Torgeir's complaints about Birna attracted many curious glances around. Luckily, Torgeir quickly realized his mistake and regained his composure. After briefly toasting Eist and nodding appreciatively to Lann, he stepped aside to reveal the person behind him. "I want to make the formal introductions of a brave warrior. Although, you already know him."
It was Gerd. He was dressed in impeccable leather armor, with a long coat that enhanced his bearing. Gerd smiled widely at Eist and Lann.
The fact that Torgeir introduced Gerd to the king on such a formal occasion was a clear sign that he considered him one of his staunch allies, who he could rely on even in the worst of circumstances.
After a brief exchange of words, Torgeir and Gerd withdrew. Eist then took the opportunity to speak quietly to Lann: "I understand that you tried to recruit Gerd, but he refused your invitation to go to Cintra. Is that true?"
Lann nodded, somewhat disappointed. "He's tired of a life of blood and violence. It seems he wants to retire."
Eist sighed deeply. "I know Geralt well, and I know that the life of a witcher is full of tragedies. Gerd is a true warrior, and this ending seems fitting for him. But if you're really interested, I can find a way to involve him in the upcoming war."
As king, an order from Eist might mobilize Torgeir, and by extension Gerd. However, Lann shook his head. "You don't have to do that..."
Eist nodded and then pointed to various places in the hall. "The representatives of the other clans are basically already here. They will soon come to greet me. Stay behind me and, after I greet them, talk to them for a moment."
Lann readily agreed, but couldn't help but ask, "Have you talked to them about the military campaign yet?"
Hearing this, Eist's face lit up with a satisfied smile. "Exterminating Svalblod's followers is a feat worthy of the history books. This time I've gained enough influence on the islands, the great clans had no excuses and all agreed to join the cause."
Lann was influenced by Eist's enthusiasm. "That's excellent!"
Eist patted Lann on the shoulder and added, "However, I must still gain the trust of two neutral clans: the Brokvar and Tordarroch clans. Convincing them through my reputation is one thing, but gaining their wholehearted support is quite another."
Lann nodded, his gaze scanning the crowd for the jarls of the two neutral clans.
It was easy to find the jarl of the Brokvar clan, Udalryk, whose gaunt expression made him stand out. According to Lann's recollections of his past life, Udalryk's appearance was not the result of bad habits, but rather of torment caused by a Hym, a particularly formidable type of specter, that pursued him. However, he had not sought help, as this implicated his family's dark and shameful secrets.
Lann was lost in thought, then said to Eist, "Let me deal with Udalryk. I believe I know how to win his favor and secure his unconditional support."
Eist raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Do you know anything about the jarls of Skellige? Is it because of your Elder Blood's abilities?"
Lann smiled, raising his glass to toast Eist, but avoided answering directly.
"However, I have not seen the Jarl of Clan Tordarroch. Has he not arrived yet?"
Lann searched the crowd but failed to find the burly man he remembered from the previous banquet.
Instead, his eyes met Jutta, who was dressed in an elegant dress and accompanied by several bodyguards. It was clear that she had succeeded in inheriting the position of Jarl of the Dimun clan.
When Jutta noticed Lann's gaze, her normally serious face showed a fleeting expression of emotion.
Lann responded with a polite smile, nodded slightly, and quickly looked away to avoid any misunderstandings.
Noticing Lann's curiosity about Harald's absence, Eist calmly explained: "The island where he lives is quite far away. He is probably still on his way. In addition, he has never shown much interest in the collective affairs of the islands. His clan has also not participated in the elections for the throne. Gaining his friendship usually depends on personal ties rather than political ones."
Lann nodded in understanding, deep in thought.
...
Gradually, lords and vassals began to approach Eist, paying their respects to the new king with heartfelt greetings. Some of Eist's former followers expressed nostalgia and pledged unwavering loyalty to him in his fight against Nilfgaard.
Eist responded with genuine gratitude. Then, drawing Lann close, he introduced him as if he were his own son, encouraging his followers to get to know each other.
The harmonious atmosphere of camaraderie between king and subjects was interrupted by the arrival of Bran.
He wore the same outfit as always, except for the absence of the crown on his head.
His face did not radiate the joy of a father whose son had just recovered from a serious illness. Instead, it showed concern. Beside him, Svanrige looked even worse, with an air of palpable despair.
