LOOK AT ME!! I have aged. I am old even if only temporarily. There is nothing better to cheer a mans heart, than to watch his hands wrinkle, and his skin flake in front of his very eyes.

Mind you, it does have it's good points. "With this, he unpacks his tankard, and wangs Olaf around the back of the head." "Ungrateful cur, where is the respect for your elders? Fetch me some Mead... and a blanket!" As Olaf starts to talk back, Hengist lets out a mighty bellow, and drags Olaf behind some benches. In between the sounds of  raw meat being slapped against a marble slab, and the dull gonging of what is suspected to be his drinking tankard, the garbled words are made out of "...teach ...you ...respect ...boy." Before standing up again, waving a battered and dented drinking cup. Breathing heavily he starts to laugh, then cough, then choke, turn blue, stumble over his beard and fall flat on his back...

Oddly, Hengist seems to improve under this treatment. Even regaining some of his colour. 'Talking of fallen brothers', he grins, as Hengist glares at him balefully from under his bushy eyebrows.

And I am still trying to negotiate with the Fir Cruthen... If there is anything we may require from these foreign peoples, let me know. Although certain requirements may also involve larger investments.

That, of course, also goes for anybody else here.

If anyone wishes to accompany me, you are welcome. And I shall have us all back well in time for the summit, as I need to renegotiate with certain other factions.'

This one involving Hod is interesting. Though how do Garm and Loki fit into the picture. Hod somehow persuaded Garm to leave his post to somehow bring about Ragnarok so that Baldar will live again? Where does Loki fit into this? Hod wouldn't want to work with Loki, seeing as Loki was responsible for Hod killing Balder in the first place. So is he using Loki?

What about the other ideas we've discussed. I seem to remember Thiassi being mentioned. Something about apples……Garm stealing apples again to start Ragnarok……..Thiassi convincing somebody that everything is Loki's fault for getting the apples back……Oh this doesn't make sense.

These can't both be right can they? They could both be totally wrong  too! It seems we agree on 2 of the players: Loki and Garm. We also seem convinced that there's somebody else involved too . Who's manipulating who and for what reasons? Somewhere along the line we decided that the ultimate goal is an early Ragnarok or at least a different outcome. So where does this leave us? Half the year has gone by and Garm and the Crimson Wolves have been very quiet. Why? Is Garm waiting for instructions from somebody? Or is he the one giving out the instructions?"

Looking very confused, Tara turns hopefully to Selene.

"Any ideas?"

"Umm actually so far I haven't seen any evidence that Loki is even involved APART from the fact that Garm is commanding the Crimson Wolves which are worshippers of Loki. Basically Grimnir, and Garm both seem to have Hod as a benefactor (or some other "cold" god but hod is most likely)

Hod has a vested interest in getting Ragnarok off early as his crime will be effectively wiped clean as Balder will return to life. Given the passage read by Selene it seems likely to me that Hod would be doing this not out of revenge as I first thought  but rather from grief of his crime. Loki may not even be involved, Hod in his grief is attempting to (no pun) blindly solve his problem by accelerating Ragnarok so Balder returns to life that bit faster.
It may be he does not realise (or if Loki IS involved has been told differently) that by causing Ragnarok early the events he wishes to take place may even fail.

As to Garm stealing apples, would those be Iduns apples the ones that grant immortality to the Gods? That would be serious... Perhaps we should send (and I shudder to think of going there again) a group of people to Niflheim to speak with Hod."

"I just find it unlikely that Garm is doing all this stuff with the Crimson Wolves without Loki's involvement. Surely he would know that Garm was controlling them and surely he'd want to get involved somehow……

As for the apples, yes, those are the ones I meant. It was just something that was mentioned just after the winter. Selene was looking through the Book again and was reading a passage about Thiassi the cold god and how he kidnapped Idnun so the Gods would grow old.

Then Loki rescued Idnun (in some interpretations – the other being that Braggi rescued her, hidden in the Wolf Pelt that Balba now has) , so he and Thiassi don't get on, which is why Garm is controlling the Crimson Wolves. I think it was then Selene that went on to suggest that perhaps Garm is planning to steal the apples again, so that the Gods are weakend when Ragnarok comes around.

