why Lodur refused to see him, he sat outside the gates, refusing to leave until he saw Lodur.
When Lodur saw that Blargramr was as a statue, he became weak in the knees, thinking that he wanted Idunn. So he went out to meet him, intending to send Blargramr away. But when Blargramr saw Lodur, he fell to his knees saying, “Most noble smith, men say that you could be Sara’s teacher in all manner of crafts. Now I say this not myself, for what mortal could be greater than the immortals? Nevertheless I know that of all that draw breath, you are the greatest in metal-skill. Therefore I bring you great gifts, seeking you to make arms and armor for me. For my own were not cowardly left behind in battle, as some men do when they are defeated, casting them off lest they hinder their flight. No, mine were destroyed by the poisonous blood of the great serpent Foldenadr, when I slew him. Now if these costly gifts do not sway your mind, perhaps this deed will. For great deeds are sung wherever two or more gather. Therefore when men sing of my victories, they will sing too of the mighty weapons I wield and the smith who made such ones fit even for Haeka. Then you too will be immortal, though the flesh dies.”
Lodur heard these words with eyes which smoldered as though they were the fires which he used to heat the iron to make a sword, or an iron shield, or some other implement of war. “He uses such an excuse only to get close to my daughter when I leave him alone to carry out his wish.” These were the thoughts which went through his mind. Then a plan came to him, to get rid of Blargramr yet seem blameless. Opening his mouth, he replied, “I could hold no greater joy even if Haeka came to me on his golden chariot, pulled by a team of dragons requesting from me to create for him his lightning bolts with which he judges evil men. Such is the joy I have to have Blargramr Ravenborne before me, whose deeds of valor are more than his years on earth. But to create weapons worthy to be held by your battle-wise hands, I need materials. For common materials are fit only for common men, but heroic deeds must be done to create a hero’s weapon.
If then you bring me what I need, I will cast for you a sword such as will cut the heavens and separate the mountains from the roots of the earth. But hear the materials I need: For the metal, it must come from the coal from Haeka’s fireplace, which sometimes he casts out of his house and falls to earth. This iron, which comes from heaven is holy, and can slay both men and demons. The only fire which can work such material is fire from a dragon’s mouth, which Haeka uses to draw his chariot. These are kept in stables on the eastern edge of the world, where they await Haeka’s summons. Words of power must be engraved on the sword as it is being made. Though I know many, the most powerful are kept in a book guarded by the giant Ettin along with his guard dog, which has four heads and one hundred eyes. To quench the forge-hot sword, I need water made from snow found in the caves in the north where the world ends, where the north wind makes his chilly abode. I need a total of ten buckets of the purest snow, unmelted and touched by no man’s hands.”
And when he had finished speaking, he left, rejoicing. For he thought that he would never see Blargramr again. For either he would fear for his life and not attempt the quest, and so never show his face again for shame, or else he would attempt it and so die, for the collection of the materials was a task no mortal could accomplish. But Blargramr rent his clothes and went away sorrowful.
As he was contemplating his sad fate, and the impossible task set before him, he came upon a raven caught in a hunter’s snare. Remembering the common bond that they shared, how once he and all his men were ravens before being turned by Haeka into men, he was moved with compassion and released the raven.
The raven sat down with him, and accepting a piece of bread and a cup of wine which Blargramr offered, asked him about who he was, and his linage, and what business he was on. So Blargramr told the raven about his history, how he was made into a man from a raven by Haeka and set above his brothers as king, as well as all his great deeds, from the battles with the Fulanti he fought under Hroth even till when he slew the foul serpent Foldenadr. Then he also told him how his weapons were melted by that creature and how he went to Lodur to receive a sword. Finally he told of the quest which he had been given, ending with despair he felt over gathering all the needed materials.
But the raven replied, “Well should I help you, both for the common bond of family that we share but also for the personal debt I hold, for you saved my life when it was in danger from the hunter’s snare.”
Answering Blargramr said, “If you help me, I shall lay out a feast, both for you and for your children’s children, as long as my line draws breath. When a sacrifice is offered up to Haeka, you shall eat from it, after Haeka devours his share. At the time we arm ourselves, and go off to war, then we shall blow our horns and call to you to come for the feast which we shall prepare for you.”
“I will help you,” the raven replied, “both me and my kin. Leave everything in our hands, save one. For the Book of Power which is guarded by the giant Ettin is kept underground, and so we are not able to touch it. Therefore you go and take that book and when you return we will have gathered the rest.”
