Here's the account of Jaranal Gordangarsson of the Colymar tribe of his journeys into Volsaxiland (circa 1616). I recently found it while rummaging through the Jonstown Library. Enjoy!
"It is a two day trek from Wilmskirk to Whitewall, the first day spent on the Royal Road to Roadend and then another day through the rugged fells and vales of Destor's Hills, a rough land populated by largely herders and their livestock of cattle and sheep. The lands south of Roadend are tributary to the Volsaxi High King, although they have their own tribal kings. The people here are fierce bandits who hold the windy rocks sacred to the gods and their ancestors.
Whitewall is a marvel of the gods who built it. It is truly "the immense sacred rock of the Hendriking kings" - a solid rock of limestone that towers over the Northvale of Volsaxiland. No hostile army could climb that impregnable rock, let alone conquer the gleaming white walls of its high fortress! Within the fortress are many buildings - the stone hall of the High King, granaries, guardrooms, workshops, shrines and residences.
The Volsaxi High King, Broyan of Markdale (sometimes Broyan the Relentless), winters in Whitewall, spending his summers at Karstanstead in Volsaxiland. King Broyan travels to Whitewall to offer sacrifices to Orlanth and the other guardians of the tribe and to preside over the Sacred Time rites. He spends much time hunting in the rugged hill lands and knows each fell and vale in Destor's Hills, Finovan's Hills and Styrman's Hills as though it was his place of birth. The king is a powerful man - broad of shoulders, strong of arm, and long of beard - with chestnut hair and eyes that flash like lightning. He was born in Markdale and, as soon as he was born, it is said he could speak words of power and run with the guardians of the Volsaxings. No razor ever touched his hari or his beard.[1]
A host of exiled Sartarite chiefs, thanes and outlaws are under the protection of King Broyan and many serve in his household, including dread Queen Kallyr Starbrow and her followers, although I did not actually see her while I was in Whitewall. I was told by Ardinor that she carries out the High King's affairs in Sartar, although he later denied that.
Several hundred warriors serve the High King as his companions and warband - most are Sartarite or Volsaxar, but there are Heortlendings, Esrolians, even Tarshites and Praxians in his service as household warriors. The king is also served by a band of strange magicians, which he claims are the heirs of the ancient Larnstings of old. If these claims are true, then the High King must be a great king of old, but I doubt these "Larnstings" are what the Volsaxi claim.
I did see Leika the Singer while in Whitewall[2], and she asked me of news of our homeland in the seasons since she was overthrown. She is favored guest of the High King. I was polite to her and told her than Kangarl was not well-liked by the thanes and chiefs since he invited the Lunars into Clearwine. I hope I said nothing foolish.
The North Vale and Volsaxiland are where the bulk of the kingdom resides. The North Vale belongs to the Bacofi tribe (who acknowledge Broyan as High King). Further south is Volsaxiland, the home of the great Volsaxar tribe. Unlike the steep fells and vales of Markdale or the Northvale, Volsaxiland is a wide and long bottomland with many prosperous farms. Looming above Volsaxiland to the west is the dark Shadow Plateau, a haunted place ruled by vengeful trolls and evil spirits.
The chiefs and farmers of the Volsaxar are very proud and independent - they feud and quarrel often - and the High King spends much time impressing and placating them. This is how the Volsaxi like it: the clans chose Broyan as king, and, as one crusty old carl put it, they can "unchoose" him as well.
I did not travel to Vorda's Hill, where Kallai and Beneva Chan accepted exile. It is a famous temple to Ernalda the Queen and Urstera. I was told that the rumors of Kallai's passing are true. Ardrinor told me that Kallai's breath expired upon hearing that his foster son and favorite kinsman had not only committed kinstrife but had invited the Lunars within the sacred walls of Clearwine.[3]"
[1] Jaranal's description of King Broyan is derived from the
formulaic poetic description of the Orlanthi kings. Indeed, the
description is almost identical to that of King Andrin the Mover
given in the "Dragonbreakers Song", which in turn is derivative of
the description of King Aventus Lawmaker given in the "Saga of the
Hendriki Kings".
[2] A derisive nickname of Queen Leika Orlkensorssdottir of the
Colymar.
[3] Other sources claim that King Kallai was killed by assassins
while sleeping.
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