The Elder council's decision hung heavy in the air of the small, dimly lit room where Erik and Torstein's father relayed the news. "They've decided on a fine," he said, his voice laden with a mixture of relief and frustration. "Five hundred. It's a significant sum, Erik." The figure was not just a number; it was a burden, a debt to be paid for the violence Erik had wrought in defense of his brother.
Erik, his expression stoic, nodded silently. He understood the gravity of the situation and the responsibility that now lay on his shoulders. But more than the weight of the fine, it was the look of disappointment and disgust their father cast upon Torstein that stung the most. It was a silent accusation, blaming him for the predicament they now found themselves in.
Torstein felt the gaze like a physical blow. The guilt that had been simmering inside him since the day of the attack now boiled over. He couldn't bear the thought of Erik shouldering this burden alone, especially when it was his weakness that had led to this.
Determined to make amends, Torstein spent the rest of the day in deep thought, pondering over how he could contribute to the fine. His usual retreat to the world of books and learning offered no solace today; his mind was consumed with the need to find a solution.
As the evening sky turned a deep shade of crimson, an idea began to take shape in his mind. Torstein was well-versed in the lore of the land, in the secrets of the forest. He knew of rare herbs and valuable materials that were sought after in the nearby markets. Perhaps he could gather these, trade them for coin. It was a daunting task, for it meant venturing deeper into the woods, into territories he had only read about. But the resolve in his heart was firm; he would do whatever it took to help his brother, to lighten the load of the silver penningar.
The following morning, with the first light of dawn, Torstein set out. His journey took him through the familiar parts of the forest and beyond, into the unknown. He moved with purpose, his eyes keenly searching for the herbs and materials that would fetch a good price. Each discovery, each item he added to his bag, felt like a step towards redemption, towards easing the burden on his family.
As the sun reached its zenith, Torstein found himself deeper in the forest than he had ever been. The sounds were different here, the air richer, the sense of ancient magic stronger. He was treading a fine line between fear and fascination, but his determination did not waver.
By the time he returned to the village, his bag was full, but so was his heart – full of hope that his efforts would make a difference. He knew this was just the beginning, that the road ahead was long and fraught with challenges. But for the first time, Torstein felt a sense of purpose that went beyond his own interests, a drive to contribute, to protect, to make amends.