Thegn of Svartån

By L. L. Nelson

She will be Thegn of Svartån. If Svartån still exists.

Ina Svanunge is the rightful thegn-heir of Svartån, but the curve is steep as she learns to lead and protect her new homeland. A challenge made more difficult by the deep h

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nelding & Michcomb Publishing
• Release date: Feb 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9781957188065

Book preview

Chapter 1

Both relief and exhaustion flooded me as Haldrek and I stopped our horses in front of a well-worn sentry tower. We’d been riding since dawn break and the sun had set a while ago, leaving us with only the moon as a guide. The sentry tower was foreboding in the moonlight, but nothing worse than I’d seen in Svartån thus far. It would work for tonight. As I got off my horse and tried to ignore the dull ache in my thighs, I brushed some fallen snow from my armor.

Go ahead and get a fire started inside. I’ll find a covered place to tie up the horses. Haldrek brushed some snow off of them and headed around the side of the tower.

Entering the sentry tower, I cast a small globe of magic light, which illuminated the place. It was tiny, but it would work. Evidence of previous occupants covered the floor and black soot stained the stones in the back. Soon, I found dry kindling and created a small fire. Enough to light up the whole bottom floor and melt the remaining snow on my armor.

Looks good. Haldrek smiled as he entered the tower. Have you checked the other floors?

I shook my head, groaning internally. Sorry. That would have been wise before settling down. Haldrek nodded, unfazed, and made his way up the wooden stairs in front of us. As soon as he disappeared, my chest warmed up, and I pulled my pendant out from underneath my gambeson.

Popping it open, I saw Mattie stare at me with a mischievous grin. Looks like you’re staying warm and safe out there. Haldrek doesn’t have you under a makeshift tent this time. Where are you two tonight?

I glanced over at the stairs with a smile before focusing back on Mattie. We’re at an empty watchtower halfway between Katla and the crossroads west of Aldinnvollr. It doesn’t look too run down, but we’re the only ones here. I’d expect guards or something, but maybe they were sent to Drattüjert. I bit my lip, thinking. Anyway, how is the estate?

Mattie nodded. Good. We’re repairing the defenses and building up the village again. Word spreads fast, so there’s been a handful of people—Hethurin mainly—coming here asking for help and wanting to join the village. I saw no harm in it, so I said yes.

That’s fine. If they can work and help rebuild the estate, all the better.

The steps creaked, and I glanced up as Haldrek returned. No one but ourselves for tonight. Not that I expected anyone. He walked over and curled up next to me, placing his chin on my shoulder. His beard tickled the side of my neck. Kissing me on the edge of my cheekbone, he said, Back when there were more people traveling overland between Katla and the rest of Svartån, there were often warriors and travelers alike here every night.

Mattie frowned. Is the road not used anymore? I can’t remember how remote that part of Svartån is, but I’m surprised bandits or anyone else haven’t taken it up.

I don’t know why there aren’t any bandits here. Perhaps luck or something else. I’m guessing the reason there aren’t any warriors here is because they were pulled for fighting the Blodnar. Haldrek shrugged. I wouldn’t have pulled them, but… that was Ina’s father’s decision. How are things at the estate?

Mattie shrugged. Could be. Svangendom is fine. I was just telling Ina about the new arrivals. Skuti is puttering around, still trying to find documents and the like for you two. He never sent a messenger to warn us of an impending Isillas invasion.

Really? I sat up straighter at the news.

Skuti poked his head into view. The only messenger I sent was the one with the book you requested. I believe the other messenger may have been from someone else who was trying to cause chaos. He waved some parchment in front of his face. Before I forget, Lady Ina… I found a few documents your father made on the pendants connecting to the thegn stones. I’m adding notes to them based on what Lady Mathilde—

Mattie… Mattie interrupted him from off the screen.

Skuti winced. Lady Mattie… told me. She said a similar magic is common in your world. I was hoping to add any insight you have, as well.

I nodded. I don’t think I know anything more than Mattie. We can connect with and see people in faraway places like this, though usually it’s expensive. If you only wanted to hear a person’s voice, that’s cheaper and more common, but yeah… it’s common where we’re from.

Skuti ducked out of view and there was the faint scratching of a quill on the other side. Fascinating. Truly fascinating. I can see, more and more, why your father was so fascinated with your world. He waved his hand around a bit in the screen. Anyway, I won’t interrupt any more. I’m glad you are in excellent hands with Thegn Andrattür, and I am highly pleased you were able to defeat Hardbein.

