The Tale Of Orm's Revenge

By Rik Hunik

Inspired by the Sagas of the Icelanders, this sword and sorcery novelette follows Orm as he sets out against Sigurd, who killed his brothers and neighbors, and took their land for the use of himself and his gang. Guided by a prophecy, Orm finds allies and unexpected help, including a magic sword..

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rik Hunik
• Release date: Jan 17, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301909681

Rik Hunik

Rik Hunik was born in Nelson, British Columbia, Canada, in 1957, and has lived his entire life in BC, except for a few summers in Alberta, and a few days in Washington State climbing rocks. He has lived in Ymir, Wells, Quesnel, Prince George, Quesnel, North Vancouver, Quesnel, Burnaby, North Delta, and Quesnel. I live with my wife Jo and a blue-eyed, white cat named Mister. I mostly build houses and shops to earn a living but I'm also a writer, poet, artist, photographer, role playing game designer and independent e-book publisher. I’ve written dozens of stories, including fantasy, horror, sword & sorcery, mystery, humor, erotica, and science fiction, frequently combining genres. Forty have been published in small press magazines and e-zines, from the 200-word "The Hole" in Ascent Aspirations, to the 10,000-word novelette "Levels" in Buzzy Mag, published in May, 2012. Some of them are available now as ebooks at Smashwords. Contact me at: [e-mail]

Book preview

The Tale Of Orm's Revenge

By Rik Hunik

Published by Rik Hunik at Smashwords

copyright 2013 by Rik Hunik

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Chapter 1

Unable to walk through the ghost of his brother Harald, as he had five times previously on his way out the door each morning to work his farm, Orm stopped one pace away. Harald just stood there in front of the door, his arms folded across his burly chest, looking at Orm with calm, ice-blue eyes, eyes Orm could meet only for an instant at a time.

Orm felt the pressure of more eyes on his back and turned around, not surprised to see his beautiful, blonde wife Helgi and the widows of his three brothers standing in a line.

Freydis, Harald's plump, red-haired widow, spoke up, her voice flat, her face pinched, You know what he wants.

She was the source of the most reproach but Orm could not deny that she was right. He nodded.

He waited more than a year to appear. Now you must act. She tried to conceal it but Orm heard the tinge of contempt in her voice.

Orm looked down at the floor. He had always been the youngest of the brothers but now he was the eldest as well, still alive because he had not fought alongside his brothers against Sigurd. He had not fought against Sigurd because he had been away to the far side of the island on a trading mission and when he got back any attack would have been suicidal.

What can I do? I am only one man against a hundred. Everybody knew that Sigurd commanded more men than all the other farms in the valley combined, and that he was ruthless in putting down anything his suspicious mind saw as rebellious. I can be executed for fomenting rebellion, or made outlaw for even talking to anybody about it. He didn't need to mention that Bragi, the local chieftain, always sided with Sigurd in disputes.

Helgi came forward. My cousin across the valley sent word that her great aunt Grimhild, the greatest seer on the island, is visiting. You must speak with her for guidance.

Orm remained skeptical about Grimhild's abilities but lacking any other plan he said, Yes, I'll do that. He dressed for war, tying back his long, blond hair, putting his chain mail on under his plain brown tunic, and donning a conical helmet.

Freydis said, You should take Harald's battle axe.

Orm shook his head. It's too heavy for me, I'm not as big as he was. He strapped on his own sword.