Rules Broken, Power Claimed

Hekla, a fierce warrior and survivor, wakes in a stranger's bed, her prosthetic arm missing and her rules broken. She's always kept her lovers at arm's length, never sleeping over, never giving up control. But after a night of passion, she's left vulnerable, both physically and emotionally. As she sneaks out, she's reminded of the cost of letting her guard down. The Bloodaxe Crew, her found family of mercenaries, is fractured by recent loss, and Hekla is forced to step into a leadership role she never sought. The world around her is hostile, especially to women, and her authority is constantly questioned. Yet, as she gathers her crew and faces the day, Hekla steels herself, determined to prove her worth in a world that would rather see her silent.

Winter Nights, Unheeded Warnings

The town of Istré is alive with the Winter Nights festival, a celebration meant to honor the old gods and mark the end of harvest. Hekla, frustrated by the chieftain Loftur's refusal to heed her warnings about the deadly mist haunting the woods, watches the festivities with growing anger. She's denied entry to the fighting games, her skills dismissed because of her gender. The revelry feels hollow, a distraction from the real threat. Hekla's compassion surfaces as she helps Halldora, a barmaid suffering abuse, offering her a way out. But the night's joy is tainted by the knowledge that the mist is still out there, and the town's leaders refuse to listen to her voice.

The Fox Revealed

After a heated encounter with a mysterious warrior on the riverbank, Hekla is shocked to discover her lover is Eyvind Hakonsson, the very man sent to take over the investigation of the mist. Their secret threatens her reputation and authority, especially as Eyvind's arrival is met with the same dismissiveness she's faced from Loftur and his all-male council. The tension between Hekla and Eyvind is palpable, both from their shared night and their clashing approaches to leadership. Hekla's expertise is ignored, her warnings about the mist and the pattern of attacks brushed aside in favor of Loftur's superstitions and Eyvind's diplomacy. The stage is set for conflict, both personal and political.

Disregarded Voices

In the mead hall, Hekla is forced to defend her findings before a skeptical audience. Her insights into the mist's behavior, the pattern of attacks, and the nature of the creatures are dismissed or redirected. Loftur clings to rituals and dreams of the old gods, while Eyvind, bound by loyalty to his father and Loftur, urges patience and compromise. Hekla's frustration boils over as she's repeatedly silenced and sidelined. The men's games of politics and tradition threaten to doom the town, and Hekla is left to wonder if her voice will ever be heard, or if she must take matters into her own hands.

Riverbank Confessions

In flashbacks to the night before, Hekla and Eyvind—still strangers—spar and share secrets by the river. Their physical contest becomes a dance of equals, each testing the other's strength and boundaries. Hekla, scarred by past abuse and loss, is wary of intimacy, but Eyvind's openness and humor disarm her. They share confessions—her synesthesia, his longing for second chances—and for a moment, both are free from the burdens of leadership and expectation. Yet, even in this intimacy, Hekla is haunted by the knowledge that trust can be dangerous, and that the world will not forgive her for letting her guard down.

Mist and Memory

As the investigation stalls, Hekla is drawn into the woods by a mysterious symbol—the Spiral Stave—linked to the mist's attacks. Her instincts tell her that answers lie beyond the boundaries set by Loftur and Eyvind. Defying orders, she enters the Western Woods, following a trail of symbols and memories. The forest is dying, its life force drained by the mist. Hekla's journey is both physical and psychological, as she confronts her own fears and the legacy of violence that shaped her. The mist is no longer an abstract threat; it is a living, hungry force, and Hekla is its next target.

The Spiral Staves

The Spiral Staves, carved into trees and scrawled in blood, guide Hekla deeper into the woods and into the heart of the mystery. She discovers a clearing and a strange, ancient tree, its bark twisted into the symbol. Touching it, she's flooded with visions—of the forest's former vitality, of the mist's hunger, of a desperate, ancient power fighting to survive. The encounter leaves her shaken and vulnerable, and as the mist descends, she's saved only by the intervention of a magical grimwolf and a talking squirrel, Kritka. The boundaries between reality and myth blur, and Hekla realizes the mist is more than a natural phenomenon—it is a sentient, malevolent force.

