Eric.odt



Ragnarsson Rock

 Six Years later – (5010 OTT )





I woke up, bolting upright in my bed.

That night had burned itself into my mind and once again it had revisited me in form of a horrid nightmare.

My mother died that night. It happened six years ago.

As always I could not sleep. I never was able to go back to bed after such a dream,. So I went to my small desk by the drafty window and sat down to put my thoughts into a little PDD my Grandfather had given me.

It was the only Off World High Tech thing I owned. If father knew I had it, he would have taken it away from me.

It was my first grade teacher Mr. Atkins who suggested I keep a diary of my thoughts and of daily events. He said thinking things over and writing them down would help to get a different perspective about things.

My father had killed my mother with his steel cable whip that fateful night and he had beaten me as well, I almost died that night and more often than not I wished I had died too, so I could be with my mother.

I was still a child but ever since mother had died I was not allowed to be kid. While the details were a mystery to me and I did not understand it all, but I was now old enough comprehend why father hated my mother and me so much and why he had killed her.

Midril, the cook had explained it to me more than once, and she knew every rumor, gossip and story there was to know.

Father was the oldest heir to the Olafson Clan. It was an old Clan and its lineage reached back to the time when the first settlers arrived on Nilfeheim.

Lineage and being of the Old Clans had great value in our society, but the Olafson Clan was poor and had very little resources. They had to hire their men out to other clans because they could not afford their own Hunt Subs or fishing boats.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">My mother on the other hand was of the Ragnarsson Clan, also one of the Old Clans and perhaps the richest off them all.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Her father and my Grandfather was credited with increasing the wealth and influence of the Ragnarsson Clan even beyond our own world.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Grandfather's only son, my mother's older brother had died training for the Ancient Rite of Passage, he and his hunting Sub were crushed by an angry Tyranno Fin so the story went. There were no other sons only a daughter, my mother.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">While it would be perfectly normal for a woman to inherit on almost any other world in the Union, here on Nilfeheim, it was the First Born son that got everything and decided what share his mother, brothers and sisters would get from an inheritance.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Marriages between Clans were arranged between the parents and daughters were given a dowry by their fathers, the young people had little choice in who they were allowed to date, love or marry.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The old clan chief of the Olafsons, my Great grandfather Ivor had made such an arrangement with the old clan chief of the Ragnarssons.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Once the last male of the Ragnarssons died, the clan would cease to exist and all its wealth, possessions and influence would be absorbed by the Olafson Clan.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">My father, however was in love with another woman,

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Her family, Nubhir herders without a name was as poor as one could be and a union to a future clan chief out of the question, however it was her, Father loved.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">So he hated my mother from the start as he hated everything the Ragnarsson Clans stood for. Matters turned worse when Grandfather made me the heir to all, as I was the first born in the line of the merging Clans and the first male child carrying Ragnarsson and Olafson blood.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Of course, as long as my mother's father lived, the Ragnarsson Clan existed and only on his death I would inherit.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father hated me and would have loved to kill me but the fact that the very Burg we lived in was not his and if I died before Grandfather passed away kept me relatively safe because the old Ragnarsson scion could decide to donate the wealth or give it all away to someone else once he was no longer bound to his oaths.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I put the pad down. I was tired and I glanced over to the bed, but there was no rest for me in a night like this. I could not go back to sleep without seeing the lifeless bloody heap that had been my mother, being awake was better.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">It was almost time for the kitchen servants to get up and prepare breakfast.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Our Burg was home to about eighty families and most of them got up very early to tend to their daily chores.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Breakfast was served in the High Hall for members of the first family and in the common hall for everyone else.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The High Hall was where my father and the exalted members of the clan would eat. Of course I was not part of that since mother died, as I was barred from setting foot into the High Halls.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I dressed and headed down to the kitchens. That early there was little chance I would run into Isegrim or my brothers and I could sit by the hearth and Midril would give me some hot rolls in exchange for hauling supplies from the basement.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">As I reached the backyard where the entrance to the kitchen was I could already smell the fresh bread Midril was baking.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Isegrim was the head of the Clan, but Midril was in charge of the kitchen and her staff. She ruled over it with her ever present long wooden cooking spoon. She often that spoon wielded like a club or sword and she had knocked me over the head with it on more than one occasion. Admittedly in her defense I usually earned it for stealing a hot cake or a piece of roast.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Most of the commoners and most of the servants, especially those that came from the Ragnarsson clan treated me well and I knew some felt sorry for my fate and they all knew what ad happened to my mother, although no one ever really talked about it.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The kitchen yard was on the eastern side of the burg, a small cobblestone yard bordered by the high sea wall onto the west side and the entrance to my tower to the south. There was a small gate on the opposite site from where you could reach the old tunnels that used to be an escape passage from the days of the Clan wars.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Parts of this was now converted as storage, were we kept barrels of Tyranno oil and bales of sea weed.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">A long forgotten secret corridor was there as well complete with a concealed door that led right between the walls of the Great Hall where you could sneak in and listen to everything that went on, and through a concealed crack you could even see some of it.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Just as I had reached the yard, Midril opened the door and sloshed a bucket of hot liquid onto the cobblestones.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">She saw me and stemmed her fists in her wide hips." Why am I carrying the mop water outside if you are already up and linger around like a starving Snapperfish? Get your behind in the kitchen and finish mopping the Common Hall and when you're done the bread and the breakfast ham will be ready."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The kitchen was big and warm and always spotless clean. She would not have it any other way. The kitchen was pretty much the same since they rebuild the burg over 1000 years ago. The only modern equipment was the large convection oven, the big bread dough mixer and water heater. Everything else was traditional and old-fashioned, Thickgrass-seaweed compressed in into dense bricks served as fuel for the main stove, not that there was need to use fossil fuels as the Burg had a power generator running on hydrogen, but that was not traditional. Food had to be cooked over fire.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I grabbed the mob and headed for the still empty Common Hall, the stone floor was gleaming clean but that did not matter to Midril who wanted it mopped never the less.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Suddenly there was loud screaming and horrible noise of crashing and breaking from the kitchen. Something not human shrieking with an ear piercing sound.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I ran towards the noise, slipped and fell on the slick floor as I reached the kitchen.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The tidy kitchen was now a tumbled mess. The liquid that covered the floor right by the door was thick dark and red,. It was blood! In the center of the gory puddle a badly mangled body

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I only recognized Gudrun, one of the cooks by the frilled apron the mangled corpse wore.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">A large Fangsnapper tore through the kitchen, smashing furniture and throwing utensils everywhere. It was about to attack Midril again. She already had lost an arm, bleeding heavily, still on her feet, brandished her wooden spoon against the dagger sharp rows of teeth of the furious beast.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The back door was smashed to pieces and marked the way were the animal gained entrance to the kitchen. Despite all the confusion and horror I wondered how the beast got here. I could not understand how the Fangsnapper managed to get through the steel gates or get ovr the high outer walls.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Our burg was in the middle of the ocean and far away from the hunting grounds of these beasts usually only found in the southern pole region.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I struggled to my feet, slipping twice again. There not far from the dead cooks hand lay a big cooking knife. I did not think much and what I did then was more instinct than any planned course of action.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I grabbed that knife and with a jump was on one of the big stainless steel kitchen tables and catapulted myself brandishing the knife with both hands onto the back of the beast and plunged the razor sharp steel into its back right behind the skull.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Snapper screamed even louder tried to shake me off. I didn't have a very good hold. With my left hand cramped around the left head fin, my legs clamping as hard as I could to the still moist body of the beast and plunged the knife as often as I could deep into the same wound.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Hot blood sprayed from the wound gushing all over me. It stank sickly sweet and the odor mingled with the mouldy fish scent Fangsnappers were famous for.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">As much as I was in danger of getting seriously hurt and maimed, as much as I was afraid there was a part of me deep down that enjoyed every moment of it.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Fangsnapper collapsed literally inches from Midril. Only now I saw she was protecting little Elena the daughter of Gudrun. I remembered that she was six or seven years old and always in the kitchen either playing ot helping with small chores.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The beast, in its death throes twitched to the side and I flew of its back and hit the stove. Before I felt the actual pain of being burned I could hear the hissing sound my skin as it made connecting to the hot steel.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Now men came rushing in, servants and workers that were about to get breakfast and alarmed by the noise.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Greifen, who was responsible for the Clans Nubhir Farm and one of our most profitable venues took charge of the situation. He bandaged Midril wound and she was rushed away, most likely to be flown to town where she would get help at the Union Clinic.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I heard my father coming. His bellowing voice heralded im long before he appeared. He then stood in the door glancing over the mess.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Greifen said." Your son Eric has bravely attacked the Fangsnapper with a kitchen knife and killed it. He saved the lives of Midril and the young girl. He is badly burned and he too should go to the Union Clinic."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">My father growled." I bet the cursed Elhir Clan has dropped that Fangsnapper into our yard! They can't stand the fact that we are now merging with the Ragnarssons."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Greifen nodded." Yes, Sire, I was thinking the same. There is now way that Fangsnapper could have made it up here any other way. Sigmund, our harpooner was sure the Elhir were planning something ever since we got into a bar fight with them last week during which my fist accidently broke Hilfheim's jaw.. He is of the Elhir Clan, as you know Sire."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"We will discuss how we retaliate on the table tonight! Now I expect this kitchen to be cleaned by this failure of a son! If he had kept watch in the tower as I expected him to do, he would have seen who did this. If he would be a real son of mine I would look upon the bodies of the intruders and not some worthless beast."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He turned to leave." Let him tend to his own wounds. If I hear that anyone wasted time helping that whelp I will break every bone in their bodies!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;orphans:1">Chapter 12: Union School

