A short time after Shep had left, Corman received a brief visit from the Druid Mother. She was as enigmatic as ever, but her eyes sparkled with a fondness that he had not seen before, not that he had ever really looked. She had always intimated him... until that moment with Shep in the old Stables. Something more had happened between them, but any conjecture seemed inappropriate. Corman engulfed her small frame in a hug before she went on her way to take her place with the Chief of Chiefs.

In relative peace, Corman spent weeks studying the prayer guide, testing his strength and learning the ways of the Cloverman clerics. His confidence in calling on the gods had increased and his insight grew in clarity. He began standing in as a teacher of lore while finding students who wished to follow the path he had recently stepped foot on. It was a path of mutual learning while he established the Order of Dagmar in the Clan Mastiff.

Redgurn had a wary eye on Corman as the Order's numbers increased. It was Corman's intention to speak with Redgurn, but he was saturated in these new duties. He brushed aside his brother's invitations to meet. Redgurn was furious with the slight. He sent a host of the Chieftain's Guard to bring Corman before him.

"Brother. I have heard disturbing things." Corman was brought into the darkened throne room. The torches sconces that stood on each side of the throne cast menacing shadow's across Redgurn's face. The deep flame colored hair shown brilliant with the dancing torchlight. His countenance was striking, as always. Though it had been a while since he studied his brother's face, Corman noted that Redgurn definitely had the most handsome features from both parents.

Redgurn motioned forward and two of the guard pushed Corman forward into the room. "You make alliances." Redgurn produced a small dagger and began tracing the lines on his palm. Though it was clearly meant to intimidate, Corman wasn't flustered, this was the same brother who had breathed threats at him while growing up. It hadn't gone too far, yet, he could tell.

"You build a force using the teachings of the Old Gods." He stuck his dagger into the armrest with dramatic force, "You seek to unseat me from my place of honor!" Redgurn yelled across the room at Corman. His voice in the hall echoed deafeningly, but the words rolled off of Corman. He then smiled softly at his heaving brother.

"I do not want what you have." Corman took one step forward to his brother. It was only now that he realized he never wanted to be chieftain. He wanted to be leader in something, but he understood that he wanted to be more a teacher in the ways of the Gods, not so much a leader of men. "I know that now."

"Stay your feet, brother. Any closer and you will force my hand." Redgurn spoke seething with pent up anger. Corman didn't see this coming. Redgurn had dwelt on this for so long that it had completely blinded his reason. There was only one thing left to do...

He stepped forward again, prompting a response from Redgurn to have his guard rush forward. Corman turned quickly and spoke with intensity, "In Dagmar's name, I command you to listen. Stop where you are." The four men froze in mid-step, some in the midst of drawing their swords. Each teetered a little straining their muscles to do as Corman had commanded them. Redgurn sputtered as they halted, "What are you doing? Take him!"

Corman turned back to Redgurn. "Stay, brother. We must talk." His brother was squirming on his throne getting ready to pounce. Corman thought it best to not leave these things to chance. He spoke to Redgurn, "As Dagmar's hand, you will hold still, brother." In a brief strangled cry, Redgurn froze in place with an unnatural look on his face.

He turned back to the guards, "You," he nodded to the closest,"Remove these bonds." The guard closest defty removed the loose bands that held Corman's hands together. "Now, leave us be, return to your quarters and go to sleep."

Each man fell into line, marched back to the guard's quarters at the far end of the Chieftain's hall.