Fantasy Hymn of the Shroud

[Kayso]

Hymn of the Shroud​

It has been a mere 90 days since news of the first attack spread. They have only grown since then, more numerous and in nearly every town east of Midfell. They say that something strange takes over the people, and that neighbor attacks neighbor, brothers turn on one another, and even the royal families are not spared, for the High Baron’s wife has been acting odd. With this seeming unrest, the other barons suspect that Vorak, the Baron of Svartre is somehow to blame, as they all know that the young and impressionable baron feels slighted and is unhappy with his lands and position, and they have no other explanation for what is happening. They have attempted to make communication with Vorak, but they are all turned away. Tensions are high and mysterious attacks are frequent, for people feel that they can no longer trust their neighbors or even their family members. Some of the other kingdoms are considering intervention, but there are plenty of individuals who have taken it upon themselves to figure out what is happening before war sweeps the country. A few have come back with tales of eerie encounters and similar situations with the people of Svartre...
but most have not come back at all.
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The setting is Rosheim (Ros-heim), similar to medieval Scandinavia, 14th century. Humans, dwarves, elves, huldre, werewolves, werebears, witches, sea serpents and ghosts are all inhabitants in this cold, unforgiving country.

 

[Kayso]

​

KINGDOMS

Midfell

Capital: Valkys

Spoiler: VALKYS

The capital of Midfell, Valkys is also the capital of the country of Rosheim. Each of the major cities is governed by a Baron, the High Baron taking his place at the head of Valkys. Valkys' somewhat central location makes it a good place for trade and is a hub of activity and commerce. It lies between rolling hills and the second largest forest in Rosheim, and with its nearby lake and mountain range, it is rich in resources. The High Baron Barstein is a just and firm man, a war hero, and is generally loved by the people, both of his kingdom and the entire country. The people of Valkys had been hearing about the residents of other cities attacking each other for weeks, but now this sickness seems to have reached them: a couple outbreaks here and there-mostly traveling merchants attacking residents at market squares-though nothing fatal or too serious.

Vestra

Capital: Goldengrove

Spoiler: GOLDENGROVE

Goldengrove is the textile capital of the country: the residents here are expert weavers and clothworkers, and are also excellent carvers and producers of wood, which they harvest from the dead forest to their north. They have some of the most fertile ground in Rosheim as well, providing grains of all kinds to the surrounding kingdoms. Baron Verker, a farmer who was elected to the baron-seat after the death of the previous and heir-less baron, obtained the seat due to his fairness and wisdom, and has been ruling for only two years. The lower-class people love him, but the aristocracy think him a fool. Vestra has yet to see any attacks among its people, but the baron is very wary and spends most of his time contemplating on (and worrying about) his first real threat as the leader of this kingdom.

Elvann

Capital: Vannke

Spoiler: VANNKE

The capital city of the Riverforest kingdom of Vannke is Elvann. Like other villages that have sprouted among the twigs and streams of the forests here, the city of Vannke is built into the very trees and rocks that give them their cover, some structures reaching the very tips of the branches. The Baron Sølvblad is a gentler and meeker version of his other baron counterparts, preferring to be peaceful and use intellect to protect his people from the dangers of the forest, many of which are werewolves, werebears and marsh-witches. Elvann also remains untouched so far as the strange civil attacks go, though brawls have never been an uncommon thing in the forest. Sølvblad has doubled the watch and wanders the streets and woods himself, determined to not let this threat catch him unaware.

Sorygge

Capital: Starkhold

Spoiler: STARKHOLD

Starkhold is a city in the south, deep in a valley and flanked by the mountains of Sorygge. Those who live here mine the mountains and are talented masons. They work with stone and metals and jewels and provide many of the more luxurious items that can be found across Rosheim. They supply the country's central army, located in Valkys, with their weapons and armor. The Baron of Starkhold is Riktårn (Rik). He is a very secluded, greedy man, and tends to both overtax and overburden his people. He just received news of his kingdom's first sign of the supposed sickness, a trader in a small, northern village that attacked a local farmer who has disappeared, but he has yet to make a move.

