The Bridegroom and the She-bear
A restless group of children demands a story from a captive Viking. He spoke of a wild youth, a fierce she-bear, savage love, bitter loss, and nature’s cruelty.
Thralls
In a peaceful village, Hiroshi hides his sister as bandits attack. Samurai demand tribute, but Vikings soon arrive, only to enslave the villagers in brutal rule.
Oath of Vengeance
Brynhildr’s birth caused her mother’s death, leading to her father’s deep love and Hansel’s growing resentment. In Japan, Hansel betrays them, killing their father. Brynhildr vows revenge.
Ægir and Shōjō Hoist a Few
Guest writer Paul Di Filippo tells a tale of Ægir, Norse sea god, and Shōjō, Japanese sake spirit, squaring off in a drinking contest, matching the humans in Midgard drink for drink. Who’s gonna win this booze-soaked showdown?
The Waves
Guest writer and Viking sage, Josh Heath, spins a yarn of heartbreak and soul-searching: an old-timer grappling with his roots amidst crashing waves from Japan’s shores to a Norwegian fjord.