<p style="orphans:1"> Union School

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Isegrim, my father had married again and now I had two brothers: Lothar and Tyr. My stepmother was of course Gretel Hemstaad, my father's true love and she already saw herself in the highest social circles of our planet, being very wealthy and important. She would not let an opportunity go to waste telling anyone how important and rich she soon will be. Before she came to the burg, she was barely above a commoner and she worked as Nubhir Hide scrubber, now she had servants and staff who hated her especially for her arrogance and antics.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">She also always praised the manhood and strength of my father in the presence of guests and servants alike. Praising the man's skills in bed was a truly ancient tradition and her following it pleased my evil father very much.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Lothar, the older of my two half-brothers was two years younger than me, but father treated him like his true heir. Lothar not only got my old room and most of my things, but he learned from very early on that he had power over me when my father was present and he love to find new ways of making my life even more miserable. Tyr was four years younger and since he was the second born father simply ignored him much as he did me, but he would not treat him like he did me.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">At first I was considering suicide. Ending it all would be so easy, but I that wish changed. I swore to myself and all the Gods, I would endure it all so I could accomplish the one task I had set for me in life: to grow older and strong enough to kill him.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Oh yes, I feared him, a footstep or a noise that announced his coming send shivers down my spine. He would not leave any opportunity to kick or hit me. If I was lucky he was done after just one or two kicks and perhaps a lash with his ever present whip and then he lost interest in me, just like now as he walked out. He would not think about my involvement in this anymore. That a woman died meant absolutely nothing to him. He shrugged his broad shoulders as he was told who the dead woman was and said." The tables smashed were expensive. I wonder how much damage was made, that wench is easily replaced."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">It turned out Greifen was right. The Elhir who were the mortal enemies of the Olafson clan dropped the Fangsnapper from the deck of a Cargo Floater into our back yard. Since Clan wars were now officially outlawed, feuding Clans looked for other ways to get at each other. The whole matter was dragged before the Elders. The Elhir claimed it could not be proven that it was them, but if a single Fangsnapper would make such trouble to the Olafson Clan they would gladly train them in real combat. I knew father and the other seniors of our Clan would already brood over a way to retaliate.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">My back was burned, but not as badly as the last time when father poured boiling water down my back to punish me for using warm water for a bath, and Midril tended to it with ointment after she came back from the Union Hospital with a brand new arm they had grown her. She never spoke about the incident, but she took care of the little girl now and she made sure I got a share of the good things that went to the Family Hall."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">It was now almost a year after the Fangsnapper tore through the kitchen when Greifen sat in the Kitchen nursing a tankard of warmed ale with a generous helping of Midril's secret herbs and spices she gave to those who got the cold and judging by the bright red nose and the numb voice of Greifen he was very sick or perhaps had a tankard too much.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I was there as well sitting in a corner scrubbing the big kettle, because it was Wednesday and Midril would make Fin Stew.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"It's a shame how our Old Sire treats his first born!" Greifen said sipping at his ale looking at me but talking to the cook." He ought to get the hide of the Fangsnapper he killed and be celebrated for his first kill. I don't know many full grown men who would willingly go against one with just a kitchen knife."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">She stopped cutting Tyranno meat into cubes, wiped her bloody hands on her apron, her left hand was pasty white compared to her other until the pigments would adjust and she said." There are many things going on in this Burg that never happened while our Old Sire was still here, but unless you want to challenge him for Clan chief and fight him you better keep quiet and drink your ale."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I would fight him! There are more than one who would but he wields that wicket steel cable and you don't even get a chance!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"That and the fact that he is stronger than you and humongous as all the Olafsons."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I pushed the clean kettle to its spot and left the kitchen. It was better I didn't hear those things. I knew they would soon start talking about the Fair Lady as they called my mother and I would cry and that could not be, a boy my age was not allowed to cry. Warriors never cried. Besides the school floater would arrive shortly and the weather was nice so I could wait outside before the walls and the main gate.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The best day in my life was when I turned seven and I could go to Union School being away from the Burg and away from my father was like breathing lighter air.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Everyone had to go to Union School. That was Union Law and it superseded local law. Union School was such a long part of our society that it too became an Old Tradition and therefore was good.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">At school I learned that Nilfeheim was a Water-World and that we all originally came from a Planet named Earth and settled here long time ago.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Our teacher was an Off-Worlder, a person that was not born on Nilfeheim and it was immediately apparent as he was a grown man and didn't have a beard.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Solken System was only one of many Solar Systems that belonged to the United Stars of the Galaxy, usually only referred to as the Union.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Humans and Nonhuman species belonged to it and space ships travelled between a huge number of worlds and places.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">One morning he told us that every Union Citizen had rights and was bound by a higher law. Higher than that of the Elders and the Traditions on Nilfeheim, laws my father broke as he killed another Union Citizen.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">But that didn't matter much. No one would call the Rangers and have my father or anyone else arrested for some local problem.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">It was just my luck that in my class was not only Sigvard of the Elhir Clan and he his brought family induced hatred towards me from the first day we met, but also the brothers of the Oseberg Clan, who hated me for my Ragnarsson blood, lucily they were two grades higher and I did not see them all the time. There were twenty-seven Boys in our class. Girls received their training in separate classes. Every morning at six thirteen, the school skimmer would arrive and pick me up and after gathering everyone for my class, drop us of at Nilfeheim Federal School 34, which sat on top of a tumble of huge boulders barley above the waves.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Unlike the old Burgs and the traditional houses in the town, the school building was of modern design with lots of large windows. All federal schools and the Med Centers were kept in excellent condition by the Union government.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">From the air the school building looked like a huge silvery letter C sitting flat on top of gray boulders surrounded by the deep green churning waves of the Ocean. The inner area of the C was the school yard and also where the floaters would land. The open side was closed off by a mount of rough rocks reaching almost as high as the flat roof of the two story building.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Dietmar, the thin man who flew the school floater greeted me as usual with a toothy grin as I climbed into the floater to find my usual seat right behind him." Good Morning, Eric. Take a seat at your station and arm all weapon systems! It seems the Shiss are up to no good this morning!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Yes Sir. Arming Translocator cannons and Loki torpedoes!" I said climbing the stairs to the second deck and sitting down on the seat right above him. Of course the School floater was not armed and there were no Shiss anywhere near Nilfeheim. Dietmar just knew about my dream to become a Starship captain once and since he was one of the few Neo Vikings who ever went beyond our system, lived on other worlds for many years and had even been to Earth.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I was the third kid he picked up on his morning route and the other two were already in the final grade. Almost sixteen, ready to take the Ancient Challenge and become fully accepted men of our world. Of course they would not speak to someone who just turned twelve and made it to fourth grade and completely ignored me.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Dietmar would pick up fourteen other kids and then fly the final seven-hundred miles to our school usually close to the water surface and at top speed. I loved this part, because if I put my face real close to the front view port it was almost as if I had Freya's feathered cloak and flew like Loki.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Nilfeheim had no birds and none of the local life forms could truly fly. (The Silver-Flicker Fish could glide some distance if it jumped above the waves, using its wide fins.) I had seen real birds however during our last Virtual school trip to an Earth Zoo.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">My brothers would of course not use the School-skimmer. That was for commoners and poor clans. They were flown to school by Harkun, my father's manservant in our family floater. I had never even seen the inside of our floater. This was just one more of the demeaning things my father did to underline to everyone who he favored. It did not bother me since I much rather flew with Dietmar than with arrogant stuff and old Harkun anyway.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The school floater landed in the inner area of the big C along with other school and private floaters and everyone went inside.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Right by the main doors I saw Yngve Lofdahl waiting for me. He had a busted; bleeding lip and his left eye was swelling. Like me he was wearing a fur vest over a linen tunic that reached halfway to the knees, linen breeches and boots. Usually he always looked like he wore brand new stuff as his mother took great care before he left home, today his tunic was ripped and his breeches dirty.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Yngve's family belonged to one of the newest clans who weren't older than maybe two or three generations. He was much ridiculed over this fact. That he was perhaps the physical weakest boy in the entire school was not helping either. That his father ran a successful sea weed farm and trading business and that they lived in a very nice house in the City meant little to the others. Yngve's parents were not as strictly Tradition minded and their home featured many off world technology items. For which I envied him. "Who beat you up today?" I asked more or less knowing the answer.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He shrugged and wiped the blood from his lips. "Annar and Gunnar, the twin brothers did it this time but they were egged on by Sigvard."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Fighting, brawling was prohibited on school grounds and strictly enforced. "So they are going to be in real trouble if the teacher asks what happened to you."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I can't. Sigvard said he kills me and his clan will attack my family and beat up my parents. I will take the detention I am going to get for not speaking but I am not telling anything to Mr. Walters."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I sighed and said." We still have some time. Let's go to the washroom and see if we can fix you up a little. You know the teacher could give you up to 20 days in single detention!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He shrugged and sighed at the same time." What can I do? Our Clan is very small and far dispersed. We have no Burg we can defend and whatever they do to my family, the Circle of Elders will rule in favor of the Old Clan."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">We had reached the bath rooms, no one else was there as everyone else was getting ready for class and he started washing his face and putting a cold towel on his eye." I know you got a raw deal with your father, but you are Olafson and have Ragnarsson blood. The Elders are made up of men of the old clans and the Traditions are always interpreted in favor of them, always!" "Maybe I should tell what happened!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"You are out of your mind. The Osebergs can't wait for you to do anything stupid to have an excuse to jump all over you and Sigvard hates you because he is jealous of your Clan!" "I am not afraid of them. There is nothing they can do to me that has not already been done to me much worse at home."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He tossed the towels in the recycler and we both headed for class as we had little time to spare and Mr. Walters was a stickler for punctuality.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"You know sometimes I think I should be more afraid of you than Sigvard and his gang!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I gasped at his statement." What do you mean by that? I have never hurt you!" "Of course not, but you are driven insane by your violent father and one day you may snap and do something really unexpected."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">We entered class and everyone was turning and looking. Annar pointed at him and hissed." You say a word and we going to kill you and take care of your parents the old fashioned Viking way!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Gunnar the twin brother of Annar grinned deeply. "I would kill myself if I had a looser father like that. A weakling like you and who had ever heard of the Lofdahl Clan?" Yngve clenched his fists but slid in his chair and said nothing.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">It was my nature. I could not stay quiet and said." Whoever heard of the Peerson Clan? You just challenged a friend of the Olafson Clan and you threatened to attack his home. I wonder what your father will say if he hears you declared Clan feud with the Olafsons without your Clan Chief saying so!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Annar became pale. All this old Clan stuff was beaten into me on a daily basis and it was easy for me to use it in an argument like that. Despite the fact that it was quite true and Annar would be in a world of trouble.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">At that moment Mr. Walters entered the class room.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Walters was almost as massive and strong looking as my father, but he did not have a beard and kept his grey hair closely trimmed to the skull. He wore he usual gray three piece suit and a white shirt underneath. Despite his bulk he could move quickly and completely silent and appear right behind you when you least expected him and thought he was clear across the room.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Why are you still standing Mr. Olafson? Is there something wrong with your seat or are you planning to leave my class?" "No Sir!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"No Sir! Is a good start but not an answer! I asked you a distinctive number of questions!" He suddenly made a half turn and scolded Sigvard, who was silently snickering." Since you find that funny, tell me how many questions did I ask Eric?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sigvard's smile froze on his face and he shrugged." It's none of my business what you discuss with this Outcast."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Wrong answer! I just made it your business and I know you heard every word since you found it funny!" He pulled his Personal Data Device from his breast pocket. Something he only did for theatrical reasons, and said." System, record three negative marks against Sigvard Elhir and the same Number against Eric Olafson."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Device responded with acknowledging beeps.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Now be seated Mr. Olafson and good morning Class!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Everyone responded at the same time and 32 boys said." Good Morning Mr. Walters."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He went up to his desk and turned. "Today is the 14th of July 4994 Old Standard time. Do you know what happened exactly 500 years ago on this date?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He looked over the class and his eyes found Yngve who tried to hide as much as he could by keeping his head down.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"We will discuss the significance of this date after Mr. Lofdahl gave me an answer to the question I am going to ask. Keeping your head down like that could mean you try to hide the facial evidence of tears, lipstick or a fight. Since you are Neo Vikings two of these options are most unlikely. You don't cry and you are not allowed to interact with girls at this stage!" He came closer and commanded sternly." Look at me!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Of course Yngve did and his eye now was really swollen and turning color.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Now I see clear evidence of a fight on you and since it is you I doubt I find similar traces on anyone else's face."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Gunnar could barely contain his giggle as he heard that remark.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Mr. Walters did not turn." I was making a logical deduction. Mr. Lofdahl is physically incapable of defending himself against one, much less two or three opponents. That does not mean I think of him any less. I do not have to point out that his mental abilities far outshine anyone else's."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The teacher returned to his desk and pulled his PDD and said." You all know or should know why fighting is prohibited on school grounds. You have been instructed on your first school day and many times since. On many other Union schools in the Galaxy this is just one rule of many and not all that important. Here on Nilfeheim the Union School board found it necessary to make it the number one rule." He pointed at Gunnar." Tell me why!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Gunnar was no longer smiling and got up." Fighting among pupils and outside of supervised fight classes is strictly prohibited to maintain order and to guarantee a safe and violent free environment to all students."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"And because you Neo Vikings are one stubborn bunch that likes bashing others over the head. The Circle of Elders has given the Union School unrestricted control over the education process and approved the School rules. By breaking these rules you break both Union law and the Ruling of the Elders. All this is very serious and for this reason I am turning off my PDD and I give you all a chance to clear this issue here in class. Fail me and disappoint my trust and I will turn this over to the principal."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He sat down behind his desk." I know of the set of traditions that rule this society. However this is Union ground and that means for example that Mr. Lofdahl and everyone else here is under the protection of the Union. He was attacked under our watch and harmed. He could now insist on Federal Police taking his case!

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He looked directly to Gunnar." Federal Police could come and arrest everyone involved and put you before a federal court. If the court finds that Mr. Lofdahl was injured or perhaps black mailed and threatened it could decide on hefty fines, on forced resettlement of the guilty party to a penalty colony a so forth."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He leaned back." Most of you think your Clans are very powerful and the Circle of Elders as the final answer. None of you ever even glimpsed the power and resources of the Union and what it truly means to be a Union Citizen."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Gunnar who was still standing said." Sir, it was me and my brother. We roughed Yngve up a bit this morning."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"It was my brother and me!" The teacher corrected and then nodded." I already deducted that much. "

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Mr. Walters said to Yngve. "Go to the school nurse and come back when she is done with you!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Yes, Sir. Mr. Walters."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"You will report this afternoon to the detention teacher for sixteen hours for not immediately reporting the incident."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Yngve nodded and left the class room.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Gunnar sat down.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I have not given you permission to sit!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Gunnar bolted back up.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Since you came forward. I want to hear your explanation why you did that. What honor was there to be found by you two attacking one? I thought warriors honor was much important to you!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Gunnar's face turned red." It was Sigvard who told us to see how far we could go. Yngve's clan is weak and new and Sigvard thought we could earn us a few extra credits."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sigvard hissed loudly. "Traitors!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Gunnar and Annar Peerson you are going to report to the Groundskeeper Office and offer 30 hours of your free time to assist. If you complete your penalty I shall keep my word and there will be no record kept. "

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Both brothers nodded in unison. "Yes, Mr. Walters we will do that."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Annar added. "Thank you Mr. Walters."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The teacher raised an eyebrow." Your insight is noted and you may take 10 hours off your penalty."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He then went over to Sigvard. " You however will report to the principal right now!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sigvard got up." You Off -Worlders think you can do anything! "

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">With this he left the class room.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The teacher activated the display board behind him. "Due to the events of today I am going to change the subject of our class today. Instead of history we going to make a little Virtual Excursion and visit a session of the Member Assembly at Pluribus."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He pointed at me." Mr. Olafson. What can you tell me about Pluribus?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I got up as fast as I could." It is the name of a Sun and a Solar system with six planets. It is the seat of our federal Government."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Indeed it is. Pluribus Unum is the first planet in that system and it is where all members sent their representatives to meet and discuss all matters of state and union and to make decisions."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The classroom went dark and the display board showed a yellow sun in deep space and the image started to surround us and soon it was as if we sat in an all transparent space ship and approached a bright spot that soon turned into a planet.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Who can tell me why it is called that way and what does the name mean?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">It was Yngve who answered, so he was back from the nurse's office already." It means out of many, one! Sir."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Ah you are back. It surprised me not that you know it, but I hoped for someone else answering. Mr. Bergeson can you tell me how this name was chosen and why?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Alvar Bergeson was a quiet guy who sat just behind me cleared his throat and said meekly." No, Sir I can't recall this fact at the moment. I think I must have had a faulty Cerebral Upload."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"No it was not part of your upload package for this quarter. It was part of the research assignment I gave to you all before Union Week last month."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Ah yes Sir, I recall."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"After the Union was formed by the four original member civilizations. It was decided to put a new government system and a new government for all onto a new place. They found the Pluribius System, back then not claimed by anyone and in almost equal distance to Saran, Spor, Ulta and Terra. A naming contest was held among all Union Citizens and after elimination process the name Pluribus was chosen. It is form an old Earth language called Latin and means what Yngve said." We are many individuals, many civilizations, many cultures but we are together in one goal and one future."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The planet rushed up on us and our invisible space ship slowed down as it descended into the atmosphere.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">It was always an incredible beautiful experience for me to see a garden world from space. It was so incredibly big when it was approached and yet compared to space a mere speck. The thin blue layer of the atmosphere and clouds it all was a feast of colors that suggested hospitality and life.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Mr. Walters's voice explained as the world turned beneath us, towards the main continent. "Pluribus Unum has as you might have noticed 3 continents, huge land masses that unlike your ice continents that form during Longnight never melt. Pluribus Unum is a Planet of many extremes. While it is a classified as a Garden world now, it didn't start out that way. It is the most populated planet in the Union and more than 40 Billion individuals live and work here, with an additional 40 billion commuting almost daily. Every Corporation has either their headquarters here or a major branch office. Every bank including the Federal Union Bank has offices here. More than 4500 Member Civilizations maintain so called Culture Pavilions, while all 4995 Member Civilizations have Representative Offices with support staff here. Every occupied world is represented. I believe Eric's Grandfather is the representative of Nilfeheim.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Not to mention Courts, Federal Associations, Churches and temples."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He paused as we plunged towards the surface. Walters's gruff voice was replaced by a melodic female voice." Welcome future Citizens to Pluribus Unum. I am Utchat, the Giga Computronic of this world and its voice."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The voice stopped but a melodic harmony vibrated on then it said." As you dive past the Thermosphere into the Mesosphere you will notice the first spires and tops of the tallest Arcologies. Walters's voice interrupted." One moment Utchat, this class is form a Culture Type 191 P environment. "

