The Children of Fenrir: Eir

Chapter 7

The village was alive with activity. I heard the rhythmic clank of a blacksmith’s hammer and the noise of livestock being driven. A pack of young pups raced past us, chasing a goat. Selby stepped out of their way.

“Oh-ho! Careful there.” He called, laughing. It was a deep belly laugh, the sort that made everyone around him smile. “So lad, are ye looking forward to the work?” 

“Yes sir,” I responded, “After so much study and preparation I’m quite looking forward to getting my hands dirty, as it were.”

“Sounds about right. Hopefully not too dirty, eh?” He laughed again.

“Well, yes, of course. I hope that Solsilva stays in good health. I feel prepared though, especially with an experienced mentor such as Frode to turn to.”

“Always encouraging to hear a young person willing to listen to the elders. Yer Auntie speaks highly of ye, says ye’re one of the good ones.”

“She honors me, sir.”

“Even so, Runa’s put a lot on ye. Let’s hope ye’ve the back for it.” He stopped, “Here we are.”

He knocked on the door of the house he had stopped in front of. A man with long grey hair held back in braids popped his head out of the door.

“Selby? Is everything alright then?”

“All is well, Frode, I’ve come to tend the wattling on the infirmary and I’ve got the new healer here for ye.”

“Ah yes, you must be young Eir. Welcome, welcome!” He said, opening the door and beckoning us in. He grasped my arm and embraced me in greeting. “When did you get in?”

“Last night sir.”

“And your challenges?”

“Finished them four days ago sir, my hugr was quite drained after so I rested a couple of days before traveling.”

“Yes, yes. That’s quite common. They really go at you for the last couple of challenges. Gotta make sure you’re strong! You’re finished, though! I’m sure you are happy to be through.” He led us to fur-covered benches near a hearth where a woman sat stitching on something. “This is my mate, Alva. Alva, darling the new healer has come at last.”

She looked up at me and smiled, “Welcome dear. We’ve been expecting you. Since our son, along with his mate and pups, moved to the longhouse it has been so quiet around here.” 

We sat by the fire and Frode began asking after Selby’s family. I listened intently, he told him of Sage taking over the training of the pups. Canute had been wanting to join him in his work more lately. Rose was a great help to her Aunt Sylvi around the house. Runa was undertaking some new livestock ventures and would be meeting with the Hatikin soon to discuss the fall equinox celebration.

“Oh, I love those.” Alva said, “It’s always so nice to get all of Fenrir’s children together. Have you ever been to one Eir?”

“No, ma’am.”

“Oh, they’re lovely. You get to see everyone that has mated into the Hatikin and so many find their mates. There is food and drink, music and dancing. They’re wonderful.”

“Aye, they are quite the undertaking, though.” Selby said, “They begin meeting months out.”

“Oh, it will all be worth it when there is a new batch of pups in a couple of years.” She was practically cooing.

“And I won’t be the one having to deliver them,” Frode looked at me, laughing.

“I thought you loved deliveries, dear?”

“Aye, but after the first few thousand an old man begins to crave his sleep. Take it from me lad - pups come when it is convenient for them, not you.” Selby joined him in laughing.

“Alright, I must be off to my work. Can’t spend the day on my rump by the fire.”

“Thank you for bringing me over, sir.”

“It’s Selby to ye, lad. We’ll be seeing ye around.”

I nodded and Frode walked him to the door.

“Alright then, Eir. I’ve got a few things to finish around here so why don’t you make yourself comfortable in the loft? That will be your space, we’ve no cause to go up there.”

“As if your old bones would make it up there.” His mate laughed.

“Woman, I swear.” He ran his hand through his hair, “Once you're done join me. I will be jarring a fresh batch of poultices and then we’ll take them to where they ought to go.”

“Thank you, sir. I’ll be right down.”

“Take your time, I’ve no rush.”

I climbed the ladder, the loft was spacious and well-appointed. There was a double bed loaded with bedding and some crates to store my belongings. I didn’t have much, the life of a trainee was very ascetic, most energy being focused on practice and study above all else. I emptied my bag, folding a change of clothing and placing it into a crate. I pulled out my materia medica, a simple journal bound in soft brown leather, and I placed it on the desk shoved into an eave. All healers kept one and it was the first of many I would fill over my years of practice. I looked forward to having access to the hundreds of volumes Frode had filled with notes and observations over his many centuries as the lead healer of our clan. I hung the sling bag on a hook and sat on the edge of the bed and looked around. This was to be my view for the foreseeable future, and I was not displeased with it.

I leaned back on to the bed. My mind drifted to the only thing that would make it more pleasing. Perhaps I would see her when we went out, but I knew she was not sitting around daydreaming and it would not do for me either. I stood and headed towards the ladder. As I was coming down there was a pounding on the door.