Expeditions

The daily life in the colony was easier the following days. People were less aggressive and more tolerated to each other than before. They were even more helpful despite differences of opinions. Thorleif was pleased to see that Christians and Norse could sit and discuss religious ethics in a friendly manner.

The colony’s recourses had become more available. The farmers could let the cows free and did not have to set them to work. That increased the milk production. There were enough horses for work, so scouts could use them for exploring the island. More farmers were now free to do other tasks than the initial clearing of areas, building, and plowing. Some of them were actually bored. Building the new colony, had been a hard turn, although it had been fun and inspiring too.

The fishers could easily feed the whole colony under the construction period. Now, that there was supply of meat and vegetables as well, the fishermen were almost out of work. They were bored and wanted some new excitements. It did not take long before someone raised the question; I wonder how it is back in Iceland. It did not take long before some youngsters caught the question and replied; let’s find out. They knew they had to have permission for such a journey and spent days convincing Thorleif. Thorleif who was exiled from Iceland did not care much about the place anymore. In addition, his focus was at the present colony and to see to that everything was prepared for the coming winter. But everything seemed so good that there were not any objections left. Finally he allowed four youngsters to take two small ships for the bold journey back to Iceland.

There were many people that envied the youngsters when they sail back in north-east direction. Therefore, it did not take long before some people asked how it might look like further south of their newfound land. Maybe it will be worth the efforts to send some scouts? That was a much more profound task than just checking out known territories. Thorleif called for an extended board meeting for this question.

Thorleif asked them all; are you really that restless? The assembly was confused. There was mumbling for a long time before a man stood up and said. We should know our land that is wisdom. Therefore we should check out the surroundings of this island. This island is much larger than we first anticipated. There might even be a much better island close by. Further explorations are not for curiosity, it is a necessity. Think about this, we have not encountered any strangers yet. That does not mean they do not exist. We do not want them sneaking in on us at nigh. We do not want to set out extra guards just in case there might be some pillages outside this island. We should rather know the land and its inhibitors. He was applauded for the speech.

Surely Thorleif could see the wisdom in knowing the land. They just had not become custom to the thought that this was actually their new homeland. Very well, Thorleif said. Are there any objections? It took a while before a woman rose. Well, we do not want to invite strangers either. If you go exploring, you might meet a tribe larger and stronger than us. They might also be conquerors that follow the scouts back. What if they are many more than us and hostile? Surely we will have to leave, and where do we go then? There was certainly wisdom in the woman’s thoughts of being discrete too.

There is wisdom in both the arguments, Thorleif said diplomatically. I can clearly see the wisdom in knowing our surroundings, so we are better prepared for the unknown. I can clearly as well see the wisdom in not exposing our existence to hostile and powerful strangers. He waited a while to let the people think about these two considerations. Therefore, I will send a strong scout expedition southwards. Their task will be scouting. That means, they will not settle, they will not make contact with strangers and no one must stay behind. This also means that no scout is allowed to be captured alive. The team will consist of four boats, eight sailors, four hunters, four farmers and eight warriors. Are there questions to this? A warrior stood up and seemed to be interested in the task. How far and for how long do you want us to go? I see there is a volunteer, Thorleif laughed. The expedition is expected to be back in three months. That is unless you get around this island in shorter time.

The expedition spent the next week in preparing for the journey. They were very skilled in scouting and very eager to get it done right. Thorleif himself participated in the planning and preparations for the expedition. He wanted to be sure that they were loyal to him. Although he was the undisputable the leader of the colony, the explorers did have the opinion of their own about certain things. They all agreed that it was wise to follow the sun. But it seemed to be difference in opinion on whether that was west or south. A scout questioned; what if there is no westwards sea? They will figure it out, Thorleif thought. The week went by and off they sailed. Everyday since, Thorleif waited in anticipation for their return.