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">His tone changed as he addressed us." Arcologies are hyper structures. Complete Cities, enormous habitats of extreme high population density. Providing habitation, recreation and in some cases work all in one place." He then signaled the Computronic to continue.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The female voice seamlessly continued." The tallest Arcology is Schwartz Industries Sky Needle III with 190 kilometers height. Most of the others that become visible now reach heights of up to 85 kilometers.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The second tallest of Enroe Industries becoming visible now, is open for visitors and can be accessed via Pluribus Unum Virtual Tours.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Walters said." We are here to see the Assembly today and watch a session."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Very good choice."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The visual images were almost incomprehensible. I saw it all. I knew what I was seeing but I could barely process it. There were countless flyers, in all shapes and sizes buildings upon buildings and between the buildings canyons many kilometers deep, with bridges and arcs connecting some of them. But it all was dwarfed by a huge white hemisphere in the back and as our virtual flight speeded up and we rushed towards it kept on growing, everything else around it, buildings, green parks, reduced to miniature size.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"This is the Sphere of assembly. " The Computronic Voice explained." Of course not all representatives are here all the time and some choose to use holographic Avatars, but by custom and not by any rule, most are here in person and here every weekday. The Assembly is always in session around the clock and every day of the year, except during Union Week celebrations."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">We passed through the wall and emerged inside a complete sphere. The dome shaped structure we saw from the outside was only half of the entire structure. The inner walls of the sphere were dotted with small alcoves. Each alcove had a desk and several seats. Humanoids and Non Humanoids alike occupied these alcoves. Our floating class room descended further into the middle of the immense sphere. "As you can see many thousand seats are still dark, those are reserved for future members. When the assembly was constructed it was decided to build it with future expansion of the Union in mind. A section of the sphere changed color high lighting twenty alcoves and the Voice said." The seats that I have colorized for you are representatives of the Andromeda Galaxy for example. Who can tell me the first Civilization that joined the Union that was not of this Galaxy?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I heard Yngve's voice almost immediately answering." It was the Pertharians."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Computronic managed to sound impressed. "Very good and correct indeed. A Knowledge Citation Star has been awarded to you."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">A single seat was highlighted next." These are the representatives of the Attikan Commonwealth, a mega civilization almost as big as the Union with over 350 independent civilizations. One of their last cvilization, was admitted as full member only yesterday. These civilization joining us from the Large Magellanic Cloud. Making it the third galaxy where the Union has members."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Our class room zoomed close to an alcove near the top of the sphere." This is the alcove of your planet. Here your representative adds your voice to this mega culture."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">A man in expensive looking traditional Neo Viking dress, with long fur brimmed leather coat and silver beard and hair expertly braided sat there, talking friendly to a non-humanoid being. I suddenly felt a deep pride coming over me. This was my grandfather, Eric Ragnarsson; I had seen him only once as a child while mother was still alive. He looked very stately, and seemed at ease talking to being that looked almost like a very shaggy Fangsnapper.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I wanted to say something to him to let him know I saw him. The Voice said. "I am sorry Future Citizen, but this is a Virtual Experience, there is no interaction with the projected environment or individuals possible."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"How do they all come to any form of conclusion to a problem?" Someone in the class asked.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Walters responded instead of the Voice." Good Question Mr. Lindholm and this is the most important part of Union School. Any citizen can bring any problem,proposal or request before the Assembly by contacting the Office of Proposals, his representative or the citizen can, if no other answer or solution has been satisfactory, request to be heard before the Assembly.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The issue will be heard,discussed by anyone who has an oppinion and then the issue is put to a vote, and every representative and any Union Citizen listening can cast a vote. Whatever is decided becomes the law right there and then. Of course most issues are solved by the Citizen Office and every problem, proposal or request is first analyzed by the Office of Proposals and is then sent to the Councils. There are seven Major councils: Science, Political, Foreign Affairs, Military and Intelligence, Health and Medical, Social, Arts and Culture and finally Trade and Finance.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Each Council gives a recommendation and the proposal or problem is posted on GalNet were every citizen can read about them and leave a comment or opinion. For big issues and major proposals it is advertised in the so called List of Issues and on Voting day every citizen makes his decission.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">This is part of the duties a citizen has. A Union Citizen enjoys tremendous benefits and has fundamental rights, but also duties."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He paused only to take a breath and continued:" Representatives can add their opinions and comments why a proposal would be good or bad for the society they represent . Finally a Computronic analysis is made considering all opinions, recommendations and the Issue complete with the analysis is put up for a vote."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He took another breath."While it sounds complicated is the best system that could be found to give every Citizen a say.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Lindholm grunted." As if the opinion of a single citizen would make a difference!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Walters responded." It does and it can. If that citizen's opinion to an issue is a valid point not only does the Computronic recognize that and raise a flag for that Citizens representative, but it also sends the issue back I the analysis cycle to view the issue with the new aspect included. Besides there is a population of approximately one Centillion sentient beings classified as legal Citizens, the chances that more than one has the same opinion about any given issue is quite high and it is usually never just one citizen who objects or suggests something, but every citizen counts and your opinion and your ideas are as important. As a matter of fact, to the Union there is nothing more important."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"What does the president do then?" Asked another student

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"The Office of the president function was represent us, but the Assembly is developing and I predict there won't be such an office for very much longer. The president represents old ideas of government with elected leaders. This why are political parties are a thing of the past."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Our class room slowly moved to the center and we could now hear a high pitched voice speaking and an insectoid beings image was projected in midair, a moving text band identified the being as the representative of the Klack Empire." Fellow Citizens and those assembled here. Her majesty the queen supreme Nt'gtar thk the 745th has asked me to address docket issue five and the continuous Shiss attacks on trade ships running the Corridor and she suggests not only an increase of Fleet patrols but the installation of six trade lane forts along the corridor."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">While the Klack spoke a visual representation of the galaxy appeared behind him. All the major species neutral, enemies as well as Union territory were represented in color. Most of the Union was in the upper left quarter of the Galaxy, this quarter was called the upward sector. The Klack Empire enveloped a huge are in the lower left quarter called the Core Ward Sector. There were the Shiss and Nul spheres of influence in between and much unclaimed space. A very long but narrow strip connected the Klack Empire with Union space, known as the Corridor; an enormous amount of space ship traffic went through that Corridor. Neither the Shiss nor the Nul liked the idea that the powerful Klack were Union members now. While the Shiss officially accepted the Corridor they claimed to have no control over private Shiss raiders that kept attacking trade ships.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">All this information was transferred via text directly to my retina as I looked at the image.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The representative of a world that was close to the Corridor demanded that war was to be declared against the Shiss and their menace removed once and for all.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">While we were there, the Klack proposal was approved and the Union fleet was tasked to increased fleet patrols along the corridor and the planet representative was happy after it was decided that a special Corridor Patrol fleet was to be created and head quartered in the same system.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Walter declared that having a fleet base in the system would not only mean security but a tremendous economical boots for said system.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The images faded and our classroom returned to its normal boring self.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Walters pocketed his PDD and said." I want you to write about what you think would be an important Nilfeheim issue that should be addressed by the Assembly and then we will role play an assembly session tomorrow. After the break you are to upload sections 4 and 5 of the History Knowledge. Do not upload more than these and don't let me catch anyone forgetting to do it! I will be here to check!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He sternly looked at each of us and then nodded." Dismissed for lunch break!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">We had two school yards. One was outside and the other one underground and inside, used during Longnight and it was here were the Cafeteria was.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I glanced over the menu." Lobscouse again! "I complained to Yngve who stood in line behind me." Not that I mind it, but she puts way to little fish and way to much beetroot on it."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Do you realize that she is doing you a favor? At least in a sense of value. The fish are local silver-flicks and you can buy a full kilo for less than a credit. The beetroot comes from New Holland 70 light years away."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I still don't like it."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Well you helped me out big time this morning so I am buying lunch. Take what you want."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">While I had no money at all, father did not find it necessary to give me an allowance Yngve's father was quite wealthy and Yngve always several hundred Credits to spend on his strip.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Quite happy I accepted his invitation and selected Pizza from the Serve-Matic and Sparkle Bright Soda."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Cafeteria's viewports were actually underwater and for the most part you did not see anything but the same greenish water and the occasional fish.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I just had finished half my pizza when a collective awe made me look. A huge Tyranno Fin made swam past the view ports.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Everyone tried to give their expert opinion on the sex and size of the fish.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Mr. Walters and another teacher I didn't know by name stood almost next to us and he said." I am teaching Neo Vikings now for almost eight years on this planet and I never seen a Tyranno Fin in the water like that. The other teacher said." I was just transferred here and I am stunned by the size of that thing."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I think it is what they locally call a Six Double. Meaning it is 2 times 16 meters long and about 90-100 tons. This is not a mammal like the Terran whale but a fish, very fast and very aggressive."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Is there a man in the water?" The new teacher asked and as he pointed it out we saw it, there was a swimmer in the water and he was unarmed.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;orphans:1">Chapter 13: Tyrannos

<p style="orphans:1"> Tyrannos

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Annar came screaming on top of his lungs down the stairs." My brother! Sigvard has thrown my brother into the ocean and uses Tyranno Scent!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Form the green depths another gigantic shadow appeared, a second Tyranno, bigger than the first!

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Like everyone else I rushed to the top across the school yard and climbing the shoulder high Duro-crete wall and then crawling up the piled up tumble of boulders that closed the open end of the "C" against the sea.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">There on a big rock stood Sigvard holding a Slayer harpoon in the right, laughing and yelling against the stiff breeze." This is ancient tradition! This is how we deal with traitors and cowards!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Mr. Walters was the first teacher that reached the top. Sigvard lowered the Slayer harpoon. "I am dealing with you Off Worlder! The way we should deal with all space scum that pollute our ways." "All this was going on while Gunnar was in the water with at least two Tyrannos!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I never liked Gunnar but that was no way to die, without having a chance. I simply had to do something! Sigvard was about to shoot. He would not miss and the explosive tipped two meter long harpoon would certainly kill the teacher.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I grabbed a rock and rushed as fast as I could across the rugged terrain to cover the 20 meters that covered us and threw as hard as I could. Sigvard fired the spear gun before the rock hit him against the upper arm. I was close now, I didn't want to look back, and I could hear the explosive crack as the harpoon hit the same time I reached Sigvard. He was taller and much stronger than me, but he held the huge 2 meter long slayer weapon and instead of dropping it to fight me. He worked the reload mechanism to rotate the second barrel into the firing position. Not to give him any chance I kicked him as hard as I could between the legs. His eyes bulged like a Silver flicker fish on land and his hand dropped from the rotating lever. I had to remain on the offensive and not give him any chance to retaliate and as he bend forward I rammed my knee under his chin, his head snapped back and he fell hard on the ground.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Slayer harpoon rattled as it dropped to the ground. Gunnar was probably long dead. Like all Neo Vikings Gunnar and I had gills and could breathe underwater. It was part of the genetic tailoring the settlers of this world received as it was deemed a valuable trait on a water planet. I did not know what possessed me other than I hated unfair situations and Gunnar's situation was as unfair as could be, being unarmed in the water with at least two Tyrannos. I grabbed the slayer and jumped.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I hit the water about twelve meters below, even though it was now the first year of Shortsummer the water was very cold, but I was used to it. My gills opened and cold water rushed inside me. After breathing air for so long it was always an exhilarating and intense moment to switch to water breathing. It was an act of will to stop breathing with nose and mouth and use the gills but we all learned to do this from very early on. I loved to dive as much as I could since being underwater I could forget the upside world. Along with the gills we Neo Vikings had a second Eyelid that allowed us to see well under water. However I neither saw the Tyranno fins nor Gunnar, I struggled with my west, it was not easy to unstrap under water while keeping the big slayer harpoon, but I managed. I swam as fast as I could, wishing I had my fins. We had seen Gunnar from the Cafeteria Viewports.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I cannot explain what it was that warned me, but the sudden feeling of something huge made me turn as fast to the right and towards the rocks as possible. My heart made a double take and fear cramped around my throat like an invisible hand as the pointed nose and the huge maw of a Tyranno shot past me, not further than an arm length!

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The rush of his propelling tail-fin send me into a tumble and away from the rocks. Then I saw Gunnar, his hands were tied, but he was almost by the rocks. If he could make it, he'd be safe, but the Tyranno was already turning. I completed the reload on the slayer and swam holding the weapon ready and aimed before me. While the Slayer harpoon had been used and made for exact that purpose: to hunt and kill a Tyranno. My only chance to do that was to hit the fish at the mark, a yellowish spot behind his eyes on each side of its head, where the spear could penetrate deep enough to do lethal damage with its explosive charge. Hitting the Tyranno anywhere else would only annoy the beast.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Gunnar and I were only alive because we were so close to the rocks; he would have had no chance further out. Tyrannos didn't see too well and relied on an electro sonar sense that told them the position of a prey. The surge above us hitting the rocks and the rocks itself masked our presence somewhat, but not completely. The other reason was the sheer size of the fish. Here close to the rocks the fish had to do swim a rather wide circle to realign his teeth filled jaws with as small preys as us. Again in open water were the Fin could use it full speed we would stand no chance.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">While I still struggled with my fear and cursed my own stupid impulsiveness that got me into this mess, trying to save the life of a guy who hated me, a strange calmness came over me. I saw the mark, clearly and at the same time the eye of the Tyranno caught my size and for a split moment and of course only in my imagination I believed to see some sort of understanding, a recognition in that dark eye now fixed at me. The Tyranno changed directions with a flick of his enormous tail, the distance was not perfect, and the angle was off and in another heartbeat would be out of reach. I fired!

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The almost two meter long shaft of Ultronit steel with a razor-sharp tip darted almost too fast to see through the water leaving a thin streak of bubbles hit the yellowish mark. The Tyranno was still turning and now opened his maw, it came closer. Then the fish less than five meters from me, suddenly arched and a thick cloud of blood and bubbled came out of its maw!

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The savage elation of the kill was filling me with pride and at the same time I could not shake a feeling of guilt. I saw the fish now dead slowly floating to the surface. Gunnar had reached the rocks and moved towards the surface. Being distracted by all this, I almost became prey to the second Tyranno that suddenly up from beneath. It was sheer luck and perhaps my small size perhaps that saved me. When you are under water, and not built like a fish for this environment moving fast without any artificial aide was impossible. The maw of the fish rushed past me so close I could see down its throat and the horrifying sight of the many rows of dagger-sharp huge teeth and something scratched me painfully down the side. This Tyranno was bigger than the other, much bigger. Its huge eye passed by me. The Slayer had one shot left; I rotated the last barrel as fast as I possibly could into firing position, almost losing the weapon as I had found no time to strap it to myself as I should have done. The Tyranno snapped its head to the side as it noticed it had not caught me. It twisted its entire enormous body but almost plowed into the rocks and moved again to avoid a collision. It presented the mark right before me, I could not miss, the barrel barely in position I fired, the side fin caught me as it rushed by and the impact made bite my tongue, I saw nothing but darkness and felt crunching pain. I almost inhaled with my mouth and that would have drowned me as surely as any Off Worlder without gills.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Slayer was no useless and empty. The fear of being torn apart or being swallowed whole somehow kept me from passing out. I swam as fast as I could towards were I remembered the rocks. My vision was still blurred and I felt the numbness coming over me from the loss of body heat. Even though I could stay underwater without the need of air, the exposure would to cold water without an insulating suit was just as limiting.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Fists grabbed me and hived me aboard a floater hovering close over the water. I gasped at first and someone hit me with the flat hand across the face and yelled. "Open your mouth and breathe!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;orphans:1">Chapter 14: Principal's Office

