The Raven and the Cuckoo

The Raven and the Cuckoo was a virtual representation of one of Eivor Varinsdottir's genetic memories, relived by Basim ibn Ishaq in 2020 through the Portable Animus HR-8.5.

Description

Eivor sought to protect Ravensthorpe and the Raven Clan from a mysterious Earl of Westerna.

Dialogue

Eivor travelled towards the docks and found several of her clan warriors interrogating a soldier.

• Raven Clan Warrior 1: Who do you work for? Who is your lord? Use your tongue or I will feed it to you!

Eivor is called to question a prisoner

One of the members spotted Eivor approaching.

• Raven Clan Warrior 2: Eivor, you should hear this.
• Raven Clan Warrior 1: This bacraut (asshole) and his friends had the foolish balls to raid Ravensthorpe.
• Eivor: Are the others dead?
• Raven Clan Warrior 1: A few. Most of them escaped. They did not damage much but made off with some of our gear. Should I get Randvi?
• Eivor: No, she has enough on her table. I'll handle this.

Eivor interrogating the prisoner

Eivor approached the captive from behind.

• Eivor: So... you thought you would play at vikingr, little man? Are you prepared to go all the way?

The captive guard spit in response.

• Saxon Prisoner: You won't get anything out of me, Danish scum! I'll never talk!

Eivor threatening the prisoner with torture

Eivor leaned behind him and smirked.

• Eivor: I am Norse. What makes you think I want to hear you talk? Maybe I'll take my payment in flesh.

Eivor stood up and turned to her fellow warriors.

• Eivor: Chop off his leg. It does not need to be a clean cut. No need to sharpen your blade.

As Eivor walked off, the prisoner panicked and spoke out.

• Saxon: No! Please! Don't cut off my leg! It was Sir Edward who wanted your stuff! He paid us to do it!

The prisoner divulging information

Hearing the reply, Eivor turned back and looked at the prisoner.

• Eivor: Sir Edward?
• Saxon Prisoner: He's the Earl of Westerna, or that's what he calls himself. Said he hates Vikings, your lot especially.
• Eivor: Where can I find this Sir Edward, Earl of Westerna?
• Saxon Prisoner: I don't know, I'm new! We were supposed to steal the gear, then meet at the longship west of Ravensburg. That's all I know!

Eivor turned towards her warriors.

• Eivor: You can take him to Randvi now. Maybe we can trade him for a pig. I'm off to check out this longship.

As the Raven Clan warriors took the Saxon prisoner away, Eivor departed from Ravensthorpe and made her way to the rendezvous point in Grantebridgescire. In the distance, Eivor spotted the longship with the Raven Clan banner and approached on foot.

• Eivor: Our prisoner did not lie about this location. Fear breeds truth.

Eivor inspecting the longship

Eivor investigated a note held in place with a knife on the prow of the ship.

Reminder to All Sentries:

- wear Dane uniforms AT ALL TIMES
- no personal items or clothing may be visible
- Dane accent is recommended but not required, ask Sigeweard for tips if needed
- any approaching ships or travelers must be reported IMMEDIATELY, avoiding alarms or loud shouting
- DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SAIL THE LONGSHIP AGAIN

• Eivor: Looks like they were planning to launch a raid dressed as Raven Clan... and blame us for it.

Eivor investigated the myriad of shields along the longship's side.

• Eivor: The Saxons must have stolen this longship. They added our clan banner but do not know how to mount shields.

Eivor inspecting the "Raven Clan" bodies

Eivor then turned towards the bodies lying near a fallen tree log. She took a closer look at one wearing a Raven Clan outfit in fine condition.

• Eivor: This outfit is still in good shape. I'll reclaim it for our clan.

After collecting the outfit, she investigated a battle's aftermath on the ground.

• Eivor: This was a slaughter, not a battle. Their wounds are very precise... and familiar.

Eivor's investigation is interrupted by disguised Saxons

While Eivor crouched to look closer at a body impaled with a spear, three Saxons approached her from behind.

