HammerFall

Chapter 002: Rosenbrim's Council

The bright mornng sunlight filled into the Council of Lords' Petition Chambers. It was a white stoned room with many tables and benches that formed a semi circle around a raised dais. On that raised dais rested a large black table of onyx. Normally this head table was where the great advisors of King Elmgrim sat, and stacked with governmental papers to a room filled with shouting voices demanding to be heard. But in this early morning the Petition Chamber had been closed for the audience between Wizard Rosenbrim and Jasper Stormblade. The table was clear of any such legal paper works. There was only silence for a while Rosenbrim waited.

Rosenbrim contemplatively sat upon the black, oaken chair. His pale green eyes gazed into those of bright sapphires of Jasper Stormblade as he entered the chambers. That was always the first place that Rosenbrim looked; into the eyes of men. It was within these windows that he read the souls of men, beasts, and demons.

The wizard had worn his long black hair loose and over his shoulders. He did not dress completely in the fashions of most court wizards. He wore chainmail beneath his black and gold dyed, silken robe. He leaned his face upon the palms of his hands as the silver haired youth knelt before him.

"Wizard Rosenbrim, you summoned me?"

He smiled slightly at the short haired swordsman, "Yes. King Elmgrim has given much thought to the threat of Iced Earth. As you may not know the Iced Earth is not a country or kingdom or even an empire as many of the peasants, and other ignorant people of the world think. Iced Earth is a mercenary band, and their goals are unclear. All we know is that they came from the Black East and fought in the war against, and for the Black Easts; playing kingdoms against each other. They are a devious minded band."

"Then is my mission connected to this mercenary band, Wizard Rosenbrim?"

"Only in an abstract manner, young Stormblade." Rosenbrim stood up and walked over to Jasper. He knelt down beside the youth, "You don't have to kneel throughout this whole meeting. You may rise. I am no king. I am no noble. I am simply Rosenbrim."

The wizard took hold of Jasper's hand, and helped him to stand. It was uncanny. The youth looked as Mikael had in his youth; but there was a clear difference between them; despite their similiar appearance. Jasper and Mikael did not share the same spirit traits of hatred, lust and greed. They were there; yes, but not as strongly as Mikael had possessed.

"So what then is my task, Rosenbrim?" Jasper asked.

Rosenbrim smiled at him, "To the southwest of HammerFall lays Stratsovara, once our alley. We have heard nothing except silence from them since the end of the war against the Black East. You are to travel as my guard. I am going as a diplomat to meet with King Tolkki. Will you accept this mission, Sir Stormblade?"

The smile remained on his lips as Jasper stood silently. He knew that Jasper wouldn't make any haste filled decisions. It was part of the Stormblade line; being cautious and weighing out all matters before taking a course. Although Stormblades were also quite capable of making snap decisions as well if the situation made it dire for such actions.

"I shall accompany you to Stratsovara."

Abruptly the doors slammed open. Rosenbrim's eyes moved from Jasper to meet those of a young novice. He couldn't quite place him; but he knew from the build, and facial features that he had to have come from Lersson Family, a lesser noblity compared to the Stormblades and other such illustrious houses of HammerFall. He was dressed in leather practice garb. It was obvious that the boy had skipped his practice to come here.

"You can't take him away from me, Wizard Rosenbrim!" The dark blond shouted at him.

Devotion. It seemed to vibrate all over the Lersson warrior. Rosenbrim sensed strong emotions holding this Lersson youth to Jasper. The smile faded slightly from his face.

"And whom are you to order me, novice Lersson?" His face took on a stern countenace though in truth he was merely playing a mind game with the young blond.

He backed away a step from Wizard Rosenbrim. The wizard could sense his nervousness and fear.

"I....I am...I mean...you.." He trailed off no longer sure of himself.

Rosenbrim pulled himself up so that he seemed to tower over the two boys within the room; but in fact he had not done so. He had merely conjured magic of intimidation.

"I am MAGNUS ROSENBRIM!! Whom are you to order me?!" He spoke in a voice that shook the chamber with it's authority.

"I...I am...I am Johan Lersson and...I..." He blushed unable to finish what Rosenbrim already knew.

Then the most unexpected thing happened that shocked both young men. Rosenbrim laughed. His intimidation spell broken by his own laughter.

"You have braved much danger, young Johan. Such bravery I shall have need of in my journey. You shall accompany young Stormblade and myself into Stratsovara." Rosenbrim then turned away from them. He took his seat before the main table.

He waved his hand in dismissal. His eyes watched with amusement as the two warriors left the Petition Chamber.