Chapter 1: The Drakonfells and Birth.

In the south-eastern part of the sole continent of Niu Heimr [1], in the world of Inguz, was a land known as 'Midgard'. It was a place, home to many races around the world. There were Dwarves, elves, beastfolk (although rare) here and was the motherland of humans.

Midgard consisted of two kingdoms. To the east was Moothor Kingdom and to the west was Magnor [2] Kingdom. The two kingdoms were separated by a long mountain range emerging from North to South. In the northernmost part of this mountain range in Magnor Kingdom, was valley known as Drakonfell [3].

It was rumored that a great dragon had fallen there many-many years ago. So it was named after that rumor by locals.

At the mouth of the valley, was a medium sized town, known as Adewrin. It was a bustling town, as travelers from Land of Dwarves and neighboring kingdom passed through here. Trading was prominent.

Because of its location and the river passing near town, the agriculture was also widely practiced by the farmers on the outskirts of the town.

Although it was not on the border it was protected by 15m high walls from three sides and river creating a natural barrier. The walls protected from beasts and rogues that roamed in the mountains.

…

In the afternoon.

In the town mayor's office, a man was pacing back and forth. It was clear that, he was anxious. It was odd seeing a grown up man seeing so restless. The man was in his early thirties, had a well-built figure, black hair, a square jaw, slightly tan skin and grey eyes.

That man's name was Ornin Drakonfell.

At the same time, there was another man sitting at Mayor's desk, studying the documents in his hands. Hearing the unceasing footsteps, he looked up. He was the older version of Ornin, really.

His name was Bornin Drakonfell, Orin's older brother and town mayor. He was in his early-forties but there was no of typical aging on his face. Looking at his brother he sighed.

"Orr, I know you're nervous. But there is no need to be so restless about it. If you walk faster now, people downstairs are gonna worry, that you'll shake the whole building by pacing like this." Bornin exasperatedly said.

"How can you say that brother?! It's my CHILD that's going to be born! How can I not be nervous?" Ornin asked with a expression as though saying 'you have to ask that?'

"Yes, I know. But it's your second child, Orr. I thought you'd know all about it by now. And even sis-in-law wasn't nervous. When you started asking too many questions, Ashley had to send you out. And she even sent me with you… Now I have to work on my off-day. You have to be calm, brother." Bornin dryly said.

When Ornin remembered his sis-in-law's face, he stopped and gulped. His sis-in-law was not only a relative but the brothers' childhood friend. Well, she was a teenager and he was a wee little kid. It was more of a baby-sitting.

She had taught him what he couldn't understand. Made him study when he threw tantrums and strictly made him train. Her scolding's still ring in his ears whenever remembers those days.

Taking a deep breath, he started say, "I know brother, and I will now stay calm. I-" but someone knocked on the door. He immediately ran and opened the door and saw that it was his aide, Bertman.

He immediately grabbed the aide by his shoulders, and started shaking his shoulders.

"Bert! Bertman! Tell me! What is it? Did something happen? Is Brennah well? Is my child born? TELL ME!" Ornin frantically asked while still shaking his aide, Bertman by shoulders.

"S-S-Sir I-It's a boy! A b-boy! Please r-r-release-" Bertman said gasping.

"Release the poor sod, will you? Ugh! Ornin! You had a boy! Don't you want to see him? GO!" Bornin said slapping Ornin on the head.

As though the slap had electrocuted him, Ornin released Bertman and disappeared downstairs, leaving a dent on the floor where he was previously standing.

Seeing that, Bornin sighed, and helped Bertman stand. He patted Bertman on the back and asked, "You alright? Sorry for that. He was quite tense since morning. Need water?"

Still gasping, Bertman replied, "I-It's alright, sir. I understand."

"Good man. Well, I've got to meet my nephew, now. Can you have someone fix this?" Bornin asked, pointing towards the dent.

"Yes sir. It will be done." Bertman bowed.

Bornin smilingly nodded and disappeared. Only a lightning spark and a black mark on the floor remained.

Bertman blanked and looked at the floor.