Into the Woods

Trapped by the mist, Hekla experiences its power firsthand. The mist invades her senses, seeking to break her will and turn her into one of its undead servants. She's saved by Kritka and the grimwolf, but the encounter leaves her feverish and near death. Eyvind finds her and brings her back to Istré, where she's nursed back to health by her crew. The experience deepens her resolve but also her sense of isolation—she alone has seen the true face of the enemy, and she alone seems willing to do what's necessary to stop it.

The Mist's Embrace

As Hekla recovers, she's plagued by dreams and visions of the mist's victims—families consumed, friends turned into monsters. The town continues its celebrations, blind to the danger. Hekla's warnings are ignored, and her authority is further undermined by Eyvind's need to appease Loftur and Konal. The mist's power grows, and Hekla is haunted by the knowledge that the coming double black moon will leave the town defenseless. She's forced to choose between obedience and action, knowing that the cost of inaction will be measured in lives.

Draugur in the Barn

Guided by Kritka, Hekla is led to the forbidden Hagensson steading, where she discovers the fate of the mist's human victims. Chained in a barn are draugur—the undead, created by the mist, their eyes burning with unnatural fire. Loftur has been hiding them, hoping for a miracle, while the mist manipulates him through dreams and promises. Hekla's horror is matched by her pity; the victims are beyond saving, and the town's faith in rituals and old gods has left them vulnerable to a new, inhuman evil. The mist's purpose is revealed: to feast, to turn, to spread.

Fire and Moonlight

Hekla's discovery leads to her exile—Eyvind, under pressure from Konal and Loftur, casts her out to maintain order. But Hekla, Gunnar, and Sigrún hatch a plan to save the townsfolk during the double black moon, when the mist will be at its strongest. They gather supplies, recruit allies, and prepare to use fire and moonlight—the mist's only weaknesses—to protect the people. Eyvind, torn between duty and conscience, secretly aids their efforts, risking his own standing and future. The stage is set for a final confrontation, as the mist gathers its strength for a night of terror.

Betrayal and Exile

Publicly shamed and removed from the investigation, Hekla is forced to confront her own sense of failure and isolation. Yet, her crew's loyalty and her own resilience drive her to continue the fight. She realizes that true leadership is not about authority granted by others, but about the willingness to act when no one else will. The bonds of found family—tested by betrayal, loss, and grief—prove stronger than the approval of any chieftain or council. Hekla's resolve hardens: she will save Istré, with or without permission.

The Bloodaxe Plan

Reunited with Gunnar and Sigrún, Hekla devises a plan to evacuate the townsfolk and trap the mist using fire. They coordinate with Eyvind, who has finally chosen to defy his father's orders and Loftur's delusions. The plan is risky, relying on timing, courage, and the willingness to sacrifice. As the double black moon approaches, the crew prepares for battle, knowing that failure means not just death, but a fate worse—becoming part of the mist's undead army. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose gives Hekla new strength, even as old wounds ache.

The Double Black Moon

As darkness falls and the moons vanish from the sky, the mist surges from the woods, drawn by the town's ritual offerings and the promise of a feast. Loftur's faith is shattered as the mist betrays him, and panic erupts. Hekla, Eyvind, and their allies execute their plan, using fire to create barriers and moonlight to weaken the mist. The townsfolk are evacuated, but the mist's power is overwhelming, and the battle becomes a desperate struggle for survival. The line between heroism and sacrifice blurs as Hekla and Eyvind risk everything to hold the line.

The Mist Unleashed

The mist unleashes its full fury, sending waves of Turned creatures—wolves, bears, draugur—against the defenders. Hekla fights with all her skill and rage, her prosthetic arm and claws turning weakness into strength. Eyvind reveals his own secret: he is Galdra, an Ashbringer, wielding fire magic to hold the mist at bay. Together, they face the onslaught, but the mist adapts, using the bodies of the dead to smother the flames. The battle is brutal, chaotic, and costly, pushing every character to their limits.

