Hlorridi (380 AD)
I am Hlorridi, bronze-caster in Matizzo’s hill-fort above the meads of the Erms. My father Folkher came here after his service with the Romans in the unit of the Exploratores.
During his deployment in Achaia he met my mother Helena, of whom I inherited my small stature and dark hair. She followed him to Alamannia.
It is safer now, since we have our own lands and are our own masters. My parents have joined the clan of Matizzo and now they own one of the greater farms in the valley. This is where I grew up.
Matizzo has gathered riches and power throughout the years. Wine, a good climate, a secure location and the controlling of transports to the highlands have made him a powerful man. He decided to build his hill-fort on the Round Mountain1 near the cascades. For this he recruited war-wise men and good artisans, for trade carries money, money carries power and power carries danger.
Thus I, son of a Bondi2, was summoned to join the guard of Matizzo. All remained peaceful for a long time, and there wasn’t much to do but control the transports or drive back a band of raiders now and then. I made friends with Arne, a smith and caster who had set up his workshop on the mountain. There I learned my trade.
It’s been almost ten years since I moved out from my parents’ house. My liege Matizzo has grown old and it seems that he prepares to hand over all affairs to his son. At the last midwinter Thing he honoured his loyal followers in front of all free families of his clan and steadied their ranks and reputation with generous gifts. I received a spatha he had ordered at Arne’s workshop solely for me. It is a very new and noble kind of weapon, and really a splendid donation. I’m sure I will stay a well esteemed free man even after Matizzo’s time.
Yet sadly enough, no one knows for how long we will live so untroubled here. Traders from Milan ever tell of new cults and religions who are slowly taking hold of our lands. More and more we hear of settlements who exchange their Thing linden for the Christian cross3 and the Franks are gathering their men and becoming strong. It is said that they have a covenant with the Christian god and are lusting for dominance. I’m an Alaman and I’m staying Alamannic, and if I should one day have to move away from here, I will certainly not go willingly...