I laughed and nodded as Skuti disappeared from view and Mattie returned.

So... when do you two think you’ll make it to Katla?

If not tomorrow, early the next day. We’ll be passing by the place Modolf wanted us to take his package to. I know Llamryl was supposed to take it with some of his men, but I want to see if he made it or if they need to know something is coming.

Mattie nodded. Skuti mentioned something about the place in passing. I guess a woman approached your father a couple of years ago requesting land to build on near Katla. He told her that kind of request should be taken up with the gesith of Katla, not him.

Haldrek added, She was the gesith’s daughter. I remember her visit. Rumors had already reached Svangendom of a falling out between gesith of Katla and his children. I don’t remember the details, but I remember the woman being adamant that she had to have the thegn’s approval, not just her father’s.

I turned to him. Do you remember her name?

He frowned. It was an uncommon name. Sol—something. Solveig? Solvang? Something like that. He shrugged. We’ll find out soon enough tomorrow.

Mattie nodded. Let me or Skuti know as soon as you do. He said it was important for us to know how willingly the gesith of Katla will follow Ina. That information will help you know what course you need to take before your coronation as thegn.

How so? I focused on Haldrek. He grimaced.

The gesith of Katla is a powerful warrior and puts great emphasis on fighting skill. Haldrek said. He has fought off Isillas raids since before your father was thegn. He is also a stubborn man. As I mentioned in Aldinnvollr.

I groaned. I remember now. Haldrek and I had been practicing my fight skills over and over since I’d defeated Hardbein. I knew I’d need to continue training, but now I worried even the little that I had wouldn’t be enough.

Don’t worry about it for now, Ina. Once he sees you with your armor and sword, he’d be an idiot not to swear allegiance to you, right? Mattie’s focus darted to Haldrek for confirmation.

He shrugged. He’ll accept Ina as thegn, I’m sure. What I’m not sure of is what he’ll do in response to Ina being the thegn-heir. He may see it as an opportunity to mold Ina into the thegn he wished her father would have been... or he may ignore her and do what he wishes. Haldrek turned to me, pulling his attention away from the pendant, his expression grim. The gesith of Katla has always been loyal to Svartån, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t have heated arguments with your father.

I nodded, mentally bracing myself for what the meeting with the gesith would bring.

Mattie yawned and then shook her head. It’s getting late. I’m going to head to my quarters and get some rest. You two stay warm out there and safe. She focused on Haldrek and raised an eyebrow. No funny business, okay? Or I’ll tell Sivath to chastise you again.

Good night, Mattie...

Haldrek closed my pendant, and I laughed as I tucked it back under my gambeson.

***

That night, I dreamt of Svangendom again. But it wasn’t the Svangendom from the games or even from the real world. Instead, everything was gray and overcast. Hethurin milled around the village and courtyard, oblivious to my presence, but every so often one or two were forced up into the thegn hall. Usually Hethurin who were older or injured. Despite the foreboding feeling that overwhelmed everything, I followed.

Inside the thegn hall, the atmosphere was also grim. Torch and candlelight, which were usually warm and had a yellowish-orange tinge, now held a sharp whitish glow. Even the large fire pit near the thegn’s chair glowed a harsh white.

You’ve arrived. At last.

I focused my attention on the speaker. Seirye sat at the far end of the fire pit, lounging in the thegn’s chair, one leg hanging over an arm of the throne.

Seirye? Indignation bubbled inside of me and even though I knew this was a dream, the intense desire to throw him out of the chair welled up inside me.

Who else would you expect here? Or to come visit you in your sleep? Your father? A wicked grin lit up his face as he flicked his fingers at a nearby Hethurin woman. An earsplitting scream filled the room as every inch of her exposed skin turned black, frostbitten in an instant. Her corpse fell to the ground where two Isillas soldiers dragged it away.

There was whimpering behind me, and I saw a line of weak and frightened people by the fire pit.

I turned back to Seirye. What the hell is this? You don’t belong here. I’m the thegn! And if you—

"Correction—you are the thegn-heir. He wagged his finger at me. As much as I loathe your people, I would be stupid not to understand your inferior culture. And you are not thegn until seven of your peers crown you. Unesari—or Svartån, as you call it—is without leadership right now. Which is why I think it is a perfect time to reclaim what was rightfully mine."

Is that why you sent soldiers to burn down villages and kill people? What kind of leader does —?

