Firing the Arrow

Firing the Arrow was a virtual representation of one of Eivor Varinsdottir's genetic memories, relived by Layla Hassan in 2020 through the Portable Animus HR-8.5.

Description

Eivor met with Stowe to hunt down the Order of the Ancients member known as The Arrow.

Dialogue

Eivor found Stowe at the West Market. Cloaked, she leaned against a nearby column and spoke to him covertly.

• Stowe: Eivor, welcome to the West Market.
• Eivor: A lawman like you could set folks on edge in a square like this. Why not wear a cloak?
• Stowe: Hide my face? Not a chance. It does people good to see a lawman on the hunt.

The Arrow was the first targetThe Arrow was the second target

• Stowe: And once we've found The Arrow, this order needs to know we'll be after The Leech and The Compass as well.

• Stowe: You and Erke found the identity of The Leech?
• Eivor: Some holy healer, she was called Frideswid. Had an appetite for eyes.
• Stowe: If this order can corrupt Lunden's favored saint, what hope do we have?

• Eivor: Any noise yet about The Arrow and recruits?
• Stowe: I've heard whispers. Somewhere here, a man gives you a coin. And this coin grants you entry to a contest run by The Arrow's men.

Eivor meeting with Stowe in secret

• Eivor: Which man? I see too many here.
• Stowe: He's good at blending in, I haven't spotted him yet today.
• Eivor: I'll sniff around. You stay back.
• Stowe: Eivor... what was your impression of Erke?

You suspect him?I like ErkeI don't know him

• Eivor: You suspect him of something?
• Stowe: I don't know. Whoever killed Tryggr was a close friend. And it was Erke who found the body. I know Erke so well. And I can't bear to think he'd do something so vile, but...
• Eivor: Then don't. Wait for proof before you condemn your friend.

• Eivor: Erke has been a great help. Why doubt him now?

Leech not killedLeech killed

• Eivor: You know him better than me. If you suspect him, only say the word.
• Stowe: No, no. I believe in Erke. It's me I don't trust. I feel unfit for my post somedays.

• Eivor: Erke was torn up by the Good Sister's dark dealings. I don't know him well, but a guilty man doesn't have a clean conscience like his.

Stowe brushed off his intrusive thoughts.

• Stowe: Forgive me. My latest thoughts have been restless. I've been a reeve (sheriff) for so long, fighting for God's justice. I shed my earthly attachments for His great plans. But...
• Eivor: But you couldn't shed Erke and his friendship?
• Stowe: No. No, I'm not sure I could.

It's good to talkPeople can let you downI'll grab one of those coins

• Eivor: It's good to talk. Unburden your soul. Clears the mind and lifts a weight off the chest.
• Stowe: Yes, indeed. And thank you for listening.
• Eivor: I should find one of these coins soon. Will you be around?

• Eivor: It's not good to attach yourself to any one person. Be your own man, forge your own path.
• Stowe: I should, I know...
• Eivor: I should find one of these coins soon. Will you be around?

• Eivor: I should find one of these coins soon. Will you be around?

• Stowe: I'll return to Saint Paul's just down the road. Godspeed, Eivor.

Eivor went out around the market for the coin. To one side, Eivor found a group of Saxons talking.

• Anglo-Saxon Man 1: He goes by "The Arrow", I'm told. A fit name for a keen archer. Can't wait to meet the man himself.
• Anglo-Saxon Soldier 1: About time someone did something about those filthy outlanders ruining our city.

The man spat.

• Anglo-Saxon Man 1: Aye, fucking pond scum coming here with their hands out. Lunden for Lundeners, vermin stay on the other side of the wall.

In the center of the market, Eivor overheard two men speaking in hushed tones.

• Norse Man 1: You got a coin? Show me? Is that a coin? For the archery contest?
• Norse Man 2: Keep off, boy-o. This is my coin. You want one, you talk to my mate Hussa, and he'll point you true.
• Norse Man 1: I heard the take for this job is three stubs of silver a month. Is that true?
• Norse Man 2: Ja. And they pay you more if you drag your brothers into it. Hussa's earned a fortune skimming the docks of Lundenwic.

Pinned to a wall next to the entrance of a small courtyard, Eivor found recruitment poster.

Propaganda Poster:
Are you tired of feeling like a minority in your own city? Do you long for purpose and comradery? Join our ranks, and we will provide an arrow of direction and strength.

Eivor meeting the recruiter

Inside the courtyard, Eivor spoke with the recruiter.

• Norse Man 3: Begone, you reek of someplace else.
• Eivor: I've a bow and a body ready to serve The Arrow. So why turn away the sharpest eye in Britain?

The man laughed.