• Saxon Mercenary 1: You there! What happened here? Who killed the sentries?
• Eivor: Not me.
• Saxon Mercenary 1: Is that a joke? You won't be laughing when I drag you before Earl Edward to answer for your incompetence!

Eivor stood up and turned towards them.

• Eivor: I would very much like to meet your Earl Edward.

One of the Saxons stepped forward to their team leader.

• Saxon Mercenary 2: Ah, Captain, I think that's a real Viking.

The captain and his men, realizing the situation, drew weapons for battle. Eivor followed suit.

• Saxon Mercenary 1: Drop your weapons, Dane, and submit to me!
• Eivor: I'm Norse. And you will die for soiling the honor of the Raven Clan.

A smoke bomb exploding at the Saxons' feet

Just as they were about to fight, a smoke bomb was thrown towards the Saxons, producing a red cloud which shrouded their view and caused them to cough. The Saxons then fell one by one to an unknown individual with a Hidden Blade. As the smoke cleared, the individual withdrew her Hidden Blade and introduced herself.

• Roshan: You are true Raven Clan. My name is Roshan, and we share a common enemy.
• Eivor: Sir Edward?

The smoke cloud parts to reveal Roshan

• Roshan: The Earl of Westerna is a puppet, manipulated by one called "Al-Si'la", a fitting title given her duplicitous nature. She belongs to an order who employ disruption and strife to further their ends. Your clan is a tool in her schemes.
• Eivor: I have met such weavers of intrigue before. And those who oppose them.

Eivor lifted up her left arm and the retracted Hidden Blade mounted atop it.

• Roshan: I would consider the enemy of my enemy a friend. Let me guide you to where you can take your revenge on the Earl.
• Eivor: Lead the way.

Eivor and Roshan walking up the hill

The two made their way up towards the hill, with Eivor following Roshan from behind.

• Eivor: If this Al-Si'la seeks to wield my clan's honor as a weapon, she shall find it cuts both ways.
• Roshan: Satisfy yourself with the Earl and leave Al-Si'la to me.

Eivor stumbled through an attempt to tactfully show concern for the old woman.

• Eivor: Perhaps this task is best left to one who is young... to one more familiar with these lands.
• Roshan: I was killing her kind before you were off your mother's teat. The Earl's death will draw her out. Leave the rest to me. That blade you wear upon your arm, where did you get it?
• Eivor: It was a gift. From my brother.
• Roshan: Truly? Is he a—
• Eivor: A great warrior and traveler who discovered many things. And yours?
• Roshan: Reclaimed after a long absence. The years without it were the hardest I've known.
• Eivor: Your endurance is impressive for one of your years, and I meant no disrespect when I offered to kill the one you—
• Roshan: My blade has grown neither rusty nor dull. What I lack in brutish strength, I make up in quiet subtlety.
• Eivor: I too can be silent when I choose.
• Roshan: Ha! You may be exceptional among your kind, child, but I am a lifetime ahead of you in that.
• Eivor: What do you know of Earl Edward? Why does he hate the Raven Clan so?
• Roshan: He blames you for the loss of his title and property. The very land where Ravensthorpe now stands.
• Eivor: It was there for the taking, abandoned and uncared for. His quarrel is with those who came before us.
• Roshan: It matters not to him. He hates all Vikings and will work with whomever will help discredit you and drive you from England.

The two reached a watchtower near Ravensburg.

• Roshan: We will have a better view from atop this tower.

Eivor and Roshan outside Ravensberg

Both Eivor and Roshan climbed the watchtower and directed their view towards the hillfort.

• Roshan: That is where Al-Si'la and the Earl make camp.
• Eivor: At Ravensburg no less. They will choke on their arrogance.
• Roshan: Al-Si'la's gold has built up the fort's defenses. It will be no easy thing to penetrate.
• Eivor: A challenge for some perhaps, less so for me. Do you know what lies within its walls?
• Roshan: If I described what I have learned, could you picture it with your mind's eye?
• Eivor: I can do better. Sýnin!