One who wins. Seirye interrupted. My soldiers didn’t kill everyone. Just those who fought back, or who would be a drain on this land. He flicked his hand at the next person in line and I cast a fireball to hit his frost magic before it could do any harm. Instead, the frost made the fire disappear and hit the next person, who screamed and collapsed to the ground, as frostbitten as the first victim. Seirye turned to me. This may be your dream, but I’m the one who controls it.

Panic and anger welled up inside me as I tried to keep my emotions from showing. What do you want?

I want to show you a taste of what your people should expect after you fail them. After I kill you and take my rightful place again. He knocked on the back of the thegn’s chair and grimaced. I’ll have to burn this ugly thing as well. Ottkatla was so gaudy in her symbolism.

I opened my mouth to speak, and he shook his head.

"I wasn’t finished. Before you say: ‘Oh, I defeated Hardbein, I’ll defeat you as well, and I have the dragons’, know this: though Svartån would have been easier to conquer if you and Hardbein were still bickering, you are so very weak and pathetic. I know I can defeat you. Hardbein may have been easier, but you are no challenge for me. He flicked his fingers a third time, and I cringed as I heard the scream. See? Your sympathy for these half-breeds, these rutting animals, weakens you."

I turned, observing the Hethurin in line and tried to think of something to do or say to shut Seirye up. But instead, I felt hopeless and vulnerable. I hated myself for not being able to do anything, even in a dream.

The only question I have is: how many soldiers to bring? Should I bring enough to utterly destroy this place? Or just enough to bend the survivors to my will? I guess that will be for the thegn-heir to find out.

I turned back to him and saw he now held a severed head in his hand. His questions had been pointed at it, instead of me.

Still, I pushed back the urge to gag as I saw whose head it was. Mattie’s. I reminded myself this was a dream, but the horror of him toying with the head brought my full anger out. "I will never let you take Svartån back. You will never be able to harm a single person, not the Hethurin, not Mattie, not anyone, as long as I’m alive. It doesn’t matter how big your force is. I will fight to keep Svartån safe for as long as I am alive."

Seirye laughed. Big words for a little girl. Especially one who can’t fight. Mattie’s head disappeared, as did the thegn hall. For a moment, everything was black and then we were back in my mother’s basement. Seirye stood up from where he’d been sitting on the stairs. I’m not even talking about physical fighting. Not that you excel at that by any means. I’m talking about what’s going on inside your head. I can see your thoughts, your memories, and all your weaknesses, he walked up to and around me, his steps slow as if waiting for the right time to pounce, I’ve seen what your mother did. Her skills with illusion almost surpass my own. Impressive for one who isn’t an elf and even more so, since your world supposedly doesn’t have magic.

You don’t scare me, Seirye. It was a lie, but I did what I could to keep a brave face as he circled around me and I stood, unable to move.

I doubt that, but... perhaps this will scare you. He popped into the periphery of my right eye, but instead of a pale elf, I saw Robert staring at me. Does this Lohikärran brute scare you?

I stiffened but kept my eyes on Seirye. No. He doesn’t scare me.

Are you sure? Seirye stood in front of me. He leered at me as if trying to imitate Robert’s lewd mannerisms. Instead, he was just… strange. Even as Robert, he was more calculating and less creepy. After a moment, ‘Robert’ melted away and Seirye grimaced. Very well. His grin returned and terror flooded me as ice formed in his hand. Before I could do anything, my body burned with a deep, deep cold and I screamed as everything disappeared.

***

I woke up to the dim light of dawn coming through the window above me. Haldrek still slept, his slow and steady snoring rousing me further. Curled up against the adjacent wall to where I had been sleeping, he had his head on his knees.

It surprised me he wasn’t up yet. The small campfire in front of us still had coals burning, so I poked them. I rolled off the straw bedding I had made up the night before and added kindling, as Haldrek had shown me many times before. Soon there was a nice warm fire going, enough to warm up some of the Svartån bread from Aldinnvollr.

"Get mooring, mine drawing…" Haldrek mumbled, his forehead still on his knees. I jumped in surprise at the sound of his voice. The bag he held rustled as he squeezed it tighter.

I raised an eyebrow and continued to warm a piece of the meat bread over the coals. Sleep talking. Had I ever slept-talked? If I had, no one had mentioned it. He continued to mumble about his ‘drawing’ for a few more minutes before quieting down again. As I finished heating my breakfast, he lifted his head and blinked at me.

