Vikings

Thorleif and his officers got free passage all the way down to the coast. The theocratic regime wanted them as far away as possible without any delays. The walk from Tula to the coast lasted a week. Once down there, they were greeted with great respect. Their ship was well kept and maintained. The Quetzalcoatl dragon head was still on the front of the boat. Thorleif wanted to remove it, to erase the past, but his officers protested. They thought it was an appropriate symbol for strength and dread. There was a long discussion about the symbol, but even though Thorleif did not like the reminder, he had to give in and let his officers adopt the dragonhead as their own symbol.

They sailed off from the harbor and headed east out of the gulf. Several people had gathered on the shore to wave farewell. Many peasants and fishers were subservient to the alternating regimens of the Mayan and the Toltec. They were forever hoping for freedom. Even though Thorleif did not give them that, and had to leave, they applauded for the attempts and for the struggles they had fought. Looking back at the land, it was a hard to leave. It is a beautiful warm land with fascinating cultures, Thorleif thought. They were never going to see that again, though. That was the deal with the theocratic regime. Most officers wondered what they should do now. There were certainly many options in such a large land. They knew more than most people how vast and different the regions were. Still, they had moved so much around and put so much behind that they did not feel they belonged anywhere except for everywhere. In their subconscience they had become nomadic seafarers.

It was a surprising and impressive sight for the Asir tribe, when the Viking ship came out of the horizon. First they were not sure whether they were friends of foes. The waving of swords and shield could be alerting and it could be friendly. However, at closer range, they were recognized. The reception was overwhelming. It was like 20 long lost sons came back against all odds. Once the boys were back, the whole colony stopped working and started preparing for a grand celebration.

Thorleif was the center of it all, but he was reluctant and would rather talk to Hans alone. He thought about the turn of events and the loss of Harald, as a defeat. This was not a story to tell this day. His men were clearly instructed so. After Hans had greeted every one of them personally, he turned to Thorleif and asked, do you want to talk privately first? Thorleif merely nodded. They went over to his house and sat down by the table. This is a fine wine, Thorleif said after tasting it from the cup. Memories of the first time he tasted it came back. For a long time, Thorleif merely sat there, staring at his spear in his hand. Hans saw his smile and let him think in peace. He wanted Thorleif to clear his mind, tell whatever necessary, for eventually get on track and get ahead.

I had to sell of Harald, Thorleif said. There were no comments. He continued; they could not kill us due to some religious problems, but they would surely kill the men and eventually let us decay somewhere isolated. We discussed every kind of scenarios. We figured that we had to give the priests some kind of victory, or else it would be an all-devastating war. Harald thought the best solution was that he gave in. If the priest would not accept that, I would go instead, Thorleif added. Harald was worried that I might give in for ill treatment by the priest, so he did all he could to provoke them, even by killing their next demigod. They lusted so much for revenge that they accepted him as prisoner, instead of me. They were both thinking about what was said for a while, until Thorleif continued. I know I should not feel bad about this, - it was the overall best outcome. On the other hand, how can I, this is bad, I am a part of it, and I feel that way. You will get over it in time, Hans said. Thorleif looked at him and smiled a little.

Outside, the feast was on. The whole Asir colony participated and contributed. There were several fireplaces where food was prepared, there were groups dancing, talking and playing. There were couples hugging, children plying and parents crying of happiness.

It was really not possible to prevent. The talks about the warriors’ experiences had to get out. Soon there were storytellers and even lyrics proclaiming the events. After a few hours, the questions growing annoyingly loud, like; what about Harald? It was then Thorleif went to the site and said; Harald gave himself in to let us go. Don’t ask anymore, just accept that he soon will sit right next to Odin in Valhalla and wait for you all. There was a growing applaud that turned into loud battle roars and songs. The evening turned out to be in Harald’s honor. Finally, Thorleif felt relieved and put himself together and joined in. At the distance some Cherokees were watching. They made their own interpretations of what had happened that would last for centuries to come.

A week later, the officers were restless. The team was about to dissolve and they wanted to be to more use. Thorleif had a meeting with them. Hans was there too. They were all waiting with anticipation about what he had to say. He rose, waited a little and said; I hereby dissolve this corps of officers. Most of them had expected that. Next, he said, I will ask two of you to dedicate their lives to a secret task with me. Finally I will recommend that rest of you consider joining Erik, become his men, and go back to Iceland. It might sound strange and trivial, but believe me; it is of the utmost importance. Then Hans added; you are of cause also welcome to stay here. Soon Thorleif had picked his men amongst the volunteers, ten others decided to go north with Erik and final eight decided to stay.