Once the raven flew off, Blargramr started pacing around trying to formulate a plan to gain the needed book. For Ettin was known as a violent man, driving away all men who sought after the book with great blows, even if they brought gold or silver. If Blargramr had arms or armor, he knew he could defeat him, even though Ettin was a giant, but without he felt himself unable.
As he was pacing around, he passed under the window of the room which Idunn the daughter of Lodur was locked in. It so happened that as she looked out the window, she saw Blargramr. Being the first man that she had seen, other than her own father, she called out to him asking his name, and his family, and why he looked so troubled. So Blargramr told her everything.
Iddun was absent of all the vice of her father, so when she heard his tale, she said, “I see that my father has given you a difficult task, though not impossible for one such as you, who caused the Fulanti to flee before your presence as a hind flees before the arrow. Only have courage and listen to my advice, for I would help you so that my father will be able to create the greatest sword forged by a blacksmith, and so win undying fame. Now look, here is a potion, which I myself concocted, which will make the one drink it fall into a deep sleep. Go to the lair of Ettin the giant and place before his cave a flagon of the best mead you have with a note saying, ‘Dedicated to Haeka, may he look kindly upon my journey.’ Ettin is an impious man, who fears neither gods nor demons, and seeing the expensive mead, he will lust after it, take it for himself, and drink it.
At this moment, the book is yours, if your heart fails not. Go into the cave, past the sleeping Ettin. His guard dog will growl and bark and make all manner of noises, but pay it no mind, for Ettin will still sleep, even if the earths fall of its foundation. Instead, take three pieces of meat, as big as you can carry, and throw them at the guard dog. Then its four heads will snap after it, each one thinking that the meat is for itself alone, and so it will fight amongst itself. Take this opportunity to slip past it.
You will now be in the cave, where Ettin keeps all his treasures. Ignore them, look neither to the left nor the right but go straight ahead until you reach the place the book lays. Now you need not fear the guard dog, for the one who holds this book can command it as they wish, and make the fierce guardian as meek as a newborn babe.”
After saying these words, Iddun threw the bag containing the sleeping potion at Blargramr’s feet. With many thanks, and promises of great rewards if the potion worked as its creator had said, Blargramr left. But as Iddun retired, she found herself unable to sleep. For her mind continually went to the man which she had just met.
Then she said within herself, “It is not the man I worry for, but my potion. Both men and beasts fall under its power. Even my father Lodur has felt its efficacy when I give it to him so that I might sneak out and play in the sun or pick more herbs or sing with the birds. That is why I gave it to this man, to help him. But I wonder if I spoke the words of power aright, or whether some pause or slip of the tongue has caused the whole thing to fail. Or perhaps the herbs I used had laid unnoticed and unused for too long, until they lost their natural power. Step by step my mind thinks back to how I created it, worrying over its creation. But why do I care so much for this man, what is it to me whether he succeeds or fails? He is gone, and nothing but a memory remains. I worry only lest my potion fails him, and he is slain, and he turns into a vengeful ghost to haunt me.”
So Iddun attributed the rapid beating of her heart to fear of ghosts and the blush which turned her cheeks to rosy dawn to some sickness which she had caught by standing too long at the window. For Iddun was still inexperienced in things of spring, her heart having been trapped in winter by the jealousy of her father. But when she passed a restless night, as Haeka slowly turned to greet his daughter’s creations, she flew to the window to see if any news could be had.
As she was standing at the window, she saw a strange sight. Coming from the north were twenty ravens, each carrying with another a bucket. These ravens alighted under Iddun’s window so she called out to them. When they answered her summons, flying into the room, she could see ice and snow covering the wings, so that their feathers looked to be as day instead of night. Marveling at the scene, Iddun inquired of them why they were carrying buckets, and how they became so ice-covered, and why they alighted under her window.
“Seeing as you are ignorant of our task, dear lady, I shall divulge everything, so that our great deeds not be forgotten but told by all, as is fitting.” So said the largest raven. Delighted at this response, Iddun quickly built a fire, and poured warm wine into several buckets, so that the ravens could refresh themselves.
When these preparations were complete, the raven continued, “As you know, your father Lodur Metal-Shaper placed upon Blargramr, king of Hrafn, a quest to gather up the materials to make a sword. And you know how Blargramr saved the king of the ravens, and so won his help, both himself and his subjects. So my companions and I were sent out to where the North Wind dwells in order to gain ten buckets of snow. But as we flew north, the North Wind’s icy blasts sent as backwards. Let a man push against a mountain, such would it be to fly against these northern blasts.
