Sigurd is a leader from Norgard. His kin are Aesa, Magnus, Olaf, Kara, Isgerd, Hildagunn and Magnus. He owns several farms in the village. He loves legends and stories of incredible magic weapons and armor. He is an amateur blacksmith and wants to fabricate a great magic weapon like the famed dverge constructed. His life is changed forever by events that take place in Oikos and Permia.
I really enjoyed painting this figure. I submitted this photo to a photo contest at work and it was approved for a larger wall picture. After a year on the office wall I took the blown up photo home. It will eventually wind up hanging it in my game room. Olaf Barrowgard is a skald, a ladies man and good in a battle. Sometimes he believes you need to have a little Valhalla on Midgard and does his best to keep the party going late into the evening and sometimes into the next day. He is from Norgard and is kin to Aesa, Kara, Magnus, Sigurd, Hildagunn and Isgerd. Sometimes he seems less serious than the others, but he is the glue that holds the group together.
The raiding ships were prepared and ready to sail. The largest was a drakkar or dragonship at one hundred foot long. It was a true behemoth. Over two hundred men waited on board. There were four longships each around seventy-five feet in length. Most of the longships had twenty to fifty men. There were a dozen support ships called knarrs. They were about sixty feet long and required a small crew of about a dozen per ship. They were mostly used to carry loot and supplies. "We'll not be sailing with a witch!" said a dozen men. "You'll do what you're told or I'll fertilize the whale-road with your smelly hides!" said Eirk Thrallsfriend. Eirk was a wiry fellow. His hands were hard as boards and shaped to fit an oar. He wore no boots, preferring the feel of the ship. His fine black beard was braided with gold wire. "Have you more stomach than a Welkin to fight witch?" asked Eirk. "If I am needed in battle you will be glad for my skills." said Hildagunn. "If you cross me witch I'll make a meal for the Midgard Serpent outta your bones." "Pray you never feel the need to threaten me again. Today is a fine day to sail and I am in a good mood." She whispered. Eirk gave her a hard stare but moved on to bark orders at a dozen other green sailors. Hildagunn sat next to Olaf and helped with the oars. All of the kin who had rescued her from the Fluesom dungeon were on board the Thor's Fury. The ship was named thus because of its uncanny knack at getting Thor angry. The longship had been tossed by maelstroms in almost every journey it had made in the last ten years but had always come back with most of its crew. Eirk had been captain for all of those years. The ship lines were all released from the wharfs of Norgard and the oar beat was given. The ships left shore. Some of the knarr vessels pushed ahead to serve as scouts for the fleet. It would be hard work until the ships left the shelter of the fjords but the winds were favorable on the open sea. With luck the northman would be raiding the Welkins in three weeks. There were plenty of Thorsen villages and towns to trade with before then. Jarl Gunnar Bluetooth had given instructions to trade if the fleet was out numbered or raid if they feel that would be more profitable. He repeated often his desire to see the holds filled with thralls. Pukje attacks and harsh winters had taken a toll on the number of available slaves to work the land. Thralls were always needed. Olaf remembered fondly that Bergar had made a special request before he left. "Ah my boy, I remember well my first raid. There are treasures finer than the finest gold or the most beautiful thrall girl. Seek stories, songs and poems Olaf. Those are the things that bring joy to the gods and to old men who no longer raid." he had said. Olaf was shaken from his revere as the vessel made open sea. "Get those oars out of the water you worthless Welkin lovers. Hoist those sails Aesa. Get my ship pointing south damn you all!" said Eirk. Three days of perfect weather had put the crews of the small Norgardian raider fleet in high spirits. Many were singing songs in praise of the gods or telling stories of their exploits. A few gambled away their wealth. The captains would make them row several times a day to relieve boredom and to provide exercise to the crews. On the fourth day the weather turned. The waters had calmed and all captains had ordered oars out. The sky had darkened mid-day to a charcoal-green hue and the sea birds had vanished. Eirk had seen this many times. "We're an hour's rowing outside of Trodheim lads. Show the gods you are worth saving and row for your worthless lives!" The dragonship, two longships and several knarrs continued South. Eirk tried to flag them to turn toward land but they either didn't see the signals or felt the danger was not immanent. "Fools! Do not spit in the face of Thor or Aegir! Valhalla is not for drowning victims! Head to Trodheim! Head to Trodheim you Welkin lovers! Bah!" "Okay men, lead those who want to live. When that storm hits we don't want to be the ones pissing on the Norns' golden threads. Heave those oars!" The storm was upon them before they could see land. The wind picked up and lashed their faces with dark rain. The other ships could no longer be seen. Soon the sea swelled. The Thor's Fury rose to the top of its water-hill looking like a tiny twig and then rolled rapidly down the side into an ominous valley of still water. "Turn the ship! Get our nose facing that wave or we have seen our last raid!" Magnus and the others leaned into the oars hard. Some of the oars began to crack under the pressure. Isgerd and Hildagunn began to chant. "I'll beg the gods to push us into shore, you try to shield us from those waves washing over the deck Hildagunn!" shouted Isgerd. Hildagunn nodded and both she and Isgerd did their best to keep their balance as the ship lurched in the waves. The next wave hit Thor's Fury like a punch from a Frost Giant. Several oars were sheered and the vessel was spun in the opposite direction. The ship was taking on water. Isgerd prayed to the gods and touched the deck. The water poured out of the boat like a living thing. Hildagunn pointed to the sky and shouted. A shield of white energy turned the next wave, most of the water and wind away from the ship but the strain on Hildagunn's face was evident. "I can hold off a few more waves, but we need to get out of this storm soon!" she exclaimed. Isgerd nodded and attacked the waves with her staff while chanting. The ship seemed to move faster as a result. A knarr cargo vessel came out of the rain and fog and was on a collision course with Thor's Fury. Isgerd chanted a fervor of pleas to the gods. Thor's Fury turned away from the knarr, but the lurch of the waves tossed Isgerd overboard. Aesa reacted fast, tossing a rope to Isgerd and attempted to tie it off to the deck plank. Isgerd grabbed hold of the rope, but the ship lurched violently again and Aesa was tossed overboard. Black rain made it impossible for other crew to see them in the water. When lightning struck the knarr could be seen headed toward shore but Aesa and Isgerd were gone. "Land! Get us turned toward that knarr. There boys, you're doing it." barked Eirk. Thor's Fury was blind-sided by an ash-gray wave. Hildagunn's energy shield wavered, then was gone. She passed out as the foamy sea enveloped the ship. The shouting and thunder were drowned out by the roar of water. A terrible cracking sound roused her from her peaceful dream as her body was launched onto the rocky beach. ******** When Isgerd saw that Aesa was unable to secure the rope to the ship she tied the rope around her waist and turned into a large seal. Aesa fell overboard and landed on the seal's back. Aesa secured her end of the rope to her own waist and held on tight. Isgerd dove under the waves just as the rudder from Thor's Fury swept past where they had been. A moment later they surfaced but the ship was out of site. Isgerd considered trying to find the other ships and lead them to shore, but a whirlpool had formed and it was all she could do to keep ahead of the lip of it. "Get us to shore!" said Aesa. Isgerd swiveled her neck backward to give Aesa a dark scowl. The whirlpool weakened and Isgerd used powerful strokes from her tail and body to break free of its grip. The waves were fierce, but were no problem for a seal. Aesa had learned to grab a breath of air just before each wave pushed them under the water. When the storm finally eased Isgerd could tell that they were far from shore. "I don't think this is Trodheim." said