Posted on

Letter to Java

[A folded note, written on the back of one of the flyers Fafnir spread the previous forum, with “Java” written on the outside]

One year ago, twelve brave souls left Kallevik:

Torgrim Ingrid Elna Sindri Arni Leifr Katla Olof Vestri Vogel Virgil Gisla

We did not leave in search of coin, or adventure, or glory, but instead on a dire quest. The She-Wolf Jorg had visited our village and found it wanting. We sought to find some feat that would make us worthy in her eyes – or at least if she would not turn a favorable eye on us, to at least spare our families.

I hope we’ve succeeded. If you found this, Java, we most likely have not. I’m sorry to have brought you grief, but I hope that we have helped you in some way as well. We have one last request – that you remember Kallevik and its final heroes. Please, take what we have gathered and put it to good use for Runeheim’s defense and give Fafnir hell.

Good hunting.

Gisla of Kallevik
[the Kallevik wolf’s head heraldry is drawn beside the name]

[A few blotches of ink from the pen tapping on the paper, as if the author thought for a moment about this last piece – it is an obvious addendum and written in a faster, sloppier hand]

Time is short – Her breath hot on the back of my neck – but you at least should know. “We” is a coward’s lie. It was always my fault. I’m sorry

Posted on

Gisla’s Journal, Late Summer 609

Ragnar Stoneskin and Knut Witchbane: the two poles of Runeheim leadership. Knut is Lady Vindicta’s knight, a pillar of respectability and authority; Ragnar, so young and so full of enthusiasm, is a champion of the downtrodden. They are everything I should aspire to be, or – if I am being more realistic – I should aspire to follow, if I am to be my father’s daughter.

But I decide not only for myself but for my friends as well, my little band of survivors, and this forum I saw enough to give me pause. Knut so readily taking orders from a ghost, Ragnar swayed by the spirit in his sword – I have to choose carefully, and choose correctly.

On the other hand, one of my own may be joining their esteemed ranks soon, so that may make the whole point moot.

I should be happy for Vogel. I *am* happy for Vogel. He earned the acclaim, the story Eskel told like a true skald. He saw what had to be done when I didn’t, and he pulled it off.

A voice in the back of my head whispers: “There’s a reason, Gisla, you keep failing – that black stain in your heart seeps through to everything you do.” I can’t contest that. I can’t even stand up in court, can’t get properly mad at Ragnar for forgetting our deal. Even if the position is cursed, they don’t need me to make it any worse.

Regardless, I have my duty. I will not fail Kallevik again.