• Norse Man 3: I haven't come this far trusting any old sellsword on the street. How do I know you aren't some rat looking to sink our ship?
• Eivor: I would never. A common friend sent me.
• Norse Man 3: Did he now? And what's our common friend's name?

Eivor may only have the last two choices if she did not gather all the information.

Hussa of LundenwicEgbert of East AngliaStowe of LundenJust a moment (Leave)

• Eivor: Hussa sent me. Your men in Lundenwic.
• Norse Man 3: Hussa did? Well, he's a keen one, all right. Has a good eye for soldiers. But do you align with our values? What think you of outlanders?

Outlanders bring coinOutlanders cannot outnumber usYou're an outlanderJust a moment (Leave)

• Eivor: Outlanders bring exotic riches. Spices, silks, and gems. They are the wealth of port cities.
• Norse Man 3: I've no quarrel with them dumping their trade. But, they should leave after. Lunden for Lundeners.
• Eivor: Wrong answer. I need to find another way to get the coin.

• Eivor: I'm not fond of too many Outlanders in one place. I never want to be in the minority.
• Norse Man 3: Exactly! They must not replace us. Heh, ja. You know exactly what we're about. Take this coin. It will give you entry at the coliseum. Welcome to The Arrow's kinship. With luck, you will gain rank.

• Eivor: And what right does a Norse-born have to challenge the right of an Outlander to Lunden's soil.
• Norse Man 3: Get fucked!

A fight broke out and Eivor found a coin from killing the warrior.

• Eivor: I need a moment.
• Norse Man 3: Verily, I believe you.

• Eivor: It was Egbert of East Anglia.
• Norse Man 3: Yeah, right. Begone, 'afore I kick your teeth in.
• Eivor: Wrong answer. I need to find another way to get the coin.

• Eivor: Stowe of Lunden. He gave me leave to knock you about until you squealed.
• Norse Man 3: Stowe? Stomp this one into the dirt!

A fight broke out and Eivor found a coin from killing the warrior.

• Eivor: I need a moment.
• Norse Man 3: Verily, I believe you.

Eivor may steal the coin from one of the men who holds a coin if she did not gain a coin from the conversation.

• Eivor: Some of these men have pocketed their coin already. But which? Ignore your purses lads.

Eivor attained the coin without earning it appropriately.

• Eivor: There we go. Hm, this coin is engraved with an image of the Lunden Coliseum.

Eivor left the market for The Arrow's challenge at the coliseum. When she arrived at the Londinium Amphitheatre, Eivor found a crowd of people. To one side, Eivor saw a fighting ring as well as a few tables and kegs. To the other side, Eivor caught sight of the archery challenge. Before speaking to the coordinator, Eivor went near the fighting ring and heard some of the people talking.

• Anglo-Saxon Soldier 2: I keep seeing 'em round my mum's house. Outlanders, thinking they can stink up the place.
• Norse Warrior 1: Come on! Take it, you fucking coward!
• Norse Warrior 2: Hit him! Go on!

Near the tables she overheard a conversation.

• Norse Warrior 3: You like her?
• Norse Warrior 4: Well, yes.
• Norse Warrior 3: So, make her yours. Women don't need reason, they need to be told what to do. Better you than some Outlander pig breeding her.

Eivor spoke to the challenge leader.

• Norse Warrior 5: What's your business, shooting or watching?
• Eivor: You're looking for skilled archers. And now you've found one.
• Norse Warrior 5: This contest is private. Invitation only.
• Eivor: Your men are handing out these coins like they were on fire. Is this enough?
• Norse Warrior 5: It's enough to keep us talking. But I'll want to see how well you handle that bow before you go any further. Want a trial round to test your eye?

I want to practiceI'm readyNever mind (Leave)

• Eivor: I'll shoot a practice round, just to be sure.
• Norse Warrior 5: Go ahead, then. They're all set up.

Eivor practiced within a thirty seconds timeframe.

• Eivor: How was that?

The challenger commented on how well Eivor shot.

Eivor shot less than averageEivor shot well

• Norse Warrior 5: How unfortunate. A stirring of wind stole your chance.

• Norse Warrior 5: You've got quite an eagle's eye on you.

• Eivor: I've had enough practice. Let's begin.
• Norse Warrior 5: A real fanatic, you are. Get ready...

The challenge was readied.

• Norse Warrior 5: It's a simple contest here. Hit all targets true before the sand runs down! Here's a new competitor. A Norse from the northern wilds of Mercia. And, our current reigning champion, Saer! Alright take your mark! Hooks set! Arrows knocked! Fire!

Eivor was given thirty seconds to hit all the targets with her bow. Within fifteen seconds, the challenge leader called halftime.