<p style="orphans:1"> Principal's Office

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I regained my senses in the nurse's office. She was the only woman with authority in our school but she was no Off Worlder. "You had a very nasty cut, a serious concussion. You cracked a tooth and bit of a part of your tongue." She said looking into a floating field screen before here and then smiled at me." All fixed. The Doc of the Med Station fixed you up via remote, not that I could have done the same thing, but you are a hero. Mr. Olafson. Nothing too good for a hero."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I didn't feel any better or worse than before I went into the water and said." How is Gunnar?" "Gunnar is fine he was unharmed save for a few scratches and of course his wounded ego."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I jumped off the treatment couch and said. "Am I free to go?" "As far as medical and health wise goes yes, but I doubt the words Free to go apply to you for quite a while."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I blinked. "What do you mean?" "Mr. Walters and the principal will explain it to you. Your father is here as well!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">My father was here! Her revelation hit me worse than the icy water and fear made my hands shake. I would have rather faced another Tyranno than him.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Outside the nurse's office stood Galvin. He was the schools janitor. He was an Off Worlder and some rumors claimed he used to be in some sort of military service for the Union. He was also the schools security officer but he usually only donned his uniform when he addressed us at the beginning of the school year about the rules and told us that bringing weapons were prohibited.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He wore his uniform now and said. "Well Mr. Olafson, looks like you managed to get yourself, the school and Nilfeheim into a big mess! I am here to escort you to the principal's office."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"What have I done?" Was all I managed to say and my fear of the upcoming confrontation grew with every step we took towards the administrative offices.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"A whole list of things, but I am not the one to tell you. I just take you there but it is as serious as it can get!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">His words only added to my worries while my mind raced to find a reason for all this. At one point I even considered to take my chance and run, but were too? I could not run from an island.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">At the front office the Administrative assistant, Ms. Jansen sat behind her desk. Usually she wore Off-world fashion and handed out school supplies. Today she was decked out all traditional, her hair in braids. She looked very bland without her usual colorful make up, but she smiled at me and said.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"You can go right on in. Two of the Elders are here as well."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">My head felt numb, worse than when I got hit by the Tyranno's fin but having Elders here, explained why she was dressed that way. She was after all a local and not an Off-Worlder.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I never had been to the principal's office before. I knew the tall very dark, almost black skinned man of course as everyone at the school did. His name was Lothar Valthim, his skin and facial features showed clearly that he was not a native of Nilfeheim, but I knew he was of a planet called New Sweden and his black hair and beard had shades of silver, but he braided it a different way. He stood by the windows overlooking the ocean. Next to him the colossal figure of my father. Wearing his huge Fangsnapper fur lined sleeveless coat, exposing his massive arms and the wide leather wrist bands. Whenever my father clenched his fists you could hear the croaking of the leather and veins as thick as my fingers appeared on his underarms, just like now! His almost bluish shining black hair braided and his same colored beard reaching almost to his chest. His right hand clenched tighter around the handle of his steel cable whip as he saw me coming in and the steel hard look I got from his ice gray eyes was pure hatred and unspoken promise of unprecedented punishment. Underneath the open coat and above his tight fitting leather shirt he wore the golden Clan chain of the Olafsons with the medal of the Wolfs.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Mr. Walters was there. Next to him another Clan patriarch dressed quite similar as my father, but his coat was brimmed with coppery Nubhir fur and his hair was blonde like mine. He too wore the golden Chain of a clan chief, his medallion showing the head of a dragon with three heads. He was of the Elhir Clan. Of course, as Sigvard was Elhir.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Next to him yet another Clan chief, notably smaller than the other two. He had reddish hair, and his chain featured the sigil of the Peerson Clan, featuring a Fangsnapper. In the back two elderly men sat, decked out in the traditional way, their hair gray and their overcoats dyed white. Their golden chains void of clan symbols clearly marking them as Elders of the Circle.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The worst part was the utter silence as they all stared at me and no one spoke.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">It could have been not longer than a minute, but to me it seemed an eternity. Finally the principal spoke." Mr. Olafson, I see you are well again. As I understand you had several injuries.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Only a weakling crawls to Off World Medics with a few scratches!" My father muttered before I could say anything. His words came as no surprise. The words of one of the Elders however did surprised me.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"He might be considered an adult now. He slew not one but two Tyrannos the Ancient way no less. This should swell your chest with pride top have sired such a son who is by years still far away from the Ancient Challenge."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father hissed." I refuse to accept him as an adult! He is a worthless whelp and he shall feel the whip as I strip him of his miserable skin until he conforms and does as he is told!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father raised the coiled whip and said to the principal."In assure you I shall add to his punishment after you are done with him. "

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The principal raised his hands."I cannot condone such violence against a child!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The other Elder spoke.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"We know of the Federal Laws and while we don't condone the treatment Eric receives by his father. He is his father and may do whatever he chooses. To limit federal influence over local laws there are no Federal laws regarding the rights of minors." The other elder nodded and glared at the principal. "This entire situation is a mess of local and federal law, customs and regulations. Let us focus on solving it."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Elhir patriarch nodded. "Indeed."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">A melodic chime chirped from the GalNet terminal on the principal's desk. The Elders rose from their seats one of them smiled even and said.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"He has responded to our hail. He will sort this best to all satisfaction!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Mr. Valthim accepted the call and a holographic presentation flickered into existence. He was tall and strong looking without being bulky as my father. He wore a richly shining black leather coat seamed with a silvery fur over a suit of black leather that molded to a rippled body. The face was framed by silver gray hair and a silvery black beard. He wore the chain of an Elder but with the Medallion of a Clan leader and on it the head of a falcon. The clan symbol of the Ragnarssons. His right hand rested on the hilt of the legendary and quite mystical broadsword Mördaren, both a symbol of office and power. Even though it was a projection his presence somehow dominated all the others present. I still did not know what was going on but somehow I knew it would turn out alright now. My grandfather Erik Gustav, the patriarch of the Ragnarsson had arrived!

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He declined his head slightly towards the Elders and they did the same, he greeted Mr. Walther and the principal with a handshake, clasped the underarms of the Elhir and Peerson Clan leaders; only then turned to my father but neither offered his arm nor any other form of gesture.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I know what you have done and I will be on Nilfeheim in person very shortly."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">What I never thought possible, I saw concern and even a hint of fear in my father's face!

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Grandfather finally turned to me and said.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Eric, my Grandson! You have grown much since I have seen you last. You have your mother's hair and it pleases me greatly to see the Ragnarsson traits in you."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The projection moved next to me and he turned and faced the others.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Let us now conduct and conclude this business. Let it be known that I am an Elder of the Inner Circle, that I am a Citizen of the Union and the representative of this world. Let it be recorded however that I am here as Grandfather first and foremost."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">There was no fear in me anymore. The daunting towering men that had gathered, even my father had lost much of their intimidating effect. I straightened my shoulders and raised my head. It was the most exhilarating feeling ever to realize I was not alone in the world and that this man would stand with me.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Mr. Valthim, the principal spread his arms.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Since we are all here, let me recapitulate and summon it all up."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Everyone nodded or agreed.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Sigvard Elhir of the Elhir Clan was reprimanded and sentenced to 30 days confinement by me this morning, for conspiring in a black mail scheme and instigating violence. Elhir attacked me, left the school by stealing a private floater only to return kidnapping another student using a lethal weapon. He then threw that student into the ocean and poured gallons of Tyranno Bait scent in the waters."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Elhir Clan Elder interrupted by slamming his sizable fist on the desk before him. "We went through all that already. While my son might have violated all these Off World Union rules, he was acting quite traditional." He glared towards the Peerson Clan chief. "This is how we treat Traitors."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">One of the Elders barked. "Indeed proven traitors are so punished but by the Council only after the Elders heard the case in a proper way. Your son is neither an adult, nor is he a man. His judgment means nothing and his actions were that of a hotheaded fool. Let us decide what it traditional and what not!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The red haired Clan chief although smaller than the Elhir man, stepped up with an aggressive stance and clenched fists.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"It was decreed that this School is traditional long before the Elhir clan crawled upon their rock. My son was no traitor and almost murdered by yours, not in a fight but forced with a distance weapon only a coward would use!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"You call my son a Coward…" The Elhir chief could not complete his sentence as Grandfathers pulled his sword.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Cease this foolishness and conduct yourself and this business as worthy leaders and men or by Thor's mighty Hammer I shall descend personally on your burgs and challenge you personally and erase your clans forever!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">There was silence and both stepped back. While clan wars were prohibited, the ancient practice of personal challenge was not; and challenging a Clan chief and besting him in personal combat would make the victor new Clan chief and the losers' clan and name would cease to exist.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">It was rarely done since a Clan chief had to be challenged by another Chief and they all knew they risked more than just their lives in such a contest. Grandfather's reputation as one of the best sword fighters and renowned strength made this a very serious vow.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Mr. Valthim said. "I would also remind you all that you are Union Citizens and on Union ground!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He then continued as if he wasn't interrupted at all. "Alerted by the victim's brother pretty much everyone rushed to the top and Sigvard armed with what you call a Slayer Harpoon. It is an ancient weapon but it is quite lethal both on land and in the water. According to his own admit he aimed that weapon at Mr. Walters to kill the teacher, to avenge what he felt was humiliation before his peer in class."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">At this point Walters looked in my direction and gave me an almost unnoticeable nod.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The principal continued. "Eric Olafson hurled a rock at Sigvard that caused the deadly harpoon to miss its target and attacked Sigvard physically. Taking the Slayer he then proceeded to dive into the ocean and as witnessed by many slayed two Tyranno Fins, thus saving the life of Gunnar Peerson."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">My grandfather looked down to me. "You did well my Grandson, well indeed!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I blinked and while it was prohibited for a minor to speak in the presence of adults without permission I simply could not stop myself from asking.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Then why am I here and this is such a big affair?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father growled.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Excuse the insolent behavior of that whelp of mine. I will lay a heavy hand on him for every word he uttered without asking!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Elder on the left said.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"You might not accept his deeds but he most certainly earned the right to speak among warriors. Go, Isegrim slay two Tyrannos the ancient way as he did."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Grandfather spoke.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"What I have to say about this, Isegrim Olafson is matter of the Clan and not to be discussed here, but rest assured it will be said once I am here."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He then turned to me.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"The Elders want to celebrate your feat, Eric and exalt you. You are the youngest warrior ever to slay a Tyranno since Ivor Ragnarsson slew a Two-Sixer almost eight hundred years ago. The School wants to punish you for breaking the rules."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Principal nodded and stapled his fingers."Our rules are not open for interpretation. There is no fighting permitted and the possession of weapons is prohibited. Eric seriously injured another student by beating that student almost to death. Yes he saved the life of Mr. Walters, but rule is rule and he should have either remained inactive like the others or let the proper authorities handle the situation or if he really felt he needed to do something he should have found non-violent alternatives. He was in possession of a weapon as he took the harpoon from Sigvard and then he left school grounds unauthorized. While the results of his actions are commendable, I cannot let this go unpunished, these are the Rules. Rules accepted by your Elders, rules set in place by the Union Education Board."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He sighed."I personally do not want to punish initiative, civil courage and last but not least the act of saving lives, but the Board of education has given me clear instructions that I have to maintain these rules. If Eric goes unpunished we might encourage others to jump into the water and try to proof their manhood. Whatever we, whatever I decide will have consequences.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"No one then you all knows better how difficult it is to educate you Neo Vikings. No matter how conservative and tradition minded you are you all agree that the young must learn about the Union and the other worlds."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Even the Elders nodded."Nilfeheim is part of it. We guard our culture and our ways but we see the steady and slow chance that takes place and our youth must be prepared so they can make the right choices for them and our world."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Peerson chuckled. "I must admit these rules are important. It was all that kept us in line. We are bitter enemies now, but that Snapper skul Leif Elhir and I were more than once right here in this office and usually together."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The brooding Elhir patriarch was trying from keeping a smile of his face. "The office had green carpet back then!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The slightly taller Elder looked down to the blue carpet. "In my time it was red!" Then he said. "Speak Erik Gustav; there is no one here that does not value your judgment!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Grandfather smiled and said. "Since I declared myself advocate of my Grandson I am unable to take any official position and give recommendations, but I envision a scenario where the principal addresses the entire school with the Elders present standing with him. It will show everyone that School and Elders are of one mind and that will have more weight on this planet than any statement or word. The Principal would then restate the rules and why it is important to keep them. Eric declines all celebrations because a true warrior does deeds not because of their public rewards.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Circle of Elders however may mark this feat in honoring our traditions and send my grandson this Summer break to the Halls of Hasvik were he receives proper training and serve the Faceless Seven. He will clean and scrub the halls, steps and yards of the Halls, both the loss of free time during summer break and the hard work that awaits him there should be acceptable punishment for the school."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Grandfather looked the Elhir patriarch directly in the eyes. "I also envision that the School sees the deeds of Sigvard so severe that it decides to let the Elders of this world judge over it. The Elders will then accept a Challenge between Sigvard and Annar. Whatever Outcome of this challenge will be should satisfy the Traditions as well as the concerned Clans without the need for ages of Clan feud."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Everyone except my father smiled. The Elhir Clan Chief slammed his hand on Peerson's shoulder." This is a judgment I could live with. Our sons fight according to the rules before the Elders, regardless the outcome win or loss. This is the Honorable way and even if Sigvard loses or dies, there shall be no more feuds among us!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Annar's father returned the shoulder grab." We are chiefs and we can make feuds and wars, but we can also end it, our feud has ended! The words of the Ragnarsson Elder are wise and full of honor."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The two Elders walked stately to the door and the left one said. "Principal Valthim, you say the word and the Circle of Elders shall stand behind you in person for this matter and we invite you to come to us with anytime you might face a challenge like this one." The other Elder nodded. "We have been pupils here at one time. We defend our Traditions but we are not Enemies or against the Union."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">It was the principal that sighed but also with a deep grin. "There is nothing else for me to do then to completely agree with that vision and make it the official conclusion to this matter. I must say having the Circle of Elders standing behind me will make all the difference."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Elhir and Peerson Clan Chiefs said to my father. "Will you join us, Isegrim? We are going to Peerson's Burg and sample his excellent Mead and bury old axes."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I shall do no such thing! As long as I live there will be no peace between our clans and now that the Peerson Clan is your ally, they are our enemy as well!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Grandfather shook his head." You are more poisonous than Ouroboros the serpent and I am on my way to visit you, my burg and my grandson personally. It is not proper to speak such things before others but I expect to see my Grandson there alive."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father took in his breath deeply; I saw it took every ounce of his will to control his rage. "If there is nothing else. I shall leave now with my son!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The principal sighed. "Mr. Olafson there isn't anything else; you and Eric may leave now, but tomorrow is a regular school day."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father grabbed me by the hair and dragged me with him.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">My fear returned, grandfather was a projection after all. He could not follow us, and he could not protect me for what would happen now! Father kept dragging me through the corridors merciless and without looking at me but he growled. "Your grandfather will pay for insulting me before my peer! His words and his advice mean nothing. He delivered it not in person but by Off-Worlder-technology. The Elders should be ashamed to even look at a projection. A mere picture, less than a shadow! It is not tradition to do business with a shadow!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Unlike the corridors the school yard was filled with students. It was the usual din of voices but as we appeared it became silent. Lars Igvarhein a local celebrity and radio show host came over however and said with his booming voice. "It is Isegrim Olafson, whose legendary strength flows in the veins of his son!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">This seemed to please father and he stopped and also let go of my head and said."There is no other explanation indeed! Only Olafson blood carries the strength as we revere in our traditions!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Lars who looked exactly as Off-Worlders thought a Neo Viking should look: reddish blond hair, tall in stature. A square jaw with a perfectly trimmed beard, flashing blue eyes. I knew Midril swooned for him. He had arms no less impressive as these of my father and he clasped his right hand around the arm of my father. "How do you then celebrate this feat? Not to mention the credits a double kill will earn!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I realized looking at him, that my father had not thought of that, the fish belonged actually to me but that would not stop him of course. Father now actually smiled.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Celebrate? I expected nothing less. It is the hallmark of all Olafson to perform feats of strength and heroism and accept these labors as tests of the Gods! Celebration would be in order if he had died in battle and earned the right to sit in Valhalla. Instead I will send him to the Nameless Seven so he might learn humility."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Lars who smiled into some recording device behind us took my father's shoulders and turned him around. "Nilfeheim have a look, this is the face of a real Nilfeheim Warrior, Clan chief who lives our ancient ways!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Then he said to me." What are you going to do with all the money you get from this double kill?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">To avoid an even more severe trashing at home I said. "I am but one servant in the clan and whatever my father deems right."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I was not certain but there might have been a glimpse of approval in my father's face. He nodded to Lars and we went to our skimmer. It would be the first time I would fly in it.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Harkun my father's man servant sat behind the controls and wordlessly engaged the engines as soon as we were in.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father sat down in a broad leather seat in the back, carefully coiling his whip and then said to me. "You are only alive because I need you to be alive till you are sixteen, then you will accept the Inheritance of your Grandfather and give it to me. After that you are no longer welcome at the Burg."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He no longer paid any attention to me but worked the radio communicator and I heard him say "Clan leaders making peace and doing clan business in the presence of minors and those not of this world, they are despite able! However they gave me plenty of ammunition for the next Clan leader gathering."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;orphans:1">Chapter 15: Ghosts and Death

