The Chain Oath

The Chain Oath is recited in halls where bridles hang beside funeral shields. It binds Keldrun's people to ride, shelter, feed, or fight for neighbouring halls before old quarrels can be counted. Its linked burdens are beautiful in song and brutal in winter: a promise made in emberlight may become dead horses, emptied granaries, surgeons working without sleep, and riders sent into sleet for people they cursed last season. The oath keeps the grasslands from shattering. It also ensures that shame can outlive the men who failed to answer.