• Norse Warrior 5: We're halfway down the sand! Odin's beard! Did you see that! Incredible! A perfect strike!
• Saer: A cheat! A cheat!
• Norse Warrior 5: It was a fair shot, carry on!
• Saer: You can always forfeit if you're not having fun!

Eivor lostEivor won

• Norse Warrior 5: Time! Bows down! Saer leads to victory!

The contest ended.

• Norse Warrior 5: A poor showing. Such a pity.
• Eivor: Wait, I can do better.
• Norse Warrior 5: I often say the same. And it always costs me a little fortune.

I'll pay (50 Silver)Give me another shot (Level 2 Charisma)Never Mind (Leave)

• Eivor: You've got a racket here. Cutting my purse strings for a few more arrows.
• Norse Warrior 5: Let's loosen those arrows! Targets up! Bows ready!

The contest happened again for Eivor.

• Eivor: With The Arrow looking for the best archer in Lunden, you would best be sure.
• Norse Warrior 5: Well the conditions on your matches weren't exactly the same.
• Saer: What? Right from the bull's arse this is!
• Norse Warrior 5: Let's loosen those arrows! Targets up! Bows ready!

The contest happened again for Eivor.

• Eivor: I lost in a fair contest. It is not worth grousing over.
• Norse Warrior 5: If that's the case, then Saer will meet The Arrow, uncontested.

Eivor lost and gave the contest to Saer.

• Norse Warrior 5: Eivor leads to victory!

The contest ended.

Eivor won on the first attemptEivor won on the second attempt

• Norse Warrior 5: That's deadly aim you have. Best I've seen for some time. Well shot. You have earned your place at The Arrow's side today. He'll be eager to meet you. Haul yourself to the Imperial Arch and speak with our man, Hussa. Recite the phrase, "May the Father of Understanding Guide Us," and he'll know it's you.

• Eivor: I can shoot a mid-flight seagull through the eye.
• Saer: And you're still only good enough to beat me once.
• Norse Warrior 5: Well shot. You have earned your place at The Arrow's side today. He'll be eager to meet you. Haul yourself to the Imperial Arch and speak with our man, Hussa. Recite the phrase, "May the Father of Understanding Guide Us," and he'll know it's you.

• Eivor: I don't have time for this. Maybe later.
• Norse Warrior 5: Why bother me at all then?

Eivor returned later and spoke to the challenge leader again.

• Eivor: I see you've still got your targets set up.
• Norse Warrior 5: Do you have a coin now?
• Eivor: You mean this coin?

With the contest over, Eivor's path was set.

Won the contestLost the contest

As the new champion, Eivor earned the right to stand right behind The Arrow on the stage where he would give his speech. Before leaving, she had a chance to speak to the contest organizer once more.

• Norse Warrior: The Arrow is making his speech at the Imperial Arch. On your way now!

Eivor left and met with Hussa.

• Eivor: Are you Hussa?
• Norse Warrior 6: Ja, and who's asking?
• Eivor: May the Father of Understanding guide us.
• Norse Warrior 6: And May the Mother of Wisdom Give us Strength. You're to stand just there. Look your best when The Arrow comes forth. And keep still.

Time passed as the stage was set and Avgos Spearhand emerged to deliver a speech, with Eivor standing onstage in wait amidst The Arrow's chosen champions.

• Eivor: Loki's wind cast my arrows aside.
• Saer: You're a poor shot, that's the end of it.
• Norse Warrior 5: After two attempts, Saer remains the winner. The Arrow awaits his new champion at the Imperial Arch. Don't delay.

Before leaving, Eivor had a chance to talk to the contest organizer once more.

• Norse Warrior 5: Go lick your wounds elsewhere. Everyone's heading to the rally.

Eivor headed to the rally, where Avgos Spearhand emerged and gave a speech, with Saer onstage amidst The Arrow's chosen champions.

• Avgos: Friends, brethren, good people of Lunden! We've had a hard week. Cowardly invaders stole into our Governor's home and robbed him of his life!

The crowd became fired up by his words, and Eivor deduced that Avgos was The Arrow.

