Ayrovan

What keeps you awake at night? Ayrovans mother asked him. Nothing mother, he replied. He was just ten years old but he spoke like he was a man who wielded the sharpest sword. I know something is bothering you! she questioned him again. I don't want to disturb you with my petty problems mother, he said. I'm you your mother. It is my duty to listen to your petty problems, she said with all confidence and tone of a protector. He did not speak as he always. When his mother spoke in that manner, he knew it was for the best to keep his opinions to himself. Are you wondering where your father is? she asked him. I very well know where my father is, he said disgusted with himself. He looked up at her spoke with vigour. It is the nights that don't bother me. He must be drinking his troubles away in the local watering hole. I know that mother! he looked down now, not being able to look at their face! He was ashamed and stuttered unusually. Then? His mother questioned him. It is the mornings that make me wonder what kind of person he is. Do not talk about your father like that! his mother said in a very fierce yet concerned tone. As though she was scared what was about to come out from his mouth. What does he have to do with the Hylins? he asked her. What use would a cripple be to a Hylin? he asked her with tears coming out of his eyes. That is none of your business young man, his mother said to him and turned away. Can he hunt, can he fight. Ayrovan smirked. He cannot even run, he scoffed! That is enough, go to your room! she said to him and was about to walk away! Ayrovan walked slowly that night as he always did. His leg had a disease that made him walk slow! It did not get worse, but it did not get any better! His mother always looked at him as he walked back. She sobbed without control. She closed her mouth as she did not want to trouble him more with her wailing! The children his age, she stuttered and looked up at the skies! Oh god! she cried.

Ayrovan fought with Thronir with a tenacity like never before! He pushed the great warrior back many times. Even though Thronir was taking it easy, he was indeed very surprised by the fight in the cripple! He was proud and there was a certain admirer as well. Mithrir was even more proud and shocked at the same time! Is that Ayrovan, he thought! He could not believe his eyes as Ayrovan jumped up with just the help of one leg and dealt a heavy blow at Thronir! Thronir was on the ground! His eyes grew black with anger but he controlled it! Ayrovan jumped on him and was about to deal him a death blow, but he stopped! Come on son! Kill me, he said to him. You are not my father, replied Ayrovan and retreated a few steps back! No, I'm not! said Thronir. But I would have been proud of you were my son, he said to the dwarf. Mithrir could not hide his happiness. Bravo! He said to him. Ayrovan did not acknowledge his former employer. You are a good fighter. And every good fighter has one thing in common, said Thronir. What is that? asked Ayrovan. We hate the Hylin with all our hearts, replied Thronir. Aye! said Ayrovan and threw his sword on the ground. He walked away.