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Ghosts and Death

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">It turned out Greifen was right. The Elhir, who were the mortal enemies of the

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Olafson Clan dropped the Fangsnapper from the deck of a Cargo Floater into our

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">back yard. How this was found out, I did not know, but there was word that

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">someone did see an Elhir flyer, just moments before the Fangsnapper attack.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father went before the Elders and made the accusation since open Clan wars were

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">outlawed.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Elhir Chief countered that there was no evidence that it was them, but he

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">suggested that if a single Fangsnapper made such trouble for the Olafson Clan,

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">they would gladly train the Olafsons in real combat... Everyone expected father to

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">challenge the Elhir Chief, but he did not.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">My father had beaten me as soon as we had returned to the Burg, but the business

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">of sending boats and men to recover the Tyrannos distracted him and he left me

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">bleeding in the courtyard.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Midril had Greifen bring me into the still room where she tended to my injuries

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">with ointment and bandages. Since she had come back from the Union Hospital

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">with a brand new arm they had grown her, she often tended to my wounds despite

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">father's command that no one was supposed to show me any form of kindness.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">She had never spoken about the incident, but she took care of the little girl now

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">and she made sure I got a share of the good things that went to the Family Hall.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Two days later, a hushed rumor was spreading that a son of the Elhir clan and

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">two of his companions were found lying in front of the Gate of the Elhir Burg. It

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">was said that the companions were dead and the brother to Sigvard had been

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">beaten to within an inch of his life and had the marks of a whip all over his body.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">""

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">On our Burg, nothing changed and I counted the days until grandfather would

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">finally arrive and take me to the Halls of Hasvik.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Nilfeheim seasons never matched Old Terran Time and instead of a season,

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Earthers called Fall, it was the last year of Longnight and the ice was already

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">gone around our Burg. On our world, it was perhaps the most anticipated time,

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">when the shipwrights took off the ice slides from the keels of the fishing boats

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">and the Tyrannos really came alive and started their migration to the Uhim

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">grounds to mate and feed.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">According to our old Earth calendar, today was the Seventh of October 5011, my

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">12th birthday, but instead of celebrations, I was beaten by father right after

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">breakfast. The reason this time was that Lothar demanded to see me eat out of a

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Nubhir Wolf bowl under the table, I refused and Gretel demanded that father

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">would do something about it.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He did by pelting his steel cable across my chest and back. I could feel my blood

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">running almost like water and wondered if one could actually get used to pain. I

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">smiled, raised my hands and said "Thank you father, for killing me, now Odin

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">will receive me and I will be with mother!" The Clan Elders of Ragnarsson and of

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">the Olafsons stood and raised their fists and as I slumped to my knees I started to

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">recite the Warriors prayer, hoping the Gods would give me enough time to finish

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">it. Ancient lore promised great favor with the Gods if one died as a warrior and I

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">wanted Odin to look with favor upon my arrival.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Gods of war I call upon you..."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Kveldulf was a grizzly old but well known warrior of the Ragnarsson clan, with

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">more gray than black hair and a distant Uncle of mine. His face was tanned and

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">wrinkled by the steady glare of Solken, frosty winds and spending a lifetime

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">outside, on the oceans or on the ice. He said, "There is a Viking son without fail.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He dies, aye, but Isegrim, with his passing, you lose all rights to this Burg and my

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">oaths that bind me, shackle me no more. I will be the first to challenge thee. Let

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">us see how well you stand against a warrior with a sword!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father yelled. "Greifen, get him to the still room and dial for the Union Doctor!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">It was the last thing I heard and I hoped and prayed silently now as my eyesight

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">faded and my lips no longer wanted to move, that Greifen and the Union Doctor

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">would be too late.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I cursed the doctor, seeing his gentle face on once again rising out of the darkness

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">of oblivion. "No Ergil, cursed are thy skills and cursed is thy Off World Tech. Is

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">it my fate to remain in this world where I am not wanted?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He shook his head but his smile remained and he said to someone in the room,

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"He is well enough to insult me." To me he said. "Eric, you almost got your wish

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">but my oath prevents me from letting it happen when I can do something about it,

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">but you got to lie still until the blood replicator has completed the transfusion."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Curse all oaths and let Hel embrace me!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The other person in the room was old Kveldulf as I recognized his voice. "You

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">will survive Eric. You are strong! The Huldufolk have their eyes upon you, that is

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">certain."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"The Hidden people, the Aesir are not with me or they would spare me such a

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">father," I said.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He replied, "Warriors are not born in comfort, revenge flows out of the woeful

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">tears of the maimed and tortured, you are the Grandson of my liege and I am

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">bound as he is by oaths and the unbreakable bonds of a warrior's word. You Eric,

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">you are not!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The doctor paid little attention to what was said, checked his machine and then he

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">said. "I will send the flyer in the morning to collect the equipment. I personally

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">hope the day of Union Law coming to this cold barbaric world is soon. Then no

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">child will have to suffer such cruelty." With these words, he deactivated the

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">GalNet Avatar projection and blinked out into nothingness.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Kveldulf, arranged his Fangsnapper fur lined cloak, with a sweeping gesture of

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">his sinew bulging underarm and sat down on a stool next to the gurney I was on.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He checked the machine and tapped it with his finger. "Marvelous little thing, it

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">replaces your blood. You know you left almost all you had on the stone floors of

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">the Great Hall."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I had not intended to be there nor did I have much to say about the bleeding

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">part."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Aye a heavy load you carry, child, but there was not a dry eye nor a throat not

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">stricken with pride and guilt in that hall as you, twelve years old, smiled instead

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">of screaming and raised your arms to Odin. Oh lad! it will be told within these

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">walls for many Longnights to come."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I doubt Gretel or Lothar, or my father felt any such things and he will whip

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">anyone who dares to speak of me."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Even though, horrible is his temper and evil are his deeds, your Stepmother saw

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">her future run away with your blood. Evil can never stand against valor and it is

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">by the hand of vengeance, that this Burg will be cleansed."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I could not stop him from killing my mother and I can do nothing against him, I

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">am weak!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He put his strong hand on my arm. "Today on far distant earth they would

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">celebrate your birthday, but we are Norse. We are Vikings we do not celebrate the

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">day we are born. Nay we celebrate the day we receive our name. I was there when

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">you received yours."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I looked away. "I wish I was never born, then, mother would not have died

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">protecting me."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Your mother wanted you. She wanted nothing more on this world than you; her

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">fate was sealed when the pact of the Clan chiefs was made. One kept quiet about

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">the failings of his son and the other was blind to the signs and warnings given."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"But your name day, it was a grand day. The entire Burg was decked out in

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Olafson red and Ragnarsson black. A son, a first son was born into the world. The

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Conjurers and Seers that travel from Burg to Burg to cast the runes and see the

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">signs, they all came. Clan lords from as far as the Green Eastern Sea came. The

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Lord Keeper of Hasvik itself made the trip from the Halls of the Faceless Seven.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">All the Elders even the Eldest of them all came, for your grandfather is a mighty

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">man and the Ragnarsson Falcon is a standard feared and awed. "

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"You, Eric, are the one combining the blood of ancient Clans. One of which, must

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">fade into oblivion as no male heir is left, but it will not die, as you hold the power

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">to resurrect the Ragnarssons once you have sons and decide to break the Seal and

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">raise the Falcon standard once more."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Do you know, it was the Eldest, whom they say is a Wizard of great age and

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">powers beyond those of men, who took the Cup that was called Blotbolli? A cup,

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">made of the skull of a long vanquished foe, filled with fresh blood of a Tyranno

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">slain and doused you with it, then your name was spoken by the Elders, by the

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Keepers and all who were present and they raised the name Eric with mighty

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">bellows to the rafters of the High Hall."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">As he spoke, the old man raised his right hand against the vaulted ceiling, "Eric

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Thor Olafson, the Keeper of Hasvik himself, insisted your middle name is of the

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">mightiest of all Aesir. It was Alrik Eric Olafson, who was the first of thy clan to

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">set foot on this world. It was Erik Thorsten, who did so for the Ragnarssons. Erik

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Gustav is thy Grandfather's name and now it is your name."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He clenched his fist with a fierce proud glare in his bearded face, "The Eternal

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Seer, the Hermit of the Pillar himself came to your crib. They say he is a

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Necromancer, a Wizard who knows secrets not of this world. Secrets not

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">understood by all the science of the Union. He threw the rune stones for you and

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">explained to all that the name Eric is of Scandinavian origin, an old name from

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Earth and the meaning of Eric is 'ruler of all'. It is also of Old English origin,

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">where its meaning is 'eternal ruler.' The Old Seer said that the runes told him that

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">you would make the meaning of your name come true!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I listened to the tale of the old man and I did enjoy these old stories, but I was

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">certain it was just that, stories and nothing more. The Blood machine was not

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">done and neither was he.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"In the Great Hall it was when your father held you high above his head and

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">yelled 'Behold my Son!' there were many axes and swords lifted in thy honor.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Then, like the Queen of Nilfeheim itself, your mother came down the stairs, her

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">hair as golden as the sun, in a dress fit for the Elfenkind. With her, was your

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">grandfather and he proclaimed his sacred vow, that all that is Ragnarsson on this

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">world and all worlds beyond the skies shall be yours on the day you are a man."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I turned so he would not see my tears, I missed her so much. I whispered, "Why

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">has it turned out like this?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Because evil stalks this rock, evil disguised in red satin and velvet, using

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">witchcraft and trickery that is not of Nilfeheim, for nothing else can turn a man

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">such as your father into the lackey of a woman, Eric." He patted my shoulder.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Now it is time you find some rest."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">""

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">It was only a few days after that, when I came home from school, there was a big

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">crowd in the yard of our Burg, men stood around a bier propped up and on it lay

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">the body of Old Kveldulf. Greifen pulled me back into the shadow overhang of

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">the kitchen wall and whispered. "Don't be seen now!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"What happened?" I gasped.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"They say he fell on the steep stairs to the Sub Den and broke his neck, just as the

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Old chief, Volund Olafson did."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I heard father's strong voice. "Throw him to the fishes, he dared to speak against

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">me on my table and now he has robbed me of the chance to teach him a lesson."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He made a vulgar gesture. "Let Hel take care of him now. There is much work to

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">do so get to it!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Even from where I was standing, I could see his smug grin and the triumphant

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">glare of his eyes. I was only 12, but I was convinced Kveldulf did not die of an

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">accident. However, I heeded Greifen's advice and slipped into the under crofts

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">and hid in the deep old basements for the rest of the day.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">""

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Death was not done and Hel still had her hand over the Burg, because, the very

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">next day, Geirhild, one of the Free women working in the Tanneries, threw

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">herself off the Northern ramparts, where the Duro Crete and rock walls of our

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Burg clung to the very edge of the sheer cliffs. Nobody told me why she did it.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Midril said this was something I should better not know, yet, I heard one of the

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">kitchen helpers whisper that she saw Harkun, my father's manservant with her on

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">that wall, just before she jumped.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">When they carried her broken body in, through the gate, I decided to do the same.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I would throw myself over the wall. It was quick and no Union Doctor could do

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">anything. Even though our teacher said they could bring the dead back to life,

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">strict laws prohibited that. I'd had enough of the beatings and the humiliation. It

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">was fast and I would be in the land of Hel where mother was and perhaps she

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">even waited for me.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">So, long after midnight when everyone, even the gate man was asleep, I rushed

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">across the yard, climbed the solid Duro Crete steps and pulled myself up between

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">the battlements.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Nilfeheim had no moons unlike I had learned other worlds had, but we had a

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">beautiful star filled sky. The stars above me twinkled and Earthers had called

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">them the Pleiades, of which Solken our own star was one. This region of space

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">was more commonly known as the Xunx reach. Of course there weren't any Xunx

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">left today, and the next day would come with one Neo Viking less. Almost 120

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">meters below, dark waves smashed into the rugged teeth like rocks and turned

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">into white foaming surf.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Thor and Odin, you have forsaken me, punished my mother and cursed me with

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">a father who hates me more than anything in the world. I know you hate cowards

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">but I am not strong enough. Today, he killed the Nubhir puppy Greifen had given

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">to me this morning. He stomped the little animal to a gory pulp and made me

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">clean it up. He promised he would do the same to me as soon as I turn sixteen.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">What can I do against that?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">There was of course no answer, the Gods were too busy drinking and celebrating

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">to notice the perils of a Viking boy. I jumped, but I did not fall! A leather clad

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">hand held me by the collar and pulled me back.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">A shadowy figure, a hooded cloak around his shape said to me. "Who will avenge

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">your mother if you kill yourself? You must endure and grow and learn to fight

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">and then kill Isegrim and cleanse this Burg from all its filth."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Who are you?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"It matters not, Eric. I cannot reveal myself to you for now, but if you will come

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">to me every night, I will teach you the way of the sword and how to fight. Find

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">me in the lowest basement, where the old hidden passage ends. "

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The shadowy figure let me go and stepped back without making a sound melting

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">into the truly black shadows of the battlements. I stepped forward, still at the edge

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">of my nerves, my mind still reeling from the death decision I had made only

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">moments ago, yet there was no one. Did I just dream?

