# Alfric — Short Fiction character guide

> Alfric in Short Fiction by Poul Anderson.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** II Alfric, Alfric of Aslak

**First appearance:** 0000-star-ship

## Snapshot

A ruthless barbarian swordsman dragged into a fallen city's prophecy, quick to kill and quicker to demand the truth from his royal companion.

## Who they are

Alfric of Aslak fights his way through a hostile city beside Hildaborg, stripping corpses for disguises and ready to cut down a captive guard until she stops him. He scorns prophecy and priests, yet the Book of the Sibyl has named him, and everyone in the ruined Empire seems to want his head. His hardness unsettles Hildaborg even as she admits Valkarion may need a man like him, and his demand for answers drives the early unraveling of the prophecy.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/i)

The barbarian protagonist, arriving at Valkarion and surviving an ambush by Temple slaves.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/ii)

A wandering barbarian from Aslak, restless and experienced in war and adventure.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/iii)

Disguises himself in looted armor; learns of the prophecy and the political situation; proposes fleeing to Aslak with Hildaborg.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/iv)

Alfric of Aslak, the barbarian protector of Hildaborg, is captured and chained, facing execution.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/v)

Leads the escape from the Temple, devises the revolt plan, and breaches the palace siege.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/characters/alfric
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/characters