The whetstone glides steadily along the well-used blade of the claymore. With each pass, the effort is smoother as the edge is honed back to cutting shape. The battle-scarred hand that holds the stone is like a brother to the sword it sharpens: it knows every notch in the hilt, every tiny scratch on the surface of the blade.

Sergeant Drake Alexander watches his friend work, both their eyes following the repetitive course of the whetstone.

“I know it’s a lot to ask, Alastair, especially after all these years.” Drake removes his helmet, resting it on the step next to them and wiping his brow. “Heck, I wasn’t sure what to think at first myself.” He pauses, looking out over the rolling hills and rocky crags of the Nastralund countryside. The sound of stone on metal stops as Alastair examines his work before looking up from the blade.

“It reminds me o’ home at times. Though I do wonder if I’d even know meh own country after so long in this world, eh?” The Scotsman pauses, then rotates the Claymore and begins his work again.

“Those blue bastards and fleshless beasts have cut down many o’ my brothers, Drake. Yours too if I recall.”

“I know. Trust me, I know that, Alastair. But… I trust Jandar with my life.” Drake looks over at his friend. “Utgar’s gone, as crazy as it sounds, and this might just be our best chance at finding peace for this world, and something like safety for the rest of our worlds to boot.”

The Scotsman stands up, sheathing his enormous blade. Scars crisscross his muscled forearms like writing, weaving a story of countless battles fought. He extends a hand to the Sergeant and gives a knowing smile.

“Aye lad, yer right. Jandar is an honorable leader, and a good man. I haven’t stopped fighting yet, and I dinnae intend to quit anytime soon.”

“Besides,” he adds, “any beasts of Utgar’s are still better allies than the bloody English.”

The two veterans of the war for Valhalla let out a hearty laugh as they make their way back into the fortress.

Alastair MacDirk is available in the Champions of Jandar Remastered army expansion. Pre-order now for an October 2026 release!