Morning, Ina. He yawned before shaking his head to wake himself.

Morning. You seemed to be having a pleasant dream just now.

His eyes widened. Was I talking in my sleep?

I nodded. I’m guessing you’ve done that before.

Straightening himself out, he nodded. Sometimes it’s grumbles and grunts, other times, full-on sentences. Or so I’ve been told.

Well, if you were speaking English, it sounded like gibberish. If it was Lohikärran—well—I still don’t understand. But you were talking about a drawing of yours or something.

Haldrek frowned and then shrugged. Hmm. Well, you’ll have to tell me what I say if I do say something interesting in my sleep. He leaned forward to grab the loaf as I pulled pieces of the warmed Svartån bread and nibbled on them.

I figured having some warm food in my stomach would help for the rest of the journey.

He nodded. I was thinking about our next destination last night. After you fell asleep.

Katla? What were you thinking about? I bit off a piece of the meat bread and chewed it until it was somewhat tender.

Just... how to approach the gesith. I don’t think he would cause you any trouble, but given his stubbornness, I’d rather that trait be focused to your benefit than you having to work against it.

I nodded. Remind me again why Katla is important? I know it’s a port city, but... what else?

Katla is where Ottkatla landed and first fought against Seirye and his elves. Hence the name. Because of this, the people there are devoted to Svartån. Most times, the thegn as well. He raised his eyebrows as if remembering something. But Katla is also where you will find your most experienced warriors in your fight against the Isillas. Your father told me once there was a shrine or something millennia ago where the Isillas worshipped, and to this day, every time they attack Svartån, they make an attempt at Katla.

Did they make an attempt there when they attacked Svangendom and the eastern part of Svartån? I asked.

Haldrek shrugged. I don’t know. The gesith would, though.

We were quiet for a few minutes, chewing on our bread, before he said, But before we make our way to Katla, I think it would be wise to check on the orphanage place. I don’t know if you wanted to go to Katla and then there or not.

Is it faster to go to the orphanage or—

Help! Someone help!

Haldrek and I both focused on the door of the tower, hands on our weapons, just in case. Haldrek was on his feet by the time a young man dropped to the ground at the doorway.

He stared up at us wide eyed in panic and gasped, They’re coming to kill us! Please help!

Who? Who’s coming to kill you? I asked.

The men of Katla. No time. Please…

Haldrek stomped out the fire and I grabbed our bags with haste.

How far is… where are we going? I asked.

The orphanage. For Hethurin. Please. There are mostly children there. We can’t defend ourselves.

Without a second thought, I hurried out of the tower, Haldrek at my heels. He turned away to grab the horses. I grimaced as I tried to grab the young man’s arm. How far is the orphanage from here?

Just over the next ridge! Please! We need to hurry!

Haldrek and I rode as fast as we could, with the young man behind me on my horse. As we crested over the ridge, we saw a clearing with a handful of men on horses facing off against a smaller group of men armed with little more than old farm tools and pickaxes. Behind the smaller group of men stood a two-story wood log cabin building with few windows, all of which were shut up tight.

Give us the supplies!

These supplies are for the orphanage! The thegn-heir of Svartån sent us here to deliver them. Llamryl’s voice rang out from among the smaller group, but I couldn’t tell where he was in the mass.

Making my way down toward the two groups, I shouted: Stop!

The men all turned to me as I stopped short of them. Llamryl emerged from the smaller group and bowed deeply to me.

Thegn Ina. I’m glad you’re here.

Thegn Ina? One man still on horseback focused on me, staring in disgust before his eyes widened. You wear the thegn armor. Of Svartån. Who are you? And where is the true thegn?

I’m Ina Svanunge. Daughter of Ingmar Svanunge. And I am the true thegn. Who are you?

I am Trygve. Leader of the house guard for the gesith of Katla. I’ve come here to rescue the gesith’s daughter. If you wear the thegn armor… where… or what happened to your father?

He died protecting the High King at Drattüjert. I was there. Haldrek interjected. Why do you say the people here have kidnapped the gesith’s daughter?

The door to the building creaked open and a young woman, likely no more than a few years older than me, walked out. She stood straight and had a defiant air about her. After walking up to where Llamryl and the others stood, she stopped.

I was not stolen, nor kidnapped, nor anything else my father said. I left of my own free will and the thegn himself gave me this land not two years ago. Now I demand you leave and stop harassing these people. The only way I will return to Katla is in a coffin and I’m sure my father wouldn’t be pleased with that.