Aesa. Isgerd barked in response. Isgerd knew she would not be able to maintain this form for much longer so began swimming very fast in the direction she believed Trodheim was in. When they were less than a mile from land, Isgerd reverted back to her human form and Aesa rolled off into the water. The two remained connected by the rope and swam as best they could. Exhausted they reached shore near Thor's Fury. Everyone was gone. "Next time we go raiding by land." said Aesa. "Agreed!" gasped Isgerd. ******** The storm still raged. Heavy black clouds dumped their cargo on the crew of Thor's Fury. Both longships and three knarrs had grounded on the rocky beach. Magnus pushed the broken mast over the side of the ship. "We are going to need to buy a new mast. We have more oars, but replacing our broken oars should be done before we leave." he said. "Any serious hull breaches?" asked Eirk. "We are fortunate captain. Nothing that can't be repaired or patched with pitch." said Sigurd. "How many dead?" asked Eirk. "Aesa and Isgerd are missing. Hildagunn has a nasty bump on her head. Everyone else is here and breathing, thank Thor!" said Olaf. "Nothing more can be done until Thor stops throwing lightning bolts. Gather up your weapons. Let us visit Jarl Ljot and see if he will aid us." said Eirk. Trodheim was larger than Norgard. The land was greener and supported more farms. There were many markets here and a grand path led from the town wharves to the longhouses of the nobles at the North end of the town. Most people were not out in this weather, but the few who were noted the hundred men from Norgard with suspicion. Some hurried their children inside or moved their sheep away from the Norgardian's path. Others slowly reached for their weapons. Magnus' broad smile did little to belay their concerns. "Must you do that?" asked Sigurd. "I am being friendly." said Magnus. "When you smile people reach for their swords." "I noticed that. Do you think these people are not friendly? I had not planned on feeding my blade today." said Magnus frowning. "Perhaps when you smiled you could attempt more sincerity." said Sigurd. "I am sincere. Think how happy I will be if they attack us. Think how happy they will be meeting Odin's shield maidens. I have many reasons to feel blessed by the gods. Why shouldn't I share that bliss with other people?" said Magnus. Sigurd sighed. They reached the meadhall of Jarl Ljot. It was a large structure covered in intricate rune-art and painted brightly. "I am looking forward to an evening with a warm hearth, and hopefully a fine maiden." said Olaf. "Halt. Who approaches Jarl Ljot's war-home?" The voice came from a tall man in heavy chain armor. Six other men guarded the front door to the meadhall. "I am Eirk Thrallsfriend, Captain of Thor's Fury. We were on our way to raid Welkin lands when our ship decided to visit Trodheim rather than sink beneath the waves. What could we do but request the Jarl's hospitality." "You should have drowned. You will find no welcome here. There is a tavern in town that can accommodate your men if you have money to pay." said the guard. "If Jarl Ljot were in similar need in Norgard, Jarl Gunnar Bluetooth would open his hall to your Jarl and his men at once." said Eirk. "Your Jarl is a fool then. Your hall is a cesspool in the eyes of Jarl Ljot. His son Smid the Swimmer visited your hall and was met only with insults." "So this is about Smid? Why does some lackey speak for the mighty Smid the Swimmer and his doting father?" asked Sigurd. "I do not speak for Smid. We all feel this way. The men of Norgard hung up their manhood with the dried fish and let their women order them around. Now go piss on your own boots. We do not offer hospitality to thugs and barbarians." Eirk's face turned red. Every vessel on his face bulged. Finally a vessel in his nose burst and blood flowed out in a torrent striking the guard in the face. Eirk's hand gripped his sword by the blade and blood from his clenched fist ran down his leg. The guard stood there speechless as the blood ran down his face while Eirk and the other Norgardians turned without uttering more words and walked at a slow march back to the lower settlement of Trodheim. Eirk was able to negotiate lodging at the tavern in town at twice the going rate. The ale was watered down while the prices were higher for them than for the locals. The normal laughter, song and boasts found in a Thorsen drinking establishment was subdued. No one would sell them a mast or additional oars. Eirk had tried, even willing to offer double the value on the items. Eirk gripped his pewter tankard with an iron grip. Someone referenced Norgardians in the same sentence as pigs. Eirk's beverage spilled in the dirt, his tankard a crumpled mass. "We are leaving!" said Eirk. The men got up as one and walked out of the tavern. Magnus defecated on the threshold before leaving, daring anyone inside to challenge him while maintaining his warm smile. "One day I will return and burn Trodheim's meadhall to the ground." said Magnus. No one answered his boast. The Norgardians arrived at the beachhead to find Isgerd and Aesa raising the broken mast. "We were bored so we thought we'd fix the mast." said Aesa. "How?" asked Magnus. "Magic!" said Isgerd. "We fixed many of the oars and patched the ships." said Aesa "Since you did not wait to see if our bodies would wash up on shore, we felt it was the least we could do." Said Isgerd. "How was your visit to Trodheim?" asked Aesa. "We may have overstayed our welcome." said Magnus. "What did you do Magnus?" asked Aesa. "Me? I left only a gift and smiles. I received nothing in exchange but dark glances." he said. "Your gifts were an even trade." said Olaf. "Stop your barking and get on board the ships. We leave this Norns' cursed land at once." said Eirk. "Goodbye Trollheim, your hospitality is only rivaled by your stench." said Olaf. "Since you are so fond of the place, perhaps I should leave you here...or would you rather get back to your oar?" asked Eirk. "I love rowing." said Olaf. Six days at sea had past. Olaf no longer loved rowing. He no longer loved the water, the wind, stale food, or his ass which had become numb from too many days sitting on the rough boards on Thor's Fury rowing. He tried to think of a spirit rousing song to get the crew in a better mood, but all he wanted to sing were songs of revenge and insult involving Trodheim and Smid the Swimmer. There had been no sign of the rest of the raiding fleet. The two longships and three knarrs that landed at Trodheim were all that continued South. "To shore!" shouted Eirk. The command woke Olaf from his thoughts as the pace of the oar beat sped up and the rudder turned them toward land. "Why are we heading to shore captain?" asked Sigurd. "I saw signs of smoke. Perhaps there is a village to offer fresh food, or perhaps it's an outlaw camp we can loot." said Eirk. The men were eager to sate their curiosity and rowed hard. Boredom makes one eager for anything new. As they landed on shore, they noticed circular stone huts on a hillside centered by a strange, twenty foot high, green and red statue. The men jumped ship and rushed onto shore, thankful to be on land. Eirk said, "That statue...this is no outlaw camp! That's a Troll god!" Look out for..." Six of Eirk's men fell to the ground unconscious from no obvious source. A dozen spears launched in the air from the tall grass on higher ground, their bitter points ending the lives of the sleeping men. "Get to higher ground!" yelled Eirk. Norgardians rushed from the shore to higher ground. Twenty huge pukje, as large as Slig from the Fluesome dungeon met the northmen in battle. The pukje were wearing chain armor and fought with spears and clubs. Four men were killed instantly from set spears, their charge ending in glorious deaths. Some men made it past the pukje and were attempting to flank them. These men began choking on a green gas that crept out of the tall grass and surrounded them. Within seconds their lungs turned to liquid, their tongues and eyes swollen and they died. Still more men charged up the hillside. This is where they met the troll. He was seven foot tall and well over four hundred pounds. He was armed with a black-bladed battleaxe and massive spear. He wore chain armor. His green hair was kept in a long ponytail and his eyes burned fiery red. Two men rushed the troll. Two fast swings of the ax and two heads flew from their shoulders and bounced before rolling down the hill. "Troll! He's got a manblade! Focus on the troll!" yelled Eirk. Magnus wanted to focus on the troll, but