Adalwolf

“I should leave that where it is” intoned a voice from the darkness. This man, waxed black hair glittering from the light from the fireplace, stepped into view, sword held casually. The thug removed his hand from the knife handle, instantly sober to the threat, and stepped back with his hands raised.

Background

Adalwolf was one of the first fictional characters to inhabit the world of Erik and Leif that I created. He has a long history of raiding with Leif’s brother, Thorvald, and the two men have a very strong bond with one another, for to fight alongside someone creates the kind of camaraderie that only warriors will ever know. 

Although Adalwolf is originally from Norway, he found himself without employment during the political upheavals which gripped the country. When Thorvald began to recruit his first crew to raid the coast of England, Adalwolf was one of the first eager men to join the raiders. Adalwolf is several years older and was at first something of a mentor to the younger man. In time, Thorvald’s abilities developed, and with experience he evolved to become a great raid leader. Adalwolf was quite happy to remain in his best friend’s shadow. He is himself one of those people who have exceptional ability but have no wish to be in a position of power. The two men train together often, and Adalwolf has become almost an adopted member of Erik’s family, treating Thorvald’s brothers and sister as though they were his own.

Traits

Books exist for a number of reasons, to entertain, to teach, to influence. The best ones do all of these things, and should really make you think about the actions undertaken by the characters, and the consequences that they must then deal with.

Many of my characters have a virtue or flaw that they are meant to represent and Adalwolf is definitely the face of loyalty. To me, loyalty is one of the paramount virtues that I look for in people, so the character of Adalwolf has a very important role to fulfil as the voice of this. 

He should represent all that is good about truly loyal people, having himself the intense friendships that such trust can create. However, he must also deal with the challenges and betrayals that can test even the best of friends.

Loves and hates

Adalwolf has little need for material goods, instead deriving emotional happiness from his relationships.  The most important thing to him is his friends.  Adalwolf has a keen sense of the ambitions that drive people and is always on guard against the threats which can affect those he is closest to. To those he considers a friend, no man is truer than Adalwolf, but to those who harm his friends, there is no one more vengeful.

Image courtesy of  stuant63