Role

Chapter 8

But not all is as bright as might seem from without. Like virtually all of his
people Drothgar consumes ale and beer and such brewed beverages like water.
Even so, his drinking has increased significantly since he left Akan, and
even he is not entirely sure why. Part depression over his sister and father
surely, and also part isolation from living apart from Akan, no doubt. But
while many who see and speak with him would think him a generally cheery
fellow, a keen eye might see some of it is forced, a cover for the sadness
and anger and rage that lies beneath. In his religious parlance, the ale is
perhaps a way to keep the fire from exploding out at all times. Even he himself
is not aware of this, and if challenged on it would probably reject it, but
at this point it's unclear.

The last aspect of his new life is the village of Battleragers. He's met
several already, including the commander, and for the most part they seem like
people he could make a home away from home with. Already he's seen some
unpleasant internal politics, mostly from a drowling called Xazzax, but otherwise
he's been satisfied that the men and women he'd be joining are not only worthy
but share at least in part his near all-consuming hatred for the mages. Even
Veteran Mauz, "If da lordship 'ammersong c'n beh abidin by dem gully gits in
da village, ah c'n beh doin it mehself!" And so he shall, if he is given a hut.