Meeting

When getting to the colony, the men agreed about staying calm in order not to spread panic. They did not think that the cloud itself was reason enough. However, they also knew that Dan probably could not calm down the whole colony alone.

It was dark as in the winter and tiny particles of ash starting to fall. That was a clear reminder of what could happen. The people were running down to meet the men. They were glad to see them all alive, but they were scared as well to see them all covered in black too. Thorleif got out of the boat and raised his hands. There will be a town meeting immediately at the assembly place. That was an outdoor area behind a hill next to the colony. People rushed to tell the others and to get to the gathering. Even thralls were allowed, if free of duties.

At the site, the three men gathered at a table in front of the crowd. Thorleif, Hans and Peter formed the board. Oluf sat at their side. He was told to say nothing and let the meeting be led by the board. He was reminded that he was not a member of the colony and thereby had no saying unless spoken to. Thorleif raised and called for attention. It was dead silent. We have been close to Iceland and seen for ourselves the cause of this cloud. I must admit it does not look good. The island is on fire. There was mumbling. However, he continued, it is only ashes we get here. The fire will not reach us. Therefore we should just wait till the fire is gone and make the best out of the waiting time. There were loud discussions in the crowd. Most people seemed to agree and be eased by Thorleif’s speech.

Someone asked; is it true that a whole mountain itself is burning? Thorleif was prepared for hard questions. We can not be sure of that, he said, but seriously, a burning mountain? There was some laughter in the crowd. Is it true that you saw dead whales in the sea? Well yes, we saw a dead whale. But remember it was dark due to the cloud. It is not uncommon to see whales at the sea, both live and dead ones, he added. Is it true that you actually saw a boat at the sea? Well yes, he hesitated; we saw a wreck, which is only normal, especially when there is a fire. He tried to laugh it away, but the crowd was more skeptic now. Then a smith raised and the crowd silenced. We do not believe Dan anymore, so now I question you. The sailors say you saw three dead whales, many falling stars, a mountain spewing fire and a boat full of torched bodies. I do not question these events. I question why we should believe you more than Dan. The smith addressed Oluf and asked: What did you see, stranger? Oluf rose and said clearly; I saw Surt coming.

In a sudden the assembly was in chaos. There were angry voices shouting at each other. Two men were ordered to take Oluf away. Thorleif rose and had to call for order ten times before it was possible to hear him. I realize we need to take that discussion, he said. But let me ensure you, I am certain that this is not any coming of Surt. Please Peter, tell them all about it. The crowd had regained their calmness and listened to him.

You know we do not fully believe in the old way anymore, Peter said. There was mumbling. Surely we keep some of the good traditions, but there are no evil elves and dwarf that mess up our daily life. Surely there is no hall of pleasure for the brave but dead warriors. There are no gods walking down the rainbow to interfere with our daily life either. Quite frankly, you should at least not be scared of that evil wolf, either. Seriously, what about the cute little squirrel that runs between Niflhel and Asgard, exchanging insults? The Christians laughed out loud. There are no such things. I tell you there is no such dark creature, like Surt, with a firing sword that torches Midgard.

The speech was loosening up the mood and Peter saw his opportunity to predict some more. No, he said, these are superstitions. What we believe is that White Christ brings love and peace to all peoples. He is the son of the almighty God and has relived us from all ours sins. All you have to do is to believe and pray, and you will all be saved. That time is now, before the second coming. On that day, he will judge us all, both good and bad. The good will go to Heaven with me and the rest will go straight to Hell. Now Thorleif woke up. Yes, that is true, Peter continued, the angels of revenge will torch all unbelievers and send them straight to the burning Hell. Thorleif rose up and shouted at Peter; are you crazy, you are putting the worst of both religions together. Order, order, Thorleif shouted to the crowd. He was angrier now than anyone had seen him before.

Thorleif stood up, placed his hands on the table and starred at the crowd. This is enough. This discussion stops here. I will not allow anyone to gain on this fear. He looked straight at Peter. That includes you, he added. Addressing the crowd he said; there is a scary situation and we will be alarmed. But we will not panic; we will not run like headless chicken and spread mad stories of doomsdays. In time, he waited before continuing, in time we will decide what is wise to do. In time, he waited again, we will do what is wise. That is not now. I must tell you, if anyone tries to create panic again, he will be put in arrest and thralldom. There was silent in the crowd. They all knew that Thorleif could be tough, and such a time was now.

Thorleif had gained order in the assembly and put things straight. He did not see any harm in hearing the man with an eagerly waving hand in the back. Yes, Thorleif asked, what is your question? There is a burning smell here at the back. Once again panic broke loose. People rushed to the colony. There were shouting there and they could see something burning. Oluf had climbed at a roof and shouted; Surt is coming. He had brought a bow and shot burning arrows at the buildings’ roofs. Several were on fire. Go west, he shouted and shot more arrows. People ran to the well, just to see that the rope to the bucket was cut. Some ran to save their possessions. Some ran to the shore to get water. Some ran for weapons. It did not take long before several arrows hit Oluf and he fell to the ground. Then the angry crowd beat him to death.

However, the colony was at fire and it could not be stopped. Most buildings could not to be saved. Their walls were made of wood and the roofs of hay. Once caught fire, there was no stopping it without sufficient water supply. People ran to save what could be saved from the houses. There was no discussion anymore. Everyone was engaged in minimizing the damage and saving the rest. They kept on doing that for half a day, but finally the whole colony was all burned to the ground. People were exhausted. Some sat down and cried, other stood and stared at the ruins. Thorleif had to make new decisions. He stopped himself in speculating and realized that Oluf had made their decision after all. They could not stay; they could not go back to Iceland. There was only one thing to do, - going west.

Thorleif gathered his board. This time he made it perfectly clear that he had taken charge as a sovereign leader. He would not accept quarrels and speculations. The colony had to do what he decided. He asked the sailors for advice. I know you have sailed westwards several times. Is there any good land there, he asked. What I have seen, I can not call good land, Gunnar said. He was the most skilled fisher in the colony. It is mostly like this land, rocky, icy with a few plains. It’s good for fishing though, he added. Thorleif thought about it. Do you think we could settle somewhere in the west. Sure he said, but as I said, I have not seen any better land than than this. Thorleif looked up. The dark cloud covered the sky and let no sunshine through. Oh, I see, Gunnar said.

There are no alternatives, Thorleif said. Pack up all the boats and head west. Once the colonists saw that their leaders packing up the boats, they did the same. They spent another day doing that. Thorleif shouted; we will not leave before all is ready. We leave together, we sail together and we settle together. All of you are needed. There was a relief amongst all the colonists.