Halvøst

Capital: Innsjøst

Spoiler: INNSJOST

This city is located on the eastern peninsula of Halvøst. Their primary export is fish and other meats. The coastal people are a very hardy, seaworthy people, while the inland residents are just as hardy with their farms and ranches. Sea serpents typically frequent this area, and have caused problems in the past. A Baroness presides here: her name is Vanndra (Vann). She is a fierce woman and can often be found on the sea in her boat, attempting to rid the waters of the creatures that threaten her fishermen. Halvøst has nearly been overtaken by the sickness, the attacks mostly occurring at night, and Vanndra has implemented both a curfew and local healers to examine those that have been arrested or killed/attacked. The healers claim that there is definitely something different about these attackers, but they cannot tell what it is.

Svartre

Capital: Greymirk

Spoiler: GREYMIRK

Baron Vorak, also known as “The Young Baron,” leads the people of Svartre from the city Greymirk. He obtained his station at the death of his father, who always told him that his family was cheated out of habitable land because Barstein was a cruel and selfish man who hated them. Vorak wants his kingdom to be prosperous and powerful, and to show the rest of the kingdoms that he is capable of more than what they gave him, but the land is harsh and it is difficult for his people to live, much less prosper. All of Svartre’s towns are located in a large valley surrounded by a towering, circular mountain range - everything outside this valley is too dangerous or barren for habitation. Most outward communication with the people of this kingdom has stopped since the attacks started, and since it's very difficult to reach the mountain pass that leads to the kingdom in the valley, inward communication is sparse, and the majority of those who have tried have not returned. There are stories and rumors that have made their way to the outer kingdoms, of people who have disappeared and then reappeared a few days later, and that they have not had any attacks in nearly 6 weeks.

IMPORTANT PEOPLE

Spoiler: BARSTEIN

Baron of Midfell and High Baron of the country Rosheim. The second son of his family, he is a just and fair man, but has a strong and unforgiving arm when dealt wrong. He is often found assisting in the work that takes place in his kingdom and is also a veteran, having fought for nearly sixteen years before becoming high baron at the death of his older brother. His wife is Jonnhet, and they have been together almost since before they can remember.

Spoiler: Jonnhet

Where Barstein is hard and somewhat course, Jonnhet is soft and immediately likable. She has known Barstein almost all her life, and is often his voice of reason in nearly every aspect of his life. Not wanting his daughter married into the difficulties and dangers of the royal family, her father wanted nothing to do with Barstein, but they were already very close, and she would not take no for an answer. She has been acting strangely lately, ever since the people of Valkys have begun attacking each other out of nowhere.

Spoiler: Verker

Baron of Vestra, Verker lived most of his life as a farmer, but when his successor died without an heir and the kingdom was thrown into upheaval, Verker proved himself strong and able and just in the civil battles that ensued, and he was voted into the position. At first uncomfortable in the luxuries of royal life, he quickly learned to enjoy it, and had been somewhat poisoned by his wife into living a lavish lifestyle that resulted in excessive taxation. He has recently recovered his senses and is working to restore his relationship with his people.

Spoiler: Engelik

The wife of Baron Verker, she is vain and pernicious, and succeeded in persuading her husband to raise taxation on their people in order for them to live more richly. Verker eventually regained his conscience and she is unhappy with his decision to return things back to the way they used to be. She loves her husband, but isn't good at showing it, and lets her vanity and pride get in the way of what's right.

Spoiler: Sølvblad

A gentle giant and Baron of Elvann, the Riverforest Kingdom. His strength is astounding, but his peaceful nature is even more respected and revered. He strives to maintain harmony in his kingdom, though that is sometimes difficult with the werecreatures that hide in the mists of the forests. he and his wife Jørnsul lead hunting parties often, and the kingdom is known for much merrymaking and festivities.