Now I not saying that this is all right. I just thought we shouldn't dismiss the ideas we've already come up with. At the moment, the Hod idea sounds right, but we've only just come up with that one……."

Or perhaps we can grab someone who can read for our little brain beating session..."

His response to everyone is the same - no words, just a flat gaze that disconcerts the speaker. Occasionally his mouth twists, but whether it is in amusement or aggravation, no-
one can tell. His smoke-pouch (virtually empty due to poncing Stormwolf whippersnappers) is lying on the table with a barely- touched mead tankard.

However, Invar's words cause him to whisper: 'I'm not your boss' from between pursed lips. And he seems to pay especial attention to Tara's account of the Battle of Erin.

When the conversation turns to Hod and Garm, Westag draws himself up a little and takes a deep, rattling breath - he seems a little more assertive, and listens intently.

"You said rurisk about having to go to Nifelheim and i agree with  you. when we were all by the beach a few months ago, before the whole Ship incident i read the runes ad i siad then that we would have to travel to nifelheim to sort this matter out."

She stares at the floor, and for a moment looks very uncomfortable "I did come up with the idea about Thiassi and the stealing of Iduns apples, it seems to make sense, especially due to the fact that the wolf pelt was used to rescue idun and the apples and we have been searching for it as one of the Lost gifts.

It all seems to tie in  that these gifts are important to the here and now and that is why we are searching for them now..of course ....we now know where the pelt  is, its just a matter of getting it of balba...."

Selene sips her mead and thinks for a moment then gets up... "Im going to the temple to meditate, you never know maybe something will come to me, all i know is that right now, ive got a stinking headache and more theories than you could shake your fist at..."

"Traveling to the land of my Lady?

I ... would be honoured to accompany you, and help to show you the ways that I see in my sleep.  But remember the price that you all paid last time.  Is is really worth it?"

Glancing across at Westag's weakened form the worry is evident on Invar face.

Turning from Westag he mutters inaudible to all except who those who face him and are close.

"I cannot, will not, lose another charge." 

Oh yes, let's all wander down to Niflheim shall we?  No problem, lets just batter our way into My Lady's domain and poke around a bit....'

Westag snorts in anger and exasperation.

'Its not like popping on a longship, kids.  You don't 'raid'  Niflheim.  Those of you have been there before should know that. 

I''ve been there twice - and once I was so badly hurt I can hardly remember it.  The only reason I survived the FIRST time is because of  Bjorne and his damn-fool idealism.  Just because Garm isn't apparently on the gates anymore won't make it any easier.  I revere my Lady Hel, but she would quite like to have company for her beloved Bjorne down there, let me tell you.  We won't be allowed a sweet and easy trip like when Bjorne declared his piety.  She may well decide to kill us Herself, and no Hammer, no Berserk fury, no Runes and no faith will stop her.'

Not being a fool, Westag can see all the young bloods puffing up their chests ready to face any dangers.....

And if you die down there that's IT.  No Valhalla, no feasting, no eternity of wenching.  Just Niflheim.  Forever.'

Westag smokes fiercely on his smokestick, the brief red glare illuminating the deep lines and craggy features of his age-ravaged face...

Saebjorn came to the Great Hall when the long ships returned from the  shores of Albion. The purpose he sought in that green and sodden land unrealised. Torn at times between the sombre mood of his faith and the eagerness of youth, he has listened to the other Stormwolves recall their tales of heroic deeds.

As Selene spoke aloud the all too familiar tragedy of Hod, Saebjorn moved closer to the conversations of the wise Runesayer, Tara and Rurisk, taking a seat near the fire he warms his chapped hands.

"Rurisk, I shall add to your words by saying it is a blessing to be blind to the world around us. Clarity of thought comes when distractions cannot be seen. The grief of Hod does not go unheeded." S

aebjorn looks into the fire before dragging his gaze aside.

