The Lay of the Sacred Mountains

By Bernat Saenz Sala

A young woman, Idunn, and a young man, Heimdar, make a perilous journey to initially help gather momentum for their religion, The Old Faith. Along the way, they are joined by others, including a minstrel, a young warrior who is testing her sexual boundaries, and a loyal wolf.

Their journey takes an unexpected detour when Idunn discovers her mother, previously thought dead, is alive.

Meanwhile, the kings in neighbouring lands decide to attack over the differences between The New Faith and The Old Faith. Yet, the subtext is clear; this is not only about religion but also about greed and power for one side and freedom of expression for the other.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd
• Release date: Jun 28, 2024
• ISBN: 9781805149514

Bernat Saenz Sala

Bernat Saenz Sala has worked as an archaeologist after studying history at the University of Girona. Since a young age there has always been a great interest in fantasy and medieval age stories, having grown up with Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and PC games such as Crusader Kings.

Book preview

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Epilogue

Prologue

Of a Forest and a Cabin

It was a cold winter night. A night with neither moon nor stars. Snow covered every rock, tree and piece of land. Wind was fiercely blowing. Idunn stood beside the door with a wry smile that soon turned into a face full of rage. She wore a dark green coat, brownish trousers and black leather boots. Her red cheeks and dark red hair danced with the wind. Beautiful black eyes. She was a rare breed. The kind of person you only see once in a lifetime. Her hands were covered in blood. She was holding a knife and a body was lying on the ground. She hated the wolves’ hunters and hated to kill them. Every time a body fell on the ground Idunn suffered, but rage and love for the wolves was above the suffering.

She knew the wolves would be coming for the body. They could smell it. On the Morgan Mountains they were more numerous than humans and any other animal or beast. At last, when they arrived, Idunn entered her cabin and closed the door while the wolves commenced their feast outside. That day they were five, which worried Idunn because usually they were ten or even more. Majestic animals on their own lands.

But as it is known, humans are terribly disrespectful and try to kill them, to make them disappear. But not Idunn. She fought for them; she fed them. The dead body lying on the ground was that of a hunter who tried to track them and make them disappear. But she found him instead. It was the first body after two weeks of winter and the wolves were starving. A few minutes later, the body was gone. The snow covered the blood and the tracks on the ground and everything was as it was supposed to be. Clean and white.

The next day was different. It was dawn and the first light entering through the windows was as powerful as a mother’s hug. Despite being young, Idunn was living in the wild. Her home was a small cabin built on a clearing surrounded by tall trees, near a creek. It was a tiny and beautiful place. Cosy. A hearth, a table, two chairs, a shelf with many books and a bed. Two windows, one facing east and one south. A small kitchen with a rack of spices, an axe and a knife hanging from the wall. The knife. Her grandfather made that knife and some years later he gave it to Idunn as a gift. She was still a child and did not know what to do with it. But then, one day, she knew. She learnt. It was all because of them. They changed her life, saved her life, and Idunn had protected them since that day. What happened was still a mystery to many people. In the village, some knew about it, or they thought they knew about it, but the truth is that no one knew but Idunn. She only visited the village to buy supplies or see friends. It was a one-hour walk from the cabin on a small dangerous path that followed the creek, went through the mountains and then entered the valley to arrive in Morgan.

It was during that walk that the event happened. Someone or something assaulted her. She thought that was it for her, but then the wolves appeared and saved Idunn’s life. Now Idunn was their protector.

She got up, prepared breakfast and went to the table. Although she lived alone, there were two chairs around the table. Heimdar was a frequent guest. He was her best friend; they were the same age, in their twenties, and they had studied together in the small school of Morgan. Heimdar had his own beliefs. Just like her. For him, The Faith was broken and corrupted. It had separated him from his family and obliged him to flee, and King George was using The Faith for his own purposes. Heimdar wanted to change it all, so he spread his word around the mountains and gained followers. He created The Order of the Mountain and was ready to fight the power of the corrupted Faith.

