In Strange Lands (Short story on Hreardan and his Fyrd)

Sitting outside his tent, Hreardan watched as the camp began to stir, then cast his gaze back to the horizon, trying to come to terms with this strange new land, this ‘Lost Archipelago’. Before him, there was naught but ash choked plains and towering mountains blackened with soot, it was an inhospitable landscape, scorched and barren. He cracked a smile, it reminded him of the times he had been to Aqshy. Yes… he thought, as he glanced at the towering dark mountains rising from the plains to his left and right. Very much like Aqshy. Despite that familiarity, he knew this wasn’t the Mortal Realms, that at least he was sure of, and it certainly wasn’t Ghur, where the realmgate had been supposed to lead.

“What now Runesmiter?”
Said Vars, as he sat beside Hreardan.

Hreardan:“This isn’t exactly how I expected this to go”

Vars:“Aye, no one did. We could be in the Realm of Chaos for all I know. But, we have our orders, and we’ll stick to them.”

Hreardan:“We set out to found a stronghold for the Gryndrn in a new Realm, we can still do that.” He sighed resignedly. “And given enough time, perhaps we can even find a way out of this place”

Vars:“We will see.” He didn’t sound sure.“Or at least we can do our best to survive here.”

Hreardan: He nodded. "And we need safety, we are too exposed, and don't know how amicable these ‘others’ will be.” This was his first time commanding a fyrd and without someone else to rely on, the responsibility for his warriors was burning in his mind.

“And that is where we will find it” He pointed beyond Vars, beyond the mountains rising behind him, and far into the distance, where - many hundreds or even thousands of miles away -something huge was glowing brightly amid a billowing cloud of ash. A volcano, huge beyond any he had seen, it rose far into the atmosphere.

“That, will be our Emberhold. A bulwark against whatever this Realm can throw at us.”

Vars:“Aye! Vulkatix’s fury burns in that volcano!” He was eager now, Hreardan thought, good. He’d need Vars by his side if they were to get through this.

Hreardan:“That it does, it will make an impenetrable stronghold.” Then, turning to the camp he shouted to the warriors, “Stow your tents! We move out in an hour.”

The words were met with a chorus of “ayes” “yes Runesmiter” and, under Hreardan’s careful supervision, the camp was soon deconstructed. Tents were pulled down, fires were quenched and everything was packed into the sturdy leather packs they carried. It was all done with the speed and efficiency of well-experienced travelers and in barely half the time Hreardan had stipulated, the camp was gone and the column was reforming, ready for the day’s march.

“We march on the Volcano” He cried to the Fyreslayers assembled before him “A long journey - weeks or longer - but we must seek shelter, food, and safety in this new land. And that is where we will find it!”

To shouts of agreement the column marched on, this would not be their end. The The Gryndrn Lodge would not be overcome!