Thorgal Book 12: The Brand of the Exiles
Thorgal Book 12: The Brand of the Exiles, by Jean Van Hamme & Grzegorz Rosinski, Cinebook
SEASONS CHANGE speedily between Thorgal books with three years having passed since the previous The Invisible Fortress story and this time we’re in for a more grounded adventure as with winter taking hold the Viking women fear the worst over their husbands and sons’ long delay in returning home.
When a single warrior returns the news he brings is dire, for the menfolk’s ships have been attacked and sunk by Shaigan the Merciless; in truth it is Thorgal Aegirsson still suffering amnesia and for all intents and purposes under the spell of Kriss of Valnor for she has convinced him they have always been lovers.
Meanwhile, Thorgal’s wife Aarcia and their children are forced to suffer the wergild for his dark deeds; the women of the village want bloody money in return for their losses and strip the former princess of all she possesses, and then scar her face to let all she meet know she is an outcast and should not be took in. It’s a bleak adventure she and her gifted children set out on, made worse by Kriss coming to gloat and attempt to make life even worse.
Under the pretext of Thorgal as Shaigan’s command Viking folk have been turned into slaves, to be sold off to the east, but due to the ingenuity and growing powers of his own children, and a couple of vagabonds they befriend, they are freed, but this simply gives the adventure a new beginning as young Jolan starts to become a man and go off in search of his father.
Eventful, atmospheric, touching at both the good and bad that humanity carelessly spills between its brethren.
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