The Temple was full today.

The mass had been long and Grinna had been hard-pressed to keep sitting still. Too bad her Awakening day fell on a Templeday. She could have done without the nerve-racking wait before getting her blessing. She was nervous enough as it was. Her father threw her a sharp look. He had picked up on her nervousness and was no doubt wondering about it. It wasn’t like her to show nerves.

People began to stand up and move out of their benches now. They stood up too, waiting for the others to leave. After most of the crowd had left, they started in the direction of the altar. A few other boys and girls were moving in that direction, too, together with their parents. She wasn’t the only one who had her Awakening today.

The Temple decor was very plain. The walls were white, the benches simple wood without any ornamentation. The altar was a plain grey stone slab. Only the figurines of the deities were depicted in loving detail. On the left side the Warrior, holding sword and shield, his face fierce under the helmet. In the middle the Allfather, with his smith’s apron and holding a hammer, his expression benign. And on the right side the Goddess, with her gently smiling face. She held a spindle in her hand and her stone dress was richly decorated with embroideries. These three took pride of place. The figurines of the Trickster and the Moonmaiden had been relegated to the outer circle of the sanctuary.

A queue was building in front of the sanctuary as people were waiting to get in. The space inside was big enough for them all. Half a dozen boys and girls together with their parents. Grinna and her father were the last to go in. Her mother had chosen to stay at home today and prepare an elaborate meal in honor of the occasion. Fater Ilyron was talking to the first boy and instructing him to chose his deity and touch the figurine to receive his choice of blessings. The others observed the proceedings closely. Everyone was excited on Awakening day, it was a major turning point in the lives of boys and girls. The boy, his name was Pendron, Grinna knew him from their neighbourhood, chose to touch the figurine of the Allfather. He and his parents crowded together for a little while, no doubt discussing the available paths. Finally the boy nodded and said something to his father who patted his back, beaming with pride.

The following two candidates proceeded similarly. One for the Warrior and one for the Allfather. Grinna and her father moved up as the first candidates and their parents left the sanctuary.

The next one was a girl. As all attention was directed at her, Grinna told herself: ‘Well, it’s now or never.’

Pretending an intense interest in the girl who was touching the figurine of the Goddess now, she moved a bit up and to the left. Then she stuck out her arm as far as she could and just managed to graze the figurine of the Warrior. She pulled her arm back as words began to form before her eyes.

‘Yes!’ she thought.

Path of the Stalwart Soldier

A stalwart soldier will fight for his country and his sovereign.

A stalwart soldier will stand between the enemy and his people.

A stalwart soldier will stand as a bulwark against the beasts.

As a stalwart soldier you will stand and fight in battles and wars for you country and your sovereign. Fight with all your will and might to defeat your enemies. Obey the lawful commands of your superiors and order your subordinates. Stand as the bulwark between your people and the beasts of the wild.

Stats per level:

+1 Str

+1 End

+2 free Stats

Path of the Dancing Sword

A dancing sword will lead his enemies in the last dance.

A dancing sword will bend like a willow and see the enemy break.

A dancing sword will fight for justice in dire straits.

As a dancing sword you will lead your enemies in a deadly dance. Easily fight dangerous beasts in the wild and enemy soldiers in civilization. You will face stronger enemies who disdain you and see them despair trying to land a blow on you. You may be called to fight for justice by those who may not obtain justice through other measures.

Stats per level:

+1 Agi

+1 End

+2 free Stats

Her father was looking at her in alarm. Without a doubt he had observed what she had done . ‘Sword dancer it is.' Grinna thought, giddy with excitement. The first part of her plan had gone off without a hitch. Now for the fight. She chose her path without a second thought. And was rewarded with the message:

“Your path is the Dancing Sword.”

She swept away her skill list. That was for later, she had no time to concentrate on that now. Her father whispered sharply: “What have you done?”

She smiled at him sunnily and whispered back: “Chosen my path.”

He swept his hand over his face and blew out a long breath, eying the people in front of them. “You certainly know how to give yourself a hard time.”

Grinna just kept smiling. “I know what I want.”

They fell silent as the people in front of them frowned at their whispering. The minutes ticked by as the last candidates in front of Grinna made their choice and were congratulated by their parents and Father Ilyron.

Finally, the others moved out and Father Ilyron turned to them. He started his speech about the importance of the day and the process of making the choice, but stopped after a few moments and did a double take when he actually looked at Grinna.

“You have a path already! But from the Warrior. Girls do not take their path from the Warrior.” He stuttered.

“Other girls might not, but I did. Obviously.” Grinna retorted coolly, only her clasped fingers witnessing her tension.

“But that is not right! It is for the Goddess to offer you a path.” Father Ilyron obviously had a hard time coping with the unprecedented situation.

“It is right if the Warrior chose to offer me a path.” Grinna countered.

“But it is not done! You have to take it back.” He looked at her father beseechingly.

Grinna held her breath and prayed fervently to the Warrior. Would her father agree with Father Ilyron? She had known she was putting herself on the line here. She was aware her father indulged her far more than those of other girls. Against all tradition, he had trained her with the sword from an early age when she had shown an interest. But in this matter, he would have to go against tradition, the opinion of Father Ilyron and the opinion of many others, some of whom might easily be his superiors in the garrison.

Her father looked at her for a long moment, then shook his head and turned to Father Ilyron. “If the warrior chose to offer her a path I will let it stand. Who are we to question the Gods, after all?”

Father Ilyron obviously disagreed with his argument, but couldn’t do more than try to argue with him. Without the agreement of her father no one could take away her blessing.

Grinna slowly let out her breath, her tension easing. She had done it. She had taken her path from the Warrior. Her father wasn’t thrilled by her choice, but he had backed her against Father Ilyron.

Finally they got out of the sanctuary and the temple, leaving Father Ilyron and his disapproval behind.

“You certainly managed to arrange for an exciting Awakening day.” Her father noted wryly, as they walked down the street. “For a moment I was afraid Father Ilyron might be the victim of a heart attack.”

Grinna couldn’t hold back. She hugged him exuberantly in the middle of the street. “You are the best father in the world!” she cried, grinning widely. Several passersby observed them, some smiling indulgently, some shaking their heads.

“You are aware that we still have to tell your mother?” her father asked, after she had let him go.

“She will accept it. It is over and done with. And she always had her doubts about me making a good wife and mother.” Her father looked doubtful at her pronouncement but remained silent.

When they arrived at home her mother was already opening the door for them. “You took your time getting home. What’s the news? Did you get a good path?” She asked eagerly.

“Absolutely!” Grinna cried, while her Father just shook his head.

Her mother scrutinized them both critically. “What is it now? What have you done?” she asked Grinna.

“She took her path from the Warrior.” Her father said with a big sigh.

Her mother stood for a moment, surprised, then threw Grinna a long look. “Well, that certainly put the beasts among the poultry.” She stated, raising her hands in exasperation. But Grinna thought she recognized a tiny bit of pride in her demeanour.

“So, tell us, what path did the Warrior grant you?” she wanted to know.

“My path is the Dancing Sword,” Grinna replied, filled with pride.

“Of course it would be.” Her mother muttered. “You chose to paint a target on your back today, do you realize that? All the traditionalists will be outraged by your choice.”

“I’ll make my way, you’ll see.” Grinna was assured of her success. She was a superb swordswoman, her father had seen to that.

Her mother just shook her head. “Live and learn.” She muttered.

“All right you two. Let’s eat and celebrate Grinna's Awakening. We will leave the problems for another day.”