Protector of Yggdrasil

“Collecting pieces of Yggdrasil will be difficult.” Alvis leans back in his chair as Freydis and the younglings of Sanctuary gather to meet with him and Runa in a private room.

“These answers, they were given to you by the immortal one?” Runa said.

“They were. She lived many lifetimes, in a world that reset itself many times. She also gave us a way to cure the blessed, however difficult it may be. Eiric trusts her as well.” Freydis said.

“And why is that?”

“Livhild was dear to me. I only met Verdandi, but she was someone who instilled fear into my heart.” Eiric said.

“Eiric was attacked by another of the angels, Urd. They are hiding something and want Eiric dead because of it. There will be answers there.” Sigrun said.

“Well, I won’t deny that you have merit to this. But the protectors of Yggdrasil are powerful, even more so than the five captains. I’m sure your parents told you. But they didn’t tell you how they know, did they?”

“They didn’t.”

Alvis claps. “Then I’ll tell you a quick story. You three might like this, it includes all of your parents.”

·

“We will be rich beyond belief!” Sten, a member of Mithold’s worst generation, said.

The members of the group gather around a campfire as they rest before attempting their most dangerous mission yet, collecting a piece of Yggdrasil.

“A piece of Yggdrasil is said to grant wishes, but will it do so for all of us? Fighting over it could be just as dangerous as the fight to get it.” Alvis said.

“What could be better than money?” Ingrid said.

“A lifetime of beauties!” Torsten said.

“Oh please, only you want that.” Astrid said.

“Money is something we could all share.” Nattlina said.

“I agree. It may be best.” Keldan said.

“Then we’ll vote.” Brynja said.

The worst generation look to the sky piercing tree, Yggdrasil. Only visible to those near its home, they’re left silent by its magic.

At its base sits a tall man in glowing, silver armor. The armor is old and falling apart, kept together only by the magic around him which sparks shades of black and silver similar to his eyes.

“Know that the danger you face is unapparelled… leave before I no longer control this body.”

The man stands, his body twitching as he attempts to stops himself to no avail. He grabs his right arm but soon loses the emotion in his eyes.

“Fjorir Thunderstrike.”

Alvis opens his eyes after being knocked unconscious in an exchange with the monster his group faces. Ahead of him, Astrid continues her fierce exchange with the protector of Yggdrasil that shakes the entire realm.

“Don’t stand Alvis!” Sten stumbles to his feet, “I won’t let any of you die. I promise!”

“What?” Around Alvis, the rest of the group are in grave condition, “No. Sten! If you heal us that much, you’ll put yourself in danger!”

Sten smiles at Alvis, “Alvis, promise you won’t let me hurt anyone. Fimm heal.”

·

“The battle soon became one of survival. The only one able to cross blades with that monster was Astrid. Brynja was injured, I was soundly defeated, Ingrid was frozen in place. We were arrogant then. Are you sure this is the only way?”

“I’m sorry, Alvis, it is all Livhild knew.” Freydis said.

“Then we’ll have to conquer old demons then. We’ll need great power. Ideally, we would take all ten captains, but the losses would be far too great. I will be going of course, I’m much stronger now. I’m going to coordinate with your parents, they understand the difficulty of the fight to come. May I ask for your assistance, Sigrun?”

“I will help. But only if you swear to aid in the fight.”

“Of course, this is personal to me. We lost Sten because of that monster. We will begin now, the rest of you get to training. You may not be on the frontlines, but you’ll need to become stronger if you are to take on the other protectors.”

Eiric trains with Runa as Vilgur and Freydis train with Ingrid who volunteered for the right amount of coin.

“May I ask how you use that blessed weapon?”

“Vili and Ve? It’s no easier for me than it is for you blessed. Perhaps it is because I am willing to sacrifice that I can use it. I have to give to use them. Memories, health, lifespan, anything it will accept.”

“That’s far too dangerous. I give no such thing to use my blessing.”

“But you are at risk of losing everything, even if you defied it so far. Understand that I gladly do so to protect Solgrad and Mithold. That includes your people. I’m sorry for the hardship we have caused you, I always hoped we would find a better way.”

“I bear no ill will towards you. It’s why I’m here, I want to help change everything. Tell me, are the protectors that strong?”

“I’ve only heard from stories, but if Alvis’s group, the worst generation, we’re soundly defeated, then yes. You’re too young to know about them, but they were a group of adventurers that young adventurers like me looked up to. They defied orders from everyone, they found so much treasure yet spent it all in single nights, they could because they were the strongest in Mithold.”

“What happened?”

“From what I understand, the defeat and losses were hard on them. The issue of the blessed turning was becoming more common as well; they split to help as they believed best. Alvis, for example, joined Solgrad. As for your parents, they went into hiding. I never imagined they would be hiding in a village, but it was clever to do so. They are experts at hiding their strength, I’ve met your father many times before and never imagined he could have killed me if he wished.”

“Do you believe it will be possible?”

“Entire armies have been eradicated in search of that precious root, but yes, I believe we can. Although, I doubt we will be able to aid in the other realms. Freydis has stopped the battles but we are far from peace, the other realms still threaten Mithold. We will train you, but it is up to you to become much stronger.”

“We will. I’m confident we will succeed.”

“That is good to hear.”

Before their training can continue, Runa and Eiric are surrounded by guards of Solgrad.

Tyran leads them, walking over to Runa with handcuffs. “You’re both under arrest for the kidnapping of princess Freydis.”