The men on horseback shifted awkwardly and focused on Trygve. His face was set in a scowl, and he spat: Solvange Aridottir, I assume? You have your father’s attitude, though not his intelligence. He has told us, and we have experienced the seduction and charmed words of these half elves ourselves. You think you came of your own free will, but we all know that’s a lie.

The men behind Trygve started laughing, which did nothing to soothe the situation. Solvange’s glare hardened, and she replied: I’m not going anywhere. This is my land, and I will stay here until the day I die.

If you come unwillingly, we will happily slaughter these half-breeds.

My own anger rising, I slipped off my horse and pulled my sword from the scabbard. No, you won’t. I walked over next to Solvange, keeping the blade pointed at the men. Haldrek followed suit.

Would you kill a thegn and thegn-heir to take this woman back to Katla? Haldrek added.

Trygve’s bravado changed, and he scowled at us. Thegn-heir, I know the questions surrounding your existence. You wear the thegn armor, and you wield the thegn’s sword, yet I doubt you know much about the land you are now in. You know little about the Hethurin, do you?

I know enough. And I know the Hethurin have been loyal to me and my father. I know they don’t wield illusion magic, either. Their skills are with healing and growth magic.

He scoffed. You haven’t met many Hethurin, have you? They are half breeds. Half elf and half human. But they can wield any kind of magic they wish. There are many in Katla who wield illusion magic and they have no remorse for their actions. He gestured to a man standing next to Llamryl, but who stood about a head taller than him. This man charmed the gesith’s other daughter and led to her death. Even if we don’t return with Solvange, he has demanded that half-breed’s head as punishment for his deeds.

Since when? Solvange took a step toward Trygve and, much to my surprise, he pulled his horse back. It’s been two years since Aldis’s death and only now does my father ache for his daughter? After his two other remaining children have left him? Yes, I know of my brother’s sojourn from Katla. My father didn’t care when Aldis was alive and didn’t care when he kicked her from the city. Why in Lyrroth would he care now except to regain power and his people’s good graces?

Trygve’s face slackened and then he shook his head. You slander your father and if you were any other person, I would severely punish you for speaking poorly of the gesith.

I speak what I know. Which is more than you. Leave now. Tell my father if he wants to see me again, he needs to make amends for Aldis’s death and speak with me personally. Not send thugs to kidnap me. I came here willingly, and I will stay here. Now leave.

Trygve continued to sit there on his horse, not responding for a moment. Then he gestured for a few of his men to get off their horses and grab the trunk Llamryl and his men had brought with them. In the squaring off between the two groups, they had left it to the side. As the men moved toward it, I did as well.

That has been spoken for. I specifically had it sent from Svangendom to the orphanage here and if your men steal it, I will take it as a personal affront.

The men hesitated as I stared down Trygve. He scowled. I would take it as a peace offering, since Solvange refuses to return to Katla or let us mete punishment upon the creature who killed her sister.

Solvange stepped forward toward the man, but one of the Hethurin held her back. I turned to Trygve and said, You would steal a gift from a thegn to orphans? Is that truly what the gesith of Katla would want? Is he that heartless?

Trygve hesitated this time, and I could tell he was scrambling for what to say in his mind. Thegn-heir Svartån… with all due respect…

If you truly respect me, you will leave now and without the gift I sent here. I paused, waiting to see if they’d respect my threat. When the men refused to move, I continued, I expected the gesith of Katla to be a wise man, but it doesn’t seem like the task he’s sent you on is all that wise.

Trygve stiffened up, and he gestured to his men to get back on their horses. You shall see how wise my gesith is. You may be the thegn-heir, holding the armor and the weapon of that title, but you are still young, and you would be wise to take lessons from him in diplomacy.

Without another word, he and his men left. As soon as the clearing was void of them, the mood lightened and I sheathed my blade, heaving a sigh of relief.

So you are the new Thegn of Svartån?

Turning to the woman, Solvange, I nodded. I am. I’ve been here a few weeks, but I’ve already learned much about Svartån and Lohikärra. I hoped my introduction to this part of Svartån would be smoother.

Solvange sighed. "My father is a stubborn man. We’ve locked horns since I was a child. I’m sorry you had to witness that. As a warrior, it is true, he has always been loyal to the thegns. Both your father and grandfather. But he has certain ideas about how to run Katla, the surrounding areas, and even Svartån itself. But he has never been so bold as to oppose a