Avelyne Marsten
“I carried Beringer out with my own two hands, covered in blood—his and theirs. Whatever happened in that villa was no accident, but I know Galmyr wasn’t behind it. He trusted Avelyne too much, cared for her too deeply. No… this was something darker, something crueler. I arrived too late to save her, but by Heironeous’ grace, I saved the boy.” – Cwenhild, the Venerated Shield of Heironeous
Background
Avelyne Marsten served as a man-at-arms for
House Vogel, one of the few women to hold such a position. Known for her strength, discipline, and fierce loyalty, she was a natural leader on and off the battlefield. Over time, she became a trusted confidant and protector for
Galmyr Vogel, standing at his side in times of war and peace alike.
It is said their relationship went beyond duty, leading to the birth of a son—Beringer. To keep the child safe, Galmyr placed Avelyne in a secluded villa with a handful of loyal servants, far from the political intrigues of Castle Direhold.
The Villa Incident
Avelyne’s life came to a violent end in that quiet villa. When Cwenhild, the Venerated Shield of Heironeous, arrived, she found only blood and bodies. Avelyne and her servants had been slain, but the baby, Beringer, was miraculously unharmed. Cwenhild fought her way out, cutting down several Vogel retainers—men she believed were sent to silence the boy forever.
“It wasn’t battle—it was butchery. I’ve seen enough slaughter to know the difference. Someone wanted to erase every trace of Avelyne, but they underestimated my will. I would have carried that boy through the Nine Hells if I had to.” – Cwenhild
“Avelyne never stopped fighting—not once, not ever. When I found her, she was barefoot in a simple dress, surrounded by the bodies of the men who came to kill her. They sent a dozen. Caught by surprise, unarmored and alone, she killed four before they could lay her low. I made sure the rest never saw the light of day again.” — Cwenhild, Venerated Shield of Heironeous
Despite the carnage, Cwenhild firmly believed Galmyr Vogel had no part in the atrocity. His absence, combined with the villa’s remote location, suggested he had been kept in the dark. If blame were to be laid, it would be at the feet of
Wilhelm Vogel’s mother
Zanara Vogel, whose ruthless ambition was well known.
Legacy
Though her life ended in tragedy, Avelyne’s legacy endured through her son, Beringer, who inherited her strength and courage. Raised by others, he grew into a knight of renown, embodying the best of his mother’s spirit. His connection to House Vogel is a stain he refuses to acknowledge—but those who knew Avelyne remember her as a symbol of loyalty, honor, and unbreakable resolve.
Comments