[X] Establishing his own petty kingdom.

As you make your way back to Torstenby, you hope that you might make it back before Ketil and Ingrid arrive. A hope that is quickly dashed as the seer and his granddaughter come riding by on horses, horses that they did not have last night. While Ketil himself ignores you, Ingrid shoots Astrid a smug look and your companion returns it with a glare.

When you finally arrive back home, you find that your fathers and the seer are in negotiations. While part of you was worried you would find a duel upon arriving back, it seems that it is a matter of wergild rather than one of holmgang. It isn't an uncommon occurrence from what you recall of your father's lessons.

The young and bold might be willing to get into needless fights, favouring violence over peace as they choose to duel it out rather than pay coin to their enemies. Those who become old and successful like Father, Ketil and Bjorn? They have lived and experienced enough to understand why wergild exists and its value in finding an alternative way to settle disputes.

For her part, Ingrid seems to fall in the former category rather than the latter as the young woman stands on the sidelines, scowling at the older men as they negotiate. It is clear that she wants vengeance for the death of her brother and not justice. Hopefully that won't cause problems as Ingrid has shown her ability to hold her emotions in check, but part of you is worried nonetheless, especially since she and Astrid have already struck up an enmity with each other.


In the end, Ketil emerges victorious from the negotiations. While Bjorn Knightslayer chose to pay wergild over duelling Ketil Lastingchange, the amount of wergild to be paid had to be discussed. With Father overseeing the debate thanks to the massive respect that both parties have for him, Bjorn argued that due to the lack of titles for Ketil's family and the fact that his grandson was no great warrior, the wergild should only be a small amount. Ketil argues back that his personal power grants status in its own right and out of respect for his might and position as a seer, the wergild should be a larger sum, at least equal to a noble.

In the end, Ketil's words see him emerge victorious from the argument and a high price is agreed upon as wergild for his grandson's death. It isn't enough to beggar Bjorn, but it comes close to forcing him that the Knightslayer will be going on a raid or two to get enough wealth for Astrid's dowry when the time comes.


As the days go, you think on the wisdom that Ketil shared with you. You aren't sure of what to make of the man himself, but moderation seems to be key. Acts that are desirable and honourable can become unwelcome when taken too far. A desire to not die becomes cowardice when it is taken too far and seeking glory becomes stupidity when you ignore every risk in favour of fame and prestige.

For you, it means keeping your actions in check. Every virtue can be taken too far if you don't restrain yourself. Something you will need to keep in mind if you are to claim your own kingdom some day. Let Torsten inherit Torstenby. You'll be ruling Torvaldby or whatever your new kingdom will be called. Father turned Grandfather's farm into a mighty landholding along the coastline of Nordvegr, but you'll carve out your own kingdom for you and your descendents to rule.


What will Torvald's final childhood adventure be?
[ ] The Jarl of Adgir is visiting with his children, hoping to arrange some marriages between them and the children of his most powerful vassal. Diplomacy Route.
[ ] A tournament is being held for the youths of Torstenby and tensions are unexpectedly high given the prize at stake. Martial Route.
[ ] Loki returns to take 'Torhild' under his wing as an apprentice in the art of Seidr and trickery. Magic Route.




Okay, wrapping this arc and now you get to pick the last one. After that, we'll be moving onto the main and final stage of the quest as Torvald builds his powerbase, picks out somewhere to claim and then attempts to take his new kingdom.

Please point out any spelling or grammar mistakes that you spot. Please quote them in the thread and explain what you think is wrong so I know what you are referring to.