Ulfriga was always a bit of a tomboy, preferring to go on “adventures” with her brother Ulraef and his friends (including the young Angrulf Starhammer, on whom she has always had a little bit of a crush), rather than learning her mother’s leatherworking business or managing a household. She was athletic enough to keep up with the boys and often thought she might aspire to be a huscarl alongside her brother.
But things change. Upon the unexpected death of his father Angraef, Angrulf becomes the new Jarl of Thromholt. Ulraef is first in line to become one of his new huscarls. Ulfriga, who is not yet quite old enough for independence is put to work around the house by her mother who thinks it’s high time she learned some domestic responsibility. Ulfriga is unhappy with her mother’s insistence that one child risking his life for glory and plunder and the protection of the Wolf Clan is quite enough and thinks her younger sister should be the one to stay home and continue the family business. Her father, a former huscarl who lost his sight in the skirmish that took Angraef Starhammer’s life, understands Ulfriga’s heart, but agrees with her mother.
Then one long winter night, Ulfriga hears the wolves singing, calling her. In the morning, she is gone, leaving no trail in the snow.
She returns a year later, accompanied by a wolf she calls Valka and bearing the blessings of the Wolf Fathers and Mothers.
