Post by Dolgrún Aurvanding on Oct 23, 2013 21:55:40 GMT
Chapter 1: Ice and Shadow
Dolgrún walked his blue-gray mare in the horse-yards not far from Issenheim. The castle could be seen some miles off, a tall shape against the late-morning sunrise creeping over the distant mountains. The air was cold and damp with mist, and Dolgrún breathed deep the comforting scents of horse and harvest--while he had the chance. "We must go again soon, Ren. The un-creatures stagger ever closer."
At his side, the mare turned her head and made a deep noise as if in agreement. Not that she knew what he said, but she was an understanding companion. The tall, stocky warrior settled a forearm across withers of equal girth. He smiled, absently stroking her thickening coat.
Overhead, a raven called.
Dolgrún looked up. The large black bird flew toward the city out of the west. Ren followed his gaze, looked back and huffed.
"Mm. From the coast. That will be a message from..." Dolgrún turned his gaze eastward, stroked his beard, then crossed the field to retrieve his gear. Hefting his armor and pack in one hand, he caught Ren's lead with the other. "The council will be after us if we wait overlong."
Day had come in earnest by the time Dolgrún made his way into Issenheim, to the council house. A number of elders and Dolgrún's brother Yngvord were present in addition to some of the council.
"Word from Necropoli, by raven," one of the elders said, and he held out a small roll of treated paper. "We thought you might be best suited for this."
Dolgrún accepted the paper, unfolded and smoothed it, and read the inscribed message.