But he always had time for Idunn, his childhood friend. The cabin was his temple, a place to talk, rest, or disappear from the world for a few hours or days. He was tall, had short brown hair and no beard. His eyes were as green as a field of grass. He always wore a greyish coat, black trousers and black leather boots covered with black fur. He also had a pair of brown gloves hanging on his trousers.

That morning he arrived there while Idunn was still having breakfast, but she didn’t care. They talked, they walked, and they learnt. Midday arrived and they had lunch on a rock near the creek. The water was cold, almost frozen, but they took a bath there too. Bare. It awakened their senses. They talked, walked, and learnt more.

The sun was going down between the trees and it was almost dinner time. The fireplace inside the cabin was small and Heimdar went outside with the axe to cut more wood. But then a man appeared. He was crying unspeakable words and saying something about a hunter. But before Heimdar could say a word, the stranger shot an arrow into his left arm. He fell in pain. Idunn went outside as fast as she could, but the man was ready to shoot again; then grunts were heard, Idunn’s beasts appeared, and the stranger was hunted.

They were five creatures again. She had given them food the night before and they protected her that day. Idunn loved these incredible beasts. Fierce but loyal. Wolves saved her again. She helped Heimdar into the cabin to see to his injuries while the wolves, still hungry, quickly made the hunter vanish.

You can’t hide blood from a nose that good, said Idunn, looking through the window. Snow was falling again. It covered the blood and the tracks on the ground and everything was as it was supposed to be. Clean and white.

Chapter 1

The Old Faith

Wounded. He was wounded. But alive. It was morning and Idunn had cooked something that smelled heavenly. It was even tastier than that. It was the best breakfast he had ever had, maybe because of the wounds, the pain, or perhaps her.

Three days passed and he got better faster than expected. Heimdar decided it was time to go back to Morgan. The Order had gained a lot of followers in the last few weeks and he always talked to them about The Faith and the future of The Order, so when they finished breakfast, he decided it was time to leave the cabin. Idunn went with him. The road was too dangerous for a single wounded rebel.

Morgan, a small village in the Morgan Mountains, also known as the Sacred Mountains, was in the middle of the valley of the same name. The town had narrow streets, old stone houses and a waterfall that poured water on the river that crossed the village’s centre. The main square was located to the river’s left and there was a small church. The monastery was on the other side of the river. Although it was not as large as the monasteries of the Kingdoms of the Land of Trí Agam, its church was bigger and taller than the one on the square.

When they arrived, it was almost noon as the walk to Morgan had taken longer than usual. They were hungry and thirsty and decided to go to the best and only tavern there, The Drunken Monk, located next to the monastery on a narrow lane that only the locals knew about. Every afternoon and until midnight, musicians played for the crowd. Idunn and Heimdar had lunch and drank dark ale in wooden mugs. An old bard was playing a beautiful song on a lute and then played another on a small flute that sounded like a bird. When he finished the room was almost full and they went to a smaller room upstairs. Heimdar usually met with his most loyal followers there to talk about The Order.

It was rainy and cold outside when the meeting finished just after midnight. The street lamps glistened with frozen water drops and the snow covered every one of Morgan’s cobblestones. Heimdar decided to invite Idunn to his small home. The road to her cabin at night was too dangerous, even though she knew the wolves would be looking after her. She was armed too, but it was better to avoid that risk. His dwelling was bigger than the cabin and the rooms were fancier. That night she slept and dreamed. By morning, she was missing her home and Heimdar was gone, but that didn’t worry her. Idunn was used to his disappearance. He arrived after breakfast with a smile from ear to ear. He had bought a pair of delicious juicy apples and was happier than ever.

You won’t believe what happened this very morning, he said. I had a meeting with the monks at the monastery. I know. I did not tell you, nor the other members of The Order, so sorry about that, but you will be the first to hear this. So, I met with the monks and started talking about The Faith. After two hours of discussions, we received a letter from the monastery of Sea Gates. This means that we have another monastery that will follow us and our way of understanding The Faith. When they visit other monasteries, they will spread our word, their word, and try to gain new followers in every monastery of the mountains and the lakes and the land.