"It shall be a piercing winter yet…"

Rising, he walks over to Westag, still visable limping from his injuries on the boat crash many moons ago. Picking up a fresh horn of mead he seats hime self next to Westag. Offering the Mead "Old Man, for once I agree with you, going to Niflheim is not an easy task.

Last time the Storm Wolves went on Mass, we lost over 80% of our forces. I fear if any of you plan on return to that place, you do it with great caution and stealth."

Looking up at the warriors he sees burning pride in there eyes " U may be the strongest and able warriors Norsica has ever seen, but do you really think you can face up to force of hundreds of years of tormented souls that now lie in Niflheim. I know I would rather fight 20 giants with a spoon, than step foot in that world of ice and sorrow." 

 Taking a smoking stick from Westag, Wulf leans back and inhales.

"Plus have you ever considered the point that maybe Garm, was there just as much to keep souls in as well as out. Odin's knows what foul creatures have slipped past, and are as we speak working there way up to Midgard. These are dark days, darker than the days of Casboeth, at least with him you knew who you where fighting!"

Rising up from his chair Wulf climbs up onto the table "NOW Listen up all of you, these are dark days, and the world as we know is going through great changes, all of you must remember you traditions, your teaching, your ancestors and most of all the GODS. YOU ARE THERE REPRESENTAION ON MIDGARD, EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOUR ACTIONS REFLECTS ON THEM. SO BE PROUD, BE STRONG, AND BRING THEM VICTORY!!!!!!!"

What we know *Rurisk begins counting off on his fingers*

The Bloody Man is most likely Garm the guardian of the gates of Hel.
Garm (if the above is true) has taken over the Crimson Wolves.
Garm has been silent (seemingly) since Heart last year when he failed to pull off his kidnap of Gunn and Westag.
He offered to cease all Crimson Wolf attacks against us IF we agreed to cease being Stormwolves. We Refused.
He also Kidnapped Magnus but seemingly returned him unharmed a short time later.
At the Fayre before heart he seemed to be making a speech in the circle, did anyone hear what he was on about, I was a little busy fighting.

Grimnir Redbeard (who we know lost the items we are looking for) returned from Hel and fought Bjorne at renewal. He claimed to have a "benefactor" on the same level as Hel herself. A "cold" god whom we now think is Hod.

I'm somewhat confused at the connection between Garm and Hod here, or Loki and Garm, could someone put me straight?

There is also some talk of Garm having stolen Iduns Apples. Judging by his silence we cannot be sure whether this has occurred or not.

*realising he has counted each finger at least twice Rurisk looks confused*

The only thing I can think of at this moment is finding out what Hod's connection to all of this is. Calling him into the Ritual Circle will not work if he is trapped with Hel. Therefore going to visit him is the only other option. If someone else can think of another plan be my guest.

"Pretty good summary Rurisk. The only thing you missed off was Selene's suggestion that the `cold god' could be Thiassi. I don't know much about Thiassi….actually, I know next to nothing aside from what Selene told us. You're right that sitting here isn't doing us
much good, but I really don't like the idea of going to Niflehiem.  There must be some other way we can find some answers. What about the other factions and groups? Might they be able to help? The Children of Grendel always seem to have a surprising amount of information.

How about the Library? I know this is `our' problem, but we're running out of ideas".

As she is talking, Tara is methodically rolling smoking sticks and absent mindedly holding them out for random Storm Wolves to grab and finally putting the last one in her mouth and lighting it.

As for the other factions, we certainly could ask them if they have heard anything or seen anything. That said if they had would they even tell us? The Lions would certainly find pleasure in making our problems worse as they do not believe Ragnarok will involve them, foolish I know but that is their way.

As for the Nomad library again we could try there but I have spoken to them on other matters before. The library is extensive but is collected piecemeal as a magpie collects shiny objects. There is no guarantee that anything regarding our myths is within their holding let alone anything pertaining to our current problem.

The problem is that unless we find some information that let us see what is happening soon, it may be too late to do anything. Garm and the Crimson wolves have been silent for far too long. It may be they have already stolen the apples or completed their plan without us realising.."

