Putting doubts to death
Author: Amleth Yngling - Date: Sep 23, 2004 - 14:44

This story continues from The Sea.

"I bring us here first to quench any doubt, my lord," I gently answer the aged Goth. The ill gaze in his eye that I had mistaken for fear is in fact that of sorrow. I have lost a father, the person dearest to me in life. It was an eventuality that I had accepted, though his end came prematurely and by traiterous means. However, a father is never prepared to lose a son, and the reality is not easily reckoned. "I would be lying to you, Thegn Boltram, if I were to say that I knew your son yet lived." I put a hand upon his shoulder and muster a smile. "Let us visit my mother. She has knowledge of all arrivals and will put this uncertainty to rest, at once."

Leaving the looming longship Skidbladnir behind us, Boltram and I begin upon a charcoal path, toward the ruins of Hel.


I will kill him!
Author: Hildibrands Amaligg - Date: Sep 24, 2004 - 05:38

I grumble to myself, relieved but never enough, as we trudge through this forbidding place. That proud reckless boy! If I find him alive I will kill him, I think with a mix of affection and worry.

"Thank you, young Amleth, for these reassuring words. But if your mother..." Damn old age. What did I say my son was called? Oh yes. "But if your mother has heard nothing of Sintram, it may be that he has received the kiss of a Valkyrie on the battlefield." I smile despite myself. "If he did not run from her or challenge her, of course. That lad thinks only about duels and battles and hunting. It is high time that he found a nice maiden of proper breeding to beget an heir who will inherit the..." I check myself just in time. "... the family estate."

I am getting too trustful of this young man. The story of his father has touched my heart. I wish I could shake away the mantle of deceit I have woven about me for the sake of Thidrek's security. Is it still too soon? Certainly, if I go on like this, Amleth will tear it away from me with his own hands.


Gerutha's Cave
Author: Amleth Yngling - Date: Sep 28, 2004 - 17:06

Boltram and I exchange stories - of his son and of my father. In the Goth's words, I get a sense that he witholds more than he shares, but one can hardly accuse a grieving father of insincerity. His fond memories may be nothing more than tokens from beyond the grave. But our uncertainties will soon be answered...

Our conversation comforts our passage through the Ruins of Hel. Her subjects exist as they are able, neither alive nor dead. We catch sight of one or two pitiful wretches who cower behind stone pillars. They live as cowardly as they died. Yet not all of Hel's subjects died a coward's death. My mother Gerutha was no warrior and not of my father's race, so this became her dwelling.

Her cave is warm, illuminated by a dull, blue firepit. The dome of the cave is an overturned ship, festooned with blankets, ornaments and other treasures that belonged to her in life. She is still so young to my eyes, though the spun-gold sunshine of her hair has been extinguished by the moon's silver. She sits upon a stool, weaving, but her eyes are upon us when we enter. Those pale blue eyes close slowly, pushing tears down her cheeks. "Your visit is an ill omen, Amleth," she speaks softly, though I can almost feel her warm breath upon my ears.

"Mother, you know I am able to come and go from this world as I please," I say, quickly regretting my childish bravado. "I come with Thane Bolt--"

"There is no Thane Boltram of Burgundy," my mother interrupts calmly and with inordinate sadness. "You seek Thidrek, heir of the House of Amal. Though he dwells not here, you may indeed find him here, for I was warned by the Wyrd sister, Skuld, of your visit today. She prophesied the end of the Nine Worlds, ushered in by your arrival to my cave. She said you would seek Thidrek Amaligg, and so you do."

"Thidrek," I say to myself, searching my memory to put a meaning to the name. Is what she says true?

"My lady Gerutha," Boltram interjects. "Forgive my inquisitiveness, but do you mean to say that Thidrek has been cast here into Hel's domain?"

"No," my mother says, still in contemplative mourning. But the Nine Worlds have. Loki has escaped his bonds. He rallies the giants to war against the Aesir. The End is here.

The three of us are suddenly interrupted by the sound of labored breathing from behind us. A battered warrior collapses near the entrance of the cave. By the blue firelight I recognize this thane - it is Ydalir's one-time champion, Beowulf! He had left the Waetling shore for Heorot, after the feast at Solmonath!

What on earth is going on?


Though Hell should bar the way
Author: Hildibrands Amaligg - Date: Sep 29, 2004 - 04:36

The walk has been harrowing. Souls of the dead hovering around me... a sight I had never witnessed before. Well, it seems I am going to learn quite a lot yet in my old age. And it seems that old age has made me more compassionate, moving me to pity those poor wretches that maybe a younger man would have derided.

I walk slowly inside that abode of death and mystery, eyes wide, trying to catch everything and yet keep my gaze on the creature dwelling inside. My mind cannot fathom what I see. My fear is like a lion crouching at the bottom of my soul, calmly letting me know it is there by dragging his claws lightly across me. My heart is full of sadness, and even of love, as somehow the feelings of young Amleth echo about me. When the spectral woman says the name of Thidrek, my bones turn to ice.

I cannot lie anymore, not in this place. I bow my forehead on my hand, ashamed of myself. Her words speak of a world-shaking catastrophe I cannot even begin to comprehend. But I know one thing: no more deceits, no more mistrust... I will say the truth, and then fight my way to my liege, my friend, my son, through the end of the world, if necessary. Probably, to die by his side.

I lift my head and I am about to speak, when another young man crumples at the mouth of the cave. For a moment my heart leaps, but no, it is not Thidrek, he is an unknown warrior. I rush to him and kneel by his side, not daring to touch him. Is he alive or is he a wraith?...


This story continues at Ragnarok. Then it will continue further at The Sea.