Thorleif invited Erik for a walk. I am glad you volunteered for this mission, he said and added; it is just what Harald wanted. Erik was surprised. Yes, it is not my mission, it is Harald’s mission. It might be the most important as well as his last request. It is, like the previous times, a letter to someone important. However, this time the address is not the Vatican. This time it must be personally delivered to the king of Iceland. We have been away for so long that we do not know who that is, but we trust your judgment to find the receiver Harald wants. I do not know what the content is of the letter is. I respect his judgment, and we expect the same discretion from you. Of cause, Erik answered, no offence, but I am even more honored by executing Harald’s last request. None offence taken, Thorleif said with a grin.

Erik and his men sailed northwards the very next day. Hans and Thorleif stood at the shore and wished them good luck on the journey. Don’t you think the Christian outpost will stop them and confiscate the letter? No, Thorleif answered resolute. Harald thought about that. Therefore he has also made a fake letter addressed the Pontifex in the Vatican. A Christian outpost will not dare stopping that. However, Harald has experienced enough theocratic intrigues, so he addresses the real letter to someone else. Hans smiled, typical for Harald he thought, giving the last punch even with one foot in the grave.

Erik and his men were sailing from the Asir camp to the Christian outpost for ten days. Erik had to spend a lot of the time to set things straight. The men were relieved but frustrated. The stay at the Toltec city was fascinating. Each of them had their own troop to train. They trained them well and developed their own leader skills. However, now it was back to the old role. None of them were leaders but still felt like it. They had respect Erik’s leadership and submitted to him, but it was sometimes hard to accept that they were not superior anymore. Quarrels amongst the men broke lose sporadically. Erik decided to camp at land after one of the men draw their knifes at another. The crisis was temporarily stopped, but would not last for long Erik suspected.

It did not take long before there was a big camp fire and a deer roasting on it. It cheered the men up. Anybody was free to say whatever they had on their mind. There were one rule though, no fighting. Erik realized that he had not been good enough to notice the events and situations at the personal level in the Toltec city. He realized that most of the problems Thorleif and Harald had experienced went on at a subcultural micro level as well. The Toltec soldiers were officially submitted to them, but unofficially it was not always so. There had been several attempts to prove their faults, to lure them into hazards and to make them look foolish. Their knowledge was wanted, but not their leadership.

Erik stood up and said: I regret that I did not have time to listen to your problems as officers in the Toltec city. I can understand that you have experienced similar problems to what Harald did. He was put in an extremely hard situation and had to deal with unknown and conning enemies daily. We know that he managed better than most. It is true, he managed better than most rulers you have heard about and ever will. Harald, the best of the best, selected you to be his trusted men. And I am certain he never regretted that. His final wish, that he gave his life for, included the freedom for you. Now you have to realize that. Use this night to do whatever you need to put the past behind. Only then, you can go on as Harald’s last request. He stood there for a while. All they heard was the noise of nature. Eventually their emotions broke though. They all broke another rule that night; big boys don’t cry.

The men were unusually quiet and obedient the rest of the journey to the outpost. It seemed that the men had managed to put the past and the frustrations behind. Erik really needed that. He had decided to go to the outpost even though they probably could manage to sail past it. Erik had a bad feeling about it. He had heard stories about assimilations and executions. It could be hard for newborn Christians, but it could be horrible for heathens, if they managed to survive at all.

They were received at the shore. Erik's men waited in the boat, except for himself and a lifeguard. They went along with the soldiers and were taken to Thorleif’s old house, that had become the head quarter. State your business, the officer said. Erik looked around and saw that the room was sparsely decorated, except for a large white flag with a red cross in the center of it. We are ordered to deliver a message from Harald Haraldson to the Pontifex. Surely, the officer had heard of Harald, Thorleif and Kristen. It certainly put him in respect, but he did not quite seem to trust Erik and his men. May I see the letter? Erik hesitated, but gave him the sealed scroll. There was no doubt; it was addressed from Harald to the Pontifex. I do not think it’s wise to break the seal, Erik said. We have shown our trust in you by going to your outpost. Now you’d better show your trust in the sender and the receiver, and let us go on our mission without further delays.

The officer was still skeptical. His order was to stop anyone from getting through. Now there was a ship of ten heathen warriors with a special permission. There had been some unrest in the outpost lately, so he felt a little short on manpower. On the other hand, he would not trust Erik completely. The officers said, very well, bring the message. Erik felt relieved. However, you will have two of my men with you to secure the delivery. That is fine with me, Erik replied. Two crusade soldiers went over to Erik and were formally assigned to the task. By the way, the officer asked: How is Harald, Thorleif, Kristen and all the others? Erik was expecting a question like that. He did not want these people down there. They are all dead. Kristen’s weapon was more effective than anticipated. The whole land is lifeless now. We were spared only to secure the delivery of that message; he said. The officer seemed to accept the story.

