Foundland

Once packed up, they sat the sails westwards. Looking up, there was the great black shadow hanging over them. But in the west there was still a clearing that gave them some hope. After a while, everyone agreed that it was a wise decision. Everyone was determined to go through with this. There were no religious speculations anymore. The colonists had regained hope. This was about surviving and making the best out of the situation. Some even thought it could be exiting.

The 100 boats with 1000 people, 200 animals and lots of tools, sailed slowly southwest. The boats were divided into different tasks. There were great colony ships, there were scouts in canoes, there were fishing boats and there was a boat for the leaders. Even though Thorleif had pointed at himself as chief, there was a board of advisors. At this phase, Thorleif relied most on the sailors though. First, he wanted to go as far west as possible. Next he wanted to go to the southern part of that land because then the sun would give the most warmth to the winter. Third he wanted the sailors to take the colony safely ashore on fertile soil. He had grown tired of all the barren soil at Iceland and Greenland. This time he wanted to settle at a better place.

They reached the open sea after a day of sailing. This was the point of no return. They preyed for good weather. Most of the colonist found that the old gods were the best when dealing with nature. White Christ is a desert god, isn’t he, someone asked Peter. There was no respond. The religious rivalry had ended for the time being.

They saw land after sailing for a week. Four scout canoes sailed to the shore to find water, vegetables and wood. The rest of the colony sat the course to the south. The sailors had sailed further south previously and knew the land was more fertile there. The air cleared and the black shadow was back in the distance. It was still light at night, so there was not any danger of sailing in the night. The people merely shifted on steering, followed the leader and got help when trouble occurred. Some people were tired of all the sailing, but Thorleif was determined to find better land this time. There was not any real attempt to break up the colony. They all figured it was best to hold together.

Harald, Thorleif’s closest friend, had plenty of time to think about the past and the recent events. He knew this was a time for great changes. Although he kept a low profile at Greenland, he realized he could not be that discreet for long.

Harald was not quite like the rest of the colonists. He came from the Baltic region of Scandinavia and not the Atlantic region like most. His people had made contact with people in Novorogod that had been as far southeast as the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Although his people did not go that far, the knowledge from the region had become regular teaching for them. He knew well about Greek, Rome, Constantinople, Persia and Egypt. His family was considerable noblemen and was considerably educated. The knowledge from afar had made Harald reputed as a wise statesman.

Harald and Thorleif met for the first time at Trondheim. Thorleif needed advices badly and Harald needed a town to practice on. They were a fine match that made great progress for years. However, the cathedral incident ruined it all. It was very humiliating for Harald and it hurt him to see Thorleif suffer that much. Harald decided to stay away from politics, at least until the bitterness had gone.

Now, seeing the great change they were going through and how chaotic this new democratic rule had become, he knew his skill soon would be required. He had however, decided to wait until asked for. He did not want to intrude and being rejected.

After another week of sailing southwards by the coast, they reached a large island at the shore. People were showing clear signs of being tired of sailing. Thorleif gave in at last. The place seemed to provide the necessary resources and it seemed be a fine place for a camp. There was joyful shouting when he announced that the island was their new found land. He was impressed about how fast the settlers sat up a temporary camp. They were eagerly working the whole day until they fell at sleep of exhaustion. Within a month, the camp had enough houses to shelter everyone in the winter to come. In the autumn there was a new generation wildlife that never had experienced the danger of hunters. The sea seemed to provide unlimited resources of seafood. The women gathered berries and herbs in the autumn. This new found land was certainly a land of plenty.

For the first time in half a year, they could relax again. People were spending more time on leisure now. Parents played with their children, they took the Sunday off. Even a great blot was arranged for the ancient gods of nature. Even though Peter and his party opposed, they figured it would be impolite to reject. We must figure out a way to combine the traditions, he said. The autumn evening was still bright and still a little warm. The dark shadow had dissolved. There were no major problems. The land provided sufficient wood, food and beverage. Everyone was relieved and happy. Actually, the colony had never been that happy before.

But now that they had found their comfort in a good place, talks about the event started. The leaders feared the outcome and tried to hush it down. But it was no use. In the end, they announced that there will be no fights at a great evening like this. People respected that, but picked up some old issues. Thorleif said; if there are some disputes, the people involved should come to us tonight and register. Then we will settle the issues within a week. That was a great suggestion, Dan said. He was not so happy to be set to register the issues, for the queue was large and kept him busy the whole night through.

Later that evening, there was a dispute between a group of Christians and Norse. It started out as some friendly jokes and insults. Then it got personal. Voices grew aloud, people rose up and hands became threatening. Thorleif sent a group of people to stop the fight before someone got hurt. The group had to be divided into three, a guard told Thorleif. He wondered; why three? I am sorry to say that there is not a question of unifying the religions anymore. The Norse are about to divide into Asir and Vanir fractions again. Thorleif was worried. Division was not what they needed now. On the contrary, it should be religious mutual respect or unification. Thorleif stood up and said: In this colony, there will be no religious disputes. The religious leaders will meet in a board once a month, starting tomorrow.

Despite some tensions and disagreement, there was an overall cheerful atmosphere. The colony was happy. It showed on most people. Some musicians made drums and flutes. That put music to the poet who had been very inspired the recent year. There was dancing and singing at most fireplaces. Dears were roasted and berry juice was served. Couples were romancing and found their way home earlier than most. In the night it was dark and chilly. Winter was coming. The darkness put a grave mood to Thorleif. He guessed that most people recalled the incident of Iceland and that it concerned them. He did not want a collective depression to come with the winter.

On his way home, Thorleif saw some youngsters trying to help a friend that lied on the ground. What is this, Thorleif asked, is he sick. He is drunk, a youngster admitted. He can’t be, Thorleif said. We have neither ale nor wine. Well we got some 'mighty powerful' berry juice, the boy said. It is over for me now, the he said, and I think he just have to sleep it off. Thorleif was worried. There had been some incidents previously involving strange herbs. They had not paid too much attention to it though. But this seemed to be stronger than anything he had ever seen. Thorleif said; I am glad his is not seriously sick. But tell me more about this later, will you? I will be honored, the youngster said.