he was in a life-struggle with two enormous pukje. Kara was fighting to his left, Sigurd was on this right. He thought he had seen Aesa but had lost focus on her location as he parried blows from the creatures' massive clubs. The blows made his arms numb. The pukje raised his club to pummel Magnus again but howled out in pain falling forward. Magnus took advantage of the slip striking the pukje with a powerful uppercut from his ax that shaved off half the pukje's face. When the pukje hit the dirt, Sigurd buried his sword into the creature's back, killing it. Magnus noticed the creature was hamstrung and standing in the gap where it had been was Aesa. She had a broad smile and was cleaning her blade. She motioned for Magnus to follow. With a quick look of apology to Sigurd and Kara he rushed through the pukje's defensive gap, but struck quick blows to the ribs of the pukje next to him as he went through. "Why would you have me abandon my kin?" Magnus asked. "See that troll? He's killed a dozen men so far, and somewhere out here is a wizard. If we don't kill them, our raiding party could be lost." said Aesa. "Then let's kill a troll and a wizard!" Magnus said with glee. They headed to the center of the village where the huge troll statue stood and noticed something very odd. A huge troll flew overhead but was being harassed by an eagle. The eagle clawed at his face. There were two trolls! The troll with the manblade was mowing down men near one of the stone huts, and the other troll was flying above them. "I have never seen a troll before." said Magnus. "I have never seen a flying troll. This must be a special day." said Aesa. "Magnus, you have a better chance to kill the troll on the ground. Be glorious! I will do my best to clip the wings of the troll in the sky." said Aesa. "That troll does not have wings." he said. "Which makes solving the problem, all the more interesting." she said. Magnus watched the troll near the stone hut strike a man with his spear. The man turned to stone instantly. The sight of his friends dying turned his vision red. He uttered a blood-curling scream and rushed into battle with the troll. Before he could wet his ax with troll blood, the troll pointed a wand at him and a bolt of energy struck Magnus. Magnus' armor and clothing vanished. His ax remained though, and it would taste troll flesh today. Eirk was fighting the troll as Magnus rushed in. He had struck the troll many times, but his hide was tough, and whenever he appeared to weaken, he drank from a bottle and was strong again. This troll was formidable. His manblade struck off arms, legs and heads. His wand left men without armor or clothing. His spear turned men to stone. He wondered how men ever defeated them in the Troll Wars. "You have desecrated our lands for the last time human. I am Reikov. You may flee now. If you are too stupid to recognize my name, perhaps you will learn your mistake when your head bounces back into the sea." he said. "I am Eirk Thrallsfriend. I have sailed Thor's Fury for the glory of Norgard, Odin and Thor since I was old enough to walk. You attacked us before knowing if we were friends or enemies. Trolls are not that smart, but even you should see you will die today." he said. "Welcome to my home Eirk. I shall teach your head who is right after I place it on a spike this evening, a war-prize for birds to crap on." said Reikov. Magnus struck the trollspear from Reikov's hand. "I am Magnus. I did not know trolls could talk. I do not care. Today I will claim your manblade as my war-prize. Reikov swung his manblade around, cutting a deep gash in Magnus' unprotected chest. Magnus watched the blood from his chest rain down on his feet with anger. "You would not have accomplished so much without your witch-wand." he said. "Magic is what separates civilized beings from filthy animals like you." said Reikov. Magnus and Eirk fought Reikov with a fury of blows. Any lesser man who joined the fray was met with death at the hands of Reikov. Eventually no other man dared for glory, instead leaving to fight pukje or staying to watch the outcome. Reikov struck Magnus with a flurry of blows from his manblade, while parrying Eirk's attacks with his trollspear. Magnus had struck the troll several times in the thigh and ribs with his ax, but the blows seemed not to bother Reikov. Reikov spun his trollspear around and struck Magnus in the arm. Magnus could see his arm becoming rigid, the color of stone. Anger welled up inside him. With a mighty yank, he pulled the trollspear from Reikov's grasp and then slammed the spear handle hard against a tree, dislodging it from his ashen arm but stunning himself momentarily. Eirk took advantage of the move and thrust his sword deep into Reikov's side. Reikov turned his attention back to Eirk and with one powerful stroke struck Eirk on the top of the head, splitting his skull down the center all the way to his upper jaw. Magnus thought he saw Eirk smile before he fell face-first into the dirt. Magnus grabbed the trollspear and thrust it with all his might at Reikov. The spear hit Reikov in the side. The troll tried to remove the trollspear, but instead turned to stone and fell before the statue of his god, no longer a killer of men. Magnus claimed the manblade, raising it to the sky. In shock he realized it was draining him of life. He and the manblade fell to the ground with an audible thump. ********* "Hildagunn, we've got to kill that troll! He's killed a dozen men with his magic." said Isgerd. Hildagunn was still very inexperienced in the use of magic. Sure she could make a few potions and could throw a few bolts of energy, or even create a shield to protect against spells, but to do something that could kill a troll...she was not sure. Isgerd could see the indecision in Hildagunn's eyes. "You will become more powerful with practice. Don't worry about killing it, just try to keep it from killing me. We need to keep it busy so it doesn't kill more of our men." said Isgerd. "Okay, there are a few things I can do." said Hildagunn. Together, the two women ran to face the troll. They arrived as the troll killed a man with a huge greatsword. Isgerd faced the troll. "Surrender, and I will not harm you." she said "Chi! Chi! Chi! Ooh! Chi! Chi! Mok dezi flugg cha mo!" it said. "I'm pretty sure that is pukje and not troll he's speaking." said Hildagunn. The troll rushed forth to attack Isgerd with his sword. Instantly she changed into a large bear and wrestled with him. Hildagunn struck the troll with a flurry of energy bolts. The troll pushed Isgerd away and came at Hildagunn. Four men came from behind to attack the troll. The troll lifted himself off the ground and began to fly above the men. "Now that is just not fair!" said Hildagunn. Isgerd change from bear form into a large eagle. Hildagunn chanted. The troll chanted. The four men threw spears. The troll pointed at one of the men and he drew his sword and began attacking one of the other men. "Serk, I am your brother. Why do you attack me?" "I...must...serve..." said Serk and swung his sword again. Three of the spears missed the troll, but one hit him in the thigh and a trail of blood rained on the ground. The troll pulled the spear out of his thigh and tossed it away. Before their eyes, the wound healed and an angry scar was all that remained. Isgerd swooped in and attacked the troll from behind. Her goal was not to do damage, but to prevent him from casting any more spells. Hildagunn got as close as she could and made a ball tossing motion. A globe of sticky web struck the troll in the face. He was blind. At that moment Aesa arrived. "Need some help here?" she asked. Hildagunn pointed to the troll. "I don't think it's a troll. It speaks pukje, heals fast and flies. My spell will not keep it blinded for long and Isgerd is outmatched. She is just trying to keep it from doing any more damage." Aesa surveyed the field. There was a large tree nearby. "I have an idea." she said. Aesa left Hildagunn and climbed the tree faster than any bear or lynx. When she was near the top, she pulled out a short bow that she kept in her kit. The bow was no good for combat but might serve if she were lucky enough. She attached a specialized rock climbing piton to the end of a long arrow and then laced a strong fiber that attached to some silk rope she carried. All she needed to do now was line up the shot. The troll flew around in wild lurching circles as it tried to get the glob of webbing off of its face. Hildagunn chanted. She directed the energy at Serk. Hildagunn smiled when the glazed look left Serk's eyes. "Brother," he