Wolves in Winter

It is 500 AD. In a time when stories evanesce into myth and legend and lands have long forgotten names, a warrior appears on horseback and descends towards an ancient stone circle. Within this ring of monoliths is a pit of fire and an unconscious man who is lashed to a stone pyre waiting to be burned alive. His name is Olaf. His tortured torso is scared with ancient symbols and he rouses from his torpor as the warrior approaches with a flaming torch.
By the flickering light Olaf recognises the warrior as his brother Ulfric. He awaits the burning of his flesh as Ulfric’s torch descends to kindle the branches at his feet, but instead he is embraced in a brotherly kiss before Ulfric carves a symbol into Olaf’s face with his dagger.
Taking his station by the fire, Ulfric recounts the story that has lead them both to this place.
Ulfric had been a pioneer with a desire to lead his clan to a new and prosperous future. His sagacious nature had taken him to a new land with a progressive culture and magical knowledge he had come to embrace. Having taken the queen of this land as his wife, he sired a son and returned with both to enlighten his Kingly father and his enfeebled clan. Clinging to tradition and fearful of change, Olaf had remained with their father expectant of his own succession to the throne. On his brothers return, his father’s blessing and favour were soon bestowed upon Ulfric who took the crown and prepared his clan to journey from ruin to success. Driven by his hunger for power and taking advantage of the uncertainty of the future offered, Olaf had coerced a faltering few into his service and had struck his brother down, dealing him an ostensibly fatal blow.
Though the apparent failure of his attempt to take Ulfric’s life has led to his restraint amongst the circle of stones, the physical torture Olaf endures at his brother’s hands are negligible compared to the remorse and guilt he feels for allowing his men to murder Ulfric’s wife and child.
Although Olaf beseeches Ulfric for forgiveness, endowed with his magical powers Ulfric soon uncovers the true horror of Olaf’s endless confinement in a prison beyond the physical world.