That afternoon, the two friends went to the tavern again and told the rest of The Order the news. They were starting to go back to The Old Faith. Later, Idunn left before the sun went down. She wanted to be home, at her cabin. She was still worried because of the hunters. She loved the wolves. They had saved her and now she was taking care of them. They needed her food and she needed their protection, but she was also protecting them. Idunn could never break that bond. If she helped them, they would help her. That was what friendship was all about. Trust and loyalty.

Back inside the cabin, she prepared dinner and went to sleep. She knew that outside everything was where it belonged. No hunters. Free wolves. Wild nature. The following day was different. A furious blizzard trapped her inside the cabin. Luckily, she had enough food and wood to stay inside for four or five days. The blizzard went on for two days. It stopped during the second night and by the following morning, she could go outside. The creek was frozen and some trees had fallen, but that was nothing to worry about. The wolves were also fine, as she saw some of their tracks in the snow. Days had passed without any change. She loved her life and her cabin in the woods.

Heimdar visited her regularly when snow wasn’t falling, for winter was just beginning. He was happier than ever because the word of The Order was spreading.

But her quiet life changed when, a few days later, someone arrived, breathing hard with wild hair and a red face. He was a friend of Heimdar’s. He looked terrified and confused. Then, finally, after a few minutes of trying to catch his breath, he spoke. Someone had attacked the monastery of Morgan during the night. The Order did its best to defend it, but some rooms had been burned or destroyed. Luckily, no one had perished, but Heimdar had disappeared, although no one saw him leave.

Maybe he tried to pursue the attackers or was hurt again. But maybe… no, that can’t be true, thought Idunn.

Back in the village, things were a mess. People were wounded, crying and bleeding. The ones who had had enough time to lock themselves inside their houses were now helping the injured. Fear was everywhere, but Heimdar was nowhere to be found. Idunn decided to go and find him. With the help of The Order members, she went down the street where he was seen for the last time and followed the road to the east, leaving Morgan behind. Horses had left tracks on the snowy road, but others went to a smaller path not far away from the village. They followed that path and found Heimdar lying behind a big rock. He was bleeding.

You have found me, my friends, he said softly. I tried to follow them, but they were too fast and I’m wounded, so I’ve decided to come here and if I die, I’ll do it in peace. There was silence surrounding them. They carried him to Morgan, where there was still dismay. At Heimdar’s house, Idunn healed him the best she could and put him in the bed covered with a woollen blanket. The other members of The Order went to help the inhabitants. They had not had lunch and the sun was starting to go down. Idunn sat beside the fireplace, added more wood, sighed deeply and closed her eyes. A few minutes later, she awoke, grabbed a chair and went to Heimdar’s room. He was sleeping. She sat beside him, looked at his face and smiled. Then he opened his eyes, looked at her and grinned too.

Chapter 2

The Bard’s Song

Two weeks had passed since the monastery had been attacked. Heimdar was fully healed and with more energy than ever. Morgan had overcome the tragedy with great effort. Every inhabitant helped repair the buildings, fed the neediest or gave shelter to wounded people. Today was the last day of the week and there was a market. The weather was cold; however, the sun was shining and its light was brighter than ever. Every street was full of merchants and tables with goods, but the main square was where the best products were sold and many people were there. Heimdar bought fruit and bread and stopped to buy meat. Today he was going to Idunn’s. A bard played the lute in the corner of the main square. When he finished the song, people around him applauded and he bowed, showing a big grin of appreciation.

Thank you, folks! he said happily. The next song tells the story of a boy who lived here. Then he started to play again.

When Heimdar arrived at Idunn’s cabin, she was outside sitting on a chair, reading old books and drinking a hot beverage. Her library had belonged to her grandparents and her mother. It was her family’s legacy. They had not been rich and didn’t own land or big houses, but they had acquired many books throughout the years. In particular, there were old recipes of ancient medicine, hunting techniques and survival methods that Idunn really loved. She learnt all that at a young age while her family still lived there. She had a secret about one member of the family and no one, not even Heimdar, knew about that.