Sýnin flying over Ravensberg

Eivor called for her raven, who flew towards the fort to take a good view of its inhabitants, the Earl, and Al-Si'la using Eagle Vision. Everything she gazed upon transferred to Eivor's eyes.

• Roshan: Listen carefully. The Saxons within the outer wall are less disciplined, relying on their Viking attire to deflect curiosity.
• Eivor: They will not notice one more Viking among them. I could use the outfit I took off the dead Saxon at the longship.
• Roshan: Very good! Also, some Saxons are engaged in tasks which could help you blend in.
• Eivor: What of the Earl? Where is he?
• Roshan: Within the heart of the encampment, he plays at holding court. But in truth, Al-Si'la keeps him leashed like a hungry dog. The Earl's death must be loud and unmistakable. A clamor Al-Si'la cannot ignore.

Eivor and Roshan deciding on a plan

• Eivor: So, a silent approach with a noisome finish. This is your counsel?
• Roshan: Is your mind capable of balancing two conflicting ideas while orchestrating this necessary distraction?
• Eivor: I could kill the Earl a hundred different ways while composing a great song for the occasion. Do you have a preference?
• Roshan: In the open, beneath that tree. Approach silently, then kill him in full view of his men. That will draw the spider out.
• Eivor: I will create a commotion the gods could not ignore.
• Roshan: Good. Will you now don the outfit you took from the Saxon imposter? To better blend with the rest?

Wear the Saxon disguiseChoose an outfit yourself

Eivor nodded her head and donned the stolen Raven Clan outfit.

• Eivor: This disguise will help me play the imposter.

• Eivor: Let me consider the matter before I choose.

Before leaving, she spoke to Roshan again.

If Eivor chose to wear the Saxon disguiseIf Eivor chose to wear something else

• Eivor: I shall wear the Saxon disguise, though it be more... common than my usual dress.
• Roshan: You look like a real false Viking. You will blend in admirably.

Eivor descended the tower and approached the fort, putting her hood on and entering its outer wall.

• Eivor: I need to be patient or risk rousing suspicion.

• Eivor: What? You do not approve of my outfit?
• Roshan: Your chances would be better if you dressed as they do. Why not wear the outfit you took from that Saxon?

I'll put on the disguiseI'll wear what I want

• Eivor: You have a point. I would draw less attention.
• Roshan: A wise warrior is always open to good counsel.

Eivor donned the stolen Raven Clan outfit.

• Eivor: This disguise will help me play the imposter.

Eivor talked to Roshan once more.

• Eivor: I shall wear the Saxon disguise, though it be more... common than my usual dress.
• Roshan: You look like a real false Viking. You will blend in admirably.

Eivor descended the tower and approached the fort, putting her hood on and entering its outer wall.

• Eivor: I need to be patient or risk rousing suspicion.

• Eivor: I do not need a set of clothes to proclaim I'm Norse.
• Roshan: Ha! True. Everything about you screams it for all to hear.

Eivor descended the tower and approached the fort.

• Eivor: I need to be patient or risk rousing suspicion. Perhaps I should put on the Saxon's outfit. Pride makes for a poor disguise.

If Eivor chose to sneak into RavensburgIf Eivor chose to fight her way into Ravensberg

A disguised Eivor sneaking into the fort

While blending her way inside the fort's defenses, Eivor remarked on the mercenaries' outfits.

• Eivor: At least they got our colors right.

Eivor entered the courtyard where the Saxons trained.

• Saxon Mercenary 3: Did you hear the Earl? We're gonna be rich as kings!
• Saxon Mercenary 4: Ha! I'll buy that promise when there's coin in my hand.

As she approached the inner wall, the Viking eavesdropped on the conversations between the imposters.

• Saxon Mercenary 5: Why is the Earl so obsessed with the Raven Clan?
• Saxon Mercenary 6: They took his land or something, I dunno. Who cares so long as we're paid.

