Symbolum Venatores: Twilight of the Gods

By Ty'Ron W. C. Robinson II

"Welcome to The End"

In the year 873 AD, Einar, The One who Stands Alone returns to England after the ongoing battles between Saxons and Danes increase. Although, an outsider to both his viking brethren and the Saxon forces, Einar is on a mission to discover a darker ploy at work. One relate

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dark Titan Entertainment
• Release date: Dec 30, 2022
• ISBN: 9798987506516

Book preview

ARC I - THE LONE ONE

CHAPTER ONE

873 AD

Through the billowing of the wind across the ocean, a ship made its way to the shores of England. A ship decorated in the markings of the Vikingr. But, this ship was, different to the other ones that have come through this path. This ship featured an insignia unlike the other vikingr.

On the grounds, a young boy who was playing with a wooden toy boat looked out and saw the coming ship. He stood up in wonder as he called out to his mother who was nearby. When she turned around after hearing his call, she saw him staring into the open sea, pointing in a frozen state.

What is it? She asked.

It’s him.

The mother looked out, seeing the ship as her son. Yet, her eyesight was greater than the boy and she could make out the figure standing in the ship and the image painted on the sail. Her eyes widened as she saw the symbol and the figure. And he saw her.

Go inside the house. Now.

Is it one of the gods?

No. I’m afraid it’s not.

On the sail rested the sign of the Hunters. The Remnants of the North. The valknut in the center of the hexagram. This sign is clear to those who are aware of the Hunters. The Symbolum Venatores. The insignia is the branch of the North. Resting on the ship stood a man. A brute figure cloaked in dark fur atop his shoulders with a cape flowing on his back. In his right hand, he wielded an axe of war. Gravely looking after its use in conflict. Dark brown hair moved with the cool wind as his eyes somewhat glowed with the moonlight as lightning streaked the heavens above. The people standing near the shore gazed up by the quickening streak as the thunder followed. Believing it was Thor making himself known. Setting forth his arrival to their shores. Yet, it was not their god of thunder. It was someone else. Someone who’s become aware of the Norse gods and the truth around them. A Remnant of the Symbolum Venatores. He is known simply as: Einar The Hunter.

The ship arrived on the shores of East Anglia where a Norse settlement stood. The ship made its stop as Einar stepped off the boat and onto the land. Walking past the others Norsemen and women, they stared in awe and terror before him. Einar’s works are renown to his people. His actions across the raids of the years prior to his mysteriousness in which he now possesses by being a Remnant of the Symbolum Venatores. Einar arrived in England not to dwell amongst his own people, but for a mission. A mission which will prove a great test for all his people and the people of England. For the wars are ongoing between the Vikings and the Saxons. The arrival of the Danes in sometime past have only escalated the conflict. Einar cares not for the primitive battles of man. His task is of something greater and that is why he’s arrived in England.

CHAPTER TWO

The longhouse was filled with vikingr and their families. A celebration took place after a recent victory over a Saxon army. Hearing their talks of success, Einar questioned if any of his adversaries from the other lands might have been in the area of the battles. Sitting at one of the tables was Fritjof, a warrior whose fire grew with every strike. On the battlefield, he could be easily spotted by his flowing red hair, besides the blood flowing from the strikes of his axe upon his enemies. He saw Einar and leaped with excitement as he approached him.

"Einar! The One who Stands Alone."

It is I, Ol’ Fritjof.

It is something of peculiarity to find you here in England once again. I thought the ramblings of Rome would keep you away from us.

Much is to be done in Rome. However, I’ve returned for a different cause.

Different as in aiding us against the Saxons or is this related to your newfound calling?

Little of both.

Fritjof nodded as he drunk from his cup of mead.

Well, to a successful achievement!

To you as well.

The cups clashed as the celebrations continued. As the festivity continued, Einar’s eyes caught the glimpse of a strange man lurking through the longhouse. Einar paused in his drinking as he measured the man. Robed in blood-red and sealed white. Einar knew he was a priest, yet not one he was familiar with to lurk around Northmen territory. Before anyone else to make a move, the robed man pulled out a knife, stabbing a drunken Viking at one of the tables. Shouts echoed through the longhouse as the Vikings rose up from the tables with their axes and knives in hand. Einar’s eyes remained on the robed man as he fled to the outside.

Who was that man? Fritjof questioned.

I think I might have an idea. Einar answered. Let’s stop him.

Running to the outside, Einar, Fritjof, and the other Vikings found themselves facing a small army of Saxon soldiers. Their swords in hand as the robed man stood in front of them, turning around to face the Vikings.

Who are you? Fritjof asked.

I am one who disdains your kind living on our land. Your kind brings nothing but death and destruction.

I know those words. Einar said. You’re one of them aren’t you.

One of whom do you compare me to?

Don’t play coy here. You know what I’m talking about.

The robed man grinned and applauded.

"It seems not all of you are as dumb as you seem. I am what you believe me to be. One of the Repletes who will wipe this world clean from all corruption."

You talk as if you’re the cleansing when you’re only bring about more chaos.

Chaos begets order. Such is the way of things.

Why are we still talking. One of the Vikings asked.

He wants to die already. The robed man grinned. A pleasure.

With a wave of his hand as he walked away, the Saxons rushed toward the Vikings. The Northmen did not hesitate as they clashed back against them. Einar and Fritjof led the group into battle. The blood flowed through the dirt beneath their feet as bodies fell. Einar’s axe was sharp, cutting the limbs from Saxons. Fritjof wielded an axe of his own and pummeled any Saxon who stepped in his way. It did not take long as the last Saxon was quickly decapitated by Einar. The Vikings shouted in victory, while Einar and Fritjof chased own the robed man, eventually finding him on the banks of the river. Standing still with his hands in front and his eyes locked on.

I knew they would be of easiness for you.

Who are you? Einar asked. Why did they send you here?

To finish the task.

What task? Fritjof questioned. What are you speaking about?

This is not of your concern, Northman. I am speaking directly to the Hunter.

You know what I am.

"I do. I’ve seen you in Rome. Ramping around as if you’re the sole justice of the city. The Sacerdotes knew what shall be done to you for interfering in our works. Works that have reached time past and times to come."

"The Symbolum Venatores are the ones who will make justice pure across this world. Your kind are nothing but the destroyers. Fathers of monsters and mothers of demons. That is what you are and it will always be what you are."

You will see how wrong you are soon.

Enough of this crazy talk! Fritjof yelled. You killed one of our own. I cannot let you live with such a crime.

The robed man went down on his knees, extending his arms like branches and lowered his head. With a smile on his face he began to mock the Vikings and their gods. Only to end his talk with a warning for Einar, stating his mission will come to an end by his own origins. When he silenced himself, Fritjof raised the axe and sliced the head of the robed man from his body.

Now that he’s done. We can return to the longhouse. Fritjof said. What was that all about? The talking?

He’s a member of an order who’s against my own. We share a common hatred for one another.

Kind of like us Vikingr and the Saxons?

Very much so.

CHAPTER THREE

The next morning when Einar arose, he stepped outside of the longhouse, taking in the morning sun. as he sighed the sound of rushing feet came closer. His eyes opened quickly to