'How are you different from your brother, sir? Aren't you happy too?' Bertman thought. He wryly smiled and shook his head. He had floors to fix and paint.

…

In the Drakonfell Family estate.

There two medium-sized manors stood side by side, connected by a mid-building. Around them stood tall trees called Pritas, a tree representing prosperity.

Then around it a vast garden consisting various flowers, herbs and more trees. Guards patrolled around the estate constantly and some stood guard at various entrances.

Suddenly, the ground near the main gate trembled.

The guards near the gates and manor were alarmed.

A fierce wind blew, as something or 'someone' was approaching. The guards, today, were extra alert, because yet another member of Drakonfell family was being born. What if someone came here to cause trouble? It was relatively peaceful times but they had to be careful.

The guard captain, Corbin, frowned. He was the 4th strongest individual in this town. Although not strong as his father, the previous guard captain, or his two masters.

He was still a 3rd stage Earth-metal elementalist. He could feel the power emanating from the individual running towards the manor.

"Guards! Protect the manor's entrance! I'll-" Corbin started ordering the guards but suddenly stopped when he heard a 'zap' at his back. He drew his sword and got in a stance. But seeing that it was his master Bornin, he bowed.

"Hoho! You've improved, Corbin. I suppose you will breakthrough in a month's time? Keep it up. Right, no need to be so alarmed. It's just my brother in his frenzy. Tell guards to return to their duties. I need to restrain my brother." Saying that Bornin disappeared yet again.

As Ornin was going to open the doors of the manor, he was stopped by Bornin. He looked at Bornin impatiently and Bornin gave a stern look back. Ornin closed his eyes and exhaled. He nodded at Bornin and they both went in.

Brennah, Ornin's wife was in their bedchamber upstairs. At the door of chambers, Ornin knocked. A beautiful woman opened the door.

She was petite woman, had flowing shoulder-length brown hair, a small face with slightly tan skin. She was wearing a gorgeous green gown with white linings. Her name was Ashley Drakonfell, Bornin's wife. She nodded and smiled at them. Both Ornin and Bornin went in.

Inside, lying on a bed, was a woman holding a child. Her blond hair were disheveled, there was still some sheen of sweat on her forehead. She was partially lying down and was covered with blankets. Anyone could tell that she was tall and beautiful despite her current appearance.

Brennah looked up and smiled. Her husband had come. Ornin hurried and sat beside his wife.

"Are you alright?" he asked, concerned.

"Yes, Orr. I'm fine. I'm sure you must've made a ruckus though." She said and giggled.

"Uh…well. Ahem, our baby is quite big and cute isn't he?" Ornin said averting his gaze towards the child.

Brennah giggled and nodded.

"He is. He hasn't released my hand since he was given to me. Quite the grip he has."

"Oh? Well let me hold him." Ornin said as he held his hands forward.

But the child wouldn't budge. He did have the grip. Ornin was quite surprised.

"Indeed. Well he's our child after all, how could he be weak? Right, what should we name him?" he asked.

"Do you have something in mind?" she asked as she stroked the baby's head.

Ornin smiled a little and thought how this boy clung stubbornly to his mother.

"Hehe, how about Bjorn? Bjorn Drakonfell?" he asked.

Brennah laughed a little. And she nodded. It was little mischievous of him but it was a good name.

"Quite an apt name, dear. Now, baby, do you want to go to daddy?" Brennah agreed and said to the baby.

Surprisingly, the baby relented and went to Ornin.

Ornin laughed heartily and said, "Ha! You liked your name, didn't you, Bjorn Drakonfell?"

And this way, my dear readers, Bjorn Drakonfell, known as Michael in past life, was born. No one else than he knew what was to come in this world and the quest he had.

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Notes:

1. 'Niu Heimr' means 'Nine Worlds'. 'Heimr' also means 'home', in Norse.

2. Both Kingdoms' names are derived from Thor's sons, Mooi/Modi and Magni. They mean 'Wrath' and 'Might/Mighty' in Norse.

3. Drakonfell means 'Dragon Valley'. Drakon means Dragon and Fell means 'Valley' in Norse.

Author: Shantanu Bondre. (ID: Sam0207)