I love maps, so one of my favorite images that has been made available has been the portion of the World Map... in fact, I have it as my wallpaper
Looking it over, I was drawn to a few evocative names in a small area...
I wondered what the story might be behind their names, and then began to fashion my own.
I'm not much of a writer, so rather than do a piece of short fiction, I decided to compose a Skaldic poem in alliterative verse... though I don't claim to be a poet, either.
This is still a work in progress, but I wanted to present what I have so far.
The Two Spears
Long years have gone — ere the green howe was raised
O'er the sod-roofed halls — of hallowed Kingsbarrow
When the Two Spears stood — 'neath the tors long-shadowed
And with steadfast defiance — met their fate full-willing
Lo! Grimbjorn the Valiant — doughty Varl black-hornéd
To the east stalwart standing — setting sun 'pon his brow
Red-stained his haubergeon — by the Sky Orb's light dying
His shield red bathed — as of blood slowly drying
Mighty glaive upthrusting — with granite-hard blade
And keen edge asparkle — a star in the gloaming
And to the west, dawn's light facing — a fair shieldmaiden
Grimhildr the Bold — her bright eyes flashing
Of white gold her hair — in the winds of morn flying
From 'neath lofty helm silver — silver-studded her shield
Her hauberk white-flashing — as hoarfrost in the morning
With lance of steel tempered — icy tine cold and piercing
'Twas a time of great feasting — of triumph and glory
For newly-raised Skyhorn — with spire mist-shrouded
Ablaze were the torches — the trestles were laden
The minstrels were singing — the mead overflowing
There Jarls stood forth — their faithful oaths taking
With Thegns and Huscarls — thronging around them
The North-king sat gazing — and with gracious words speaking
Their fealty accepted — and with faith returned it
Then forth strode a minstrel — who would fain have them harken
To a song of rejoicing — with strumming of harp string
Upon the hall fell a silence — as his song he sent winging
And all eyes filled with visions — of victory and wonder
But a spell was he crafting — 'pon the crowd unknowing
And with silken words — laid a subtle enchantment
Head and heart were veiled — with a venom to blind them
Minds were made weary — and weighted were feet
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