Stone Circle What can break me has a name

Kristjan gawped at the news.

Bróðir Skáld stepping down! He had not ascended long ago; what did this mean for the rest of them? Unease made his skin twitch as he sensed a fresh tempest of strife rising among those gathered.

Sven, ever steady, spoke first in favor of their littermate. Kristjan's eyes widened, turning to look for Ujurak's reaction. Astrid's following proclamation jarred him further, causing his heart to race, but it was Swift's... well, swift interjection that nearly sent him into cardiac arrest.

None of them were old enough or experienced enough to be taking on this role! All of it was wrong — nay! — impossible!

His gaze fled helplessly to Tauris, to Bjorn, to Moss, to Vale, none of whom seemed eager to overlap the quarreling children or resolve this for them. Was this a test of their faith? Resilience? Loyalty?

Were they really being asked to step up when they'd barely just found their own legs?

Hold on! Kristjan barked, rising to stand alongside Swift in facing his sister. None of us should lead, he objected, glancing between his littermates and the Nornir's son. At least not alone. We should share the responsibilities equally.

He sighed. Actually, we shouldn't have to step up like this at all, but if we have to, then it must be fair to all of us. Right? Kristjan implored the four of them with a vulnerable look. We're family. We shouldn't fight, we have to agree. Together.