So we gathered together in council, to determine what we should do. Then one of our number arose and said, ‘Why do we waste our time fighting against a foe who is too strong for us? It is no shame but wisdom to gain for yourself allies who are even greater, and with their help overcome your enemy. So even did Hroth, when faced with the hosts of Fulanti beseech one who was greater then him, namely Haeka who rules over all. And Haeka heard his prayer and sent forth our kin, the Hrafn, to fight for Hroth and so overcome his enemies. Let us too gain an ally, one who might overcome this bitter North Wind, namely his brother the South Wind, whose gentle breath turns his brother into a meek lamb.’
With one voice we acclaimed this plan and set out to the South Wind’s abode. Past fair Varica we flew, overtop its great stone walls made, as they say, by giants. Over virgin forests we flew, which knew neither man nor their axes, but only wandering Fultanti, who took refuge there when driven out by Hroth’s power. As we flew we crossed the great sea. Whenever we became tired, we would alight on the backs of some giant sea-monster, which inhabits the sea and grow so large that men sometimes mistake them for islands.
Finally we reached the dwelling of the South Wind. Now his land is full of trees and flowers, and all manner of plants. Any fruit which a man could wish for grows there all year. They need neither plow nor sweat of brow to grow, but spring up on their own accord. Entering into this land, we immediately went to its lord and spoke before him saying:
‘We of the raven clan ask your boon, that you lend to us one of your winds. Of all the creatures in the world, we are the most beloved of Haeka. For while the sister’s creations, Thunes, Haecomus, and Sargothi, as well as all the beasts of the field and fishes of the sea hug the earth, we alone soar into the heavens, where Haeka dwells. Nor does Haeka close the doors of his halls against us, but invites us in and asks us of the affairs of the earth, for he loves them on account of his daughters. Therefore if you do us this favor, we will speak of it into Haeka’s ear and turn his favor towards you.’
But the South Wind replied, ‘Do you think your words are worth more then the words of the Haecomus who sacrifice a great number of animals to gain Haeka’s favor? Yet when they lift up their cries to my ears, I speed above them, considering them nothing. For if I moved every time I heard a prayer, I would not cease from moving to and fro.’
Seeing the South Wind’s face set against us, we dipped our tongues in guile and replied, ‘Truly lord, but we wished for your wind only to defend your name. For as we were flying north we heard your brother the North Wind boasting among his servants saying, ‘Have you heard news of my brother the South Wind? For I never see him anymore now that he runs whenever I approach. He is like a woman, grown fat from indolence as others do work for him. I do not doubt he has even gone all the way and emasculated himself, so effeminate is he!’ Now as our lord the South Wind has always provided us succor from his brother, allowing us sanctuary in his lands when his brother’s frosty fingers grip our home, we wished to defend his name. But if you are not even willing to give us the smallest wind to help us, why should we concern ourselves anymore? Let your brother boast, he will hear no reply from our lips.’
At these words the South Wind grew angry. Air spirits great and small rushed about, arming themselves. Others yoked six giant eagles, each larger than a man, to a chariot for the South Wind to ride. The South Wind himself took his great pot which is greater than a mountain, in which he keeps all his winds. To the north he rode, his attendants following him with warlike shouts. We also followed him, riding his winds as a sailor rides a ship, turning it whosesoever he wishes.
Now when the North Wind heard his brother approached with a mighty host, he too sallied out, followed by all his hosts. Then the two brothers met together with a great crash, so that the sky shook and mountains toppled into the sea. While they were thus struggling, we slipped by unnoticed by all, speeding unopposed to the northern domains. Once there we filled our buckets with snow, as we had been commanded. Then we immediately flew here, unmindful of the great battle still raging among the winds, as our lord had commanded.”
At the raven’s words, Iddun clapped her hands. “Truly the gratitude of the Hrafn will remain with you always. I doubt not that when the warm winds blow in spring, singling the defeat of winter, then your deeds will be brought to mind, when you conquered the North Wind. And the Kings of Assfell will pour out libations to you in thanksgiving.”
No sooner had Iddun finished speaking then a second marvel approached. From the east came a giant raven, this one was twice the size of others of his kin. In its claws it held a branch of wood which burned with a blue flame. Sensing that this bird too had a tale to tell, Iddun called out to it as well, inviting it in her room. After drinking some warm wine, and thus refreshing itself, the new arrival began its tale.