Ashbringer's Flames

As the defenders falter, Eyvind's magic becomes the last hope. Hekla, wounded but unbroken, distracts the mist, allowing Eyvind to unleash a final, devastating blast of fire that incinerates the dais and the mist's heart. The explosion is cataclysmic, but it breaks the mist's hold, saving the survivors. In the aftermath, Hekla and Eyvind share a moment of raw vulnerability and connection, their shared ordeal forging a bond deeper than passion or politics. The town is destroyed, but its people are saved—a victory won at great cost.

Aftermath and Proposals

In the ruins of Istré, the survivors gather, tending wounds and mourning the lost. Hekla, exhausted and battered, is confronted by Gunnar, who proposes marriage in a misguided attempt to find meaning after the chaos. Hekla, true to herself, refuses to be claimed or defined by another, reaffirming her independence and the hard-won lessons of her past. Eyvind, too, faces the consequences of his choices—defying his father, revealing his magic, and risking his future for what he knows is right. The bonds of The Bloodaxe Crew are tested but endure, and new possibilities emerge from the ashes.

Truths and New Resolve

As the survivors prepare to move on, Hekla overhears Eyvind's secret: he is betrothed, a truth that wounds her deeply after all they've shared. Yet, even in heartbreak, Hekla finds new purpose. Kritka, the magical squirrel, reveals that the true enemy is not yet defeated—the mist is only a symptom of a deeper, ancient power imprisoned in the woods. Hekla accepts her role as Protector, vowing to seek reinforcements and return to face the darkness at its source. The story ends with Hekla, scarred but unbroken, setting out on a new quest—one that will test her strength, her heart, and her very soul.

Characters

Hekla 'Rib Smasher'

Hekla is the emotional and narrative core of the story—a warrior forged by trauma, loss, and the relentless need to prove herself in a world that devalues women and the disabled. Her above-elbow amputation is both a literal and symbolic scar, a reminder of her survival and her refusal to be defined by victimhood. Hekla's relationships are shaped by her need for control and her fear of vulnerability, yet she is fiercely loyal to her found family in the Bloodaxe Crew. Her journey is one of reclaiming power, learning to trust, and redefining leadership on her own terms. Hekla's arc is a testament to resilience, rage, and the possibility of healing, even in the darkest of worlds.

Eyvind Hakonsson

Eyvind is both Hekla's lover and her foil—a man born to privilege but burdened by expectations and a longing for redemption. His easy confidence masks deep insecurities, especially regarding his father's approval and his own worth. Eyvind's secret identity as a Galdra (Ashbringer) and his hidden betrothal add layers of complexity and conflict. His relationship with Hekla is passionate, competitive, and ultimately transformative, forcing both to confront their fears and desires. Eyvind's arc is about choosing integrity over obedience, and love over legacy.

Gunnar 'Fire Fist'

Gunnar is Hekla's steadfast companion, a source of humor and strength in the face of loss. The death of his brother Ilías leaves him adrift, and his proposal to Hekla is both a plea for connection and a reflection of his own uncertainty. Gunnar's journey is one of healing, learning to accept support, and redefining family beyond blood. His loyalty to Hekla is unwavering, and his willingness to follow her into danger speaks to the depth of their bond.

Sigrún

Sigrún is a study in contrasts—petite but fierce, scarred but unashamed, silent but deeply expressive. Her trauma is written on her body, but she refuses to hide or be pitied. Sigrún's communication through sign language and her struggles with fire reveal her vulnerability, but also her courage. Her loyalty to Hekla and the Bloodaxe Crew is absolute, and her arc is one of reclaiming agency and finding her voice, even when words fail.

Loftur 'the All-Wise'

Loftur embodies the dangers of tradition and denial. His refusal to heed warnings, reliance on rituals, and secret-keeping about the draugur doom his people to suffering. Yet, his actions are driven by grief and desperation, not malice. Loftur's arc is a cautionary tale about the cost of clinging to the past and the perils of misplaced faith.

