New heaveding of the northmen, Jomar

Cultural event

On this day, the long and legendary heaveding, Ulric was finally defeated. The younger Jomar came to gain the power as the new heaveding after a big and brutal challenge fight.

It was still winter and the snow laid thick on the ground. But the city was booming and more alive than any other day of the year. This was challenge day. The day where thousands of northmen came to the city of Holar to celebrate this honored day. And if any dared, they were allowed to challenge the heaveding to a fight, so that if they could win, they would become the new heaveding. And on this particular day, one jarl had decided that he would challenge. His name was Jomar Lars-son. Jomar had always been ambitious, and wanted to reach high places. He didn't have a hatred or anything towards Ulric the current heaveding. But there were things that Jomar wanted differently. And tonight he planned on taking the first step to do this.   The day went on. People were walking around the streets of this cold city. Traders from all around the northern isles had come with all kinds of things to sell. On big open areas, tables and benches had been placed, and a big fire was made where meat was cooked and served to the many people gathered.   As the sun started to sink down, people got more and more drunk. Around the streets people were kissing and touching each other. Either couples who were together, or just some strangers who were both drunk and lonely. People started partying. There were now only a few minutes till the challenge started. The last couple of years this part of the evening had gone over quickly. Often no one dared challenge the legendary warrior, Ulric. And where someone did dare, they were quickly struck down by Ulric. But this day, it would end much differently.   From the far east came one jarl with a small group of his most trusted men. Nothing out of the ordinary on such a day. This jarl was young, but still well known. His name is Jomar Wolfhide. His eyes were cold, because he was determined. Jomar wished to challenge the heaveding. And when the time was finally here. The challenges could commence. People gathered around the city center. In the middle was Ulric, the mighty heaveding who had now ruled for so long. By his side stood a shaman, ready to do the rite.   “THE TIME HAS FINALLY COME!” He yelled out to the crowd.   “NOW IS THE TIME ANY MAN OR WOMAN WHO WISHES TO TAKE TO POWER! TODAY IS THE DAY IF ANY HERE WISHES TO CHALLENGE THE CURRENT HEAVEDING AND TAKE THAT TITLE! STEP FORWARD NOW CAUSE THE GODS ARE WATCHING!”   People were standing back, some yelling the name, Ulric, to show they had no intention of challenging his power. And all were shocked when it then happened, the one thing no one had seen coming.   “I wish to challenge for heaveding.” Jomar called from the edge of the crowd. Everyone now looked straight at him in total disbelief. “Its suicide!” “You can't take him!” “Why!?” people yelled at the challenger.   Jomar stepped forward, facing Ulric. Ulric showed no emotion and neither did Jomar. Both were famous warriors. And they both respected each other dearly, even though they were now only a few moments from standing in a duel to the death with each other.   The shamen placed them on each side of the ring, formed by the spectators. Ulric wielding an ax, and Jomar a sword. Both equipped with a shield. And that little moment, from they were placed to the shaman called the fight to begin, felt like an eternity.   “BEGING!”   The two warriors first bowed to each other, then walked with ready weapons. When they were about 4 meters from each other, Jomar launched at Ulric. Sword hit against ax, and ax hitting shield. Their weapons clashing at each other, hitting the ground. The fight was very equal.The spectators were shocked. Everyone had seen this fight be an easy win for Ulric, the most legendary fighter in the world. Yet now he was struggling.   Jomar swung his sword from the side, hitting Ulrics ax, making it fly out of his hand. He quickly just jammed the sword forwards, planting it right into the chest of Ulric. A hush came over the crowd. Had it really happened. Ulric was defeated. The heaveding was going to die.   At that moment, Ulric and Jomar face to face. “Do right by our people, lead them well.” Those were the last words whispered from the mouth of Ulric to the new heaveding Jomar.   “A NEW HEAVEDING HAS BEEN SELECTED BY THE GODS! JOMAR LAR-SON WOLFHIDE! BOW TO YOUR NEW HEAVEDING, BOW!” Even though all had been with Ulric, and no one had predicted Jomar to be victorious, all of the northmen fell to their knees for him, for their new heaveding. It had been tradition and this challenge was holy. Everyone respected the sanctuary of this event. Yet tears fell from so many cheeks this evening, even from Jomars. Cause even though he had been to one to kill him, it was sad to think about this legendary warrior now being history.