Outside the house, a woman ran to Erik, threw herself to the ground and begged Erik for her life. She was crying, please take me with you, they are killing us. The guards were fast to remove her from him. Erik remembered her, but could not quite recognize her. What is this about, he asked the officer. She is paranoid, the officer said. Her husband, the farmers’ manager, put up the stupidest insult of Christ for Kristen. Consequently, he lost his head. Erik was thinking, is that Dan’s wife, Ann? So you know her? If any of your men want her, they can have her. She won’t last long here anyway. The kids might, but not her, he added. There was only a minute of doubt in Erik's head, before he said; bring her and the kids. We will take them to Iceland.

They had sailed for three days when they saw the shores of Greenland. It was necessary for them to stop there to get supplies of fresh water and food. They made a camp for the night. Ann had not said much on the journey. She was scared for herself and the children. She did not even notice the growing sympathy amongst the men. The crusaders however, noticed the growing antipathy against them.

When they were well at rest by the campfire that night, some of the men got Ann talking. She hesitated at first, but had a lot on her mind. Although they were told that she was getting paranoid after the execution of her husband, they did not pay too much attention to that. What she told was shocking to the men. It seemed that there was no respect or honor in guards of the outpost. Children were separated from their parents. They went through a hard assimilation program. Ann could simply not relate the psychological violence with a religion of love. She loved her children and fared that they were going to be taken from her. But she could not submit. It would be impossible for her to lie to herself like that. She knew that, and the crusaders started notice. In her view, there was only one outcome.

Suddenly one of Erik’s men rose. He addressed one of the crusaders and said; you are a Loki’s thrall, a murderer and a disgrace to men. Defend yourself or I swear I will kill you right now. The guard rose and replied, you are a heathen, while he drew his sword. Erik decided not to interfere with such a private affairs and no-one else seemed to expect him to. The men hated each other and fought for their lives. At the best, it was entertainment. At the worst, it was a long process of two men wasting each other. Finally they were at the ground, hardly moving. The Asir called for Erik to tell his final words. It was not easy to hear his uttering, but he understood; do not bother about me, revenge our women and children.

Before anyone had the chance to challenge the second guard, Erik stood up and declared; this guard is now under my protection. The men were furious. They had not even had time to decide who was going to kill him yet. They did not like such interference. Erik addressed the guard; you are to give me your weapons and you will not come with us to Iceland. Quite frankly, I do not think you would survive the journey. I suggest you leave us at once and never return. The guard rose and went off at once. Then Erik addressed his men; I suggest that you all have a long night’s sleep and get rested for the journey. Erik fell at sleep while some of the men were still restless.

When they were packing the next morning, Erik noticed that the Christian guard seemed to be sleeping under a blanket by the camp. He was surprised, but also a bit angry. How could he be so stupid? Erik went over to him and kicked his butt to wake him. The head rolled off. They are fragile these Christians, a voice said. The men laughed. They had their revenge and made a prank out of it. They were amused, but Erik was not. He said angry; the first duel was a fair one. This guard was a witness to that. We will be blamed for executing both the christian guards and be outlawed like some pirates. It was quite for a while, until one man stood forth. Don’t bother with who killed who, or any procedure of justice. It is about time that you realize that there is a war coming. These men are not truly christians, even though they claim to be. They are the army of Loki and the destroyers of men in Midgard. I think you will realize that at Iceland. Then the men, and eventually Erik, went to the boat and sailed off.

Erik realized that there actually was a war going on, after a few days at Iceland. Then one day Erik recognized Yngve. They were happy to meet after such a long time and spent a whole evening catching up. Erik told he was looking for the king of Iceland, but found none. That bothered him. The problem used to be to find the right king amongst too many. Now it seemed that there are no-one left. He figured that there had been a lot of irrational and futile intrigues amongst the chiefs. Suddenly, best neighbors could fight over some silly details. It seemed that all the wisdom and courage that put them in the position in the first place, were overran by some foolish teenage behaviors. Only one thing seemed to be certain. The outcomes were fatal. The kings and their men fell one by one, their farms were expropriated and their families were soon forgotten. Noone wanted to talk about them, and noone dared taking their positions. Finally, the people had no leader at all.

Yngve did not say much. He was thinking for a long time. Then he said, don’t worry about Ann and her children. I know someone that can take proper care of them. It is the associates of my beloved wife. He was thinking for even a longer time before he said; I can not help you, but I think I know someone that can. However, this might be a moment of truth, where there is no going back. You might make decisions that you never thought you ever would. Erik laughed. Don’t you know me by now? Have you ever seen me making decisions against my mind? That would be considering an insult, if it came from someone other than you. Yngve did not laugh, but replied, don’t you know me?