said. "Why do you attack me, we are kin?" "The troll bewitched you brother, let's not quarrel, we must slay him." said the brother. Aesa knew she had one shot. It was not a very good chance, but she had to try. The troll was right at the edge of her range for this bow. Even if it hit there was a strong probability it would fall without catching flesh. She squinted her eyes and prayed. The piton went up high above the mark, but began to descend. It hit the troll in the neck and then slid harmlessly away. At the last second the troll lurched and the piton got hooked in his chain armor under the collar. Aesa wrapped some of the silk rope around her waist and pushed a button on her bow. She was instantly jerked from the tree and was being reeled at incredible speed right at the troll. Isgerd glided for a moment, unsure what she just witnessed with her incredible eagle vision. Even her sharp hearing seemed to fail. She was certain she heard Aesa laughing. Aesa crashed into the back of the troll with incredible force, knocking the laughter from her body. The troll wiped the last of the web glob off of his face and chanted. The area around Isgerd went black. She was blind. She spread her wings and hoped the landing would not kill her. Hildagunn saw what was happening. She ran fast. Without stopping she pointed at the black orb around Isgerd's head and drew on her magic powers. Nothing happened. Isgerd continued to descend far too fast. Aesa stabbed the troll in the back with both of her knives. Carefully she carved. The troll winced at her in pain. Aesa began to speak but never stopped stabbing the troll. "Oh you will like it. This is some of my best work. Since you heal so fast, this will make a nice tattoo for you to show your kids. Mlobbidity Mlob Mlok you ask? Well since you asked so nicely in Pukje it says, AESA WAS HERE! That's my name. Since I gave you something nice, I am hoping you will return the favor. What you ask? I am hoping you will hold my needle for me." Aesa spat the needle out of a tiny blowgun she held between her teeth. The needle struck the troll in the eye. The troll wailed in pain. Aesa smiled and continued to stab. Hildagunn had one last spell she could try to save Isgerd. She thought of feathers and tapped the rainbow bridge for power. A multicolored beam flew from her hand and struck Isgerd. Isgerd decelerated. She began falling like a feather, very slow and deliberate. The decent was slow enough that the dark spell wore off and Isgerd was able to land under her own power. "Thanks Hildagunn, I am in your debt." she said. "You saved me when the others thought about letting me die. My life debt to you will never be paid." said Hildagunn. The troll roared. "Aesa!" they said. Both women looked up. Aesa was striking the troll over and over with a rock on the back of the head. It finally sucumbed to the blows and passed out. The troll was now falling to the ground rapidly. Hildagun and Isgerd had just enough time to dive out of the way when the troll crashed to ground in a heap. At the last moment Aesa, cut her ties to the troll and somersaulted off its back. She hit the ground hard and rolled many times before leaping to her feet with a broad grin. "Kill it now! Cut off its head!" said Aesa. Serk rushed up and dropped his sword blade hard on the troll's neck. The head separated from its shoulders but required several swings of the blade. At the moment when the head separated, it rolled looking up at the group with wide yellow eyes and its face turned sky blue. The entire body of the beast became a couple of feet longer and a few hundred pounds heavier and entirely blue. "Is this a Lokispawn?" asked Serk. "Pukje." spat Aesa. "Where did you get that rock Aesa? I never saw you pick it up." asked Isgerd. "I keep it in my pack in case I run into a big nasty pukje, right next to a vial of acid for dealing with chain mail armor. I believe in being prepared. It keeps me alive." said Aesa. Isgerd just stared at her. Aesa was very strange, even for a Norgardian. Aesa, Hildagunn and Isgerd surveyed the battlefield. It was almost over. The Norgardians had slain all but a few of the pukje who now ran from the battle. Within moments the men filled their backs with arrows and spears and there was nothing left to fight. Bodies of men lie broken in many places. The field was wet with the blood of men and pukje. Kara, Sigurd and Olaf were already busy helping the men to dig a pit to bury the dead before the ravens and wolves got them. "Where's Magnus?" asked Aesa. When she saw him, she immediately ran to wear he was lying. Hildagunn and Isgerd followed close behind. Some of the men helped turn Magnus on his back. He was ghost-pale but breathing. He chest was ripped open from a wicked blade attack. His hand looked burned and was only inches from Reikov's battleaxe. Aesa picked up the manblade. "Don't!" said both Hildagunn and Isgerd. "How are we going to learn anything if we don't experiment?" Aesa asked. Her face went pale and he knees buckled. She let go of the battleaxe. "Perhaps this weapon is best studied by someone with thick gloves." Aesa said weakly. While Aesa tested her luck, Isgerd prayed hard to heal Magnus' wounds. The effort reminded Aesa of her concern for her kinsman. "Will he live? Aesa asked. "Magnus? It will take more than a troll to kill him. He likes fighting in Midgard too much to just leave us for Valhalla." said Isgerd. With Magnus out of danger, everyone focused on Eirk. Even Hildagunn shed a tear for the man. With great care, they built a gurney to carry him. When Magnus was alert, they brought Eirk's body and the other dead to a large pit they had dug out. The next two days were spent dragging a knarr into the pit and placing Eirk at the helm. The other dead were made crew. The treasure they found was buried with the dead and a mound of rocks and dirt were placed on top. "Eirk died well. All the men did." said Magnus. "Too many died, for too little treasure. Reikov's treasure will go to Valhalla with these men and what we have left is a magic trollspear we don't understand, a manblade we can't use and a wand that makes your enemy naked." said Isgerd. "Can I have the wand?" said Olaf. Everyone looked at Olaf. "For study." he said. "We must decide what to do. Eirk is the only man who has raided Welkin lands." said Sigurd. "The men are looking to us for leadership." said Kara. "Then let's lead them." said Aesa. "What do you suggest?" said Sigurd. "We head South until we hit Welkin lands then we take their stuff in honor of Eirk." said Aesa. "I like it!" said Magnus. "Of course you do!" said Olaf. "Then we have a plan." said Sigurd. "Aesa, why are your hands red? Did you kill someone while we weren't watching?" asked Olaf. "Olaf, I am not a killer. I'm an artist. It's paint you dolt. Come see my work." she said. They marched back to the troll home and looked at the troll god statue. In fresh red paint, written in the Thorsen runes it said AESA WAS HERE. It was a strange thing considering the respect given to Reikov's body. He had been placed on a bier facing the sea with a few grave goods. Magnus and many of the other warriors felt respect for his fighting ability. The pukje were dumped into the sea. Aesa looked at her work with pride, but the others simply walked away without speaking. "I thought it was artistic." she said. Sulking, she followed the others as they loaded up the remaining ships and prepared for the journey south. The alarm it rings
The sound it stings It is no fun I lie here stunned I do not even see the sun I amble slow I will not go I've gone to work two days you know I can not go I will not go I see the faintest trace of snow I must not go I shall not go my vacation pool is far too low I sniffle once and then again Is this a cold that's setting in? A flu, a cough, a scratchy throat? Can I request a doctor's note? A horrible fever or just rotten ague? My sick days remaining are now only two! I have the worst case of Wednesday morning blues. I dump my work clothes on the floor I jump in the shower, my knee is sore Cold water blasts through the shower head I try to duck but drop the soap instead I stand there looking at the drain Oh Wednesday why are you such a pain? I head to the kitchen and look for some lunch I find stale tuna and mystery punch I check the freezer for some frozen treat All I have left is some mystery meat I grab my lunch sack and head for the door My dogs cry and whine and implore Do not leave us, stay home instead Stay home and cuddle, warm in the bed Resigned I head out and get into the car Would it matter if I were late just an hour? I could go in for half of the day Heading home at noon would be okay From the drive I slowly pull away I'll go to work, but I will not stay I pull up to the office and begin to stare This is not cool, this is not fair The camel, the dolphin and even the fish They go where they want, they do what they wish They do not have a weekday plan No meetings at lunch time, no stuff hits the fan Mondays are bad, but Wednesdays are worse I feel like I have just seen a hearse I feel like I have suffered a curse Wednesday is a pimple that just will not burst I'll be happy when it is Friday again Or better yet Saturday my best of best friends But today is the day that I would not choose For I have a cases of the Wednesday melancholy blues. Isgerd, Sigurd and Olaf broke free of farm duties late in the afternoon and walked into the main village of Norgard. The extra foot traffic transformed the village into a bustling town. Still, the current cacophonous commotion made them pause with concern.
