“It’s not that I am going back to where I came from. It’s terrible there. But I cannot stay here. Almost dying is a clear sign that something’s got to change. And this is the closest I’ve been to the cold touch of death’s hand.

“I do not know exactly what happened in the woods. I think it was that…Boy. The clansman who called himself Ragnor. Or whatever, he was touched by magic, missing an eye! The people in the town were protected by him, but by relying on his protection they coddled his need for blood. Many times I was told it was fine that he would lash out against his companions if he didn’t satisfy his need for blood.

“As soon as he started turning that blade on the wood of my shield I knew it was time for me to leave. But I resisted: The coin was good, and the people of Runeheim are great. And I might have stayed here longer if not for those ghostly women.

“Or Malefic. Whatever. The ancestors of the people here, they came for blood and rage. They punished the town for one boy giving up his vows, for not doing what he promised.

“And foolishly I offered to help, because I was thinking too much of the people of Runeheim! How stupid I was. The blue spirits were unrelenting in the woods, herding us deeper and deeper, until they brought us to the center where we were to be slaughtered like pigs. I felt the cold ghastly breath of the creature as it raised up the sword for a killing blow.

“If not for Grin, I would be dead. I do not remember much, I was bleeding and the night was dark. But she pulled me out of there. I do not know how that night ended, nor if the spirits were calmed. But it was enough. I heard their warning.

“And that is why I am gone. Already our coin-purse had moved on, and it was time for me to go as well. It was night when I packed up my things and what-do-you-know it, Grin was doing the same thing! She didn’t need her words to tell me that the party agreed. We were gone.

“We’ll take a detour, find a home for the two twi- I mean cousins, in our hands. They deserve to be somewhere safe, to find a place to put down their roots and grow a family. But me and Grin do not belong here. Death will find us if they stay. Maybe the land to the North is not ready for those from the South to join it, and this was their sign.

“…Do I regret not saying goodbye? Yeah. I do. The people of Runeheim are the best lot I’ve ever seen. Reminded me of the pub, before Father let it out of his hands and debtors swooped it away. Just goes to show that home can be found. You just have to look for it.

And you need to live in order to find it. So I wouldn’t call myself a coward. I am making sure I live long enough to find a home.”