The Rise of Emberhelm.
The wind still smelled of blood and ash.
Taranis stood on the ridge, his cloak torn by the storm, his hair streaked with soot. Below, the valley rippled with new life: tents being stitched, stones lifted, timber lashed. The war was over but the next battle had begun.
“We build not just for defence,” Lore said, tracing runes into the soil, “but for memory.”
The three surviving brothers had gathered their remnants warriors, widows, strays, and seers. They chose high ground, surrounded by forest and stone.
Drax named it Emberhelm, for the fire that had not died. It would become the first Stormborne stronghold.
Taranis trained them in the mornings sword drills, spear throws, endurance across misty hills. Drax oversaw the walls, carving old sigils into oak gates. Lore built the central hearth and lit it from the embers of their victory fire.
That night, the people gathered.
Flames danced. A feast was laid. Meat sizzled on firestones. Barley bread warmed the hands of children.
At the centre of it all stood Taranis, not as an outcast or storm-child. But as High Warlord of the Stormborne.
PART II: The Founders’ Feast – A Bronze Age Meal
The First Meal of Emberhelm was a warm, smoky, filling. A tribute to survival.
Ingredients (Modern Costed)
500g pearl barley – £1.20
2 tbsp honey – £0.40
1 tsp salt – £0.05
Handful wild herbs (or 1 tsp thyme/rosemary) – £0.15
500g root veg (turnip/parsnip/sweet potato) – £1.00
Optional: Lamb neck or mutton (slow cooked) – £3.00–£4.00
Water or veg stock cube – £0.10
Flatbread (optional, if not using barley cakes) – £0.80
Total Cost (vegetarian): ~£3.70
With meat: ~£7.50
Feeds 3–4 people
🛠️ Method (Modern Cooking Adaptation)
Boil the barley in salted water for 25–30 minutes until soft but chewy.
Roast root veg (cubed) in oil and herbs at 200°C for 30 mins.
Optional: Slow cook lamb/mutton with water, herbs, salt for 2–3 hours.
Drain the barley and mix with honey and herbs while warm.
Serve the roasted veg with barley, or spoon over the meat like a grainy stew.
🧙♀️ Historical & Symbolic Notes
Barley was a staple across the Bronze Age valued for energy and storage.
Meat was a rare honour. Only eaten during celebrations or major rites.
Honey and herbs symbolised blessing and protection.
Emberhold’s feast marks a cultural shift from wandering to rooting just as the Bronze Age introduced tools, fortresses, and long-term clan identity
© StormborneLore. Written by Emma for StormborneLore. Not for reproduction. All rights reserved.
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© 2025 Emma Hewitt / StormborneLore. All rights reserved.
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If you would like to read more Taranis stories please see: The Prophecies and Tales of Taranis Unfolded
If you would like to read more about Drax : The Chronicles of Drax
If you would like to read more about Rayne: The tales of Rayne
If you would like to read more about Lore: The Keeper of Cairnstones: Myths and Mysteries Revealed
If you want more Recipes visit : Solaris Kitchen
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