"It sounds like a fight has broken out!" said Sigurd. "More like a battle." said Isgerd. "Or a Thorsday in Ulfgard after a new keg of mead has been opened." said Olaf. Isgerd and Sigurd looked at Olaf and shook their heads in disbelief. As they approached the noisy crowd they could see a cloud of dust had formed. In fact they were all correct in their assessment of the event. Hundreds of Norsemen were drinking heavily. Some where singing fertility limericks. Others were boasting about their battle prowess. Fights broke out here and there, but as they got closer they could see what had drawn everyone. Standing on top a large wagon was a shirtless Magnus Thorsen. He was covered in mud, blood, and oil and was shouting through a bull's horn to the thronging mass. "Who will be next? Come on! There must be some Glima wrestlers of renown here today. If you can toss Kara Thorsdottir out of the circle or pin her I will buy your fill of ale or mead. If she tosses you out or pins you, you will swear an oath to support us at the lawrock in the unjust case brought against us by Wulfgar the Troll! Look at her? I know she is fierce, but I am certain there is one among you who still can find glory!" said Magnus. Kara stood in the center of the wrestling area. Steam came off of her oiled body. She was bare-chested and frothing at the mouth. Blood ran from her lip, but it was unclear whether someone had landed a blow or it was self-inflicted. A dozen Norsemen lay in various states of consciousness outside the circle. Magnus made certain that they all had sworn oaths before passing out. A barrel-chested copper-haired man pushed the crowd aside and stood before Magnus. He stripped off his shirt and grabbed some oil. After dabbing some oil on his chest and shoulders he spoke. "Kara has nice breasts! I will make quick work of her in the Glima circle and then take my time with her after I have drunk your mead Magnus. I wager she is feisty!" he said. "That is quite a boast! Tell me your name so I may ask you to swear an oath properly." said Magnus. "I am Ketil of Uppsala. No man can match me in the Glima ring, at drinking contests or in the number of wenches bedded." he said. "Do you swear to take up our cause at the lawrock if you lose to Kara?" asked Magnus. "HAHAHA! I swear it!!! I also swear that I am going to enjoy wrestling with her tonight as well." said Ketil. "Well then, Let this match begin!" said Magnus. Ketil stepped in the ring. Kara approached him near the center and placed her hands on his hips. Ketil smiled broadly, staring at her chest, then slowly extended his arms toward them, but decided to place his hands on her hips without touching her chest. As soon as his hands touched her hips, Kara grabbed his left arm and twisted sharply bringing the man to one knee and then without warning jerked him off his feet and tossed him. Ketil looked surprised as he was lifted off the ground but recovered quickly, landing on his feet without falling. Ketil approached Kara with more caution. Again they locked arms, looking away from each other as was custom. They twisted and moved like dancers, each jockeying for position. Ketil feinted as if to grab Kara's leg and instead got her right arm in a hold. Kara twisted her body and countered the hold with a wrist hold of her own. Before Kara could take advantage of the position Ketil turned and the two of them again locked in an even battle for leverage. "What are you doing Magnus?" asked Isgerd. "I am working the crowd." he said. "Aren't you two worried about becoming outlaws?" asked Sigurd. "Glima is legal!" Magnus said. "You know what I mean! We could become outlaws at sunset tomorrow!" said Sigurd. "This will not happen. Kara and I have a plan." said Magnus. "Your plan is to beat everyone here for the Althing into your defense for the lawsuit?" asked Isgerd. "Yes. It is that simple!" said Magnus. "It might work." said Olaf. Ketil had gained advantage through a series of rapid leverage moves. He was a seasoned wrestler and anticipated many of Kara's defenses. Back and forth they pushed each other in this violent tango. "No one has lasted this long. I think Kara likes him." said Magnus. "I had not realized she was so well proportioned." said Olaf. "She is kin, you fool!" said Isgerd. "More like clan really. It's not like we are cousins." said Olaf. "Olaf! Go find a wench!" said Isgerd. "Well, if you insist. I mean, we have important business to attend to." said Olaf. "I will speak to Freya about taking away her gifts to you, if you do not go take care of your needs soon!" said Isgerd. "Needs? You make it sound like I have no control over my own destiny. I have ENORMOUS control over my...oh...hello...what is YOUR name?" asked Olaf. Olaf's head turned on a swivel as three beautiful women walked within ear-shot of him. "I am Valgerd of Isa and these are my servants Hilda and Gudren. May I be of some aid to you sir?" said Valgerd. Olaf approached the woman and whispered something in her servant Hilda's ear. The girl giggled and whispered something to Valgerd. The woman looked shocked but allowed Olaf to approach her. The group wandered off, leaving Sigurd and Isgerd in wonderment. "How does he do that?" asked Sigurd. "It is a gift." said Isgerd. Ketil had Kara winded. He increased the speed of his feints and moves. Kara fought off his holds, countering a bit more awkwardly, sweat spraying from her hair with each new effort. Ketil dipped Kara back. She was unable to stop him. Soon he would pin her to the dirt and the match would end. With great relish, Ketil reached forward and placed his left hand firmly on Kara's right breast. Faster than thought, Kara wrapped her legs around Ketil's neck and squeezed. The force of the move pushed Ketil's face into the dirt. Within seconds he was unconscious. Kara released the hold and turned Ketil over. She grabbed a tankard of ale and poured it over his face. When he roused, she thrust her mouth into his, kissing him deeply. "I will see you tonight if you have anything left to boast about." said Kara. She walked away, put her shirt and cloak on and grabbed a mead tankard from a bystander. The crowd cheered and chanted her name. Many swore oaths of support on the spot. Ketil lifted himself from the ground and gave Kara a lusty look before melting back into the crowd. "You really liked Ketil! I thought for a moment you were going to let him win." said Magnus. "It would bring dishonor to Ketil and to our own clan if I ignored the will of the gods and let him defeat me. I do like the man. He is tough and is very skilled at Glima. I will share a bed with him tonight if the Norns allow." said Kara. Isgerd and her kin spent the time leading up to the Althing forging friendships and swapping favors with other lawsuit defendants. Many disputes would be settled. Friendships and feuds were formed in this manner. A single Althing can change politics in the region for decades depending on settlements and who one decided to support when a settlement was not possible. There were also more games, competitions, trades, food, and the spreading of information. The time for their case had come. Isgerd and Sigurd were already at the lawrock as they had offered to support a friend in the last dispute over a stolen cow. At the last moment the offender agreed to return the cow and offer silver and friendship bonds as compensation. Wulfgar was the first to arrive for the prosecution. Trailing him was a huge contingent of men. "How many men do you count Sigurd?" asked Isgerd. "He has one hundred forty-four supporters. Enough to have all of us sentenced as full outlaws unless we