Spoiler: Jørnsul

She and her husband Sølvblad are quite a fearsome pair. Hunters by nature and kind by principle, they work to rid their kingdom of the evils that lurk in the shadows. Jørnsul is quite a bit more hot-tempered than her husband, but his calm demeanor is often instrumental in bringing her rage down to a manageable level.

Spoiler: Riktårn

Riktårn is the Baron of Sorygge, and not one well-liked by his people. Miners and stonemasons, Riktårn often overworks them in order to bring more wealth into the country, and has also been known to make deceptive deals. After the death of his wife nine years ago, he estranged himself from his daughter Villgra and almost everyone else, but in the past few years he has been trying to build a better relationship with her. So far, his attempts are unsuccessful.

Spoiler: Villgra

She is Riktårn's daughter, but nothing like him. She is disgusted by his deceit and untrustworthy ways, and hasn't quite forgiven him for neglecting her as a child. She sees the loneliness he suffers from, but still wants so badly to run away and live an honorable life; however she is afraid of what the people will do to her if she is discovered before she can reach the kingdom borders. She has hidden herself outside the castle walls and has heard how people talk of her family.

Spoiler: Vanndra

Vanndra is the Baroness of Halvøst, and is a fearsome and talented fisherman. Her late husband was killed by a notorious sea monster he had tried to rid his kingdom of, and now she rides the waves, sun or storm, destroying all serpents she comes across, searching for the one that will make her vengeance complete.

Spoiler: Vorak

The Young Baron, Vorak of Svartre, or the Dead Lands. His father Tielgun was younger brother to Barstein, and at the death of their older brother the previous High Baron, Barstein sent Tielgun to rule over the lands of Svartre, which had been without a ruler, but was in dire need of unity. Barstein thought it would be good for his little brother to see responsibility and have a chance at turning around the success of Svartre, but Tielgun thought differently, and instead of trying to make the land prosper, he wallowed in anger and self-pity while the people suffered. At his death, Vorak took the throne and carries his father's anger, but also a desire to help his people. Nobody has heard from him since the strange attacks have been taking place.​

 

[Kayso]

CHARACTERS​

Iksandar "Ember-Speaker" Brennach

Vanndra's Guardian

Full Name: Iksander Brennach ( Stickdom )
Titles: Loyal Retainer of Halvost; Master of Vektav Clan; Ember-Speaker of Innsjost
Nickname: Ike

Age: 119 Winters
Height: 4 foot, 8 inches
Build: Heartily Stocky

Physicality:
Iksander carries the dwarven physique with tenacity and purpose. His eyes are sharp and keen, his beard well-kept, combed or braided, and his muscles are toned and trained for practicality, not show. While shorter by nature than men or elves, the stoutness of his body and the weight of his step belies the tremendous strength he possesses. Able to lift a load that would make an ordinary man stagger, his constitution enables him to withstand straining exertion for periods of time long beyond what humans are capable of. While not necessarily quick, Iksander moves with what he refers to as ferocious grace, once in motion he is a force to be reckoned with. This carries the implications of needing to fuel such a dauntless machine, but Iksander also possesses the dwarven inclination to feasting and drinking, even to excess on occasion, which as impressive feat for a dwarf to accomplish at all. His techniques in combat are simple and straightforward, his weapons plain and unadorned, but no less effective for their simplicity. He values results in all instances, and one does not need extravagant weapons to win a war.

Faithful Protector of Halvost
Personality:
Outwardly gruff and care-worn, Iksander uses few words as possible to say as much as he needs. Not one for off-hand conversation, he hardly seems of the inclination to be involved in politics at all. However, he observes much and seeks to gain knowledge and understanding from his experiences. He possesses the unfailing devotion and loyalty of the dwarven race, directed solely towards Vanndra, his queen, for whom he would willingly lay down his life in an instant. Wracked with guilt over the loss of his lady's husband, the Baron Halvost, whom he was sworn to protect, Iksander has doubly dedicated himself to the prosperity and happiness of her reign, giving his wisdom and strength to her every whim as she commands without hesitation. He does have a lighter and more humorous side which surfaces on occasion, most often in a tavern with a warm fire and a cold brew, but these moments are interspersed through longer stretches of serious contemplation and stoic action. In battle, he is a ruthless hunter with dauntless determination who will subdue and defeat his quarry without fail, though while in court, he is a shrewd and skeptical councilor who advises caution against potential threats and for whom the smallest slight against his liege is a personal offense which must be avenged.