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The very next night, I sneaked down past the under croft and storage basements,

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">deep into the rough hewn narrow and completely dark passageway that was

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">chiseled out of the rock during the first Clan wars, almost a thousand years in the

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">past. It was never completed and ended in a little cavern like room, no one but me

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">would come down here during the day, and certainly, no one would be here at this

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">hour.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I was certain I had imagined it and was just a coward too afraid to end it, yet, as I

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">reached the cavern a voice said, "I will not talk about anything except to teach

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">you how to fight and you will never ask me any questions. If you do, I won't

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">come back. Do you want me to teach you?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Yes!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">A grinding sandy sound as if stone was moved over stone occurred and I could

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">feel a soft breeze of wind. Something pulled on my mangy Fangsnapper fur cape

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">and then lights came on, artificial Lumi plates bolted or glued to a rough ceiling.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The cavern room was spacious and there were swords and blaster weapons in

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">racks on the walls, which from the looks of it, had not been moved or touched in

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">a thousand years, caked with a thick layer of dust. There was a bench, a table

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">made of Dura Plast of all things and a stack of similar old looking crates at one

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">end.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The man in the black hooded cape seemed to have some sort of mask underneath

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">it, as I could see nothing but black underneath. The man was at least as tall as my

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">father, but had the muscles of a peak athlete underneath black leather and fabric.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He made a gesture across the room. "Yes Eric, the Ragnarssons were among the

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">most vicious pirates back in the days and this is what is left from their spoils. This

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">room and that past, have long been forgotten by all but those of true Ragnarsson

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">blood. Now strip your upper body free of garments and take that Bokken over

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">there."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I take what?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"This is how a wooden Training sword is called at some other corners of the

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Universe. Just take it!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I simply called him teacher and from that night on, he trained with me every night

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">for at least 4 hours. When I was done I was so tired, I had no energy left to

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">dream... Some of the things he made me do were strange and odd, something he

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">called pushups and gymnastics. I didn't really think it had anything to do with

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">fighting but I did it anyway. Of course, I wondered who he was, and I figured he

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">was someone like old Kveldulf.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">While we trained, he told me many things of the Ragnarsson Clan, but he had an

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">odd way of speaking. He did speak the standard union like we all did, but on

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Nilfeheim we still used many of the old worlds and when speaking on any official

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">business we made sure we talked the "old" way. We pronounced the 'r' much

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">stronger and had more 'n' sounds. I knew all this from our Union School teacher

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">who always tried to make us speak the proper Union way. My mysterious teacher,

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">however, spoke just like our Union teacher, the proper Union Lingu and while he

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">knew a lot about Viking ways and words, he never really used any of the old

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">words.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Then after many weeks, I climbed down to the forgotten pirate hideout and

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">tonight he made me fight him with a real broad sword for almost an hour. He then

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">stepped back and said. "The Union year is soon ending and with it comes Union

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Week celebrations and the end of this school year. You have learned much

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">indeed, I wish I could teach you more but I must leave. Your Grandfather is soon

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">to arrive, when he is here, I must not be, but the day you become Chief, I will

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">reveal myself to you. Until then, tell no one of me, no one, not even him."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"You commanded me never to ask questions and even though they burn on my

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">lips, I have not, but I am far from the warrior I need to be to face my father."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I promised someone who loves you very much to teach you the craft of war and

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">skills of fighting. No worries, Eric, I have opened your eyes to the way of the

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">sword and I am certain you will find others to teach you. We will meet again and

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">then I will tell you who I am."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He took my hand squeezed it and then without another word left. I rushed after

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">him through the secret rock wall door but the narrow stairwell was empty.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">""

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Only two days had passed since my mysterious teacher had left.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Greifen sat in the Kitchen nursing a tankard of warmed ale with a generous

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">helping of Midril's secret herbs and spices that she gave to those who got the cold.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Judging by his bright red nose and the numb voice, Greifen was very sick or

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">perhaps had a tankard too much.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I was there as well, sitting in a corner scrubbing the big kettle, because it was

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Wednesday and Midril would make Fin Stew.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Greifen snorted like a pregnant Fangsnapper into a huge kerchief and with a

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">suffering expression and Nubhir puppy eyes stared at Midril. "Only I catch a cold

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">in Shortsummer. Those Northern winds are really stubborn this season, seems the

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Frost giants are not giving up as easily this Shortsummer."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">She stemmed her left arm into her wide hips and shook her ever present wooden

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">spoon at Greifen. "It's not the weather that has made you sick. You were drinking

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">with the Peerson fishers till the wee hours and one of them had the cold and

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">infected you."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Oh I am sure it was the wind and I am certain I'll feel better soon with another

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">helping of your good herbs with a bit of that good ale."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Midril snickered, "Alright, I'll fix you up." He got another tankard and took a

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">deep drought. His face turned as if he had bitten into a rotten fish, but his red nose

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">turned color almost instantly back to normal.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"What in Loki's name was that? This was not ale with herbs."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"It was hot water with two anti cold pills and a Tox Neutralizer floating in it.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Traditional herbs won't cure a cold. The meds from the Union Clinic, however,

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">will."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He looked sober, bright, alert, completely flabbergasted and a tad angry. "That

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">was a rotten thing to do Midril. I was just about in the prefect zone and now I've

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">got to start again."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Go peel the seaweed stems and I'll get you another tankard."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">She plopped a big tray with thick ten inch long seaweed stems before him and

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">handed him a peeler. Once the tough outer skin was removed, the soft mushy

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">inside could be cooked and squished.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He immediately started and then pointed the peeler at me. "It's a shame how our

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Old Sire treats his first born!" Greifen gave her a thankful nod as she put a

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">tankard of ale next to the tray.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">To me she said. "Eric, leave the kettle it's clean enough, go get some fresh air."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I pushed the clean kettle to its spot and left the kitchen. To make sure no one

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">would catch me idle and give me another, usually bad chore. I went outside

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">beyond the walls.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Except for the small, leveled gravel area right outside the gate, where floaters

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">could land, the rest of the island consisted of sheer cliffs and titanic ragged

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">boulders. Climbing down the south side, right past Olle's Tooth, a particular tall

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">and rugged rock, said to resemble the rotten tooth of one of my forefathers, there

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">was a small, perhaps twelve meter deep and twenty meters wide pebble beach

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">known by the Clan as Sigrid's Secret.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">It was well hidden from sight on each side by tall cliffs and an overhang from

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">above. It was one of my favorite spots.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Legend had it that the first Ragnarsson family landed here claiming this rock.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Another story told about Sten Ragnarsson, who had killed himself here about 500

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">years ago and that one could still hear his screaming as he lamented his

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">dishonorable death. Ingibjorg Ragnarsson, his daughter, supposedly buried a

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">tremendous treasure here. Of course, no one believed that. Where on Nilfeheim,

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">would a woman gain a treasure? All her possessions were her dowry and it was

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">given to her husband. She too was said to haunt these cliffs as her spirit was

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">searching for whatever baubles she had lost.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">As isolated as Nilfeheim tried to remain from the rest of the Union, we were part

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">of a technological advanced culture, yet, many Neo Vikings believed in the

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">supernatural and stories of the Gods and tales of haunting and ghosts were never

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">far from our mind and lips. Midril claimed to have seen ghosts before. When I

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">was younger I believed her when she told about the one legged Gunghir

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Ragnarsson, who supposedly haunted the storage cellar but now I was convinced,

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">it was a mere tale to keep me and the other kids from the pickled fish barrels.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I sat down and watched a pair of Toe Pincher crabs as they scurried over the dark

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">pebbles and enjoyed the wind and the weather. I would have loved to go for a

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">dive but I did not bring my wet suit or fins. I didn't want to go back all across the

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">yard to get it as there was a good chance, I would run into Bjorgolf the Yard

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Master who tended the subs and hunting gear of the clan.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">That fat bastard was a favorite of my father and enjoyed giving me lots to do so

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">he did not have to do it. Father had given him explicit permission to beat me

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">anytime my work was not as expected. He always found something wrong and a

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">reason to use his heavy leather belt to thrash me.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Even though my father had moved the Olafson Clan, this rock was still known as

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Ragnarsson Isle and had been the traditional home of the Ragnarsson Clan ever

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">since Nilfeheim was settled by Terran Colonists. Now during Shortsummer and

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">on a clear day I could see the Oseberg Island from my tower window. It was

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">where the Osebergs had their Burg, but down here, all I saw were the churning

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">ocean waves. The Osebergs were mortal enemies of the Ragnarsson Clan and

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">until about 500 years ago, there was open war between these clans. It was still

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">forbidden to even speak the name Oseberg within these walls. Many of the older

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Clans, including my father lamented the fact that piracy, clan wars and the raids

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">on other Burgs were no longer permitted. He often claimed that he would rather

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">take the wealth of another clan by axe and sword than by fishing, working and

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">marriage, as he put it. That this was only empty bravado was apparent even to me,

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">as he did not openly challenge the Elhir Chief. Using a whip in a Challenge was

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">only permitted if the opponent would also choose it, going against a man as wild

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">and strong as the Elhir Chief and a master of sword and axe was something

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">completely different than beating unarmed servants.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I was watching two crabs fighting over a dead Silver Flicker Fish; it probably

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">went too close to the surge as the waves broke against the cliffs and got smacked

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">too hard against the rock. Almost too late, I heard footsteps in the gravel and

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">more out of instinct I ducked, still something hit me pretty hard on the head. I

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">jumped back and turned to see Lothar, my half brother brandishing a wooden

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">practice sword. He was only ten but had inherited all the Olafson bulk and was

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">almost my equal in terms of strength and body size. His eyes sparkled with

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">delight as he laughed and screamed. "I made you bleed, I will tell father!" He

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">played with his sword making its tip circle before my face. "I could also kill you

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">right now and there is nothing you can do. Raise your hand against me and I tell

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">father and he will break you."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I've had it with you and your arrogance! I am sick and tired of your petty games.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">This is Ragnarsson Rock and you and that father of ours are here by the grace of

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">my grandfather and my mother!" I stepped inside his reach, twisted his wrist with

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">my left and smacked my fist as hard as I could right into his blabbering smiling

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">mouth. I could feel something break as my fist connected, he was flung back;

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">stumbled and fell. For some reason, time seemed to slow down as I watched him

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">fall, the back of his head hitting one of the bigger rocks. He didn't move or make

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">any sound as he lay there and I was certain I had killed him! I spat out and said.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Go tell that to father!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The realization of what I had done hit me the very same moment. Fear and guilt

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">made it impossible to even think one coherent thought. He stirred and opened his

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">eyes, he was not dead! A voice in me urged me to finish him off, the crabs would

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">make short work of his remains and the surge would take whatever was left. He

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">would simply be missing and one problem of my life would be solved! He

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">deserved to die! He was the son of a woman who replaced my mother! The

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">woman was the reason my father had killed her in the first place! I was the

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">rightful heir not he!

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed movement. Four men, wearing dark

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">wetsuits and armed with spear guns and swords waded ashore, two of them

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">dragging a limp body of a man between them. While the man they dragged

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">ashore, had his head slumped down so I could not see his face, I recognized one

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">of the men, Hilfheim, the brother to Leif Elhir and the man Greifen had beaten in

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">a brawl.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The situation was instantly clear, the Elhir had retaliated and whoever they were

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">dragging between them wearing Olafson red was the latest victim in the

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">escalating feud. They had of course seen me and Hilfheim barked. "What a

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">fortune, now our revenge will have more meaning, the Loki cursed spawn of the

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Olafson coward."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Not that I would have minded them to beat up my father and not that I had any

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">chance against four armed men, I was still Olafson and they had invaded our

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">rock. They were perhaps the same who dropped the Fangsnapper. "Four men

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">against an unarmed boy? It appears the Elhir have defined cowardice to new

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">perfection."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Hilfheim threw his sword. "Here take this sword, so you are armed." He gestured

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">at one of his companions. "Gansbaf, go teach that whelp a lesson."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I knew of Gansbaf, he was only three years older than me, I had seen him at

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">school a few times when he talked to Sigvard. He was a cousin or something like

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">that and was more man than boy. He had the bulk and muscles of a full grown

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">warrior.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I grabbed the sword and rushed forward, while I was still an amateur when it

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">came to fighting, the sword felt good and like an extension of my arm. Gansbaf

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">swung his sword in a wide arc as soon as I was in range. It was about as clumsy

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">as an opening attack could be, instead of using my sword to block the swing, I

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">ducked, felt the sharp steel parting the air close over my head and then as the

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">blade was past I hacked my weapon deep into his shoulder.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I saw a spray of blood and heard Gansbaf screaming. I also heard voices of alarm

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">up from the Burg. Then something hit me hard against the head and everything

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">went dark.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;orphans:1">Chapter 16: Clan Feud

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Clan Feud

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I could not have been out for very long, as I could hear the yells and shouts of alarm from our rock while I was tossed onto a hard surface.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The wild and angry face of Hilfheim was the first thing that came into focus as my blurred vision subsided. He was bent over me."Don't move Olafson scum!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I did anyway by kicking him as hard as I could between the legs, whatever I was on moved, my kick and the moving floor made Hilfheim stumble back, while it gave me a precious few moments to orient myself.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I was on the deck of a boat, from the looks of it a sixty footer with harpoon gun and a wheel house.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Two of the other men tended to the wounded Gansbaf.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Not giving them any time to react I catapulted myself forward and hit Hilfheim with a shoulder tackle. The man still fighting the most likely unpleasant sensations caused by my kick in that quite sensitive region, was a full grown Nilfeheim viking, but perhaps the rolling deck added to the momentum of my rage filled attack. Hilfheim went overboard.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">In all this madness that had given me no chance to really think, I had to laugh, but the other two men had dropped their wounded friend and what they would do next was not hard to guess.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Whatever possessed me not to jump over board myself was certainly not the smartest thing to do, but I ran and with four or five strides I reached the Harpoon gun swung it around. It was the same model as our boats used. While I never was along fishing, I had scrubbed decks and greased the mechanical parts of these guns. Left lever down floated the magnetic rails. It took only a heart beat and the light became green.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The two men were close, but not close enough to prevent me from pointing the razor sharp point of the barbed harpoon at one of them. "Come closer and I spit one of you."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">They stopped. At this range I could not miss and the slightest turn was enough to line it up with either one.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">They weren't the only ones. More men scrambled out of the wheel house at the rear armed with harpoon guns as well.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I fired.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The men threw themselves on the deck, while the harpoon designed to kill a Tyranno smacked into the wheel house right where I suspected the rudder control was.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The projectile had an explosive tip and whatever it struck made the boat shudder and change course in a steep angle. Only now, I noticed that we were going at full speed.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Such a drastic course change at full speed tilted the deck and to my delight tossed two more men right over board, and made the rest come to their feet, tumble and slide, unable to bring their weapons to bear. I did not fare much better, but was able to hold onto the gun shoulder supports.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The boat had lost steering and was still making a steep turn.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Holding onto the line the harpoon had trailed to the wheel house, I balanced over the still steep tilting deck.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">One of the men managed to shoot his spear gun, but the shaft missed me by a good meter...

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">A tackle block that had come loose from somewhere slid over the deck. I snatched it up. The thing was used to guide rope or cable over a set of wheels, as part of a hoist.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">It was made of metal and had a length of rope, tangled up in it.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">One of the men had managed to lunge forward and grab my legs, while he was raising a fighting knife to stab me.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">More out of instinct than any other reason I swung the tackle block and smashed it across his head. The thing turned out to be a devastating weapon in close combat, his helmet flew and with it blood and teeth.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Now I heard magnified voices, and turned to look. A second fishing boat was close by and a man with a megaphone leaning over the railing shouted." Cut the engine or you going to plow into the keel rippers."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">One of the Elhir men rushed to the wheel house, struggled as fast as he could up the short ladder and disappeared into the smoke belching steering compartment. Moments later the tilting deck righted itself and we lost speed fast. It was too late.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">With an ear piercing sound of tearing metal and a harsh jolt that made me hold onto the harpoon line and almost lose my improvised weapon; the boat had hit something.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">There were still five Elhir men, including the one in the wheel house. Four of them now had their swords drawn and came rushing close.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">There was no talking, no chance of stopping them, their faces pure rage. For some strange reason I was not afraid, "Come ye, I am but a boy and stand firm against Elhir cowardice. I will die before I surrender!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Halt!" The booming voice from before commanded.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Elhir men stopped, not because of me swinging the tackle block but because of the armed men that swung over the side and because of a man in the robe and furs of an Elder. Against the wind he yelled. "Men of Elhir, stand down or ye shall answer before the Circle of Elders. A clan feud ends and becomes a war when abduction is committed."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">One of the Elhir protested. "What recourse do we have if the Olafson cowards whip our sons, in the cover of night and masked like cowards?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"The recourse of challenge! Let the Elhir chief challenge the Chief of the Olafsons. However we witnessed unwavering courage, the hallmark of a true Norse in this young Olafson."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">To me the Elder said. "vestu heil ok sæl- Hail the young warrior!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">More men came on deck.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Now I could see their colors. It was a boat of the Holmquist Clan. Staunch allies of the Ragnarsson Clan.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Elder said. "This is now a matter of the Elders and the Chiefs of Nilfeheim. You Eric of Nilfeheim however will be remembered as warrior born."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"One of the Holmquist men said. "We must evacuate this boat, it is sinking fast."