Konal

Konal is the embodiment of patriarchal authority and resistance to change. His skepticism, misogyny, and loyalty to Jarl Hakon make him a formidable obstacle to Hekla and Eyvind. Konal's presence forces the protagonists to confront not just supernatural threats, but the entrenched power structures that enable them.

Kritka

Kritka is both comic relief and a key to the deeper mysteries of the mist. His childlike voice and magical abilities guide Hekla to crucial discoveries, while his insistence on her role as Protector foreshadows greater challenges ahead. Kritka represents the enduring power of the natural world and the possibility of alliances beyond the human.

The Mist

The mist is more than a weather phenomenon—it is a living, malevolent force, capable of turning the dead into draugur and manipulating the living through dreams and promises. Its hunger is insatiable, its methods insidious. The mist's true origins and purpose remain shrouded, but its impact is felt in every loss, every transformation, every act of violence.

Draugur

The draugur are the mist's most horrifying creation—once human, now monstrous, their existence is a constant reminder of what is at stake. They embody the story's themes of loss, transformation, and the thin line between life and death.

The Bloodaxe Crew

The Bloodaxe Crew—once led by Reynir 'Axe Eyes' Bjarg, now held together by Hekla—are mercenaries, monster hunters, and survivors. Their bonds are tested by grief, betrayal, and the demands of leadership, but their loyalty to each other is the story's emotional anchor.

Plot Devices

Dual Timelines and Flashbacks

The narrative structure alternates between present-day events and flashbacks, particularly to the night of Hekla and Eyvind's first encounter. This device deepens character development, showing how past trauma and moments of vulnerability shape present choices. The contrast between public and private selves is a recurring motif, highlighting the tension between duty and desire.

Symbolism of the Mist and Spiral Staves

The mist is both a literal and metaphorical force—representing not just supernatural danger, but the insidious effects of denial, tradition, and unhealed trauma. The Spiral Staves serve as breadcrumbs, guiding Hekla (and the reader) toward hidden truths and deeper mysteries. These symbols connect personal and collective histories, linking the fate of individuals to the fate of the land.

Gender and Power Dynamics

The story foregrounds the ways in which gender, disability, and trauma intersect to shape Hekla's journey. Her authority is constantly undermined by male leaders, and her victories are hard-won against both monsters and misogyny. The plot repeatedly forces Hekla to choose between playing by the rules and forging her own path, making her struggle both epic and intimate.

Found Family and Loyalty

The bonds between Hekla, Gunnar, Sigrún, and the rest of the Bloodaxe Crew are the emotional heart of the story. Their loyalty, tested by loss and betrayal, is what enables them to face impossible odds. The theme of found family is contrasted with the failures of blood kin and traditional authority, offering a vision of community built on choice and mutual respect.

Foreshadowing and Unresolved Mysteries

The story ends with unresolved questions—the true nature of the mist, the identity of Kritka's mistress, the fate of Eyvind's betrothal—setting the stage for future adventures. Foreshadowing is used to build suspense and signal that the battle for Íseldur is far from over.

Analysis

Roots of Darkness is a dark fantasy that wields its genre trappings to explore themes of trauma, resilience, and the fight for agency in a world stacked against the marginalized. Through Hekla's journey, the novel interrogates the costs of survival—how rules meant to protect can become prisons, and how true strength lies in vulnerability and connection. The mist, as both monster and metaphor, externalizes the insidious effects of denial, tradition, and unhealed wounds, while the Spiral Staves and magical creatures hint at deeper, older powers at play. The story's emotional core is the found family of The Bloodaxe Crew, whose loyalty and love offer hope amid horror. Winters crafts a narrative that is both thrilling and thoughtful, refusing easy answers and insisting on the necessity of rage, compassion, and self-determination. The lessons are clear: listen to those silenced, trust in chosen family, and never let the world define your worth. The battle is not just against monsters, but against the systems and beliefs that let them thrive.

Last updated: September 20, 2025