Hello there, he said.

Look who we have here! Do you want something to eat? Idunn offered with great humbleness. I know the path is a bit dangerous with all the snow and it takes more effort to arrive here, so I won’t accept no as an answer. Heimdar smiled at these words. Drink that. It will take that cold off your body. She gave the mug to him.

Then, after a short silence, he said, Idunn, I’m here to learn.

Her mouth opened, but no words came out. That caught her by surprise. What do you mean?

Well, I want to learn more about our faith, he answered with a grin.

Then you should go to the library, she told him.

I know that and I will go to the monastery. They have the only library here and luckily it was not destroyed. So maybe I’ll find something there. And I know you read a lot and know how to find the books I need.

She looked at him with a friendly expression. Alright, I’ll go with you.

He smiled. Perfect.

They left the cabin by dawn. The sky was red, yellow and orange. It was freezing and a thick mist covered the ground. The path to Morgan was difficult due to the accumulated snow. Rucksacks were full and heavy on their backs. They started walking carefully, leaving the cabin behind and entering the forest, following the trail between large trees to the creek. It was all frozen. After half an hour, they stopped at one point where the stream was broader and partly frozen. There they collected water and had some breakfast. The mist had already vanished and the sun was starting to heat the ground when they heard branches cracking and the leaves moving around them. Idunn thought it was as if a thousand eyes were staring at them. To her, it seemed the trees were grunting, roaring, howling, breathing deeply and louder than ever.

Suddenly, the wolfpack attacked. Idunn and Heimdar jumped up with their swords in their hands, ready to defend themselves against the wolves, even though the wolves knew Idunn. But the wolves went towards the trees behind them and a loud groan was heard, accompanied by a bone breaking and a shrill cry. Then one of the wolves returned dragging a man, red blood dyeing the snowy ground. He was wearing a chainmail coat, an iron helmet and a longsword and he was still alive. With his face pressed against the snow, he tried to get up, but Idunn pushed him down again.

Who are you? she asked gently. The man did not answer. Yet his eyes begged for mercy. He looked so terrified and undefended that Heimdar grabbed him by his arms and helped him to get up. He made a sound of pain because the wolves had bit his left arm and it was at an awkward angle.

I—I didn’t… I didn’t want to, said the man in a low cracked voice. I didn’t mean to… they forced me to do it… He fell on his knees and started to sob, grabbing Heimdar’s legs. The wolves moved nearer.

No! Halt! Heimdar shouted to the wolves, and to his amazement they halted, obeying his words. Alas! Who sends you then?

The—the—the king.

George? George sends you?

He nodded, still sobbing as he let his body lay down, touching the now-red snow.

We’ll tie you. You’re coming with us to Morgan!

Idunn and Heimdar secured the man’s hands with rope and started to walk again towards the village. The wolves followed behind them.

Idunn looked at them and smiled. How did you make them stop? she asked.

Not knowing the answer, Heimdar shrugged.

They arrived in Morgan and went directly to The Drunken Monk. Upstairs there were some members of The Order. He was following us and said King George had sent him. I want you to interrogate him. Make him talk. The others nodded. But don’t kill him. We need this bastard alive. They nodded again. We’re going to the monastery. We’ll be back for lunch.

When they had left the room, one of the members talked. Are they in love, or what is happening here?

Let them be, let them be, said an old man.

To Idunn, life inside the monastery had not changed for a bit. The monks had a routine and followed it strictly despite having been attacked just a few weeks ago. Some parts of the building were still burned or destroyed, but it was being rebuilt quite rapidly. Inside the library, everything was silent. A dim light illuminated the central corridor, which smelled of paper and leather. They talked to the librarian sitting just at the entrance.

I will look at my list and see which books can tell you the most about The Faith, said the old man with a quiet and raspy voice. He returned a few minutes later and handed Heimdar a paper with three titles written on it. These are the most important ones we have. You’ll find them at the end of the fifth corridor.

Heimdar nodded.

Thank you, said Idunn happily.

Three hours later, they finished looking at the pages in the books.

