Another slice of the Novel I am writing for November! Remember to check out my Patreon for the full work I have done! We are currently at 9,844 words!
At the end of the long street sat the Jarl’s home, Trolingstad’s longhouse. Carved above the massive entrance of the building was each of the runes that were held so dear. The Ravens made their way down the fire themed avenue. Sera mentally prepared herself, she’d dealt with Jarl Roth before. A younger version of herself listened to the rumors swirling around the man, before she learned to believe only what she saw, unfortunately she learned the rumors were true. The man was cold and exact, he knew the way things needed to be and he made them as such. To Ulrick’s point, the Ravens contracted to him were ruthless, some of the most veteran men Sera knew. Sadly, being contracted to Jarl Roth was your last assignment. Every one of his Ravens became a Runewalker before their contract expired. They were pushed to unrealistic levels of summoning their flickers. It became expensive as ravens began realizing working for him was their end, but to Jarl Roth, coin wasn’t a problem.
“Sera, will he even be awake?” Jul asked as they approached the steps to the massive structure that housed the man.
“Jarl Roth will meet you in the receiving hall.” A massive shadow answered Jul’s question. To his left and right, two more imposing figures materialized from the darkness. Jarl Roth’s ravens.
“Greetings Truglu.” Sera clasped the forearm of the larger Raven, his eyes focused on everything but Sera.
Sadness gripped at her for a brief moment. Her old friend was nearly consumed by his rune. Flowing rivers of lava crackled beneath his ash coated skin. The rune nearly clawed at his jawline. She stayed strong, he knew what he signed up for, besides, the coin was good for his family. Sera didn’t know the two other Ravens, but chances were that Truglu hand selected them as she did her companions. With a nod between Ravens, Sera, Jul, and Ulrich stepped past their kin and approached the massive wooden doors.
Within the longhouse a fire roared, warming everyone on the cold autumn night. Like a statue carved into the throne of the main room, the Jarl sat, his eyes watching the dancing flames.
“Word has been sent to your Jarl.” His words were short, direct; his didn’t deviate from the fire. “You have freedom within my walls…Truglu spoke highly of you. If you’re here long enough, you can put him down when he turns.” The Jarl’s words were emotionless.
Sera’s blood boiled, the green within her begged to erupt. He dared speak of a Raven as some mut to take behind the shed and loose an arrow through. She killed the rage within her, only calmness showed. She could only hope the same for the two besides her.
“Thank you kindly Jarl Roth.” She knew he wouldn’t look at her, of course not, she was just some obedient dog. “Our stay will be brief, we will be gone by sunfall of tomorrow.”
“Make it so.” Jarl Roth waved his hand.
Sera bit her cheek, bowed and walked out with Ulrik and Jul in toe. No one spoke as they exited the longhouse, they knew not to. Ravens were sworn to their Jarl, regardless of kinship with others. No matter what bond Sera held with Truglu, he was sworn to Jarl Roth above all.
“Until our wings break.” Truglu clasped Sera. Cold began to strangle the village as the night grew.
“And we rest in Valhalla.” Sera gripped her friend, feeling the heat from his rune beneath his clothes.
“The innkeep on Blue Row owes me a favor. He’ll know I sent you, get some rest.” The near consumed raven smiled at Sera.
“I am forever grateful.” Sera didn’t use his name, she couldn’t.
Kris Writes Worlds 
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