Very MINOR spoiler warning forWhispers of a Sorceress. No major plot points are revealed, but you might take away few hints about some characters. Proceed with caution… and enjoy getting to know Thorbjorn a little better!
Q: Thorbjorn, you’re known for your wit and charm. What’s your secret to winning over the ladies?
Thorbjorn: Ah, the secret? It’s all in the smile and a well-timed jest. Oh, and a touch of humility never hurts. Women appreciate a man who can make them laugh and feel valued. But it’s not just about flattery, it’s about genuine connection. I like people—all sorts of people—and I enjoy finding that special spark in each person I meet. So whether I’m with a jarl’s daughter or a servant, I treat that woman with the respect she deserves.
Q: You were once Jarl Tove’s most skilled warrior. What drives you to keep honing your skills?
Thorbjorn: It’s all about the thrill of the fight, isn’t it? But more than that, it’s about protecting those I care about and honoring Jarl Tove’s legacy. Every swing of the axe, every clash of shields—it’s a testament to the bonds we forge and the sacrifices we make for our kin. And in this ever-changing world, one must stay sharp and ready to face whatever challenges come our way. It’s a duty, a responsibility, and a privilege all rolled into one.
Q: Svanhild, Jarl Tove’s eldest daughter, has captured your attention. What is it about her that draws you in?
Thorbjorn: Svanhild? Ah, she’s a force to be reckoned with. Fierce, independent, and beautiful. Who wouldn’t be drawn to her? But let’s be honest: the world is full of beautiful women. What sets Svanhild apart is her strength of character. She’s not like other women—no, she’s a warrior in her own right, a shieldmaiden destined for greatness. I only wish she saw that future for herself as clearly as I do…
Q: You’re often seen as a mentor figure to Svanhild, guiding her through challenges. How do you balance being a mentor and a friend to her?
Thorbjorn: Well, I hope Svanhild takes any advice I give her as help from a friend. I don’t see myself as a mentor, only a shoulder to lean on. I suppose I just try to be there for her when she needs guidance, and the rest… well, fate will decide. She has a destiny to fulfill, and I’ll do whatever it takes to support her on that journey. Our values are the same. Our mission is the same. But who knows what the wyrd has in store for us? Perhaps one day, our paths will align in ways we never imagined.
Q: Do you have feelings for Svanhild?
Thorbjorn: Well… a man can have his fantasies, right?
Q: Your cottage by the fjord seems like a peaceful retreat. What draws you to live there alone?
Thorbjorn: Ah, the solitude is refreshing. A man needs his space, his thoughts, and a loyal companion by his side. And by companion, I mean my hound, of course. Living by the fjord allows me to escape the chaos of the world, if only for a moment. Who wouldn’t want to wake up to the sound of crashing waves and the call of seabirds? And besides, my overnight guests can grow rather noisy, so it’s best not to have neighbors too near…
Q: Can you share a memorable battle or duel that has shaped you as a warrior?
Thorbjorn: Oh, there have been many, each with its own tale. But there was this one duel under the bifrost bridge that I’ll never forget… a dance of blades and destiny. It was a test of strength, skill, and cunning, a true trial by combat that pushed me to my limits and beyond. I didn’t know what would become of me, but what mattered most was the bond forged in battle—a moment between my jarl and myself that I will never forget. It’s moments like those that remind me why I fight and what I’m willing to sacrifice for those I care about.
Q: How do you navigate the fine line between confidence and humility on the battlefield?
Thorbjorn: You have to know when to boast and when to bow, right? At the end of the day, words are but dust—only deeds matter. Confidence is essential, of course—a warrior must believe in their abilities and trust in their training. But humility is equally important, for it keeps us grounded and reminds us of our humanity. It’s about finding that balance between swagger and sincerity, knowing when to celebrate victory and when to acknowledge defeat. And through it all, staying true to oneself and to the code of honor that defines us as warriors.
Q: What place does luck have in your life?
Thorbjorn: Ah, luck is everything. I believe we are all born with some measure of it. I was unlucky in my family—in my father, at least, the poor bastard—but fate guided me to become a strong warrior, and for that I thank the gods. Luck is about seizing life’s opportunities while also trusting in the wyrd. When I see a chance, I take it, because I know the gods put it there for me. And in battle, it’s not just about skill or strength; it’s about being in tune with the flow of fate, knowing when to strike and when to yield. Luck guides my battle hand, and someday it will take my last breath. I am ready for that too.
Q: Your relationship with your dog Floki seems special. Can you tell us more about your loyal companion?
Thorbjorn: Ah, my loyal shadow! I found Floki in the forest years ago, when I was out hunting. I shot down a stag and that dog had the pluck to try to steal my kill. We ended up sharing our meal together. He was a ragged thing when I first found him, barely more than bones. But I didn’t take him in until my mother took ill that winter. She struggled to eat, and her body became thin. I found it hard to leave her alone to go hunting. I bought food at the market—eggs and bread and porridge—but even then, I was afraid to leave her for too long. One evening, Floki came to our door with a rabbit in his mouth. I cooked it for us, and we all shared our meal. Every night after that, Floki came with some offering for us. And my mother smiled in his presence—the last of her smiles. Floki would curl up at the end of her bed, warming her feet, acting as a guardian to ward off death for one more night, just one more night… Until he could not protect her any longer. When her final breath came, it was Floki who offered me solace. In some ways, he is my last connection with my mother, the one who saw us through that difficult time, the one who kept a flicker of light in my house when it felt like all the world was in shadows. It may sound improbable that a dog can be such a friend, but our connection was fated.
Q: Looking ahead, what do you see in your future, Thorbjorn?
Thorbjorn: Ah, the future… who can say? For now, I’ll keep sharpening my blade, enjoying the company of my loyal hound, and perhaps… just perhaps, fate has something unexpected in store for me.