"I liked Freydis," I say, waving the barkeep over to give me another mug of ale. "If I could be half the woman she was, that would make me happy. Of course, I don't need to borrow a dead man's sword," I laugh, patting my beloved broadsword. I place it and my Danish battle-axe on the table so Otto can see them better. The hilt of my sword is engraved with runes, special blessings from Odin, and the axe bears the image of Thor himself, with blue gems set in his eyes.

"So how is it that a warrior like yourself is also such a lore-master? I know little of lore, for I spend all my days in training, fighting, and making a little room here and there for good company, a roaring fire, and a mug of beer."