The fact is however we haven't heard much from him since then though..."

"So why can't I hear them?  I see them clearly enough..."

"It is not allowed".  The speaker, only a shadowy form sitting on a throne carved of bone shifts position slightly.

"I don't understand".

"It is not my decision.  Those decisions rest solely with Odin.  It  appears that my brethren are tired of molly-coddling the Stormwolves.  The intervention of the Gods has been limited.  Nowadays only the gifted may see or hear them... and this is usually in their dreams".

"...as you first appeared to me".

"Exactly.  They have been given more control over their destinies".

"Can they avoid Ragnarok?"

There is a quiet laugh and the figure walks across the cold chamber towards the tall armoured figure..

"No, if anything is certain, it is Ragnarok."  With a wave of a pale hand the vision in the pool fades.

"Can I not watch a little longer?"

"No, I have a job for you.  Follow me".

"I'm pretty sure Fayre was on Viper territory last year. Wasn't Heart on Greenskin territory? I remember Bjorne fighting one of their champions anyway. Hmmm…Renewal….nope, can't remember where that was. So maybe Garm's in league with the Vipers and Greenskins? Hmmm….a bit far fetched I think!"

Umm no I was thinking more that perhaps he and the crimson wolves are hidden in either the Viper lands or the Greenskin lands..

"Perhaps its because they wouldn't recognise Garm that he can stay hidden in their lands"
Selene looks at Tara

I'd forgotten that you didnt go on that quest...i seem to remember Garm turning up..wasnt that the time he tried to make Gunn kneel before him, I remember charging at him with an axe (which id have never lifted if we'd been on this plane) that was definitely at renewal because Olaf and Zog found the amulet during the quest which we detonated to charge the giants heart"

She taps her fingers mindlessly on her leg whilst considering a plan.

'Wish I was a ranger... then I could tell if this blasted storm will break before it's time to leave.'

Westag turns round and faces the younger Stormwolves, partially shrouded in darkness, the burning ember of his smokestick glaring in the halflight.

'There's some good thinking here, more than there used to be.  I remember quite clearly when all these questions and theorizing would have been Lord Myst's alone.  Stormwolves were his hands, and didn't have to struggle with things like this.'

Westag shakes his head wearily, leaning back against the firm log wall.

'Can't decide whether it was better then or now.  Then we just did as we were told, and we knew the enemy well.  He'd been Myst's son after all. Now - it's just so much more mysterious.  And I don't like mysteries, My Lady only knows.'

Glancing outside once again, Westag then coughs violently before catching his breath.

'Best to tie things up, Stormwolves.  Whatever points you have, make them now and make them clear.  Gunn and I need a chat soon, and then I need to confer with the healers, and he with the Priests of Odin. 

All before we leave for Lord Wolf's home.  At least it will be a short journey...*koff*'

Turning back to the conversation

"Perhaps it would be worth talking to some of our allies in other factions. Garm may only be bothering us….for now…..but if he's not at the gates of Niffelheim, he has to be hiding somewhere. Perhaps we can limit his options by ensuring he's less then welcome elsewhere too."

That's true.. Plus it seems that undead are becoming more prevalent again what with the Vampire Lords and these Death Knights wandering around. It could be many of them have already escaped from Niflheim.

"Forgive my lack of wisdom on the matter, I have but my father's tales to guide me. But how was Garm chained in the first place? Which god bound him to the gates of the underworld?

If we knew what powers had sway over Garm, could we not appeal to them for help to rechain him? I believe the valiant Tyr is destined to destroy Garm - would Tyr lend us the power to facedown Garm?"

Heavy boots underneath black robes crush the soft basalt forming on the edges of lakes of magma.  A tall figure halts at the edge of a steep ravine, a shorter figure of a woman stands beside him.  She turns her head towards him.

"Look down there, tell me what you see".

"The souls of the dead.... they're moving towards something".

"Yes.  The Gate".

"You mean THE gate?"

"Yes".

"They're trying to escape.  But they can't".

"They lack the strength.  The power of this realm is too great, it holds them here".

