Patrick (died 870s), also known as The Anvil, was an Anglo-Saxon blacksmith and a member of the Order of the Ancients's Wardens of Wealth sect, holding the title Palatinus. He was seen to work around his forge in Oxeneforda in western Oxenefordscire.
Biography[]
In his youth, Patrick showed promise by welding and creating fine blades at his father's forge and the Order took a good notice of his work. As an adult, Patrick became inducted into the Order as a master blacksmith. A descendant from the lords of Hwicce, Patrick created weapons for the Order and even commissioned them to each member's preference and specifications. Patrick took great pride and satisfaction in his creations. However, through time, Patrick grew angry and fed up with the mandates given to him by the Order. He fantasized and wanted out for him, his wife, and his children, even detailing an escape across the sea. Nevertheless, years went by and Patrick never actually pushed himself out that door.[1]
The Viking shieldmaiden Eivor Varinsdottir uncovered a clue, which gave the title, The Anvil. This clue led detailed to look at the smithy next to ruins on Saint Albanes Abbey, in Oxenefordscire, just north of Lunden. Upon looking the occupation's business, a note was found on top of a table. This clue led to the location and the reveal of The Anvil: Patrick. The clue also led to his location, which was his own smithy in Oxeneforda, Oxenefordscire. Patrick was found working near his workplace. Patrick was quickly assassinated and his work for the Order ended.[1]
Trivia[]
- The first clue that Eivor receives for identifying Patrick can be obtained from assassinating either Leofgifu, The Scabbard at Utbech in Grantebridgescire, or the Zealot Cudberct, who patrols in southern Oxenefordscire.
- Assassinating Patrick may provide clues to the identities of Havelok, The Billhook, and Beneseck, The Bell, if they have not already been obtained elsewhere.
- Interestingly, Patrick's death can start the trails leading to both Beneseck and Havelok, the latter of whose death will also provide a clue to Beneseck, making it very unlikely to obtain Beneseck's first clue from Havelok if starting the hunt from Leofgifu's trail.
- Like other Order members, Patrick plucked The Lathe into the Order, yet this borders on more of a fellowship rather than the general mentorship.
- In his final conversation with Eivor in the Memory Corridor, Patrick allocated to building a boat for his family and himself to escape. He is one of few Order members that were tired of the Order and wanted to leave.