<p style="orphans:1">–

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Elhir boat did not sink. The men managed to patch it with emergency foam and the Holmquist boat was towing it to the Burg.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I was certain almost everyone was up now as I saw the crowd waiting, in the center of course the frightening shape of my big father. The Holmquists had used Nilfeheim Radio to call ahead.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">As we came ashore, father did not even look at me, as he clasped underarms with the Elder "Honored Goði, my Isle is blessed with thy presence. Has this failure I must call my son, caused any problems? I shall of course punish him and lay open his hide."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Your hatred of your own son has even reached the Elders, your Son has bestowed great honor upon the name Olafson today.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Despite his youth he stood against warriors, fought a warrior with a sword and by our laws captured a boat. The details of this clan feud are now subject to the Circle of Elders. Unless you want to settle this manner by an open challenge."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Nay, I would have lauded the Elhir for exterminating this failure. Their attack was against the Ragnarsson Rock. I wager once its still distant lord returns such a challenge is uttered."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"By slaying two Tyrannos and facing warriors like a true Viking, your son has earned the right to wear the helmet of a warrior. Do you object to this tradition, Isegrim of the Olafsons?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"How I raise my sons is not the concern of anyone, not even that of the Elders. Lothar is my true heir and this cretin has outlived his usefulness when he turns 16 and inherits. He sneaked out of the burg without my permission and will receive his punishment."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The elder stepped back. "The Elders concern themselves with all matters of tradition as they are our laws. Have you indeed declared Lothar your heir in front of me and Clan chiefs? We could declare Eric adult today, after slaying Tyrannos and fighting like a warrior born. You do know what this means, right?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">It was clear that Father realized what he was about to do and said.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I will forgo any punishment and allow him to wear the Helmet. Eric is my first born until Lothar challenges and kills him."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Elder gave father a long look. "You realize that all this will reach the ear of Erik Gustav Ragnarsson."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father gasped and his hand dropped to his whip.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"What business is it for Elders to gossip to those who hide themselves on other worlds? There is no need to involve his Grandfather. He did well and as expected." The Holmquists Clan leader said. "We were on our way to bring this Elder to our rock and witnessed your son's deeds. Eric may come to our shores at any time. He will be welcome with highest honors."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"You, Isegrim took on the ring of the Clan Chief. Now this feud between Olafson and Ehir cannot escalate any further. We Elders have called for all Clan chiefs to attend a meeting at the Thing and your presence is required."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"It was the Elhir who snatched my weak son and wounded my beloved Lothar. What business do I have before the Elders?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"The business of a Clan Chief. You are hereby summoned to appear before the Elders. You and the Elhir are to come before us tonight."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">-""-

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father had dragged me by the hair, all the way to the High Halls. I was steeling myself for the worst.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He had not spoken a single word, but we weren't alone, many of the Clans warriors had followed us.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">With an air of importance and dressed in a deep red gown, Gretel appeared with her hands stemmed in her hips. "What is the meaning of all this? Why are you dragging that thing into our Halls?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"These are matters of war and clan feud and not the realm of women. I am summoned before the Elders and so is Eric."

<p style="orphans:1">–

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">My mind was still reeling from the unusual events. I could not decide what I should make of it all, but this was the first time at least since I could remember that I was recognized as a member of the Clan.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I was sitting across from Father in our Volvo flyer. He was flanked by Gerhard, an Olafson warrior I knew little about and the always silent Orkimg, wearing Ragnarsson black.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Greifen had helped me get dressed, and again for the first time I wore Olafson red and a real leather tunic.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father clenched his fist and then said. "You will not speak, not open your mouth unless I say so and don't have any hope. Your thrashing is only postponed. Once this is over I will break every bone and tan your miserable hide. I need you alive, but it matters not if you see your sixteenth birthday as a cripple."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Orking resting his hands on the handle of a battle axe grunted with a smile. "Who knows what the day will bring, Sire. The Elders also summoned the Elhir Chief, and Challenges might be spoken."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father reached for his whip. "Then I add what is Elhir to what is mine."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">His voice was strong and matter of fact, but I could see his bluster and boast did not reach his eyes.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Gerhard tugged on his leather gauntlets. "The eyes of Nilfeheim will follow what transpires on the Isle of the Elders, Sire. The Olafsons do not have a voce among the Elders. Your son however does."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father looked at me. "This is why you are here."

<p style="orphans:1">–

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Isle of the Elders was located near the Uhim grounds, a good two thousand klicks from our burg.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I had never been here before and knew very little about this region, other than it was always ice free, and the hunting ground for Tyrannos.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Our flyer had landed before a burg like complex and the first thing I noticed were the many flyers and boats. I recognized many of the colors and heralds, from the looks of it most Clans were represented.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I was told to follow and trailed behind. I contemplated running and hiding. Maybe I could find shelter among the Clans of the East, and I was starting to look for an opportunity to make my idea a reality, but with Gerhard right behind me none was representing itself.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">We entered a large hall through an open double door. The ceiling was at least twenty meters above us.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I counted twenty four white robed Elders sitting on an elevated semi circle of chairs.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Behind them on an even further elevated tier eleven more, only one seat, the one in the middle was empty.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Before that elevated assembly stood Leif Elhir, accompanied by several warriors of his clan.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">To the each side of the hall were Clan chiefs and warriors standing there with serious faces, decked out in fur, leather, helmets and weapons.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Not even a Nubhir puppy would have found a gap to escape. I silently prayed to Odin to let this be over with and stay cursed Lokis hand who was without doubt responsible for getting me into situations like this.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">One of the Elders got up from his seat and his voice silenced the whispered conversations that emanated from all the ones present.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Now that Isegrim of the Olafson clan is here, let us begin."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Elder waited a moment and then continued, "We have summoned the Chiefs of the Elhir and the Olafson Clan before the Circle as this clan feud of theirs is escalating fast and since each clan has allies and friends, this has the makings of a new War of Clans."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Old man's voice rose in intensity and volume. "The last Clan War has brought weapons and evil from the other worlds and escalated fast to a point where the very existence of all Nilfeheim was in jeopardy. You all know what happened to the Uhim clan and its burg. This is why all Clans; new and old ones, West and East have agreed that we no longer fight Clan wars.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">We Neo Vikings are too stubborn, too violent and we know no boundaries once our anger is raised, to be allowed to fight war against each other." Many of the men present nodded to these words.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"That we are not a peaceful lot is evident in our history even before we left distant Earth so long ago and that Clan feuds are part of our traditions no one denies, but there must be a limit."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He pointed his finger at the Elhir chief. "Your clan is mighty and many clans will heed thy call, as there are old oaths. It is not a well kept secret that the Elhir eye with worry to the North, as the Olafson Clan is becoming one with the Ragnarsson Clan.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">And no one with eyes and ears knows of thy poison and temper Isegrim of the Olafsons. Who of you has started it, or if it was a boiling condition that has existed before you took on the mantles of clan chiefs, is not the subject of this summons. The potential that it grows out of control however is.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The abduction of clan members, violence and murder in the guise of masks and wee hours is not our way and must cease. Now you may utter challenges, you may draw arms in the open and defend honor and clan."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Elders rose from their seats and crossed their arms.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The old man that had spoken nodded and continued. "Be warned, both of you. Bring your grief into the open, attack in the open, but cease all this cowardly business or your clans shall be judged and you expelled from the assembly of chiefs."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Elhir chief spoke first. "I found my own son beaten to within an inch of his life and two freemen murdered before the gates of my burg. Yet I have not given my son Hilfheim permission to attack the Ragnarasson rock or the minions of this cowardly steward. I acknowledge the council of the Elders and declare to abide." Father was next. "Cowards dropped a raging beast in our court yard, causing damage before my son dispatched the Fangsnapper. Cowards landed on our shores bringing a beaten and wounded warrior and to cause whatever mayhem they planned and have been soundly beaten by the least and weakest of my clan. I do not fear open conflict and welcome it. So I too acknowledge the Elders and abide by their council."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The old man that had spoken brushed over his beard. "Now do you want to settle this like chiefs? There is the question of the boat for one."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Elhir chief gestured to me. "Hilfheim has acted without my consent or knowledge. The son of Isegrim has fought well and by our traditions the boat is his. However it is known that the Clan Chief of the Olafsons shuns his first born and favors others. Declare him a warrior and I shall welcome him in my clan. There is no shame in acknowledging valor even from an enemies son."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The elder said. "True words have been spoken, Isegrim of the Olafsons. What sayest you?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I have declared him my first born upon the Altar of Odin, I do not pamper my son and raise him as I see fit. That my way is the right one, is evident."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Elhir chief and father kept bickering and calling each other names, but neither man went as far as actually challenge the other. It appeared neither man was to certain about their own prowess.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">But I was more than surprised by the Elhir's offer and of course my father's admission that I was indeed his first born.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The grand affair was actually fizzling out into another hour of empty threats and speeches.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">In all this I was not asked anything and after the last words had been spoken, we went back to the flyer. The on looking chiefs clearly disappointed at not seeing the two men fight.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">On our way back Father seemed pleased and he said to the men. "Take the whelp back to the rock. I have business to attend to and tow the boat to the Xchange."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;orphans:1">Chapter 17: Secrets

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1"> Secrets

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The next day of school was different. The news of the escalated clan feud had spread fast.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Even the older kids in the school flyer came up to me and wanted to know every detail. Dietmar looked especially pleased." You know they interviewed me for Nilfeheim Radio? They wanted to know how you are and all that! I think it is time you graduate to assistant pilot!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Dietmar pointed at the always empty Control seat next to him and explained to me the controls, there weren't that many and most of the flying was done by the on board Computronic but since Nilfeheim did not have a central controlled traffic net, operators were still required. I learned that the school flyer was a Leyland CF 65 (Commuter Flyer) and already 200 years old. He told me full of pride that he also was the maintenance technician and actually worked at the Leyland Main Factory on Sumner Planet for over 15 years after he left Nilfeheim as a Stowaway on an Agra product freighter."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">After we landed at the school yard there was much nodding and signs of respect by other boys. Yngve waiting next to the entrance was not alone this time, both Annar and Gunnar stood behind him with their arms crossed before their chests. Yngve actually smiled and thumbed across his shoulders. "Meet my personal body guard."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Annar nodded towards me and Gunnar said." Your father declared clan feud against our clan and by tradition we cannot be friends and we are not supposed to talk to you but you saved my life and I won't forget that. My father said it will be okay if we treat you with respect. Even an enemy can be respected according to tradition!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I shrugged." That's a definite improvement from the past and I take that gladly!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Yngve reached into my shirt pocket without asking and swiped his PDD against mine." I bet you forgot the assignment Mr. Walters gave us yesterday. I wrote yours as well and tried as good as I could to emulate your limited knowledge."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I frowned at him." You are the only one who can insult me and I know you had no intention doing so and actually mean it well!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">As we found our seats he thought for a second and then blushed." I am sorry. I analyzed my statement and now realize how it sounded!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sigvard also came in and took his seat. His face was badly swollen and I saw the clear signs of a broken jaw. He must have been beaten by his father. He glared at me only for an instant and then looked away. I knew there and without a doubt he was looking to kill me.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Mr. Walters was on time as usual and looked us over." Mr. Olafson and Mr. Elhir you report to the School nurse and are back here as soon as possible. I will contact the nurse to see when you are done. Should either of you even so much as raise a fist against the other, be prepared to face trouble you could not even dream about in your worst night mares."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I was not sure why he wanted me at the Nurses office, but there was no sense arguing with Mr. Walters.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">We walked side by side down the corridor and I had the distinct feeling of being watched. Sigvard kept staring straight ahead but hissed from between clenched teeth." You better hide in your burg for the rest of your life! Leave that burg and I am there to kill you!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I hissed back." Just have the guts and challenge me and I'll be there, not that Gunnar will leave much behind after he is done with you!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Gunnar dies and so will you!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">We reached the nurses office. She scanned Sigvard first." Broken jaw, broken ribs, scratched lungs, Testicular torsion, torn ligaments and a severe head trauma. Why did you not come in yesterday to be treated?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sigvard hissed his answer." Because my father worked me over after this Nubhir snatcher attacked me!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I will keep you here for a while, till the doctor has time for you." She took him to the adjoining room and had him lay down. The doctor of the Hospital in town formed as a Holo almost right away, the Nurse closed the door and scanned me." Uh, that is a nasty cut Mr. Olafson, it's already infected! We had better Re-gen that part of your skin, it seems the Derma-Patcher has your name written on it as much as I use it on you!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">As I saw myself in the mirror I saw my shirt was blood soaked. The bandage I had applied to my chest had come loose.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father of course had beaten me after he had returned from the exchange. Not that he had ever needed a reason for that, but he claimed that the damage to the boat was substantial and he did not get the money he hoped to gain from the sale.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I am sorry Nurse Olga, I ran out of adhesive bandaging last night and I was not permitted into the kitchen to get more."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">She sighed as she applied the Derma Patch, thousands of medical nanites repairing the cut by weaving new tissue, replicating mine exactly down to the molecule. The entire process took less than ten minutes and the only sensation was as if hundreds of fingers were circling around my chest.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Nurse said." I want you to stay so the doctor can look you over, just to make sure I didn't miss anything."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The doctor's projection declared me fit but I had missed most of the morning class. Mr. Walter collected the reports and told me he had added the missed class to my download.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Yngve and I went topside to enjoy the wind and the clear sunny weather as we did every day since Shortsummer started ... Climbing on top of it was our favorite spot; it was not far from where I had fought Sigvard.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Here we were away from the others and their teasing, not that they were teasing us today. The wind was blowing hard but the air was not cold and I spread my arms into the gale and felt it tuck at my sleeves." Don't you want to fly sometimes like Loki did when he had Freya's feathered cloak?" I had to almost yell my question and Yngve shrugged." Not really. Those Norse God myths never did hold my attention much. Besides if you want to fly' all you have to do is order a flight belt from Techno Shack. They come complete with Anti grav and propulsion units."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Do you remember who you are talking to? It's me Eric. No GalNet at home, the no allowance and no tech Eric!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I bet a bunch of Union marines in heavy destroyer suits and armed with TKU's would take all Asgard apart, stuff Thor's hammer deep in his behind and shave Odin's beard before chow time."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I stared at him." You'd better never let anyone hear what you just said."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Did you see Pluribus? Did you see how insignificant Nilfeheim is? I am going to leave this planet as soon as I can. I piss on the opinion of the Elders."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Wow you sound quite angry today. It isn't like you at all!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Yngve shoved his hands into his pockets and his face relaxed and he said." I am still angry at Annar and Gunnar. I was scared to death. Then I was scared for you and as I saw you fight those fish. Now everyone speaks of you taking on a boat load of adult warriors and come out on top. I could never do that!