Erik, Ann and her children went along to Yngve’s house. His wife was at home and happy to see them. Yngve’s friends are my friends, she said. First, she took good care of Ann and her children. The children seemed to forget the last years’ traumas by the hours. All they had to do was play with the other children, like they were used to. Ann on the other hand could not so easily adapt. Frida could see she was deeply traumatized. She had seen that so many times before. Frida said: don’t worry, you can stay here as long as you want. Believe me, we will never let any bad things happen to your or your children. Ann heard, and said politely; that is very considerate of you.  However, the sight of the volcanic mountain in the distance, made her insecure. They were sitting and watching the children for a long time.

Finally Frida said; if you rather want, I can get you back to Denmark. Ann didn’t seem much pleased about returning to what they originally escaped. It’s a rather different place, Frida added. The place I am thinking of is like an island within the island and its called something like 'Mom'. She truly thought it would be best for Ann and explained. It’s a rather large island with opening to the Atlantic sea, as well as the Baltic, she said. There are mostly women there now because of some unfortunate encounter between their men and the Scots. The culture has changed into a matriarchal society. I truly believe you will find peace there, Frida added with a smile. Ann looked for the sincerity in her eyes and noticed. I trust you, Ann said. Thanks.

They discussed the situation that evening. Yngve ensured that it was a Loki-free area and that everyone could speak freely. In fact, he added, the truth will be revealed in the end anyway. Frida was curious. How is it in this newfound land? Erik was not quite sure, what she wanted to know and what she should know. He started by telling the basic things about the Asir camp nearby the gulf. He added; there are also things you do not want to know, so I will protect you from that. However, he added quickly. It is a lovely continent, and I hope you will find your Vanir friends some day. What happened to Kristen, Harald and Thorleif, she asked. Well, that is the kind of things you do not want to know, so please let it be.

Erik changed the subject. How is the situation on Iceland, he asked. Well, as you can see, we are overall loosing on most fronts, Frida replied. Our group is able to protect ourselves. We are quite confident that the christians will not try to convert us again. Erik was curious; what is your belief exactly? We are closely related to the Vanirs as you describe them. No offence, but we do not care much about the Asirs though. We are very much like the Vanirs were before the Asir occupation. We intend to stay that way, she added with a warning. I think you will need protection in the future, Erik said. Frida was irritated. Now look what your warrior Asirs have got us into. This exodus would not happen if you didn’t have to show off and come dragging with all the strange gods and religions in the first place. Erik was thinking that Frida might have gained some skills like Rafka, but she seemed like a second rate amateur in comparison. He said; no offence, but you have no idea of what the religions and the warfare has covered for your protection. Please do not be so hostile; please do not go this path any further.

Frida did not like Erik's lecturing, but was starting to believe that Erik protected vital information from her. She was thinking and finally said with a charming smile. Can you give me one answer that is totally true? Yes I can, Erik answered, but you should not ask. She leaned forward and said straight to his face in a low voice. That is for me to decide, isn’t it? Erik simply nodded before she put her finger to his forehead and said; sleep. Now brave little Asir, tell me the secret of the new found land. Frida was an empathic and sympatric person. She felt like she experienced what she heard. The whole story of the demon, the chaotic spreading to a million Mayans and the fall of the empire came over her like a flood from Hell. She could not stop the transfer of his mind to hers. When he was finished, she was in a state of shock. Erik did not see her any more that evening. She went to a meeting in her group.

Erik woke up the next day and saw that Frida had three visitors. They will very much like to see you, Yngve said. Erik that did not remember telling Frida the secret, was intrigued, but did not mind. Frida introduced the three elder women as the Nornes. They said they only wanted to see him and deliver a message. The Norne of the present simply said: There is no king of Iceland. She waited until saying; but since you came to this vik (creek), looking for the king, there are no other more fit for the message than yourself. May the Asirs go with you, she said before they left.

Frida added humbly; please keep on protecting us, Viking. Erik thought Frida look awfully pale that day, like she was five years older and just had looked death itself in the eyes. He wondered what she had experienced to be in such a state.

Erik spent hours alone that evening just looking at the scroll, wondering what to do with it. Both Frida and Yngve had ensured that the Nornes were the most powerful people at Iceland at the time. They explained that they were the truth-seers of the past, the present and the future. There is no receiver of the scroll, and the Nornes advised me to open it. When he finally got all the thoughts out of his mind, he simply opened it by instinct. He could never have guessed its content. Only Harald could have come up with something like that. There was nothing. After rushing through all kinds of emotions and questions, he sat back and laughed out loud as he had never done before.