Biography:
Iksander's family dwelt withing the Halvost mountains from ages long past, having formed alliances with the human kingdoms there trading supplies and goods for metal and stone. His own father was a military adviser to several generations of soldiers of the Innsjost castle garrison. Iksander grew up with loyalty and courage instilled in his heart, proving multiple times his bravery and prowess in battle for his country. He steadily rose the ranks of the Innsjost military, eventually taking his father's place as the Captain of the Guard, second only to the young Baron Hroland himself in matters of security and protection of the province. He grew exceptionally close to the man, eventually becoming as inseparable as family, and the difference in age and experience left Iksander feeling as if he were like an uncle to the upstanding Hroland, and by extension, his free-spirited wife, Vanndra.

But tragedy seeks even the most noble of men, and the baron was slain by monsters at sea while on a diplomatic voyage. Iksander was at his side when the attack came, and while the two fought valiantly, Hroland knew they would not prevail and ordered all to abandon the ship. The lifeboats were filled in the midst of the squalling winds, supplies and goods were left on the doomed vessel, and the crew took to the oars in defeat. Iksander lead one of the boats, watching their ship's white sails fall into the waves behind them, and seeing Baron Hroland leading the other some distance across the waves. They signaled and praised their fortune to have their lives, and they were not far from home, only half of a day's rowing. The celebrations came too soon, and Iksander watched as one moment Hroland standing on the prow of his boat looking towards home shores on the horizon, and the next a scaled body arched out of the water and crashed down, dragging the crew screaming after it as the serpents tainted the pure seawater red. It was only a moment, but it was burned into Iksander's mind forever after, and a raging guilt filled his soul for his helplessness.

When he returned, his heart broke when he solemnly delivered the news to the expectant Vanndra. Where she had been expecting a valiant sailing ship, a ragged and battered rowboat returned instead. Her husband claimed by the sea and its demons, Vanndra took the throne and began her crusade against the monsters. Iksander submitted himself to punishment for his failure to protect the Baron, but Vanndra instead restored him to her side. In that forgiveness, Iksander found a new fire in his heart, one of revenge and passion and devotion. He swore a sacred oath to Vanndra, an ancient dwarven ritual that bound him eternally to her service, that his life was forfeit to himself and belonged to her while he still drew breath. It was with this fury and purpose that he established the Helvete Vrede, a guild of warriors, rangers, and wardens each selected for their prowess in hunting and slaying the evil creatures and wild monsters which plagued the land, tasked with patrolling the villages and protecting the innocent lives of their people. Now Iksander stands by Vanndra's throne, vowing to protect her life with his own, to see her live a long and prosperous reign, and to avenge Hroland's memory.

Talents and Skills:

Baroness Vanndra ( Kayso )

Name: Vanndra
Age: 37
Gender: Female
Race: Human
Class: Baroness

Bio: Vanndra is the oldest daughter of a fishing merchant from the eastern coast of Innsjost, born and raised. The woman is fierce - not in personality, but in spirit and determination - and it has been so all her life. The daughter of a poor fisherman, she learned quickly the ways of wind and water, and is as easy upon a boat in the sea as she is in the rivers and lakes of the forests. Since her father needed to sell all his catches in order to keep them warm in the winters, Vanndra became a skilled fisherman and put the food on the table. She had never learned much by way of baking or nurturing, as her mother was taken by a lengthy fever when she was young, but it was simple enough to keep house for her and her father, and she could steal away to the shore whenever she wanted. She grew in stealth and beauty, many men wanting her because she seemed dangerous and wild, but never staying interested for long. She wasn’t much of a proper wife, anyhow. She wouldn’t be bothered by it for long though, for she always had a feeling she’d find her soul at the sea.

He was young, but weathered. Toned but slim. He could outfit a ship in almost no time at all and sailed the waters almost every day. She hated to admit that she stared; that she often went out of her way to find him. She would come to find that he had been watching her too-hoping she would sneak to the edge of the heathers and pretend she was searching for shoals or signs of bad weather. He had seen her skills upon the waves, and would soon approach her. Hroland was his name. Had she known who he was, she might have walked away, without looking back, but she was already taken, and wanted him.

So she had him, even though he was to be Baron and she was naught but a fishing-woman.

Each of them loved like they lived: fearlessly, openly, often with wild abandon, and as they grew and learned together, eventually as Baron and Baroness, their love for the people of Innsjost came second only to each other. Their bold natures and instinctive behaviors led them to be known as the great protectors of the kingdom, and slayers of all dangers that made their presence known in their lands - or seas.

Serpents of the seas were a common threat to fisherman, soldier and traveler alike, and the pair spent much of their time upon the waves, securing the safety of all who should set foot in a ship. But it was not to last, and a part of Vanndra’s heart would die with her husband, killed on his beloved sea by one of the creatures he spent his life exterminating. She had been hunting nokken. No body had been recovered. A curse on her lips and revenge in her half-heart, she sits upon the throne alone, baring her teeth at each and every monster that steps within her borders.

 

[Kayso]

Iksander
Halvost Council Chamber, Innsjost Palace​

The smoke from his pipe wafted sweetly up his nostrils and calmed the raging spirit he kept hidden under his stoic visage. The members of the court gathered around this table raised his temper far more quickly than any creature of the night could, with their simpering pleas and wheedling complaints to their liege-mistress. Lady Vanndra sat at the head of the table looking as serenely calm and bone-chillingly beautiful as she ever had been. She seemed to strike a mixture of both gentle grace and looming fear in the same glance, and Iksander, having watched her grow from a quiet child in his care into his unquestionable leader, knew that she was as ill-pleased with her stewards as her suffering citizens were. But he held his tongue, his place was not to command, only to obey. He would defend her if the need arose, any of these pitiful lordlings that raised their voices at her would meet his scorn as her shield, but for now he sat quietly and stewed in his own smoky perfume.

The business at hand was regarding the recent attacks on the surrounding lands. Several villagers had lost their senses, driven mad by some fell disease that made them a danger to friend and family alike. But Halvost was lucky, the outbreaks had been few and contained, while some of the other provinces had not fared so well. Iksander partially credited himself for the security in these troubled times, himself and the Helvete Vrede he had founded. Named for an ancient dwarven deity of wrath and fire, the Vrede were the peacekeepers, the wardens, the protectors of the lands. They were Halvost's finest rangers and hunstmen conscripted to patrol the dark roadways and treacherous borders between the villages and eliminate any threat of monsters and brigands alike, sanctioned bounty hunters and vigilante warriors all. Many came from seedy backgrounds at the chance for a pardon of their past deeds, but only the strongest and most loyal to Lady Vanndra were selected for the honour among their secretive ranks. How Iksander longed to be out among the trees and trails again, his blood boiled and his mouth felt dry at the thought of being on the hunt again rather than being forced to pander to milksop politicians and fear-mongering mayors.

The embers in the bowl of his pipe flared a dull red as he blew through the stem, the smoke creating a hovering cloud that loomed over his brow. A glance of his eye and a whisper on his tongue sent it snaking down to the floor and around the legs of his short chair at Vanndra's side. The power of ash-speech was not often used for such trivial parlour tricks, but it amused him and distracted from the droll meeting that was occurring around him. The fire in his pipe echoed the fire in his heart, calling to him, begging to be let free and to burn the air and eat the wood and melt their bones, but he contained the calling of the primal fires and contented himself with feeling the beloved heat rising up to kiss his cheeks as he blew into his pipe once more.

