Chapter 3 — Land of the Draegnir

  The morning was still fresh when I arrived at the carriage.

  “Good morning, Luna,” I greeted naturally.

  She was already prepared for the journey, returning the gesture with a slight nod and her usual alert gaze.

  “Good morning, my lord,” she replied, her voice calm and respectful.

  The coachman, a man of few words and steady hands, simply nodded, waiting for the signal.

  Luna climbed into the carriage with me, and the journey began. The road ahead was long, but quiet—the sound of wheels over gravel and the creaking of wood accompanied us.

  Along the way, I broke the silence.

  “We’re heading to the northern border, where beastmen have been sighted. I want to see the situation with my own eyes. I don’t trust loose words.”

  Luna nodded in agreement.

  “Understood. I’ll stay alert.”

  Hours passed, and the terrain began to change. The landscape turned harsh and uneven, marked by cutting wind, sparse trees, and the echo of vastness. When the carriage stopped, we stood before the wild frontier. The coachman remained silent. Luna stepped down with me, eyes scanning the movement ahead.

  In the distance, figures watched. Humanoid shapes, but with beastly traits—fierce, silent eyes. The beastmen.

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  We approached without showing threat. When we were only steps away, I drew my sword and threw it to the ground before them. A clear gesture: I came in peace.

  A heavy silence followed.

  Then one of them stepped forward. Tall, covered in dark fur, with golden eyes that seemed to see beyond flesh. His voice was rough but steady:

  “You come in peace, human?”

  “Yes. I am Petrus Valemar, Duke of Verdelume.”

  The name seemed recognized. He gave a small nod.

  “We know who you are. We seek no conflict, but these lands and their prey are ours. What do you want from us?”

  “To understand you.”

  The words hung in the air. He studied me carefully.

  “Many humans fear what they do not understand. If you truly wish to understand, walk with us. You cannot see from afar what must be lived up close.”

  “That is exactly what I came for,” I said firmly. “I only need the approval of your kin.”

  One of the others stepped forward—shorter, scarred.

  “Humans promise. Then forget. How do we know you’re not the same?”

  “By getting to know me. Any word I give now means nothing.”

  The leader nodded with restrained respect.

  “Your words carry weight. Then come, Duke. But know this: here, our laws rule. And they do not bend easily.”

  We walked with them into the dense forest. The trees seemed alive, as if watching every step. Luna remained silent at my side, attentive to all.

  “This is Luna,” I introduced. “And allow me to ask… what are you, truly? ‘Beastmen’ seems an outdated term. Even offensive.”

  The leader turned his gaze to me calmly.

  “Humans do not understand. We are children of the earth and the ancient spirits. Each of us carries the soul of a wild creature. We are not men, nor beasts—we are something between, something beyond.”

  “And how should I call you?”

  He reflected for a few moments.

  “In our tongue, we are Draegnir. Those who walk with the beast. It is a sacred name. Not all will accept you using it… but it is what we are.”

  “Draegnir… I see.”

  We continued until the forest opened up. Among the trees rose rustic homes made of wood, stone, and roots. Camouflaged within nature, almost alive with it. There were no walls, no roads—just packed earth and structures shaped by time and the environment.

  The leader stopped in front of the village.

  “This is our land. Here we are free. Watch, learn… but remember: you now stand under our rule.”

  I stood there, before the heart of the unknown, surrounded by watchful eyes and a culture I had yet to uncover.

  And it was only the beginning.