Empire Without End: A Primer Story in the Breakdown Universe (The Breakdown Universe Primers) by Theodore Hodges

Author:Theodore Hodges [Hodges, Theodore]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Firebreak Press LLC
Published: 2023-05-27T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Two

DAGURGARD

STRANDUNG TERRITORY, NORDHEIM

190-200

1445 HOURS

Seeing Geir again was a blessing from the gods, and Astrid found that at least part of her agreed to this “Tiberian Initiative” because of his good word. However, Geir’s influence seemed to be the only reason for his presence. That had been something they’d discussed in private two days prior. While the brother and sister stood inside the wreckage of their parents’ home—the sweat and blood of their father, made manifest—they discussed the future amidst the destruction of their past.

“Ten thousand,” he said. “Or close enough. It wasn’t easy, either.”

“How did you do it?” she asked, opting to scan the ravaged interior of their home instead of her brother’s face. “Did Aeneas help?”

Geir nodded. “He did. And it was a mixture of things. We started with the threats—what the Valkyrie wanted and what they would do if the Hansing said no. After that was established, I…”

“What?”

“I told them the truth,” Geir chuckled, just short of humorless, but so very close to bitter. “It was basically me telling them who you are, why you could lead, and the benefits associated with them embracing the Tiberian system.”

“And that worked?”

“Yes, but I still don’t know if it was the threats or the promises that convinced them. They agreed, though. When we march south, the Hansing will dissolve that identity and swear loyalty to House Lykos and the Tiberian throne.”

Astrid stared at their parents’ bed—the same bed she was almost raped upon—and inspected the devastation her War Shape brought to that small corner of the longhouse. There was a question that needed to be raised, but she wasn’t sure if she wanted to ask it. However, like so much else in the breakneck speed of complexity infesting her life, Astrid needed to know everything she could to navigate her new circumstances. Because it wouldn’t be long until she was far more than just another woman of the Asatru. Soon, she would have to embrace she was Duchess Lykos. Even the fact of owning a familial name was a challenge. Asatru didn’t have such a thing. And yet, now she did. If she refused it, then the Valkyrie would finish what she started in this very room.

“Do they know?”

Her brother let out a long sigh. “I didn’t know, Astrid. Aeneas told me when he told everyone else.”

“How did they take it?”

“Better than a Nordheim clan would, but I think it will be some time before anyone stops associating Ulfhednar with cursed abominations in the eyes of the gods.”

“What about you?”

He paused, and Astrid was forced to look away from the shattered bed to meet her brother’s eyes. Pain rested in them. That pain was the result of something she didn’t quite understand. However, she did know it wasn’t about her being a Lycan. Or at least it wasn’t about her and being a Lycan. No, this had something to do with Geir.

“I shouldn’t have left you,” he said, tears welling in his eyes. “I…I should have been here, with the Torstung.

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