the enemy's blood. Erik was also known as a good man, an honest fighter and one who stood his ground. If an enemy lowered his sword in defeat, Erik would allow the beaten man to leave the field alive. Deeds like this made Erik a great leader and a warrior idolized by his men.

Bloodaxe fought against a rogue gathering of plunderers and raiders directed by a vengeful warrior known simply as JORVAK THE SKULLSPLITTER. Jorvak was known by many as a youth of foul temper who was quick to his sword especially if he had been taking the drink. His preferred method of attack was a powerful downward strike that would divide the

victim's head in two, hence the name that followed him throughout his days.

This day, the Day of Legend, they came together to fight to the death. But to understand the present, you must learn the past.

Erik and Jorvak had known each other since they were children who played at war and dreamed of the day they would travel and do battle. Every encounter ended with bloodied noses and bruised eye sockets. But it was as young men their childish taunts turned to deep hatred when Erik stole the heart of a young woman and humiliated Jorvak before all the surrounding villages.