 

[Kayso]

Vanndra
Innsjost Council Chamber​

“So taxes will be low - very low. And it’s not just because there are fewer people due to the deaths and disappearances. Families are losing their main workers, so they cannot earn.”

“And even if they could, they’re too afraid to leave their houses without necessity.”

“Aye. And when they try to make do without, they get ill, or weak, and cannot work even more.”

“The crops will suffer. Exports will be ne’er enough for our support.”

“We should raise what taxes we can. Get us through the winter.”

“My thoughts as well. No use making it worse if the workers aren’t to work.”

The senseless, selfish, vocal assault was something she would never get used to. She had always accompanied her late husband to council, and they had always participated together, but since his death, Vanndra was keenly aware that the complaints grew, the apparent problems at their heads more and more frivolous. Perhaps she was also changing; becoming more and more shrewd with the onset of each coming crisis, but, while that was indeed a possibility, she suspected it was more likely that council members supposed she could be more easily swayed now that her husband was dead. Indeed. They had scarcely given her time enough to mourn him on the violent surges of the shore that day, considering with unfathomable contempt those choppy waves that would forever hold him, until they began bombarding her with these trivialities. Even now, they persisted, though she had hardly once given into their incessant badgering. It must be out of character, she constantly had to remind herself.

She’d had enough by now. The chattering had gone on as her mind drifted, though she knew she hadn’t missed anything important. She noticed the curls of smoke rising from the chair at her side, and knew that Iksander was as agitated as she, for smoke was his favorite gentle distraction. They both had somewhere else they wanted to be, and sitting here wasn’t getting them there.

“Do you realize-” Vanndra interrupted, not waiting for an 'appropriate stopping point' or pause for breath, “that while you sit here telling me things I already know, more of my people are dying?”

The room was uncomfortably quiet, though not without an air of distaste.

“What insults me the most is that you sit here, offering me suggestions on how to best serve MY PEOPLE, when you do no service yourselves. You even go so far as to coat them so sweetly in honey that I may think your solutions are justified when in reality they only increase their suffering.” She paused for a moment, only to allow herself to look into the eyes of every one of them.

“MY PEOPLE!” She shouted, though her face did not betray her anger. “You can think of none other than yourselves and you try to tell me what to do about MY PEOPLE! What my people need is protection. Relief. Not higher taxes, you fools. We are finished.” she concluded, with a cool face and a swift wave of her hand. “Go.”

The room began to empty, though a few grumblings could be heard among the council members.

“Consider yourselves lucky that you are also my people.” Vanndra replied, undeterred.

When the room had been cleared of their suffocating stench and the doors shut softly after them, Vanndra breathed a sigh of relief, inhaling Iksander’s sharp smoke with it. She turned to him, the only person in the entire council who possessed a shred of sense in his old body, and she knew that he knew where they needed to be.

“So,” she remarked, after taking another breath of smoke. “Are you ready?”

 

[Kayso]

Iksander
Innsjost Council Chamber​

Iksander allowed himself a satisfied chuckle as the Wolf-Queen bared her fangs at the sheep she lorded over. Serves the flock right for doubting the shepherd. He had only the utmost respect for Vanndra, she was no weak, sniveling politician who required someone to command them, quite the opposite, she was fierce and strong and bold in both word and deed. The weak needed guidance, the strong must give it to them. That was their way in Halvost. A small smirk crossed his lips as he noticed her close her eyes for a moment and inhale the smoke he had been toying with. It was like a sea serpent on the scent of blood, he could tell she grew tired of the councils and the discussions, his Lady Wolf hungered for something worth the hunting. "My Lady Vanndra, I am always ready. I seek but your command. I hear and I obey, with my life and my honour." He clasped his empty fist over his heart in the sign of fealty and reverence, beating on his chest with a resonating thump as his bronze-coated gauntlets beat through the fabric of his shirt onto his drum of a chest. "My men bring news of our people, milady. The affliction spreads without boundary, there is no sign of cure or warning of its coming. I fear it is far more than a mere plague, some have whispered of demons with the faces of men, while others have spoken of the dead walking among the living. Necromancer or demon either, this is nothing less than an attack against your people, Lady Vanndra."

