There is a truly excellent smith here, Soini. Even among the Reemi of his home region Novrus had heard of him.
Novrus eyes widen in admiration. A magnificent battleaxe with ripples in the steel that appear as waves with one ripple appearing to be more like a horse’s head with an eye and nostril, “Sea Stallion”. The balance is superb making it swift and deadly. A carving axe of matching quality keeps a superb edge. Its an investment for the finer wood work that would come from using it. Jealousy bubbles in Novrus that his skills are far from producing at this level. Yet that subsides as he is still quite young. This is inspiration.
Novrus decides to trade for them. As Smith of the north he can give his own “Bear Biter” battleaxe to a companion or local hero. He takes off his lamellar shin guards as a good part of the payment. Those he knows he can replace. More trading of extra knives, tools and bits of bronze finish the trade for “Sea Stallion” and the cunning carving axe.
<Novrus got Sea Stallion>
Proud of the axes its time to consider the animals. The cow and bulls are full of meat and can haul. The female dog though would be a companion for Hyker. Its the dog he choses. Pondering the name Novrus settles on “Pinecone” to honor the memory of the towns of “Pineclimb” so far from his stead.
The debate now is to retrace his steps going east along the south coast or make this a grand sailing, to go west then north and then east circling country’s whole coastline. Much food was traded away though there might be enough for him and Pineclimb. Well a bit of hunting or fishing might extend their supply. Novrus takes a deep breath. He pats Sea Stallion the battleaxe and Pineclimb the she-dog. It would honor them and call on their spirits to make the great trip. Another deep breath courage then the great round journey begins.
Day 5 of the 2nd week before midsummer
On the journey clumps of mountains make an island draining into mires then to the sea. This is perhaps an ideal place for a smith. Its called “Ahti’s cliff”. Novrus has his stead far to the east near the end of the rivers. Scouting the largish island finds a small lake within it as well!
Novrus decides to make a lean to here for future trips or travelers. Best to put it at the lake. Scouting with Pinecone she tugs the leash sniffing the air. A glutton (wolverine) waddles into view!
<Novrus iron wolverine>
Before he can get a good aim the wolverine has slipped away. Perhaps it was a spirit greeting him. It didn’t attack so was it friendly? An offering is made once a lean to is set near the inner lake.
Day 1 of the last week before midsummer
Sailing on finds the Seal-tribe village of Lakerear. A wood storehouse and a large kota. A few people living in their way.
Day 2 of the 13th week before winter season
The east ward paddling is complete. A few more seal tribe villages were visited or seen. Now comes a portage southward to reconnect to the home stead.
At noon he arrives in the northern hunting cave of Shitty point. His door to the hidden side cave is still closed. Things inside as he left them. This includes the reserves of food.
Continuing the next day a Nerj is seen.
<Novrus nerj se from hunt>
No contact is made and the trail not found. Seems this one knew to hide. South is the friendly village of “Wolf’s tip”. Warning them they mention old man Birki wishes to talk.
Birki starts to explain of the water folk. To meet them stand naked on a lone rock at night. One completely surrounded by water. They may gather at midnight. Do nothing but look at them. Good clothing means they are happy while a dour look means they are upset. Sacrifices to them may help their mood.
Traveling to south a night on the mire followed by a visit to the village of Gruelfen. With much debate the battle axe “Bear Biter” is traded for a big reindeer doe. This also being an investment. She is big enough to help haul in more ore and of course fight off a predator that might have a go at the sheep. She is named “Ivy”. Thinking back on the cows and bull of the Driik out here in these forests and mires the reindeer will tough it out much better.
Bear Biter is now theirs. The battle axe he made and christened in many battles. To be the Smith of the North getting them such things is the point and Novrus has “Sea Stallion”.
The punt is tied on Ivy greatly reducing the burden on Novru’s back for the portage of another day to come. Easier going now on the mires homeward with a night at a shelter left for such a purpose from the earlier travels.
Day 5 of the 13th to winter
Rambling on with punt upon the doe Ivy and nippy Pinecone is a happiness from companionship. An unwanted companion in the woods! A Nerjpez warrior is there a few yards ahead!
<Novrus 5 to 13 win>
A few quiet steps yes. Ivy and Pinecone seem to know the matter. They move quiet as well. Arrow to bow. The warrior takes a few steps crossing a trail. The arrow flies, resounding with flesh and bone of his chest! The warrior groans falling to the ground grasping in pain.
Moving up to finish! The warrior rises readying a spear. There is but a few yards between them.
Novrus notches an arrow let loose with quivering fingers in adrenaline. The arrow goes wide. The warrior curses with eyes startled, pained and confused by the sight of a Reemi warrior with both dog and doe.
The calm of destiny comes over Novrus. The next arrow goes into the warrior’s hip. Notching an arrow the man advances catching Pinecone with the spear. Dog and red cap stab, bite and dodge with each other. Each movement a tug on the belt secured leash as well.
The tugging leashes and tight of the woods make archery difficult to arrange. Its time for Sea Stallion! A twirl downward skips off the shoulder. Novrus flares nostrils feeling the strength of ancestors and spirits fill him.
Dread over comes the red cap. He starts to flee. Sea Stallion catches him on the legs once and twice. He drops to the ground. There Soini’s forge skill as a legendary smith glimmers light off the edge of Sea Stallion splitting head from torso.
Novrus feels his body come back to normal. There is a funeral rite to do. Spruce twigs are chosen for a fire, too small to really pyre the corpse but that is not always practical. An offering to the spirits as well. To gentle the woods and lead the Red Cap on to his ancestors.
The wounds on Pinecone aren’t fatal though a good cleaning is in order. What can be done here is done. At the homestead she’ll have time with Hyker, the sheep and Ivy.
The trip home continues safe enough. Hyker takes well to Pinecone. As the punt is packed off from Ivy’s back Hyker is licking at Pinecone’s wounds.
As to Novrus the life in these ages is full of chores. The grand journey has taken up the rest of Fallow Month. It is now Hay Month. The turnips are ready for harvest.
Day 7 of the 13th week before winter
Sheep shearing day! First time for Novrus. Messy, clumsy, filthy but the jobs done.
For the other animals Pine cone is healing well, Hyker is frisky and Ivy is enjoying turnips fresh from the fields.
Now for the carding. Well that takes a comb. During the great journey he had traded for a bronze comb. He was hoping to gift it to a wife but guess its more a dowry tool. That made him laugh.
<Novrus whittling test>