Eivor reached near a watchtower, where more guards were present. She continued to eavesdrop on more conversations.

• Saxon Mercenary 7: Have you seen that foreign bird, Al-Si'la? I wouldn't mind a slice of that.
• Saxon Mercenary 8: Way I hear it, she'd cut you ten ways to next week. Anyway, she rarely leaves that cabin of hers. Keeps it locked tight.

As she passed the watchtower, Eivor noticed an increse in the fort's defenses.

• Eivor: This area is heavily guarded. I need to take more care.

Eivor approached the building the men spoke of near a large tree.

• Eivor: Al-Si'la's cabin. I will leave her to Roshan.

Eivor eventually reached the main court of the fort and heard the Earl giving a speech.

• Earl of Westerna: With the riches we earn from these Viking raids, I will reclaim my lands and we shall all live like kings! We must take care not to show our hand until my plan reaches fruition! All gold and silver belong to us! Any writings you find are reserved for Al-Si'la!

He continued rallying the crowd.

• Earl of Westerna: Do we want the Danes taking our women and ploughing our lands?
• Saxon Mercenary 9 Yeah, we'll show those fucking Danes!
• Earl of Westerna: How many more boatloads of Danes must soil our shores before we wake up?
• Saxon Mercenary 10: You tell 'em, Earl!
• Earl of Westerna: We do this not just for ourselves, but for our children! And the children of those children! And their children too!
• Saxon Mercenary 11: Edward! Edward!
• Earl of Westerna: If you see intruders, deal with them most harshly!
• Eivor: There is the Earl. To meet Roshan's challenge, I should strike from behind.

If Eivor remained undetectedIf Eivor was caught

Eivor waiting for a moment to strike Edward

Eivor sneaked towards a bush near where the Earl was speaking, under the big tree mentioned by Roshan.

• Earl of Westerna: If this venture is to succeed... and it will succeed... people must truly believe we are Vikings! We must adopt the mindset of these murderous, thieving barbarians! We must raid them as they have raided our lands! It's not enough to simply look like Vikings. We must get inside their heads!

While the Earl continued speaking, Eivor took the chance to sneak behind and strike him down with her axe, then pushed his body in front of the mercenaries.

Eivor killing Edward

• Eivor: You want to be Vikings? Are your ready to die like a Viking? I am!

Stunned and in disarray from the Earl's death, the mercenaries fled the area.

• Saxon Mercenary 12: The Earl is dead!
• Saxon Mercenary 13: The Vikings are attacking!

Eivor gave a satisfied smirk at the fleeing mercenaries and took notice of Al-Si'la, who had left her cabin after hearing the commotion.

• Al-Si'la: Alhamdulillāh! (Thank God!) I have been held hostage by that animal!

Al-Si'la signaled Eivor to approach her as she secretly took out a knife and hid it behind her back, seeking to strike Eivor without her knowing.

• Al-Si'la: Come closer, that I may look upon the face of my liberator!

Despite having been remained anonymous until then, Eivor was spotted by the crowd of mercenaries.

• Eivor: So much for subtlety... the Earl will be on his guard now.
• Earl of Westerna: A Dane is among us! A real one!

Eivor fought the Earl.

• Eivor: I will not let you tarnish the Raven Clan a moment longer!
• Earl of Westerna: I know what you are! You belong to the Raven Clan! You are a blight on this land!

Eventually, Eivor killed Edward and confirmed his death.

• Eivor: I failed to achieve the desired distraction. Perhaps some fire will draw Al-Si'la's attention!

She lit a torch and threw it on the cabin's roof, setting it ablaze. The remaining mercenaries rose the alarm and fled.

• Eivor: Run while you can, cowards, and never cross my path again!

Behind her, Al-Si'la had left the cabin and approached her with a knife hidden behind her back.

• Al-Si'la: Stay your hand, mighty warrior! I offer you everything I gave the Earl and more! An army greater than all others! A kingdom to outshine...