He walked alongside her, moving towards the door of the council chamber and occasionally loosing a ring of smoke from his pipe that danced towards the arched ceiling until it vanished from sight. "I have made preparations for the worst. Doctors and alchemists have been summoned to lend their aid, even now one of my trusted Vrede is taking care of a shipment of treatments which has just arrived. If it would please you, I would have you look it over and give your orders for its distribution among our people so they may be protected. I have also given orders to the Helvete which are patrolling to keep you under constant watch for your protection. Several are hidden among the city here as we speak, and many more are holding the roads to and from the city secure against any who seek entrance. I took the liberty of these commands for you safety, I pray you do not find my actions presumptuous. I know you are more than capable of your own protection, however..." Iksander's voice trailed off as he turned his face to the floor, a hint of sorrow and shame in his last words. "I have lost one liege in my lifetime, I could not bear to lose another. Your life is more valuable than my own as much as there are more stars in the sky than one can count." A plea for her caution. She would not accept it, he was sure. Vanndra was proud and confident, her fierce determination would drive her to personally destroy the ones who threatened her beloved citizens if she were given only a moment's chance. Which warranted Iksander's caution, his fears that his lady would do something extraordinarily bold and reckless were not founded on mere whim or trifling instinct. He himself had abstained from going on his precious hunts to remain by her side, as threats and rumours of the attacks drew ever nearer to Innsjost, he was prepared at any moment to fight and die for her protection from this unseen, unknown foe.

 

[Kayso]

Vanndra
Innsjost Castle​

As Iksander accompanied her to the council chamber door, Vanndra allowed a sigh to escape her lips as she pulled on the brass handle, cooler air spilling into the room and reviving her senses. “Would that I could only have a council of you, Iksander. You get to the point, and do so while walking, nonetheless. Your service, and simply your presence, has been a remarkable strength to me, for I don’t know how long I could put up with those rabbits in coats without it.” She stopped a moment to look him in the eyes. "Iksander, I know you care violently for my safety. It has kept me alive on more than one occasion.” She put a hand on his shoulder, showing as much feeling as she could muster within herself, and beat her own chest with clenched fist. “And while I am honored, I want you to know that my priority still stands high, and that is the safety of the people in my care. Not my safety, but theirs. Most of them are very capable, and will manage without me, but I do not think there would be much left if I didn’t have them. I will be but a passing figure in their lives, as my husband was, and another will always take our places for them. They are the lifeblood of this kingdom, and it is they who need protecting. You may lower my guard and post the extras around the major cities at this point. You may keep to my side if you wish, as there is little company I like as much as yours, and no others could keep me as safe, anyway. But please,” she said with finality, “do not think for a moment that the loss of my life would be a mar on your honor. We both know that if I get myself killed, it is of my own doing-not yours.”

Vanndra pounded her heart once again before removing her hand from Iksander’s shoulder and stepping out the open door. “We will check the medical shipment now, but then we hunt.”

She stepped lightly down the hall, making her way toward the front gate when she heard it first: the distant and muffled sounds of shouting, mixed with the undeniable sounds of pain. She tensed, turning her ear toward the source, pinpointing the location so she could take herself to the fight. Readying the polearm at her side, she almost growled, recognizing an unfamiliar sound that seemed to get louder with each bated breath she took. At the last moment she turned her head to the hallway that stretched to their left, raising her axe to shield herself as a black and fast-moving figure struck at her as it charged from the corner with alarming speed. A young man with black eyes and greying flesh struck again and again as Vanndra searched for an opening, intent on gaining the upper hand quickly. She continued to hear some kind of struggle taking place elsewhere, but could not focus with this thing in her way. He was dressed as a regular human, but clearly was not. In fact, she thought she could recognize him, and as the realization began to be apparent in her face, she noticed the creature before her smile in a twisted, mocking fashion.