The Bearclaw clan thrived. Success didn't come immediately; it took several years before what seemed like insignificant piglets turned into a terror for Freljord. These massive beasts could carry heavy loads, and their lack of food preferences allowed them to be fed almost anything, making journeys significantly easier.
The first expedition into uncharted lands was difficult due to unknown paths, unfamiliar terrain, and other challenges. They also faced hostility wherever they went, as people remembered the raids of the northerners who killed and slaughtered them. It was hard for the clan to convey their peaceful intentions, but their weapons and beasts gave them a completely different appearance.
For a whole month, they wandered in search of those who would not be hostile. Only after moving further south, where the cold was less severe and the sun blazed and burned their skin, did the uncomfortable clothing and unfamiliar climate begin to take a toll on the members of the Bear clan. They stumbled upon territories known as Demacia. Although there were rumors of these distant lands, few Freljordians had actually been there.
They were met with caution, but upon seeing the goods they brought, the locals decided to take a risk and trade with them. Thus began the first contact, which turned into a trade route. With each passing year, it grew, attracting people eager to profit from it. Unfortunately, it also attracted bandits. Many clans, engaged in raids, began targeting caravans carrying goods and robbing them. These clashes often resulted in heavy losses on both sides.
To ensure the safety of the flourishing trade route, alliances were formed, and a share of the profits was distributed among the clans and other participants in the trade route. The clan's strongest warrior, Kailen, took on the responsibility of escorting the caravans, although this did not bring him much satisfaction, as he spent long periods away from his family.
After returning from an expedition, Kailen decided to take action and asked Ingun to become part of his life. He paid her mother the bride price, and then they wove their lives together. The house was no longer cold; it was always warm from the hearth and filled with ready food. They deeply loved each other, and it wasn't long before a new life began to form in Ingun's womb. Kailen was both happy and tormented by his thoughts. He wanted to conquer these lands, defeating the strongest, but now he had a family. So, he made the decision to stay with her.
Their domestic bliss was disrupted by constant bandit raids. Kailen was forced to accompany every caravan to ensure they could trade safely. Those who dared to attack paid a heavy price. Kailen did not remain idle; he honed his skills, becoming a formidable warrior. Rumors spread about him, claiming he was a warrior capable of facing hundreds. People whispered that nature itself was subject to his powers, and that no mortal could rival him.
The rumors reached even the Demacian settlements, causing them to view Kailen with suspicion. Only the profitable relationship they had with him prevented them from taking up arms to kill or punish the mage. With each passing generation, hatred seeped into the minds of the people, fostering resentment and hostility towards the very essence of magic.
Five years passed in endless travels and battles. He missed the birth of his child, the moment of his first word, and his first steps. Kailen's son was named Asur, and he grew up to be a strong and healthy boy. Ingun understood her husband's absence, knowing that the clan was more important to them—they had become one of the wealthiest in Freljord, and their village was expanding.
Now, Kailen stood looking out over the vast fields, planted with food. The vibrant green grass was in full bloom, exuding a pleasant aroma. It was a stark contrast to his homeland, where there was almost nothing but snow. More than once, he asked himself why they didn't move here, why they continued to endure life in such an inhospitable place. Only their clan had been thriving recently, but their neighbors were still struggling to survive. Although these thoughts arose, they quickly faded, as there were more downsides. His magic was significantly weaker here, requiring more effort to perform his techniques. Even his body resisted, especially when the sun's intense heat blazed during the day.
"Kailen, can you cool down our boars? They're not handling it well," said Jorund. Only his loyal friend, who had accompanied him on almost every journey, eased the burdens of his duty.
"Alright," Kailen replied, breaking away from his thoughts.
"Phew, I'm tired of this heat. It feels like we're in the depths of hell this year," Jorund remarked. Even though they were dressed in light clothing, sweat continued to pour from them. Kailen constantly used his magic to maintain a comfortable body temperature.
"This is our last caravan for the month. Soon, we'll be able to rest," Kailen said with a hint of longing. He missed his son and wife.
"Yeah, I'll crash in bed, a couple of girls by my side, and enjoy life," Jorund said dreamily. He remained unmarried, still single. He hadn't found someone who could tame his wild heart, though there was one woman who drove that foolishness out of him.
"Then I'll be sure to tell Sigrun about this," Kailen said with a smirk.
Sigrun was a warrior, renowned for her strength and bravery. Despite her steel-like character and impressive skills, she was a beautiful maiden. Jorund couldn't resist showing interest in her, but it ended in tragedy. Their budding relationship soured when Jorund, unable to restrain himself, ended up in bed with another woman, leading to a fierce battle between them. He was barely saved afterward. The relationship between them remained cold, and every time Sigrun saw Jorund with another woman, she would challenge him to a duel and beat him up.
"Please, don't tell her," Jorund pleaded. He could overpower her, but he didn't want to hurt her, unlike her.