outnumber them." said Sigurd. "How many supporters did you find?" she asked. "I found fifteen. The blacksmiths and boatwrights all support us." said Sigurd. "I have twenty. Some I have helped before in matters of law, others were aided by my prayers to the gods for them." said Isgerd. "It is not enough. Where are the others?" asked Sigurd. "I don't know. Here comes Olaf now..." said Isgerd. Olaf approached Isgerd and Sigurd with eight beautiful women. "It is good to see you my kin, what a fine day to settle a lawsuit!" said Olaf. "I hope last night was worth it Olaf, we are about to be outlawed." said Sigurd. "Every night is worth it when you have fine company, fine food and a good supply of mead!" laughed Olaf. Wulgar looked at the three of them with a smug sneer and patted his companions on the back. "If we killed him now we could save the lawkeepers time and pay his weregild price. I am sure Olaf spent more money on these women last night than Wulfgar's man-price!" said Sigurd. "Be calm. This is not over yet. I am sure the others will arrive soon." said Isgerd. On cue, Jarl Gunnar Bluetooth and Bergar the Bold sat with them. They brought thirty men each. "I am pleased to see you today Jarl Gunnar! Well met Bergar the Bold! Wulfgar does not look so haughty now!" said Isgerd. "Indeed his twisted smile has transformed into grinding teeth!" said Gunnar. "His companions do not seem to pleased with Wulfgar to see us sitting with the Thorsen Clan." said Bergar. "They probably believe Wulfgar spent our bribe money on himself." said Gunnar. "There may be truth in that belief!" said Bergar. Their thoughts were interrupted as Kara and Magnus arrived. They appeared hung over from drink but fifty men and women came with them to offer support. "It seems we now outnumber Wulfgar's supporters!" said Sigurd. Another twenty-five distant relatives arrived as Magnus and Kara sat down with their support. "If we could only have doubled Wulfgar's numbers we would be able to chase them from the lawrock and have him sentenced as a permanent outlaw!" said Isgerd. "Where is Aesa?" asked Magnus. "If she was certain we would lose, she may have left Norgard to avoid death." said Isgerd. "Aesa is not afraid to die." said Magnus. "She is rather fond of living!" said Sigurd. "You should not speak ill of your kin for they are most likely to give you shelter when your friends have fled or died." said Magnus. The discussion ended as Aesa approached the lawrock. She was accompanied by over two hundred fifty men, many who looked dangerous and hardened in battle. "Where did she find so many supporters?" asked Sigurd. "She is lucky." said Magnus. A fight broke out among Wulfgar's supporters. Someone shouted, "Where is he?" and then chaos reigned. Someone threw an ax and one of Aesa's supporters fell dead. Soon the lawrock was awash with the blood of warriors. When it was over twenty-seven supporters of Wulfgar and three of the Thorsen clan had died. The Valkyries claimed those who died well. The rest were buried in shallow graves outside the village. No one knew what became of Wulfgar the Troll. Jarl Gunnar declared that each of the Thorsen kin involved should pay a red-gold coin toward the purchase of new clothes for Wulfgar. They did so without hesitation. Wulfgar then was declared a full-outlaw and could be killed on site by anyone who wished to do so. Wulfgar's supporters who had remained left on their own without being harmed. Hildagunn's outlaw decree was lifted, although some grumbled at the outcome. The Althing of the year 1076 after the Great Disaster, would be remembered for many years. In Norgard people were frantic. Even the eldest among them were rushing about with great enthusiasm. This seemed odd. The annual spring Althing was still two days away. Norgard hosted the Spring Althing. Northmen from all the surrounding towns, villages and farms flocked to the Althing to settle disputes, catch up on news, trade and hopefully see a good fight break out.
Sigurd and his companions had just returned from the pukje lair, their sleds packed heavy with loot. He noticed a familiar face walking in his direction and hailed him. "Pardon me friend Grim, are we about to be invaded by trolls?" asked Sigurd. "I would welcome such news if it were true. No, this is much worse friend Sigurd." said Grim. "A dragon then?" "I agree a dragon would be worse than trolls, yet still I would welcome the challenge." "What could be worse than a dragon?" "Wulfgar the Troll." "HAHAHAHA! Wulfgar? We killed him during our journey." said Sigurd. "Then his ghost is here. He means to see that you and your friends are outlawed." "Outlawed? On what grounds?" "On the grounds that you murdered innocent Norgardians and then burned their outpost in the forest." said Grim. "He failed to mention these innocent Norgardians were allied with the pukje that looted Thrain's corpse or how he ran from battle naked as his first morning on Midgard." said Sigurd. "He did mention that your kin stole his clothes and left him to die." "What manner of lawsuit will Wulfgar the Troll pursue?" asked Isgerd. "Wulfgar knew if he tried to win by Einvigi (single combat), that you would put Magnus up as your champion; and he would die. He will not accept settlement before trial. It is rumored that he has a huge number of unknown supporters who will help him win the case by force of numbers. I have asked around and nobody admits to supporting Wulfgar. His popularity is not well known in Norgard." Said Grim. "We need to see the Jarl. Who is leader now?" asked Sigurd. "Gunnar Bluetooth was made Jarl the day after you left Norgard." said Grim. "He is a good choice. We need to see him at once." "He is busy discussing matters with the godar and elders. You will not be allowed to see him until this lawsuit is settled in two days." "I thank you for your good explanation of this commotion Grim." "You should spend the next two days gathering support for your defense at the lawrock." said Grim. "Can we count on your support and the support of your kin?" asked Sigurd. "Of course. We are friends." said Grim. "If we lose, your situation in Norgard will be worse." said Sigurd. "Then you had best win or I have placed my fate with the wrong side." said Grim. Grim left Sigurd and his kin and headed down to the wharf to get supplies for his family. The ships had started arriving for the Spring raids and for the Althing. The population of Norgard had tripled. "I will talk to Gunnar. As a godi, even if accused of crimes, I have full rights until sentencing." said Isgerd. "Good, I will take our goods to my farm. We can stay there and make our plans until matters are settled." said Sigurd. "As soon as Wulfgar the Troll is outlawed, I am going to request going on the raids this Spring." said Magnus. "We will all go." said Olaf. "Give me Thrain's cloak. It will bring us honor to bestow it upon Gunnar as a gift. I will take these men who were held prisoner for support." said Isgerd. Magnus had given the cloak to Sigurd before they left the pukje lair. Sigurd had been walking taller since donning the cloak. "I have grown fond of this mantle. Still it does not belong to me. Take it Isgerd. Tell of the great deeds that led to its return." said Sigurd. Isgerd placed the cloak over her shoulder. "I will tell our story." she said. "Do not mention the key to Thor's tomb or any of our other evidence until the Al-thing." said Aesa. "Do not worry Aesa, I am godi. I know how to win a lawsuit." said Isgerd. Isgerd headed to Ulfgard with the men from the Pukje prison and Thrain's cloak. The others followed Sigurd to his farm. The men provided an honor guard, helping to keep Isgerd's path clear as she approached the Jarl's home. Isgerd had given each man three silver bracelets for their loyalty. It was enough to feed their families for several months. When she reached the plateau where the meadhall and lawrock were located, Isgerd slowed her pace. She had learned that power often manifested by the appearance of power. She walked with a regal gait, projecting authority as she approached Ulfgard. The doors to Ulfgard were open as was the custom during the day. Two warriors stood guard, spears at the ready. "Greetings Hoskuld. Good day Aki. I must speak to Jarl Gunnar Bluetooth." she demanded. "Greetings Isgerd. You are charged with murder. You must wait until the Althing before you are allowed to speak to the Jarl." said Hoskuld. "Is this what the Jarl has decreed? I bring a gift. Has hospitality withered in Norgard while I was away?" she asked. "Come Hoskuld, let Isgerd and her men pass. We have not forgotten the duties of