Einn: Spring Rites

The fight breaks out abruptly. As Oren's stirring song completes the scenery of dark clouds and unnatural lightning, Kara feels transfered into ancient times of stories old, of Gods and Warriors. She only guesses at what fierce expression Yäns might have as she hears his arrows whirl past her and towards their enemy.

The young woman sprints forward on Rin's side, using her speed to boost the movement of her own battle axe as she forces the thirsty blade towards the witches henchmen.

Having finally located their missing wards, two tied up and one about to be used in an Andøvan ritual, Signy defaults to the magic that she is most familiar with; the cunning woman whispers an incantation beneath her breath, aiming to charm that of the witches guard that has taken the least damage.

Once her incantation is finished, successful or not, she examines the scene for more of the Andovan stones similar to the one that had been left behind in the meadows.

The warrior with the javelin roars out at having been shot, and rushes forward to fling his projectile at Yäns. He continues rushing forward, drawing his battle-axe as he moves. Spittle and foam from his mouth indicate that the man has entered a berserker rage, and is even more dangerous now than before! Meanwhile, the man with the short-sword parries a few blows from Kara and Rin, but suddenly changes his stance and looks confused. Signy knows that she holds an enchantment over the man, and that he will do as she commands!

Runar finds himself standing not far from the women, and suddenlly a bright light flashes in his face. Moments before he swore he saw Runa motioning towards him with her hands... had she cast a spell upon him?! Those looking upon the fight notice that the witch Sibbe herself also gestures in esoteric movements before pointing at Kara. The ranging woman feels a powerful force constricting her body, though there is nothing in sight doing so.

Round Two of Combat
Combat Order
Party
Enemies

Looking around the battlefield, Signy sees many ancient Andøvan relics, though they are all the standing stones and altar. There are no other artifacts of use to be seen.

Meeting fury with fury was always what Yäns’ father would say. Shouldering his bow and unsheathing his bastard sword, he rushes to strike first at the berserker.
"The arrow of Freyr was just a taste! Prepare to meet your maker!"

It is hard to say what the man finds more enraging: the sword plunged into his chest, or the defiance of the man behind it. These are the final thoughts of this warrior, though it is commonly thought that a northerners last thoughts should be of home.

Runar battles to resist the enchantment!

Rin approaches the witch. "Stop this madness or you will lose everything!" he yells at her. He will not hesitate to strikes if her reaction is hostile.

Runar sees a flash of light and then the world vanishes. He is blinded! Runa has blinded him!

To Rin, the witch snarls. "Nay, I may lose much, but I stand to gain everything! You cannot see the full scope, pawn that you are!" With this, she begins to cackle with insane energy.

Witnessing’s the witch’s refusal to concede in her rituals, Signy shouts to the charmed soldier "Put Sibbe the unkempt to the sword" directing him to attack his former ally. Having directed the warrior, she turns to her own companions "the Andøvan stones may be a source of great power, we need to remove Runa from this place" she adds.

Kara has turned to free the other two sisters, but Signy is right. She nods and braces herself. While the witch is distracted with her own man, she tries to sprint forward, throw the girl over her shoulder an get her at least outside of the circle.

"'Ware spells! The witch has stolen my sight!" Runar yells, his voice full of anguish. He shields the two bound girls with his body and strives to untie them blindly.

Given that Runa is but a young woman, it is quite simple for the fully grown warrior-woman to grab her and throw the girl upon her shoulder. She kicks and screams at being taken like this, but lacks the power (in any sense of the word) to do anything about it. Meanwhile, Runar begins his arduous task of untying the remaining girls while blinded. Once he has found them with his hands, he attempts to find the knots, but struggles at this task. It is possible, he knows this, but it may take some more time. If only he had his sight!

Rin clenches his teeth, somehow grabs his holly symbol with his unarmed hand and charges the with, his shoulder first, attempting to put her off balance.

Rin rushes the witch with his shoulder braced and slams into her. The difference in weight is significant, and Sibbe actually is thrown back several feet before she lands hard on the ground. While she's down, the charmed man rushes towards her with sword in hand and shoves it deep into her clavicle, narrowly missing her heart. Sibbe screams a horrible scream, and a necklace slips out from under her ragged blouse. This is a necklace made of small animal bones and laced with dead roses surrounding a faintly glowing blue crystal. While she is not yet dead, she is in a bad position and bleeding heavily.

Round Three of Combat
Combat Order
Party
Enemies

Runar continues to fumble with Inga's and Fastvi's bonds, alternately biting off frustrated curses and murmuring reassurances to the girls.

Rin attempts to snatch the necklace from the witch, while keeping a foot on one of her arms to forbid her to move.

Yäns can barely calm his breath after sending the berserker to the underworld. His grip on the hilt of his sword is still tight. Should he finish off the witch? Should we keep her alive for questioning? He hasn’t quite earned leadership in this crew so he cleans his blade instead.