The Northern Reach

The Northern Reach 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 rendezvoused with Flann Sinna at Cashelore to discuss further plans of his rule.

Dialogue

Eivor arrived in Cashelore and walked into his war room.

• Flann: Eivor, I have you and Ciara to thank for curing my men, even if the source of this succor does not sit easily with me.
• Eivor: Not all druids are your enemies, lord. It is the Children of Danu who attacked you.
• Flann: Ciara has told me of this druid cult. They are no great threat if they must strike from shadows.
• Bárid: Perhaps they only sought to sow doubt among their enemies. And the friends of their enemies.
• Flann: I regret my earlier distrust. But I've seen too much Irish blood spilt by Danes to give trust easily.
• Eivor: I know what it is to be blood-bound, lord. It burns so bright it can blind to all else.
• Bárid: So king, if Aileach is the prize, how do you mean to take it? The ringfort there is the strongest in all the lands.
• Flann: Yet the kings of Aileach dwell outside its protection, foolishly leaving themselves vulnerable.

Ciara walked into the conversation, behind Eivor.

• Bárid: Still, that's a long march over uncertain soil. Your army will be exposed to forces unknown.
• Flann: Abbot Eogan has offered land at Clogher where our army will make camp. From there, we move onto Aileach.
• Ciara: This just arrived. The Kings of Aileach want to talk peace.
• Eivor: They surrender before you touch their soil? I know those who would die for such a reputation.
• Flann: I don't like it. The wording is vague, asking much and promising little.
• Bárid: What's the harm in hearing them out? If we start with the sword, we have nowhere else to go. They know me, they'll listen.
• Flann: You would speak for me?
• Bárid: If you would honor me with your trust.
• Flann: Do you have an opinion, Eivor, or will you simply side with your cousin?

Bárid is rightBárid is wrongDon't ask me

• Eivor: My cousin gives wise counsel. You lose nothing but time. And if talking fails, answer with steel.
• Flann: Time marches more quickly when you have an army to keep fit and fed. But I will consider your words.

• Eivor: Diplomacy can't achieve what a single blade could. There's no shame in weakening your enemy from within.
• Bárid: I could have used your support, cousin.
• Flann: Even if I could consider what I think you're proposing, such a deed would cast the stain of dishonor on my reign.

• Eivor: It is not my decision to make, lord. Too much is balanced on the edge of Skuld's sharp blade.
• Flann: So, you would leave it to your fate? Drift along like a leaf on the river?

Flann leaned over his table.

• Flann: My life has been one of warfare, plots, and intrigue. I have never known the trust of a brother and do not give mine over easily. Bárid mac Ímair, King of Dublin, I hereby authorize you to speak for me, Flann Sinna, High King of Ireland and all of her people.
• Bárid: I will honor the faith you have placed in me, my king.
• Eivor: Do I have your blessing to accompany Bárid, King Flann?
• Flann: I'll not waste our time on formalities, Eivor, but you'll not be going with Bárid. I need you elsewhere.
• Eivor: Tell me where.
• Bárid: You must build up some good will among the Northern Uí Néill, as you've done for other kingdoms. Ciara will provide the details at the pigeon coops.
• Eivor: I will earn you their favor, lord, for the trust you've shown my cousin.

Eivor left the meeting and headed to the nearest pigeon coop. Eivor accepted three royal demands and headed out to accomplish them. One by one, Eivor finished every task and was at the end of her last royal demand.

• Eivor: Halfway there.

Eivor completed the very last royal demand and earned Ulster's kings' favors.

• Eivor: That will have earned King Flann some support. I'd best go see him at Clogher.

Outcome

Eivor gained good standing and influence in Ulster for King Flann.

Gallery

• 
  Eivor meeting Flann and Bárid

References

• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids