Corpus Tamrielicum - The Imperial Library

[42] Oelander's Hammer
[42] OELANDER'S HAMMER
Oelander's Hammer: An Instructive Tale For Children
by Krowle
The two children, Froedwig and his younger sister Silvanda, had been exploring all morning.
The noon sun was directly overhead and everything was warm and bright. The had left their
Redguard village, Granitsta, early that morning for a day in the wildnerness, a picnic, and
with a stern warning from their father to be home before dark. They crossed a huge field that
was bare save a single rose bush right in the middle. The little girl asked Froedwig about it.
"Well," he said, "according to father a great battle was fought in this place many years ago.
The battle was visited by the God of all warriors, Reymon Ebonarm, who caused the leaders
to end the battle and return to their homes. It is said that the rose bush grows where he stood
that day."
"Oh, how exciting," giggled Silvanda.
The children continued their trek approaching some woods. As they entered the forest the air
became very cool and a deep quiet seemed to envelope them.
"What is that?" Silvanda pointed to a large hole in the ground from which protruded a long,
thick pole. Around the hole thorny plants had grown into an impenetrable wall.
"I don't know," said Froedwig, "but let's see if we can get a closer look."
"Stop!" They did. Looking beyond the hole, the children saw an elderly Redguard of many
years. His gray beard, scraggly hair and stooped shoulders certainly did not support the
authoritarian command he gave. But the children stopped just the same as he approached.
"Who are you?" stammered Froedwig as Silvanda carefully tucked herself behind her
brother's back.
"My name is Hoennig Groevinger, and I live in these woods."
"Why can't we examine yon hole, Master Groevinger?" asked Froedwig. "Because, my dear
children, it and what it holds are cursed. Now just wh-h-h-o are you?" he stuttered, mimicing
Froedwig.
Finally gaining his composure, Froedwig said, "I am Froedwig-aj-Murr of the village
Granitsta. This is my sister Silvanda. We are on an outing. Can you tell us about this
mysterious hole?"
"Well," said the old man as he slowly settled to the ground, "Why don't you sit here with me
for a while and I will tell you about Oelander's Hammer. That's the handle of the fabled
weapon sticking out from yonder chasm."
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