Eivor fought through the various defenses of Ravensburg's various defenses and mercenaries.

• Eivor: I hope Roshan did not see that, though she likely did.

She reached the fort's main courtyard, alerting Edward and the crowd of mercenaries.

• Earl of Westerna: A Dane is among us! A real one!

Eivor fought the Earl.

• Eivor: I will not let you tarnish the Raven Clan a moment longer!
• Earl of Westerna: I know what you are! You belong to the Raven Clan! You are a blight on this land!

Eventually, Eivor killed Edward and confirmed his death.

• Eivor: I failed to achieve the desired distraction. Perhaps some fire will draw Al-Si'la's attention!

She lit a torch and threw it on the cabin's roof, setting it ablaze. The remaining mercenaries rose the alarm and fled.

• Eivor: Run while you can, cowards, and never cross my path again!

Behind her, Al-Si'la had left the cabin and approached her with a knife hidden behind her back.

• Al-Si'la: Stay your hand, mighty warrior! I offer you everything I gave the Earl and more! An army greater than all others! A kingdom to outshine...

Roshan confirming she killed Al-Si'la

Suddenly, Roshan leapt from where she had followed Eivor along a tree branch and landed behind Al-Si'la, who turned around at the noise but was instantly slain when Roshan slit her throat with the Hidden Blade.

• Roshan: It is done.
• Eivor: Freyja's might! To be that deadly after so many winters!

With their objective completed, Eivor and Roshan regrouped at the watchtower. Eivor reached the tower's platform to find Roshan sitting on a bench.

• Eivor: That was a glorious sight, wise one. It was as though Hel, Queen of the Underworld, descended from that tree.

Eivor and Roshan reuniting on the watchtower

Roshan groaned.

• Roshan: I think I felt her in my bones. And not in any comforting way.
• Eivor: Are you...?
• Roshan: I am fine, though I will pay for that glory later.

Eivor sat down beside Roshan.

• Eivor: So, now that your destiny is achieved, will you seek a more peaceful path?
• Roshan: Al-Si'la was merely an obstacle on a long road. This is the real prize of the day.

Roshan showing Eivor the scroll

Roshan took out a scroll.

• Roshan: I'd retrieved it after I put that witch to rest.
• Eivor: What is it?
• Roshan: The future. A seed to plant in Jerusalem.
• Eivor: So the Fates are not finished with you.
• Roshan: Does it ever end? And you? Are you satisfied to have achieved your vengeance?
• Eivor: My greatest satisfaction is knowing that the honor of the Raven Clan is unblemished and that my people are safe.
• Roshan: As it shall ever be, so long as you are their champion.

Roshan bidding goodbye to Eivor

Roshan stood up, gave Eivor the Mentor of Alamut Set of armor as thanks, and took her leave.

• Roshan: Goodbye, Eivor Wolf-Kissed of the Raven Clan.

After the Hidden One left, Eivor thought to herself.

• Eivor: I wonder if I shall ever learn more of her story...

Outcome

Eivor assisted Roshan in eliminating Edward, the so-called Earl of Westerna, and drawing out Al-Si'la for Roshan to assassinate.

Behind the scenes

The title of this memory is a reference to how cuckoos will lay their eggs in the nest of other birds.

Gallery

• 
  Eivor readies to fight the false Raven Clan members
• 
  Thick smoke obscuring Roshan and the false Raven Clan
• 
  Roshan agrees to help Eivor hunt Edward
• 
  Edward giving a speech on a stage
• 
  Al-Si'la watching Edward's speech
• 
  Eivor eavesdropping on a conversation
• 
  Eivor spotting Edward on his stage
• 
  Edward giving his speech
• 
  Edward's mercenaries flee before Eivor
• 
  Al-Si'la introduces herself to Eivor
• 
  Al-Si'la concealing a knife to murder Eivor
• 
  Roshan in the tree above Al-Si'la

References

• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Shared History