"But not all of them".

"No.. not all.  Some find the power to return to the world you have just left".

"Grimnar".  The young face, marked by the black and white of Hel, grimaces at the mention of the name.

"Yes. Grimnar.  Strength in life brings strength in death.  Now that he has such a powerful patron his power on the mortal plain is almost unrivalled".

"Can the Stormwolves destroy him?"

"I am not certain.  They could have done with your help.  He wanted to destroy you.  However you seem to have done that without his help."

The tall figure shift uncomfortably and clears his throat.

"So Westag and Invar are in danger.  You cannot intervene?"

"I did that once to help you... and paid dearly for doing so.  No, they are on their own.  Now, follow me.  I need you to drive these mindless souls back to the depths of my realm".

"OK.  Will any of them recognise me?"

"Possibly".

"Oh joy".

"i like your thinking, il see what i can come up with in research, however it could also be a good idea to give some cash away, i mentioned it at crusade but i dont think it happened...."

Selene walks towards one of the other rooms where she keeps various books and scrolls, on the way she patts Westag on the back, checking he is ok.

"Im not sure why i didnt think of this but..when Baldur died, before they sent him and Nanna on their last voyage, baldur was wrapped in a cloth as is customary.. but it specificaly says he was wrapped in a CRIMSON cloth. We've always said that the crimson wolves were trying to bring about Ragnarock and we are right. But have we ever really stopped to think why?"

Selene sits down, aware that they eyes of the wolves in the hall are on her, some with interest others with anger"

"What if the crimson wolves are doing this to resurrect Baldur and not just to finish us off and piss us off in the process? of course Hod would want to be in charge of them in some way! Think about it, with this army at his command, an army who may possibly have the same goal as him, to bring back baldur, he could achieve his goal. i know they  were originaly ruled by Loki but its also in Lokis interest to bring about ragnarock and end his own suffering."

Selene puts down the scroll and looks around the room, " the visions from turncap spoke of a wolf of many colours and we all agreed this was to show how the wolves were again to be unified. now, enemies or not, that may include the crimson wolves, im not however saying that garm has the same agenda as them, theres something else going on there... Perhaps there is someway we could let the crimson wolves know this, perhaps we could even get THEM to bring Garm to US......"

Selene stands and with a glint in her eye says "whos going to help me catch a crimson wolf?"

Westag nearly wretches with his coughing, and the wheeze that rushes breath back into his old lungs sends his face bright red with effort...

'You want to WHAT?! *koffkoff**kkkekkek*'

Westag pauses, takes a deep swig of mead and impatiently chucks his smokestick away (narrowly avoiding setting alight to Gunn's robes.

'No. NO! I forbid it, Selene. We cannot simply 'capture' a crimson wolf.  They're savages and fanatics.  I've seen one chew through taut wire bonds to escape questioning - he then ripped out two Stormwolf throats before we killed him.  You can't reason with them, and the only information they have is lies and more damned lies.'

Sincerity rings in Westag's strained voice, and the harrowed memories of a long, long life.

'*koff* we can't - *koff* - take one prisoner without encountering a horde.  And with Garm leading them, they're just too powerful.  We're not going to rush foolishly into a battle that could kill us all. 

You don't remember last year's Fayre, Allanya  We were lucky just to lose Ulric.'

Westag looks at Selene with haunted eyes.

'Not yet, Selene.  Once we have some kind of way to beat Garm, maybe we could take one in relative safely, but until then I forbid it.'

"Selene, a musing. The release of Hod and Balder would be a joyous event as the balance would be restored. Light and Dark. The serene darkness of Hod as necessary as the radiant light of Balder. Equal brothers as night and day. This would surely be an event to finally oppose the Trickster. Hod's revenge upon him would be Just, as this time Hod's hand will be guided by his brother, Balder.

Maybe we should be helping to assure that their return occurs without hindrance?"

" I understand what you say about the balance it will bring, this is  something i myself have thought about for a long time, but we cant just leave them too it, regardless of their original plan, whatever it may have been...the crimson wolves i mean...."