I’m getting tired of being here, complained Heimdar.

You wanted to learn, didn’t you?

He shrugged.

That’s what you must do to learn, Idunn said.

Two or three hours later, they decided it was time for lunch. While leaving the library, they found someone in the third corridor. It was the bard. They looked at each other. Oh, hello there, he said in a low voice.

Hi, said the two friends in unison. What are you doing here?

Well, I like to read books everywhere I go to find stories that can be turned into good songs, answered the bard. I’m leaving tomorrow morning, so I thought it was my last chance to read some books while I am still here.

Ah… and where are you going? asked Idunn.

I will go east. First, I’ll enter the Low Forest. I know a druid there who will let me sleep at her home. They are good people, the druids, and they always have stories to tell. I like that. And then, after crossing all the Low Forest, I’ll go towards Sea Gates, maybe stopping in Balû or some other city or village on the way. He smiled. Quite an adventure it’s going to be. Well, at least that’s what I hope!

Silence, please! said the old librarian.

I was leaving anyway, said the bard.

Hey, do you want to join us for lunch in the tavern? asked Heimdar. I think you are a very interesting bard and I want to know more about you.

Sure! I never say no to a good lunch.

Back in the tavern, the members of The Order were waiting for Heimdar and Idunn. He doesn’t talk much, but he confirmed what you said, explained one of the members when they arrived. He was originally part of a group of three hired by King George to capture you and bring you to Cross Galach. But during the journey, the other two men died while crossing the mountains. If they were following you, then this means that King George’s soldiers probably attacked the monastery. He has heard of us and knows where we are. We’ll need to be careful from now on.

This winter is one of the coldest I’ve ever seen. If you go out on a journey and aren’t well prepared, you will die, said the old man.

Galach is a cold kingdom, but they don’t know how cold it can get up here.

What shall we do with him? asked another member.

Put him in the monastery dungeons, said Heimdar.

The man nodded.

Come on. I’m hungry. Let’s go downstairs! Idunn was tired of all that talk and although she wanted to know what would happen to the man, she just wanted something to eat.

During lunch, Idunn, Heimdar and the bard sat together. Can you tell me more about your adventure to the east? asked Heimdar.

Yes, of course. I like visiting different cities and villages, staying there for a day or two, playing music, earning money and having drinks. That’s my lifestyle. I don’t get in trouble; I want it to be in peace. It’s all about the music and the joy it brings to everyone. Now I’m here in Morgan. My last stop was Galach. As I said in the library, I’ll go to the Low Forest first, then Balû and finally Sea Gates.

And could I come with you? I want to go to Sea Gates, said Heimdar.

Wh—what? Why? Idunn was surprised.

There’s the monastery that supports us, Idunn. You know that. I want to talk to them, see if they can help us in any other way, not just by spreading the word of The Faith.

She remained in silence.

Of course you could come. I’d enjoy the company, answered the bard happily.

I’m coming too. Idunn was smiling.

Heimdar looked at her and opened his mouth.

Shut up, Heimdar. I’m coming whether you like it or not. She smiled at him again.

Oh yes, this is getting more interesting! I’m so happy to travel with more people! The bard was as delighted as he could be, his face full of joy and brightness.

Heimdar said, What if we change the route a bit? Would you mind?

It depends on how much you want to change it.

I’d like to go to Cross Ethuir for a day or two. I want to try to talk to Kilmanock. I know he can help us with this. I know he can speak to King George to stop him from attacking us.

The bard looked at him and said, Yeah, I can do that. But first, we’ll go to the forest, then there and then to the east.

Sure. No problem, answered Heimdar.

We’ll leave tomorrow morning! said the bard. Then he left the table and went outside. He just wanted to play some music.

Hey! Listen, everyone! shouted Idunn. The members of The Order looked at her. Heimdar has some words to say.

Thank you, he said while getting up. "Idunn and I have decided to go on an adventure with the bard. Let me explain. He leaves our beloved land tomorrow morning and will go to the east, Sea Gates, his destination. We’ll stop in various