"I won't, but you should curb your appetites, and maybe, if you apologize properly, she might forgive you," Kailen remarked. As they talked, they approached the boar pen, where the beasts were currently wallowing in the mud to cool off. Kailen conjured his magic, creating small ice particles that began to fall gently. A light snowfall filled the area, and the boars eagerly leaped into the snow, rolling around in it. Dragal, one of the boars, approached its master, asking for a treat. Kailen formed an icicle and placed it in the creature's mouth.
"Do you think she'll forgive me?" Jorund asked.
"Most likely. If she didn't care about you, she wouldn't react so strongly to your antics, and she doesn't let anyone else get close to her," Kailen replied.
"So, not all is lost. Alright, I'll give it a try," Jorund said, taking some snow and rubbing it on his face.
The rest of the team was in the city, handling the sale and purchase of goods. Kailen stayed outside to avoid assassination attempts due to his magic. Several skirmishes, especially with zealous fanatics, had caused the authorities to be displeased. So, he stayed with their boars, which were also not allowed inside. These creatures were massive monsters that could swallow a person whole. Standing in the middle of the street, they would cause panic among the people.
Most of the cities in Demacia were not large; only a few buildings were made of white stone, with the rest constructed from wood. The city walls were just beginning to be erected, with only a small section completed.
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Their team was starting to be delayed, as trading usually took much less time. If they didn't show up soon, they would have to go after them. After waiting a few more minutes, they finally spotted their returning comrades.
In the southern regions, they transported goods on horses, which was more convenient and faster than using boars, but further north, everything was transferred to the boars since horses couldn't withstand the cold regions or traverse deep snow. As they walked towards their companions, they noticed their faces weren't exactly cheerful.
"Did something go wrong?" Kailen asked.
"Everything went as usual, but trade with us will decrease for the next six months, maybe even stop altogether," Hurd, who had become the leader in trade matters, replied. "Bandits from our lands raided several villages, taking everything. It happened a bit west of here, far from our route, but they fear the bandits might come here too."
"They know we protect the route and regularly fend off attacks," Kailen said in confusion.
"Yes, it wasn't a problem. But they've had some sort of uprising related to those with magical abilities. Their armies are occupied with suppressing the rebellion. To make matters worse, Demacia isn't a unified state, and many have decided they can rule over larger lands than they currently have and have begun attacking their neighbors," Hurd said.
Demacia oppressed those who were born with magical gifts, and any manifestation of it was immediately discovered. The unfortunate ones were shackled and sent to mines and heavy construction work. Their food consisted of just a few spoonfuls of gruel, and the conditions were inhumane. They were used to build Demacia's architecture, their bodies literally embedded in its foundations.
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"So, we might lose our food supply?" Kailen asked.
"There won't be any issues with that. The villages will still sell us food, but we might face difficulties with other things. They've also started talking about taking a percentage from us. From what I understand, they want a share of our goods in exchange for trading on their territory," Hurd said with sadness.
"We need to speak with the leader. We'll find a way out," Jorund said.
"Yes, let's get ready to leave," Hurd said.
The group headed back to Freljord. They had traveled this route many times before without any problems. Along the way, Jorund decided to approach Sigrund, but she deliberately pretended not to notice him. He now looked like a real man, with a thick beard and a face adorned with several scars, but he still hesitated to speak first.
"Stop trailing behind me. Say what you need to, or I'll break your legs and you can ride in the cart," Sigrund spat angrily.
"I just thought I'd keep you company; the journey goes by faster when you talk," Jorund quickly came up with an excuse.
"I'd rather have the company of a troll than have you near me," the girl replied, still unfriendly.
"Don't be so harsh. I've done a lot of thinking and realized I've made many mistakes. I just wanted to apologize for everything I've done to you," he admitted sincerely.
"Do you dare ask for forgiveness? You have no honor. You swore love to me, but the moment a skirt appeared nearby, all your feelings sank to the lowest level," Sigrun replied bitterly.
"I know, I'm a complete scoundrel. Please, don't hold a grudge against me; I'll change for you," Jorund said.
"You are unbearable; I don't believe a single word you say," she replied and, turning around, struck Jorund's leg with the handle of her axe, causing him to stumble and fall to the ground.
Kailen saw what happened and helped his friend up.
"Do you think it worked?" he asked.
"Well, there's some progress. Otherwise, she'd be hitting you with the blade on your head," Kailen joked.
"Yeah, off to the trolls with you," Jorund replied without malice.
They faced the journey back home. They walked, hoping everything would turn out well and that trade would continue. But their fates were already being decided.
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A few miles away in Freljord, the gods had gathered to decide the destinies of mortals. A massive bear stood on two legs, its eyes flashing lightning, and its teeth, sharp as knives, gleamed menacingly from its mouth. The raging storm demi-god Volibear.
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He was filled with untamed fury at the contemptible weakness of the Freljord tribes, those who dared to defy traditions and fight, thus earning the right to live. In his anger, he resolved to aid his followers in conquering the clan that dared to call itself the Bear's Fang. They had become soft, living in abundance and comfort. Well, soon they would face the consequences of their sins.