Avgos Spearhand, The Arrow, spoke to his crowd

• Avgos: Tryggr, my friend, my leader. Slaughtered like a dog! By outsiders, by the enemy! Do we expect these Reeves to guide us? Thumb-arsed halfwits let Tryggr die! They think we're safe! But, our Governor knew. He confided in me his real plans to protect Lunden. The drunken Danes of Northumbria polluting the north. Aelfred and his men of Wessex rallying to the south. Of all this, Tryggr said, "Avgos, what we need now are strong borders and strong soldiers. Today, I honor that wish. I present to you, good people of Lunden, our new elite archery force. These elite archers will be stationed at our springalds! Ready to attack invaders by land or by water. And further, until these storms of accusations clear, I will take Tryggr's place at the head of our fair city. Not that I could replace him, for Tryggr was a pillar of steel. But I can try. Let me be your arrow, let me point a true way forward. Some will be naysayers. Those who wish to discredit me. And those who wish to keep Lunden weak. Listen not to them, friends. I serve only Lunden. I serve you. Lunden is a place of prosperity. Prosperity we must export to all of Britain's kingdoms. No more false kings with their lies. Heed the ancient ways, the true strength of Lunden. Rule Lunden. Rule Britain. Rule the world! Into order and truth!

Eivor may have fought with Avgos instead of assassinating him.

• Avgos: Guards! At arms! Cover my retreat! Don't just stand there, you bloody clots! Kill that one there!

Avgos may run to Crepelgate Fort as a retreat.

Eivor killed Avgos and ended his plans. In the Memory Corridor, Eivor met Avgos as he walked through an archery range.

• Avgos 1: Arrows nocked!

Behind Eivor, a second apparition of Avgos came up to stand at her shoulder.

• Avgos 2: It's a hard thing to raise the rats of a city into warriors.
• Avgos 1: Hook, set!

Eivor confronting Avgos

Eivor faced the second Avgos.

• Eivor: You raised no one. You only trapped them in their cowering fear.
• Avgos 1: Draw strings! First wave, fire!

Eivor and the second Avgos watched as arrows flew out from behind them and hit the two rear targets near their centers.

• Avgos 2: No! I gave these men order! I gave them purpose! I showed them their common enemy!
• Avgos 1: Anchor strings! Second wave, fire!

A second wave of arrows flew out and hit the front targets in their centers.

• Avgos 2: I was arrow for their rage. Without a foe to consume, we devour ourselves.

Odin walked in, circling behind the second Avgos to stand at Eivor's side.

• Odin: He speaks true. A man without an enemy defeats himself.
• Eivor: Justify all you want, you're just a king-killer and a coward.

Eivor spat at Avgos's feet.

• Avgos 2: Mighty high horse, you'd do the same if you were me.
• Avgos 1: Aim! And fire!

Avgos' final moments

A third wave of arrows flew out and struck the first Avgos from neck to toe, a final arrow hitting him between the eyes. He fell back and his spirit vanished. Eivor walked up to the arrows, now buried in the ground and picked up his fallen medallion. Back in Lunden, Eivor ran from the attacking soldiers and met up with Stowe outside St. Paul's Cathedral.

Eivor and Stowe discuss The Arrow's identity and his death

• Stowe: You're unharmed. Praise be to God!
• Eivor: It'll take more than a few lads with newly polished bows to fell me.
• Stowe: The Arrow was a boy?
• Eivor: A man with a boy's brain. Called Avgos.
• Stowe: Avgos? That can't be right.
• Eivor: I could return with his head on a spear if you'd like to see.
• Stowe: No, you've no reason to lie. Yet Avgos, my old friend, had no cause to murder. He saw Lunden as a kiln of rage. To harden the softness of its younger men. Perhaps I ignored in him what I hoped to see. Ambition, greed, anger.
• Eivor: From one man, such hatred is easy to spot. But from many, it's a fog that fills the room.
• Stowe: Power. Men will claw for it and cling to it at the cost of everything.
• Eivor: Very true. And it's cold comfort... when glory has the taste of your family's blood.

The Arrow was the first targetThe Arrow was the second target

• Eivor: With Avgos gone, I'll turn my attention to The Leech.
• Stowe: Erke should be down by the quays. He'll be waiting for you.
• Eivor: If The Compass should emerge, we'll let you know.
• Stowe: Then I'll be at Saint Paul's Church, waiting for the good word. Take care, Broga.

• Eivor: Two targets down, only The Compass remains. If it were my men killed, I would be on my way to Lunden now.
• Stowe: The Compass will come, and we must be ready. Expecting the worst.
• Eivor: I don't want anyone catching me off guard. Could we take the fight to him?
• Stowe: There may be a way. Let's regroup in the church when you've had time to rest, Broga.

Eivor and Stowe shook hands and went on their ways for the time being.

Outcome

Eivor hunted down The Arrow, revealed as a marksman captain by the name of Avgos Spearhand.

Gallery

• 
  Eivor and Stowe discussing The Arrow
• 
  Eivor smiling after winning the challenge
• 
  Eivor meeting Hussa, The Arrow's contact
• 
  Eivor approaching Avgos
• 
  One of the coins required to enter the archery contest

References

• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla