Originally Posted by
Gathon1
The wind was raging in the cold gloom of the morning. The huntsmen marched out of the village gate(not much of a gate in truth, for it was a simple palisade that surrounded the village), to gather food, furs, and leather for the clan. The warriors of Clan Cimbri, spilled forth from the mustering hall, lead by the Chieftains eldest son, Dumnorix. Rounded shields and axes in hand, they laid about against one another, training to become one of the champions of Cimmeria. A worthy challenge for such a clan. Unlike the others, the Cimbri were less nomadic than the most of their kin, preferring the terrain offered by the village they have held for several generations.
Vercing, the second son of the Chieftain, and Gaulton, soon joined the men of Dumnorix, taking up shield and axe, while the Chieftain Hrane looked down upon them from the hill. It was not a large village, but nor was it a small one. Built in a sort of circle, four towers formed an imaginary square, with the palisade making the outer ring. Within were a ring of huts, then the Meadhall and lesser Clans Houses, before finally the Mustering Hall and the Chieftains Hold in the center, resting upon the hill.
Gaulton, unlike his brothers, was a true warrior, wielding a mighty axe in his large hands, he did not bother with a shield. A savage, who did not think of winning, rather than dealing as much damage as he can, before his death found him. His brothers were more cautious, wielding shields defensively, probing their foes for weakness, before disarming or maiming them before the kill. But next to Gaulton they seemed timid.
Gaulton was by no means the best warrior, however it was his confidence, savage strength, and ferocity that led him on to victory, gaining him a retinue of younger warriors that tailed him. Although he would make an heir worthy of the Cimbri name, Dumnorix was the eldest, and heir to all his father held dear. And his brother, Vercing, was to be War Chief, and sit upon his brother council, as befits his rank. Gaulton would have nothing, after his father would fall.
However Gaulton never bore any ill will against his brothers, or his father. Loyal as ever he served his father and elder brothers faithfully, but, something that nagged always in his mind, was the lack of a true legacy. To not have the village, or even be War Chief..
“A little brother, steadfast as ever.” Said Vercing, panting as he laid upon the ground, clutching his wrist, his shield broken, cloven in two as it was shattered against the barbaric strength of Gaulton. “Steadfast? The man is a beast. A true warrior worthy of his name.” said Dumnorix, shaking his head, “But you ought to bear a shield, Gaulton. There will come a day even your anger can not hold against an attack.”
That much was true, wielding his axe with both hands, Gaulton did not have the capability to block well, if at all. Relying on dodging and evading attacks and redouble his assault, moving like a sort of southern panther as he weaved his way around his enemy assault, and to cunningly deliver the death blow.
But Gaulton wanted more, than just the renown of his village. He wanted more than compliments from his brothers, he wanted more. Battling raiding picts was not enough for him, nor were the many challenges by other Clans. Gaulton believed he was worthy of so much more.
Later that night, Gaulton and his retinue, twelve fellow warriors of the Cimbri, have decided to leave the village. Cimmeria was not at war, nor did the village have need of their prowess. However they have a urge for glory, and so they made way to the coastal regions, deciding to become mercenaries to the rivalling Merchants that fought against one another, and the pirates of the sea.
For months, Gaulton and his men have lost some men, and gained some, growing into a small wealthy company as the merchants of Zingara and Anquilonia skirmished against one another, caravans being raided, warehouses burnt to the ground, goods stolen, and guards bribed..Until a fateful evening brought Ulgard the pirate to Gaultons company, and asked Gaulton and his crew to join him at sea. Again, for months, the sea spray dampened his beard, and merchants blood stained the wooden hull. The holds of Ulgard started to swell, and so did the bitterness of his comrades..
It was one faithful evening that brought other rival pirates out to strike at Ulgards ship at unawares, punching a hole into the hold, with the coin, and stolen goods sinking into the sea floor. It was dark, as men fought upon the deck of the sip, Gaulton and his men holding their own until overwhelmed, another ship ramming into the side of the ship Gaulton was on, thrusting him into the sea and engulfed by the broiling waves..He woke upon the beach of Tortage, penniless, and unarmed.