This scene caused murmurs among the crowd: Could it be that Bran regretted abdicating and does not want to give up power to his brother?
Eist sighed deeply upon seeing them. Faced with curious glances from those present, he stepped forward to hug his brother tightly.
The two exchanged a few words in low voices. Bran shook his head, and after another sigh from Eist, he stepped aside to let Bran speak.
Bran walked to the center of the hall, his gaze scanning the room. His posture indicated that he was about to address the audience, and the bustle immediately ceased. Everyone focused their attention on this man who had once been a respected king and symbol of unity.
"The reason we are all here today is obvious, it needs no explanation," Bran declared, extending a hand towards Eist. "We celebrate the restoration of my brother to the throne."
A cry rang out from the crowd: "Eist! The flame of the seas!"
"Long live! The leader who slew the cursed god!" added another.
"The brave one who tamed the berserkers!" shouted a third.
Bran let out a fleeting smile upon hearing the praise for his brother.
As Bran watched the crowd cheer, he noticed that Harald was absent. He frowned. If the jarls of the major clans were not all present, the words he was about to speak might lose weight.
Even so, Bran continued: "The ascension of a new king means the abdication of the old one. My position as king is inherited from my brother, and now that he is returning, it is only right to return the throne to him. Furthermore…" his voice deepened, "I have something to confess before all of you as witnesses."
Bran's words shocked the audience.
Bran let out a long sigh before continuing, "During my tenure, due to my failure to discipline my family and my lack of oversight within our clan, we have caused irreparable losses to these islands. This is a dishonor to my name, and I must publicly acknowledge it."
Hearing Bran's words, Svanrige clenched his fists tightly.
Bran took a deep breath, and though his expression was pained, he continued in a clear voice: "Recently, berserkers from the Svalblod cult attacked my castle, injuring my guests. After a thorough investigation, I confirmed that the enemy came from my own family. That person is my wife…"
A huge noise suddenly interrupted Bran's words.
A fiery red portal opened in the center of the hall. The wind blew hard, causing the guests' clothes to flutter, creating chaos in the place.
Immediately, an emerald green glow emanated from Lann's body, followed by a flash of gold. In the blink of an eye, he appeared beside Bran, unsheathing the Lady of the Lake's sword. The other guests, moved by instinct, drew their weapons: swords, axes and hammers.
The Vildkaarls' ambush in the past had left everyone fearing further attacks during a banquet.
However, someone familiar emerged from the portal: Fritjof.
Now, his appearance was disastrous: tattered clothes, pale face, as if he had survived a terrifying battle.
The next second, Fritjof shouted anxiously: "Undvik Island has been attacked! Harald is missing, and the druids protecting the island… are all dead!"
"The Ice Giant Myrhyff has awakened from his slumber. With a horde of sirens, drowners and carrion demons, he has devastated the villages and towns. Clan Tordarroch is on the brink of extinction!"
...
Undvik Island, although not the largest or most prosperous island in Skellige, had long been an attractive destination for travelers. With its strategic location, picturesque landscapes and delicious local cuisine, it was a unique place.
The Ice Giant had inhabited the island for centuries. He spent most of his time in hibernation, sleeping for decades or even centuries. Although each awakening brought destruction, his attacks were not even comparable to the destruction that other calamities such as wars, conflicts between clans or natural disasters could cause.
In the past, the ice giant only wreaked havoc in Undvik, leaving the other clans unaffected. After several failed attempts by the Tordarroch clan to hunt it down, the matter was forgotten.
Some brave young men dreamed of defeating him to earn a place in epic songs, but most ended up as proof of the giant's ferocity.
Everything changed recently, during what Lann now knows to be the prelude to the Conjunction of the Spheres. The Ice Giant awoke and, armed with ice magic and an astonishing ability to move through water, wreaked havoc across the archipelago. The damage was so extensive that the great clans finally understood the extent of the danger.
Unfortunately, when they decided to act, the electoral process to choose a new king divided them, making coordination difficult. Then, the appearance of the remnants of the Svalblod cult diverted their attention even further.
The never-ending, more pressing matters delayed any plans to confront the Giant. So they remained, ignoring the threat until it was too late.
Although the jarls of the various clans are aware of the danger of the ice giant, this awareness was not deep enough, until now.
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