“Fifty years I have served Odin,” he maundered, “and never such portents have I read.”

-The Grey God Passes

Howard made a habit of describing the words and actions of sorcerers and seers with a more ominous but less cryptic tone than most authors in the fantasy genre. More importantly, from a composition standpoint, Howard’s descriptions of sorcerers are abrupt, dark and portentous. Portend is a word that will be found in various corners of his awful universe.

maun•der

(môn′dər, män′-)

intr.v. maun•dered, maun•der•ing, maun•ders

1. To talk incoherently or aimlessly.

2. To move or act aimlessly or vaguely; wander.

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[Probably dialectal variant of meander (probably influenced by wander).]

por•tent

(pôr′tĕnt′)

n.

1. An indication of something important or calamitous about to occur; an omen.

2. Prophetic or threatening significance: 3. Archaic Something amazing or marvelous; a prodigy.

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[Latin portentum, from neuter past participle of portendere, to portend; see portend.]