Homeland

The boats from Iceland arrived one evening. The colony was not in the same cheerful mode as last time. There was still the time for recreation. In a way, the scouts were not either moody either. There was of cause great interest of what they had experienced, and their families were certainly happy to see their boys, though. The scouts did not bring anything, but wanted to see the board as soon as possible. Thorleif thought it was good to get the colony to think about something else than its recent collective trauma. Any news was welcomed.

Yngve and your bold scouts, Thorleif said, what news do you have for us. I have this; Yngve said and handed over a script made of leather. Thorleif opened it with some dignity and read. Well, I am not that surprised. However, it means a lot to us. After reading it once more to himself, he rose up. Dear friend, we are considered an Icelandic colony and now under Christian rule. However, he said and interrupted the mumbling, there is freedom of religion, so no one will be forced to convert. That did not silence the board.

Yngve, can you please help us understand what is going on. Yngve stood up and cleared his throat. Island is partly torched by a volcano. It is hard to describe what a volcano is. I suppose you simply have to listen to what I am told. It is not a single event though. It has happened several times at several places. Harald interrupted. This is true. Actually a volcano exploded when the Roman Empire was at its peak. The event altered the powers of the empires, the powers of religions and wasted cities. What I have learned is that it is an extremely unfortunate event of nature. But it has nothing to do with humans at all. It simply happens like floods do. However, that volcano might be the main reason why Roma finally converted to Christianity. He nodded at Yngve to continue. Well, this volcano has spewed lava, which is melted berg that flows like rivers over the land. Eventually it stops. Those who have traveled in Iceland might have noticed mountains with craters at the top. Well that is old volcanoes that eventually died.

There were lots of deaths and destructions at Iceland. It did not entirely destroy Iceland. Hans asked; what is the main difference this time? Is it that the Christians made a coup and are now in power? Yngve answered; this liberty of belief is merely on the paper to calm powerful people. In practice there is a slow assimilation in progress. Christians are favored in many vital ways. ‘Heathens’ are getting the blame for the catastrophe, which make them convert to Christianity.

Now, wait a minute, Peter interrupted. Don’t you think you are overreacting a little? On the contrary, Yngve replied. In practice, the Norse face thralldom. There was bitterness in Yngve’s voice. Please do not disturb Yngve’s testimony, Thorleif said.

We simply could not leave, even though we knew we were expected to. There was so much mischief that we did not have conscience to leave them to themselves. But there are also many good stories to tell about how they struggle and manage. How they help each other and even stories of personal sacrifices. Yngve had emotional problems in continuing. Thorleif took over. I am delighted to hear that and I look forward to your tales at the fireplace tonight. However, now it is important for us to know what the new regime is like, and how it can affect us.

Yngve thought about it, and tried to formulate some diplomatic sensitive sentences. The Christina regime is nothing that we ever have experienced before. You see, there is not merely a change of leadership. They consider it a new era that they have waited a thousand years for. First it is the silly old thing that some consider Iceland as the gate to Hell. After the volcano, that is considered a fact by powerful people. Next, by Christian calculations, the year 999 AD is of vital importance. By some strange numeric magic they have come to that it means anti-666. Now that we are about to enter that century, the Christians are preparing for the worst to come, by getting rid of all evil. Unfortunately, that includes heathens like Vanirs and Asirs.

Some even consider Surt to be a Seraph, a Christian angel of the highest rank. So the whole thing is consider being fulfillment of their worst prophesies. Hans rose. Excuse me for interrupting, but are you saying that even if we don’t believe this is Ragnarock, the Christians do. That is exactly what I was trying to say. But it is our doomsday, not theirs, he mumbled while sitting down. Don’t you know? You’re doomed anyway, Peter commented.

Thorleif addressed Yngve, this scroll you gave me. It must mean that they know a lot of us. Yngve hesitated. We were taken into questioning. They were not exactly interested in our beliefs. But they were very interested in where the Pagans are. Pagan is a word the Christians use for none-Christians, you know. It is not a compliment at all. I must also add that these new Christians are extremely strict. It is like a military rule. Quite frankly I doubt they will consider anyone here as true Christians. Peter froze. The short version is that we had no choice but to tell them where we come from and where we went. They know where we are and they will eventually come for us. That’s what I think, Yngve concluded.

Thank you for your contribution to the board, Thorleif said. This is of utmost importance for us and will be seriously considered by the board. The extended board meeting is over for now. However, the board will continue with an extraordinary meeting. 

Thorleif stated; from now on, Harald is a full member of this board. First I would like to hear what you think about this news from Iceland? Is it an invasion of a military regime? Harald did not have to even think about it. Politics and religion are merely arguments. They want control and they are coming this way. Peter, what do you say? I don’t mind. I think this is highly overreacted. These are highly skilled good guys and I will welcome them. Hans, what do you say? Right now, I do not know more than it is no way back. We will never submit to such a rule. George, what do you say? I am most certain about the future here. It will be a very short and effective hex-hunt. For us there is only one option, escape and hide. Sven, what do you say? As a hunter there is always exciting with new land, and this one might be the most barren place of all. I don’t mind moving. Gunnar, what do you say? As a fisher, my and Sven’s wishes are very much the same. Dan what do you say? We are a farmer family that wants to settle. Now we have moved two times already. I can not decide before conferring with my family.

My temporary conclusion is as follows, Thorleif said. This colony splits this summer. You are all free to move where you will. But I suggest you seriously consider what I recommend. The Vanirs are unfortunately misled to incurable conflict with the majority of the colony. I suggest you go and settle somewhere in the Riverlands. The Christians seems not to mind the coming regime and should therefore join them in peace. You should stay or go back to Iceland. However, please remember us with mild minds. The Asirs will probably have to face conversion or death in the time to come. Therefore I suggest you take the only path left, southwards to Vinland. I will go there and I would very much like to see you by my side, Harald. I am honored, he replied.

For Harald the decision was not so obvious that it seemed at first. He had an important message for the new Icelandic regime. There was not time to go to Iceland by himself, so he made a scroll, and handed it to Yngve. He was honored to be the messenger of such a vital scroll. It was not addressed anyone he knew. He had not even heard of a land called Vatican.