Selene turns to Westag anger beginning to show in her face.. " I dont have to remind you that the crimson wolves wiped out Gingaren westag, neither do i have to remind you how they destroyed everything i loved, everything i ever had... apart from Kiera.

I am well aware of how brutal they are and what they are capable of but if this is our only chance then i dont care" Selene throws her horn of mead to the side"im fed up of sitting and waiting. ive had enough of meditating and waiting for answers and not getting any! I miss our brothers who have passed over, i miss my family. I dont want to sit around here any more not doing anything"

Selene walks into a corner and stands on her own, gazing into a near by fire, trying to collect her thoughts and calm down, images of Gingaren flow through her mind...

"here" Hagar holds out a fresh horn of mead. "You will find answers Selene, you always have. Although they do not present themselves in the most obvious way." he pauses before continuing "My father first taught me to be strong, then how to live by the sword. But he also taught me that knowledge is more powerful than any sword, and you have more knowledge than i could ever dream to have, you are truly blessed by the gods and they will help us when the time comes"

Hagar takes his hand from her shoulder but continues to hold out the horn of mead.

Westag flares up in anger in return, hurling vicous words at Selene's turned back.

'You don't have a monopoly on grief, Selene!  Nor hatred, nor revenge and certainly not on frustration.  This is a path we ALL tread, so don't you dare lecture ME on how the Crimson Wolves have hurt you more than anyone else!'

Westag pauses in his invective, draining the tankard and looking a lot younger than he has recently.

'We gather information another way.  Now if you've finished sulking, there are other options we need to discuss before we leave.'

He laughs. 

The spirits before him flee in terror, hiding in the caves and outcrops of rock that characterise the blasted realm of Nifleheim. 

The macigs of his Patron obey his commands with but a word, stronger and more powerful than any he had cast in life. 

The tumult of tortured souls disperse before the mass of energies flying from his fingertips.

The job done... he smiles.

Looking behind him he sees the black gate of Nifleheim, one side frosted by cold, the other seared by heat.

He could leave.... After all ... what could stop him?

But he doesn't.  He turns away from the gate and walks towards the base of a black mountain in the distance.

He will stay here.

He is home.

Olaf smiles grimly. The cargo and the boat may be recompense for the damage caused, but it was far from enough... The smile fades. That Drakkar had been with him since his days as a wolf-coat. It was a reminder of the ill-fated charge of Ottar Ulfhedin. Many good men had died that day, to allow the escape on Ottars boat. Only for it to be burned, by some bureaucratic Viper.

Olaf remembered tracking the patrol that had burned and looted his vessel, all in the name of teutonian law. Remembered waiting for them to part company, and grabbing them off the roads of their own city. Blood-eagleing them on their own pier, then burning it around them. Remembered sneaking aboard the ship he now brought home... Now he would have to build a new boat. One worthy of the memories. Worthy of his new life as a stormwolf, and adept of Aegir... Speaking of boats, Olaf grinned, how would the Stormwolves react to seeing a Teutonian merchant-vessel making it's way through
the mist...

" I never claimed that the crimson wolves had hurt me more than anyone else, i was merley trying to state that i AM aware of how dangerous they are. "

Looking at Hagar Selene smiles.. "thank you for the mead, your father must be truly proud of you. You seem to have your fathers calming qualities...." as she walks past hagar to return to the other wolves she whispers in his ear with a grin..

"shame...you would have made a great husband for Kiera"

then swiftly walks off watching him blush with embarrasment.

As she approaches Westag she looks at him knowingly and says.. "if i never listened to your orders when i was 14 westag, what hope do you have now i am almost 30!....have you been to see someone about your ailment?"

Another worrying thought occurs... Does anyone know where Casboth's soul went once he was killed in the ritual circle.. My bet would be Niflheim...

Indeed his father had taught him many things...!

'What ailment?'

KOFF KOFF HREURRGHHAARR - ptooie - KOFF

"Who was Casboeth? And what is this Heart of which many have spoken?"

Hear (of darkness) was a gathering at approximately the same time as this summit will be held last year.