a host since Thrain was murdered. After all, there has been plenty of talk concerning her and her kin before she even arrived home. The Jarl must show he is above foul rumors and slander." said Gunnar. "Greetings Jarl Gunnar Bluetooth. It gladdens my heart to know you are Jarl." said Isgerd. "It gladdens my heart to see you Isgerd. Please come to my private room. There is much to discuss. Your men may enjoy food and drink in the hall." said Gunnar. Isgerd presented Thrain's cloak to Gunnar. "We have fulfilled our oath to bring back Thrain's cloak." She gave all the details of the deeds that led to the cloak's return, leaving nothing out. Thrain paused for a moment staring at the cloak in his arms. His beard started to wag and a single tear ran down his cheek. "The gods favor you, and I cannot offer you enough red-gold to show my appreciation for your deeds." said Gunnar. "We only wish to bring glory to our people." said Isgerd. "You have and more." said Gunnar. Gunnar motioned for Isgerd to follow him, the cloak tightly clenched in his strong hands. Isgerd entered the Jarl's chamber. It looked much as it did before under Thrain. Gunnar kept a few personal war prizes and weapons from his days fighting in the Troll Wars in the room. Along with Gunnar, Bergar the Bold, Hrothgar Spearshaker, Serk the Godi of Burgenmark and Soti the Godi of Skaelg were present. Everyone sat near the hearth near the center of the room. Furs lined the floors and simple benches. Drink and food were available but no thralls were allowed into the Jarl's chamber. Gunnar himself handed a horn of mead to Isgerd. When all were seated Gunnar bowed to Hrothgar Spearshaker. "Hrothgar Spearshaker you are the wisest of the elders among us. Please speak your mind." said Gunnar. "What you mean to say is I am old. It is true the Norns mocked me on the battlefield and refused to take me in battle during the Troll Wars. I continued to raid against the Welkins until the dok-alfar came in the night and hammered my knees and back until I was bent and could no longer chase down a deer or fleeing enemy. It has been ten years since I was good for much but talk. Still I will offer what little insight the gods have left me. These young Norgardians...these kin of Isgerd the Godi...they have the eye of Odin. He watches them. It is my suggestion that we support these warriors. I am old enough to know how to recognize where luck and skill have gathered in abundance." said Hrothgar. "What of Wulfgar the Troll and his lawsuit. Will it bring us shame to actively spurn his offer of gold and power if we support him?" asked Bergar the Bold. "I have seen no gold. I have seen no power. What I have seen is a coward who should have been outlawed last season now trying to get others outlawed, whom we should be throwing a feast for and granting lands." said Gunnar. "I do not believe Wulgar is making idle threats. A man does not dance naked before Freya with no cock. No, he has supporters. Perhaps from one of our rival villages." said Bergar. "I do not believe Wulfgar is important enough to gather supporters from Uppsala. It must be Trodheim that offers him power if he can make trouble here. Trodheim has always been jealous of Norgard...for a lesser man always envies his betters to some degree." said Hrothgar. "Serk, Soti, what do you Godar say on the matter?" asked Gunnar. "Wulfgar is not important to the Godar. A man who would sleep with pukje will find a most unpleasant smell follows him for the rest of his days." said Serk. "We are here for other matters. We are here for Isgerd the Godi." said Soti. "Me? Why would the wisest of the remaining Godar have interest in a young Godi from a remote village like Norgard?" asked Isgerd. "Why indeed. Are you versed in the law? Do you know how Mord the Beserker won his case and gained settlement when he had but one supporter, his old father back in 1014?" asked Soti. "Odin spoke for him." said Isgerd. "Odin spoke for him! Who speaks for you Isgerd?" asked Serk. "I speak for myself, for my kin, for Jarl Gunnar Bluetooth and for Norgard." said Isgerd. "...and you speak for Odin!" said Soti. "What you Godar speak of has not happened since the Troll Wars began over a hundred years ago." said Hrothgar. "Has the girl denied it?" asked Serk. "Well young Isgerd, is it true?" asked Bergar. "It...it is true sir. Odin speaks through me sometimes." said Isgerd. "Sometimes or always?" asked Soti. "Yes. Yes...I hear his voice always. His power flows through me. I can use it to help heal others and to bend myself into the shape of animals. How did you know?" she asked. "We did not. We suspected. The Norns cast shadows behind you. No child your age has ever been made a Godi." said Serk. "Why didn't you tell me, child?" asked Gunnar. "Tell you? Tongues would wag like beards. I would be accused of being a witch and outlawed." said Isgerd. "It is a gift. You would not be outlawed." said Gunnar. "Hildagunn was outlawed." she said. "She has a good argument!" said Bergar. "Hildagunn was practicing seid magic and caused an infant to be deformed." said Gunnar. "You speak of seid magic as if it were evil. It is not. Hildagunn is a fine maiden. She saved Magnus from death when a huge pukje was certain to send him broken before the singing Valkyries." said Isgerd. "You bend the poem and send its flow against the tide." said Gunnar. "The poem is pure. The poetry of magic flows from Odin into the hearts of those he favors. To bend Odin's favor to foul purpose will only bar the way to Valhalla. I could never do that and neither could Hildagunn. I mean to ask for her return to Norgard." said Isgerd. "Lift the decree of Outlaw?" asked Gunnar. "Yes, do it at the Althing." she said. "This is no small request." said Gunnar. "It is the boon I ask for helping to return Thrain's mantle to you." she said. Gunnar looked at the cloak still clutched tight in his massive fists. "It will be done!" he said. "Oh, but there is more; is there not, Isgerd?" asked Serk. "What? What do you mean Serk? Gunnar already knows the boys want to go raiding. I need not ask for that." said Isgerd. "We speak of your secrets. Some you have shared. Some you have not." said Soti. "You have guessed more than you knew, and now think you know more than there is to tell." said Isgerd. "We are godar. Your secrets may save us all. You must pay your debt to us, and tell us all that is hidden." said Serk. "I respect you as elders, wise in the ways of our people, and as mentors. When I understand what Odin is saying to me, I will not hesitate to inform you of his will." said Isgerd. "Just be careful that his will and your will are not confused." said Soti. "My will is what Odin commands." she said. "May it be so." chimed Soti and Serk as one. "Isgerd, you have my support. We will sit with you and your kin at the lawrock. I will grant your kin land, many fine gifts and an oar on one of my longships. Eirk is captain of Thor's Fury. Give him greetings from Gunnar. Tell him you are to raid the Welkins with him, and bring back as much gold as the ship will hold. You may go." said Gunnar. "I thank you Jarl, Hrothgar, Bergar, Serk and Soti for allowing me to speak." said Isgerd She gathered her men and left Ulfgard in a hurry. "That one has no trouble speaking!" laughed Hrothgar. "You just wish she would warm your loins!" said Bergar. "Even the gods can't help Hrothgar with that." said Gunnar. The men laughed. "She is hiding secrets from us." said Bergar. "Of course she is." said Gunnar. "She is a godi." said Serk and Soti. Isgerd and her guardians moved briskly through the throngs of people. She recognized many of them, but they could see by her pace and her armed wall of men that she was too busy to socialize. Soon, she was out of town with Sigurd's farm in view. They headed toward the main structure. She could see Olaf and Sigurd busy talking to a few farmhands. A boy was following every action Sigurd made with great care. When Isgerd was close enough to be noticed, she hailed them. "What news, Isgerd?" asked Sigurd. "We have the support of the Jarl in both the lawsuit and our desire to raid South." said Isgerd. "Wonderful news! Perhaps now I can go to the meadhall and persuade others to support us." said Olaf. "Don't you mean you want to go to the meadhall and have sex with as many women as you can handle?" said Sigurd. "We all have different skills. I'm a skald. Skalds understand the importance of rhythm, the subtle movements of the hands and mouth over a fine instrument...sublime transcendence! The delicate vibration of..." said Olaf. "I do not need to hear this. Where is everyone