Too much ale and an uncertain future compelled Vörl into the seer's hut on the Street of Dreams. He watched the old woman closely as they sat across from each other on the earthen floor. The faint smell of an indeterminable incense added to the foreign surroundings.

"First, I shall look at your youth, Vörl Skoalheim" she said slowly, her eyes closed in deep concentration. "You are familiar with many people . . . from many lands. . . . I see animals . . . wagons . . . crowds. . . . A circus — your parents were circus performers. I see you . . . feeding the animals. You didn't like that job at all. In time you grew to immense size and strength. I see you . . . fixing wagons . . . constructing scenery. There are also images of you protecting against intruders and thieves."

Her right hand snaked forward, palm upraised.

Vörl shuddered in recognition. Still, he knew the tricks of too many talented sideshow charlatans to give up some of his few remaining coins. After all, he needed to eat tomorrow.

He said, "Prophetess, everything you've told me is correct, but perhaps one of my former axe-brothers was in here. I shall pay to hear my future only if you can tell me of my last night of true happiness."

"My poverty forces me to endure such insolence," she said. Then she closed her eyes and paused for several moments before continuing. "The circus was in the peaceful town of Norwald for the Harvest Feast. The show went well and the audience loved it. I see you and a green-eyed girl, one of the townsfolk, smiling and holding hands. "

After another hesitation, she said, "Just before dawn, Septembrus Sapphor and his rebels attacked Norwald. A nearby army contingent came to the rescue just as the howling horde stormed the town's center. You lost all of your loved ones in the bloody fighting, but the commander was so impressed with your ferocity in battle that he recruited you immediately."

The witch's words brought painful memories to Vörl -- memories that even Septembrus' extended execution the next afternoon never quelled. He handed her the precious silver. "You have the gift. I'm sorry to have doubted you. Please, I need to know where my fate lies."

Once more the seer's eyes closed and she hummed syllables in an long-forgotten tongue. Suddenly her back arched stiffly. She spoke in a harsh, accented whisper:

In the guildhall next door
Is a mission and more
For one who is skilled, strong and true

Cross the ocean untamed
With a wizard of flame
First seek the ram's head tattoo

Her body slowly returned to its natural slouch. She sighed and opened her eyes. "Satisfied, warrior?"

But Vörl was gone.

All original material copyright (c) 1998 Michael McGarel. Feel free to use in your personal games, but this material cannot be distributed for commercial reasons in any form without the express written consent of the author.