Sporting a heavy limp and covered in dried mud and more than a little caked blood, Ristain grins innanely as he aproached the assembled storm wolves...

A light seems to flash in his eyes, and he interrupts the two younger Stormwolves:

'Hang on a moment - I remember something else - you and I both got marked by Casboeth on Bjorne's trip to Niflheim, remember Rurisk? 

Casboeth obviously had the power to walk in and out of Niflheim THEN, what if....'

Westag withdraws, his features creased with new concern.

She breathes heavily, not feeling confident of her ability any more and wondering why the Gods choose this path for her when her thoughts are interupted by Ristains enterance...

She wanders over and hands him a horn of mead..."what in the name of odin happened to you, you look like youve played 10 games of hit it with Sven and you were the ball" She falls silent for a moment, hearing herself saying svens name, she shakes her head and tries to put yet another memory out of the way..

what happened to you....?"

Ristain drinks deeply of the horn of mead

'Oh well'

'What i miss....?'

Exactly my point Westag.

What if Casboeths death isn't actually all that final. Perhaps now he is restrained to Hel's land but has convinced Garm to continue his work. Or worse perhaps he just isn't constrained.

Add to that the fact that Casboeth could well have found Hod and convinced him to help bring Ragnarok early..

Outside the night is calm and only a gentle breeze blowes, Hagar takes several deep breaths and smiles quietly to himself, finds the nearest half comfy looking boulder and sits, staring out towards the cliffs.

Across the Island and the Hall, every Stormwolf pauses for a moment  in their duties, savouring the fresh scents on the breeze.  The change of the breeze is an age-old sign on the island, and carried in the bones of all Stormwolves is the knowledge it portends.

The Gods are blessing a journey this day.

The Runes in Selene's pouch seem to skitter and pulse with anticipation.  Wenches immediately seem to move from serving mead to fetching tack and sharpening blades.  With great whoops, the younger Stormwolves race off to get their gear, hopeful as ever to be included in the journey.

Westag lifts his head from the conspiracies of the Hall, and breathes in deeply.

'Time to leave Stormwolves.  Gather your things - this conversation will have to continue at Odinsholme.'

With that he levers himself haltingly up from the bench and begins looking for his equipment.

She sits by the fire and as the other wolves busy themselves with packing she drinks quietly from her horn. Many things are running through selenes head and she finds herself mindlessly playing with her bag of runes...

"what would uthgra think of me now?" she thinks to herself...the cold stone of the runes soothing her slightly...

"all those years of training yet i stil have no answers for them.

Westag has lost his eye becasue of me, svens dead, bjornes dead..what  kind of rune reader am i, i should have seen these things..is this my payback for what happened in Gingaren?...."

memories of happier times flood back to her and glimpses of her parents and uthgra, the village and even (a much younger) Westag pop up in her mind..she rests her head in her hands and sighs heavily

He reaches the top of the smouldering mountain and turns to survey the scene below him.

Smoke rises in the west from pits of bubbling lava and drifts slowly across the frozen lakes to the east.  To the North, the gates... and far to the south, Helheim, the hall of his patron.

From here he can see everything.  To the untrained (or unwelcome) eye, Niifleheim would be a harsh realm, but to the young Paladin the land thrums with the Magic of Hel.  In the Paladin's eyes there is nothing more inspiring - not even the sight of Westag in a temper.

A brief smile flickers across Bjorne's face.  Despite their differences Bjorne repected the foul tempered old man.  Westag had been the closest he had ever had to a father.  His close ties to Myst had been severed in the ritual circle ... even if it was the will of  the Gods.

Shaking his head the Paladin scan the mountain top.  Nodding slowly he raises one hand and closes his eyes.  Images of the Lady Hel flood his mind.  Opening his eyes he speaks a single word..

"Create".

The rock beneath his feet shifts and begins to rise.  From the top of the mountain bastions begin to rise and join with other fortified constructs.  Within seconds a bastion of black rock has formed at the summit of the mountain.

Ragnarok may come early. 

If it does, the armies of Nifleheim will be trained and ready ...