“I see my brothers here also, so I know that you have been made aware of the task the raven tribe has undertaken. For myself, my brothers elected me to journey to the east, where Haeka’s chariot resides to see if I might acquire some flame from the dragons which pull his chariot. So I flew, over small huts whose owners nurture flocks or fields until I came to the great cities of the Thune. These are crafted, if it is to be believed, by Sara herself, though others say they are created by the Thune, using giant machines which are run by magic and which can move mountains as easily as a man throwing a pebble into a pond. Even past these I flew, until I came upon even greater cities. In these cities dwell other Thunes, though unlike their brothers they are burnt black. For here they are close to the place where Haeka keeps his chariot, and so they are burned by its fires whenever it is summoned by its master.
Finally I reached the stables of Haeka. There a hundred earth spirits work in forges, fired by the breath of dragons. Hundred upon hundreds of golems assist them, so that they rival even a Thune city in population. These are kept busy crafting all manner of things, some create weapons or armor, and some vessels used for eating and drinking, and some jewelry. Others create birds made out of gold, which fly above there heads as they work, and others silver dragons, which guard their forges.
These I ignored, going straight to the stable. There I was greeted by Hyrrass, chief of the dragons, who only listened to the voice of Haeka. Him I begged for a bit of the fire which came out of his mouth. At my request, mighty Hyrrass laughed, shaking the roots of the earth. ‘Do you wish to die so quickly little one? A little sneeze from me will cause the entire world to be engulfed in flames, so who are you to think you can survive even my smallest flame?’
But I, not fearing answered him back, ‘If you knew who it was who spoke to you, you would not be so boastful. For if we are comparing great deeds, know that I am one who dwells beside Haeka. And when some great battle takes place, I speed from his side. And those who fall who are righteous I take in my talons and carry them to Haeka’s throne. But the unrighteous I devour as my wages. So why should I fear your flames, I who have sat unafraid before the Burning One? Or do you think that you can consume me, I who have been touched by Haeka’s flames and still lived?’
At my bold words the dragon wondered. ‘I see that you are not a normal creature, as I should have known. For to even reach this place you have flown through such dangers as would make a song-touched bard lose his tongue. Now then I will give you a little flame. But if Haeka withdraws his protection from you and you are consumed, know that I am guiltless of your death.’
Then the dragon poured from its great mouth a little flame. But if you compare it to the fire, it would be like comparing smoldering embers to the sun. Still I felt nothing but a warm breeze, such as is felt during the gentle spring days. Having completed what I set out to do, I immediately returned, to find out how the rest of my kin had fared.”
When the raven had finished telling his story, Iddun spoke up, “Doubly do the kings of Hrafn have to honor you. First because you guide the dead to Haeka’s throne and second because of your great boon you did for them. I doubt not that when one of their line dies, they will give to you a double portion of what is do you, lest they be seen as ungrateful and incur your wrath.”
As these words left her mouth, the attention of all was drawn to the window. For yet again a marvelous sight met their eyes. For here flew the king of the ravens, and with him a great host, and these carried with them a giant meteorite, which Haeka had cast down from heaven. Immediately Iddun invited them into her room, and laid out some warm wine served in a golden bucket, and greeted the ravens as befits one greeting a king.
After refreshing himself, the king of the ravens looked around him and began speaking. “It fills my heart with joy to see my children gathered around me, each being successful in the deed I laid upon them. Listen also to my tale so that none think I laid all the dangers upon others and waited myself in safety.
After sending away the others, each to their respective tasks, I took upon myself to acquire Haeka’s iron. Having heard that some had fallen into the domain of the water spirit Askati, I immediately left to visit him to discover for myself whether it had any truth or not.
And when I arrived at Askati’s halls I ate and drank with him, for he welcomed me as my station demands. And after we had eaten our fill, I asked him saying, ‘Most noble Askati, I see in your halls many wonderful things, such as any of the kings of the earth would eagerly trade places with you. And I see there, in the corner, a meteorite. Now I must ask you a boon. A fortnight ago, as I was sitting by Haeka’s throne, he commanded me asking me to take to one Blargramr, king of Hrafn, this same meteorite as a sign of Haeka’s favor to him. But as I was flying, to accomplish this task, an eagle swooped at me, causing me to drop it into your waters. Now I come asking that you return it to me, and if you do so I will burden you with many kingly gifts. But if you refuse me, know that you have caused me to be shamed in the sight of Haeka and Blargramr for I would have failed in the holy task given me.’
But Askati answered me saying, ‘I doubt that this is the same one you dropped, for the earth is wide and high in the sky where you dwell one river looks like another. But even if by chance this was the one you held, it came to my waters, and what is in my waters is mine, just as what is in the sky is yours. Therefore you may not have it. But come, I will give you an iron sword, excellently forged, give that to the human. Then you will be safe, for Haeka will not know that the gift has been changed while the human will not know that another gift had been intended.’