else?" asked Isgerd. "Magnus and Kara ran off to get drunk. I don't know where Aesa went. She did not tell me, nor did I see her leave." said Sigurd. "Well I guess that just leaves the adults to seek political favors from our people." said Isgerd. "I will walk over to the artisans booths and work to gain support among them." said Sigurd. "I will make sure all of our kin show up to support us." said Olaf. "I will speak to anyone I have helped in a lawsuit or have aided in some other way." said Isgerd. The boy who was shadowing Sigurd jumped up and down excitedly while tugging on Sigurd's cloak. "And I will talk to the other children. They will come to the lawrock and support our heroes." "Who is the boy?" asked Isgerd. "He is Sigmund. An orphan. He is ten. His father was Faxi Hair-breeches. He was killed in last year's raids. I have agreed to foster him now that I have land." said Sigurd. "Sigurd is a great hero. I am honored to be his foster-son." said Sigmund. "And Sigmund is a fine son. No father could be prouder than to have him to foster." said Sigurd. "May the gods show their blessings on you both." said Isgerd. As soon as Sigurd was occupied with the duties of running a farm, Aesa slipped away. She padded to the most isolated part of the village near the craggy cliffs just past the wharfs. Several old storage buildings lined the path out of town. Some were still used to store surplus goods for the winter...others seemed abandoned. Aesa crept between the buildings careful not to be seen. She could see several men standing around one old building. It was a building not used for storage, but for other purposes. Without hesitation, Aesa vanished behind that building and climbed down the wet, uneven cliff facing the ocean. She did not have tools for this, but descended with ease, finding hand and foot holds as if she knew exactly where they were. Aesa came to the edge of an alcove and let go. She used her momentum to pull her into a dark cave. She touched the key to Thor's tomb without looking at it and could see in the dark. With the key's help she could tell that the room was filled with goods and treasure. She ignored this and headed to the far end of the cave. When she came to a corner of the cave stacked with boxes, she stopped as something made a distinct metallic clicking sound. She leaped straight up as two mechanical scythes whirred out of the wall. The blades would have removed her legs from the knees down if she had been slower. Gravity pulled her down toward the moving blades as a pit opened up below where she had been standing when the trap was triggered. Aesa vaulted off the handle of one of the blades toward the wall and back-flipped onto the floor, inches from the pit. Fast as a cat, Aesa covered her face with an air-tight mask and vaulted for the stack of boxes. While in flight she watched as the floor where she just had landed flooded with a liquid that melted anything organic it came in contact with. Green-gas flooded the room. She landed safe on the top box in the stack. From her position, Aesa checked the wall and found the well-hidden indentation she was looking for. She started to thrust a specialized tool into the indent but noticed at the last second that a thin filament touched the indent, its other end tied to a rod a few feet above the indent. Aesa replaced the filament with a line of her own of the same length, gluing it to another place on the cave wall. Then she prayed to the Norns and cut the original filament. Nothing happened. Smiling, Aesa used her specialized tool to unlock a mechanism in the indent. An unseen door opened. Aesa jumped from the boxes to the door entrance and vaulted inside. The door closed behind her. She pulled off her mask, gasping for air. Some days were more interesting than others. Aesa padded down a long hall, inspecting the entire path for any more surprises. She ignored a few simple traps, using her raw skills to avoid any trouble, disarmed another and then slipped inside a room with no door. The room was lit by large flickering candles. A man was sitting on a chair with his back to her. He seemed to be reading something. Aesa drew her daggers and eased behind the man, placing her daggers firm against his jugulars. "Ah, Aesa. You thief! I told you never to use the back way into this hideout ever again!" he strained to say. "Well father, how do you know it is not one of your thugs, angry you shorted them of their cut of the loot? said Aesa. "Because I dumped the last ten bodies that tried into the sea...or what was left of their bodies...You are the only person lucky enough to bypass my traps and disarm my alarm without getting my attention...well other than me of course!" he said. Aesa removed her daggers from his blood streaked neck and put them away. "You could have killed me!" they said in unison. "Yes! I should have!" they responded in unison. "You owe me money!" said the man. "What does Gust the Lucky need with money from a poor orphan girl?" she said. "Orphan? Is that what you are telling people these days? I gave you skills that any father would be proud of. Who can outrun you? Who can see you if you want to remain unseen? I gave you that and you repaid me by stealing my favorite wolf and his gem-studded collar!" said Gust. "That wolf was Lokispawn, and he ate better than I did." she said. "At least tell me what you got for him!" "two silver bracelets for the wolf and four for the collar. It was more than he was worth." she said. "Bah! I could have gotten ten silver bracelets any day! Aesa? WHY are you here?" he said. "You know why I am here or have you stopped monitoring all activity in Norgard?" she asked. "What do you want me to do?" he asked. "Get your men...ALL of your men to go to the Althing and support us at the lawrock." she demanded. "I don't know why I should." Gust said. Aesa placed a bag on the table. Gust opened it and looked inside with widening eyes. "Because you love me Father, that's why." said Aesa. "I can't believe you scored this much treasure. They're not real are they?" asked Gust. "Oh, they are real. Call it luck. I'm not the street urchin you raised. I'm a hero now. People will write my name in sagas some day." said Aesa. "I am sure they will my little sembling." Gust said. "I never understood why you call me that." said Aesa. "If you ever meet a sembling, you will understand dear one." he said. "So I can count on you? You are not going to pocket this and waste it on thralls and mead?" she asked. "I'm hurt. I always have your best interests at heart." he said. "If you have my best interests at heart, share some news with me. What do you know that no one else is privy to?" she asked. "What kind of question is that? I know everything that no one else is privy to...but I think I will share something with you. Wulfgar is not working alone against you. When you interfered in his business you actually made some powerful enemies." he said. "Who? His mother? Not washing doesn't make you powerful it makes you a pukje." she said. "Oh no. Not his mother and not any Norsemen. Rumor is there is a new power from the Welkin lands to the South that wants something in our lands...something powerful...something that has been hidden for a long time. Rumor has it that this new power is dangerous." "I like danger. It eases the boredom." said Aesa. "You don't like THIS kind of danger. Rumor is this power is allied with witches and wizards who would like this land for themselves. Be careful how much you want to be a hero my sembling." said Gust. "You are alright sometimes father. I may forget you are a liar and a thief." said Aesa. Aesa walked away as silent as death and headed down the hall toward the front entrance where the men had been standing around. When she was out of hearing range Gust the Lucky shed a single tear. "I love you too my daughter. May the Norns look after you...just how old is this treasure you've found my little sembling?" He began examining some of the pieces with a jeweler's lens and nearly dropped it. "She has more secrets than I do!" Aesa walked past the men out front. "Keep up the good work Mord. I'd hate for the old man to get his throat slit because you were not alert enough to know when someone had walked right past you." she said. "Where? Where did you come from?" asked Mord. "Me? Didn't you see me go in? Were you sleeping or drunk again?" Aesa walked away without waiting for an answer while Mord slapped his companion in frustration for not seeing Aesa arrive. "Dumber than a pukje in a map drawing contest." she murmured under her breath. |
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