To this I retorted, ‘I am saddened, for your house that it would see such a day as today, when you so shamefully treated one of your guests. But I will forgive you if you do this one thing I ask.’
Askati replied, ‘Speak and it shall be yours.’
Then I pointed to a chest in the corner and said, ‘Give to me what is in that chest.’
‘Surely I will’ Askati replied.
But I pressed him further saying, ‘Swear to Haeka that you will give me what is in that chest, whatever it may be.’
Then Askati swore, ‘By Haeka’s light, let my children forsake me and Haeka blot out my name if I do not give to you what is in that chest, whatever it may be.’
Then I stood and opened the chest and behold it was empty. Then I lifted up the meteorite and placed it in the chest and pointed saying, ‘There, that is what is in the chest, and as you swore before Haeka it is mine.’
Askati gave a below at my words, ‘Let your tricking tongue fall out and shrivel, let your flesh rot off your bones and your line be blotted out forever for this trickery you have done to me. Nevertheless because of the oath I swore, I will give you what you ask.’
So I left with what I had come for, but I fear lest this be a cause for hatred between me and Askati and my seed and his.”
When he finished his tale, Iddun cried out, “Fear not for the enmity of one such as him, whose stinginess to his guests is an affront to Haeka. For though you have gained a mighty enemy, you have made a greater friend in the Hrafn. And they shall honor you above all. And their war-horns shall summon you from wherever you are and they will provide a feast for you and for your sons until both your lines are extinct.”
So the day passed as Iddun Fair-eyes waited for gold-covered Blargramr to return.
Meanwhile, Blargramr had done all that Iddun had commanded him to do. From his pouch he took fine mead, of the kind only kings drink. Along with it he pulled out a cup painted with a scene from creation. There was craft-wise Sara, crafting the Thune from the ground as a potter skillfully shapes clay into a beautiful vessel fit for a king. Beside her stood fair Thea, her helmet’s crest nodding like a great eagle’s wings as it soars unafraid throughout the sky. Into a rock she is seen thrusting a spear, and from the wound gushes out Haecomus as blood gushes from a grievous wound. Lastly sun-bright Ptolos is seen, mixing her own blood with fire to create the Sargothi. This is before they fell, and so they stood proud and handsome, as if stars condescending to live with us.
These things he left before the cave of fierce Ettin, but not before first mixing into the mead the potion which Iddun had given him. Along with these, he picked several flowers, and plaited them into a crown, placing this with them as if preparing an offering to Haeka. Thereafter he hid himself to see what would happen.
As Blargramr hid, he saw giant Ettin emerge from his cave. Spying the offering laid out, he exclaimed, “Some desperate traveler has laid out an offering to Haeka for a safe journey. Well, Haeka does not need such things, and if he did, there are rivers enough in this world to quench his thirst.” So saying, impious Ettin took the cup and the mead and returned to his cave. Presently Blargramr heard singing, as if from someone making merry, and smelled the scent of food cooking in a large fire. But presently the sounds of singing were replaced with snoring, and Blargramr knew the potion had done its work.
So he crept into the cave, silently, though assured that once Ettin had drunk the potion he would not wake for any sound, even if a battle were fought beside him. Beside Ettin lay the cup, a small trickle of mead flowing from it. Nearby stood a fire with food burning on top of it. For like a drunkard, Ettin did not even wait for food before consuming the mead.
By now the guard dog had spied Blargramr and came running at him barking, though his loyal howls went unnoticed by his master. Taking from his sack three pieces of meat, the Hrafn threw them at the dog. No sooner had he done so then the dog turned all of its attention to the pieces of meat. One head would grab one piece, only to find itself fighting with another head who wished for the same piece. So it would let go, but only so that it could bite at the thief. In this manner, soon the heads forgot completely about the meat and so intent were they in biting each other and repaying in kind.
With the guard dog thus occupied, Blargramr easily slipped by, passing into the depths of the cave. Past chests full of gold, silver, and iron, he sped, mindful of Idunn’s warning, until he reached the Book of the Words of Power. There he only stopped long enough to chant the words to control the guard dog before fleeing with his prize.
Now when Blargramr returned he found all the ravens gathered, together with the materials he needed. Then he went to metal-wise Lodur saying, “Here are the materials you sent me to gather, meteor iron, fire from a dragon’s mouth, the Book of Power, and ten buckets of snow from the northern edge of the world. Now fulfill your oath to me when you said you would make from these things a sword such as Haeka himself would desire.”