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I am I am a Neo Viking by birth Eric, but nothing in me seems to be in tune with it all. I feel like a stranger every day I am on my own world and every time I take a Virtu and I am away I fell I belong!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I knew all too well what he meant." I am scared every time to go home, I too am going to leave Nilfeheim and I am going to be a Star ship Commander just like Captain Ironhand."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"And then you return and you land the Starblazer right next to the Burg and kill your father by blasting the Burg to bits." Yngve said rolling his eyes." I hate to break it to you but Captain Ironhand is a fictional character and there is no Starblazer Spaceship either."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I know that, but there is a real Union Fleet and there is a real Academy. Speaking of, did you ever get another episode?" I asked hoping he would have gotten another Virtu Upload of my favorite Virtu Experience. Yngve would bring them to school and I would use the library hook up.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Sorry I didn't buy any this month. I spent all my allowance on Virtus about Pluribus!" He blinked into the wind and shaded his eyes to see me better. "You need to improve your grades quite a bit if you want to join the Academy and not become an enlisted. Only an Officer can become a Star ship Captain you know."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"How much do you think I have to improve them?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I don't know but to be accepted at the Academy to become an officer I bet they expect you to be the best of the best!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">That dampened my mood but I promised myself to increase my efforts.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He boxed me in the side. "Well then let's go back in, break is over and even though Mr. Flensburger, isn't as punctual as Mr. Walthers, he does expect us to be in class."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Mr. Flensburger, our history teacher was a little late as usual. He came into the classroom dressed like a Harpooner in the middle of Longnight. He wore a heavy hooded Fangsnapper fur coat, over a padded Iso-Tex Jacket and beneath the hood a heated wind mask. Underneath all that a Union Fleet Issue extreme climate suit with active heating. He was dressed like that despite the fact it was already Short Summer now. It was only three degrees below zero on the C-scale. Bare chest weather my Uncle Hogun would say.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">It took him long moments to get undressed and I was certain the pile of clothing next to his desk grew just a little bigger every day.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"It is still quite cold this morning, class," he greeted us and twenty seven Neo Vikings rose from their seats and responded. "Good morning Mr. Flensburger."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I couldn't help myself and said, "We have been told that you have been on Nilfeheim for over thirty years, Mr. Flensburger. Haven't you gotten used to our weather by now?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He took off his cold mask, revealing his slate ice gray eyes and his long pointed nose and looked at me, then shook his head. "Mr. Olafson, it took me all this time to get used to the barbaric customs of you Neo Vikings. I've had no time to get used to the weather yet."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">That caused the class to laugh. He walked to the large windows, clasped his hands behind his back and looked over the churning waves of the ocean. "It is a beautiful planet. It has lots of cold water, teaming with an abundance of life, blue oceans and very, very long winters. I come from a planet called New Algiers. There is no open water and dusty red deserts as far as you can see. The only thing worth mentioning living in our deserts is a centipede like scorpion and so far we were unsuccessful to find anyone who would try to eat one."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He turned back to face us and the front wall and the windows disappeared and the high detailed holo of a red featureless desert with rolling dunes appeared, even the sky appeared to have a reddish haze. The Class room computronic had taken his cue and projected a visual of New Algiers.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He gestured towards the image. "You have winds bringing ice crystals, snow and rain. Our storms bring dust, lots of it and can pile dust and sand two meters high over night. However the temperature never drops below forty degrees on the C scale." He brushed his hand through the air and the image disappeared.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I tried to imagine how it would be, to live in bread oven conditions like that. I glanced at my PDD and checked GalNet about New Algiers.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Our teacher turned to face the class.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"In a few years from now you will graduate and perhaps some of you might actually leave this world and become real Union Citizens, not that I have big hopes for that. However this is my last school year. Thirty years teaching you Neo Vikings about the rest of the Universe was a challenge to say the least." His eyes became dreamy and he smiled." First I am going to Para-Para and simply sit on the beach for maybe a year or so. I believe it will take at least that long for my bones to thaw."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Leif Swenkjard sitting across the aisle from me waved his hand."I've been to Para-Para actually. When my Father had to go there for an ocean produce trade show he took me along."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Leif's father was a Freeman living in town and if I recalled it correctly he was working for an Off World Seafood Company. Leif was one of the few in class who didn't care if I was an Olafson. The sons of Clans never talked to him. He being off planet was news to me.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Mr. Flensburger encouraged him to tell us about his trip and Leif said.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"They don't even have a little snow anywhere and their largest fish is about the size of a Surface Finner. On Para-Para there are no weapons allowed; no one carries even a knife. If you use your fist to make an argument stick you get in trouble and arrested. No one wears much clothing all day, even outside and in the city." He snorted in discontent. "And all everyone does is smile all the time."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Peter Langstom next to him drew the outlines of a woman into the air."How about the girls, do they wear little?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"You could bunch up what they wear in your fist and nothing showing."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Peter now grinned from one ear to the other."I think I'll go there for a visit too!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"You wouldn't like it. Because the guys don't wear much either and you barely see any blonde tall girls with braids anywhere. Those girls can't cook a decent meal, won't clean up after you and want to be equal to men and sit at the same table!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">His comment caused quite a few gasps of disbelief.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Flensburger shook his head putting his right hand before his eyes."You are hopeless."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Then he sat down on the edge of his desk and he stared at me.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"You look different, Eric. What are you wearing on your head?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"It is the Helmet of the Hunt; I received it from the Elders."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I am somewhat familiar with it. I was under the impression only someone completing the Hunt the ancient way was allowed to wear one."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Gunnar Peerson turned and gave me a thankful nod." Eric killed two Tyranno Fins saving my life a few days ago."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Flensburger got up and came closer."As you know I was on vacation the last two weeks. I did hear something about it, but just consider me an ignorant Off -Worlder for now, but would you explain that to me again? I thought the hunt part of the Ancient Challenge was considered too dangerous even by your standards and no longer required."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Gunnar answered."That is true, but Sigvard threw me into the ocean and poured Tyranno Scent into the water. I am sure the other teachers can tell you the details. I think they even recorded some of it."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">His twin brother nodded to that and continued. "To slay a Tyranno Fin even in a modern Sub is no easy task, but to do it the old way by diving and using a Hand harpoon is almost suicide and because so many sons died that way this part of the Ancient Challenge is no longer required. However anyone can still do it the old way and that is the highest honor and test of skill. Eric did it to save my brother."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The teacher looked at me and said. "And you killed two of them?" He asked visibly astounded.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Yes Sir. I had not planned on it. It all happened quite fast. That the one I killed wasn't hunting alone became apparent when its brother or father showed up, I had to kill it or it would have done so with us."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Yngve sitting next to me said. "I heard the Eldest say it was an Eight Tri," He sounded quite proud as he said. "And no Eight Tri has been slain by hand in over 200 years. It was all over the Nilfeheim Radio."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Flensburger shook his head once again."You are one crazy species of humans. Going against the biggest and fastest Predator fish in the Galaxy armed with a toothpick and hope to kill it by hitting a fist size target behind their eyes."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I made a circle with my hands. "The Mark was about that big, not fist size."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He rolled his eyes and sighed. "Right, that makes it so much easier."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Annar said. "And yesterday he was abducted by the Elhir Clan and fought adult warriors and captured a boat, but no one is allowed to talk about it much until the Elders and the Chiefs decided on the outcome of the incident."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Flensburger sighed deeply. "And you wonder why all this sounds like madness to an off worlder." He threw his hands in the air. "Very well then."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He turned to the class and said, "Have you ever wondered why we have school? Why we have classes? Why we don't simply use neural uploading for everything, like we do for language and general knowledge?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">There was silence. He pointed at Sven.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"You questioned the need for schooling many times before. Would you not rather have all what you need uploaded in your brain and be done with it?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sven shook his long red hair. "No I don't see the need for all this off world garbage in my head in the first place. I am going to be a harpooner like my Father and my brothers and my son will be a harpooner too. I will be a very good harpooner and one day, if Odin wills it, my father will give me my own boat and I become Clan Chief when he dies. What do I need to know about the rest of the Galaxy?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Flensburger smiled a sad looking smile and said "I know you think that way. Many Neo Viking's coming to school think that way. But you are members of the Union and you do business with the Union. What good is a harpooner without a Harpoon? Or what good is a Hunt boat that can't sell its catch?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sven was still not convinced and crossed his big forearms across his barrel chest.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"We make our own Harpoons and we can eat our own catch."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Mr. Flensburger sighed. "Your skull is as dense as the ice out there. What is your harpoon made off? What do you use to propel your boats and hunting subs?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sven was not so sure about himself anymore and his voice changed as he answered: "Harpoons are made of Ultronit, and we use Zero point cubes to power the boats."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I could see Sven was suddenly thinking. We all knew Sven wasn't the sharpest harpoon on the boat, even though he was as strong as a Fangsnapper.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Flensburger asked... "And where does the Ultronit and the power cubes come from?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He responded to the question, saying, "My father orders metals, knives and boat parts at the XChange."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"How does he pay for it?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"With Union Creds of course."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"How does he get Union Creds?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"We're selling Tyranno meat, Flasher fish and lots of Fanger Fur to the XChange in town." Even Sven realized what he was saying and nodded. "Alright we do need the Off-Worlders. You made your point, Mr. Flensburger, but why do we have to learn it this way?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The skinny teacher sat down again on the edge of his desk. His favorite position when he was about to explain something to us.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Our Union is a little over 3000 years old and we have over 4,500 member civilizations. There are millions of settled planets and locations. There are non humanoids, methane breathers, insectoids, and even a non corporal species. There are a very few things that are common to all. One of those things most societies have in common is the need to educate the young, to prepare them for the world. There are only a few species we know of who do not need to educate their offspring. The Bellebee for example. Those gas bag friends of ours have a collective mind they share all experiences, a Bellebee hatches with all knowledge he needs. But even the Bellebee send their young to Union schools mostly to prepare them to interact with us."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Mr. Flensburger folded his hands. "For most civilizations however schooling is necessary and after many millennia of experience and experimenting with all those various other education techniques it turned out that the old way of class interaction resulted in the best education. It's not knowledge that we try to instill, but to teach you ways to obtain knowledge and to prepare you to be Union Citizens, know about your rights and duties and of course for the same reason the Bellebee and all the others go to school, to learn how to interact with others and realize that we are all part of something bigger"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Again he looked across the class and pointed at Peter. "Why do you think these old methods might be superior?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Peter, the son of a Fish merchant and one of the few who had plans to leave Nilfeheim after graduation for college answered after a short moment of thought.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I believe even the smartest computronic can't answer a real question by analyzing the reason for the question in relationship to the environment and background of the student. Only a real teacher can do that."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Not bad at all, Peter. I would give you a straight A for that answer. Except that this is the textbook answer you just read. But finding the right answer so fast and skilfully hiding your PDD under your sleeve I still give you a B."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He nodded more to himself than to anyone in particular. "It is the environment in which we learn that makes the difference. Uploaded knowledge and implanted memories can supply you with all the data you need. While you won't find a Data head here on Nilfeheim, having your mind direct linked to GalNet is not uncommon elsewhere. So knowledge isn't the reason for schools and teachers but the environment in which you take it in to give you the tools to use the information your mind processes." He stabbed his finger at me."Mr. Olafson, what happens when you graduate?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"We can become Citizens, Sir!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Very good, now regardless of your grades that determine your further career and education options, everyone becomes a Citizen after graduating Basic school and completing the Citizen Test. This is why you are here; this is why your parents want you here to become Citizens. Only as a Citizen can you freely travel, open a bank account, transfer UnionCreds, use GalNet, vote, get free health care and most of all, get the full protection of the law! Due to the so called Nilfeheim exception you don't have to serve the required 22 month, unless of course you leave Nilfeheim."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sven still wasn't convinced, "I still don't see why an Off-Worlder like you has to come and teach us all that. My father told me that before we were forced to join the Union we would learn all that we needed from our parents or the Clan Elders."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"So you think you were forced to join?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"What else do you call a Battleships with Planet-Buster bombs ready to vaporize our planet in orbit?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Before we go into that and since it seems you are quite the history expert, do you know the reason why the United Stars send Battleships in the first place?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Yes of course! Our glorious forefathers caused mayhem and terror by raiding other colonies and spaceships for everything we needed. "He laughed loudly." Neo Vikings were feared in this sector!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Indeed. Your glorious forefathers realized they would not survive another decade without things the outside world could supply. So they hijacked a freighter and a few Gunboats and resorted to piracy."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sven shrugged. "We just were stronger and better warriors and so we had the right to take it."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Well since the Union Fleet was stronger than your pirate boats and arguing entirely by your logic, they had the right to bomb you. But your forefathers where given a choice, no one forced them to join. The choice was cease all pirate activity and remain isolated on this planet of yours with no contact with others at all, or to join the United Stars and accept Federal Law. Your forefathers didn't even debate one hour and filed for membership."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">As he turned to the window Sven leaned over to Peter. "One of these days I'll stuff his face with my fist. That arrogant Off-Worlder, such a wimp has no right to teach us anything!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Mr. Flensburger turned. "So you want to stuff my face and you think I am a wimp. I accept your challenge, this is what you Vikings do right?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sven looked around as if he wanted to make sure everyone heard the same. "You can't be serious. A tap of me would kill you, besides fighting is prohibited in school."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Fighting among students is, indeed. Now let's call this a demonstration and again, I accept your challenge, Mr. Espeland."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I said, "I would not do it, Sven. He's from New Algiers."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sven snorted in my direction. "When I am done with him, you're going to be next. Your father will give me a great reward if I twist your head off."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Gunnar yelled, "He might be an enemy of our clan, but by our laws and traditions. Eric was pronounced a warrior born by the Elders and he saved my life! I will not sit idle while you insult a Viking Warrior. I will kill you!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sigvard Elhir, glared at his direction. "You lift an arm for the Olafson and I will break your neck before we meet before the Elders."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sven got up, showing everybody his muscles and then stepped forward towards the teacher. "I am going to rip your head off, Mr Flensburger. Then I will take care of a few others around here!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Mr. Flensburger was totally calm and relaxed and smiled. "Then do it Sven and don't talk too much! You challenged me and all you do is boast and talk."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sven literally flew forward and swung his huge fist. Mr. Flensburger caught Sven's wrist and stopped the punch right before his nose, then twisted it fast and in such a fashion that Sven had to go to his knees. The smaller teacher held the massive arm of Sven with no effort and said to the class, "You see Sven, on New Algiers we have a gravitation of 3.6 that means my muscles are 3.6 times denser than yours and before I became a teacher, I served the Navy and received intensive combat training. It does not have to be an Off-Worlder that teaches you, but every teacher in Basic School has to be a Citizen with a service record."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He still held Sven by the wrist and kept his arm painfully twisted and explained to us in his usual soft voice. "Because of this special deal your Planet Representative has managed to get for Nilfeheim, you are Citizens after you graduate but do not have to serve the 22 month in a Federal Service as is required for almost all other Union Citizens. No Neo Viking ever served in the fleet or in any of the other services as far as I know and thus cannot become Union Teachers." He put a little more pressure on the twisted arm. "Now I could break every bone in your body without losing a drop of sweat."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sven groaned in pain. "I am going to kill you!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"It is unwise to make threats to someone holding your arm in such a fashion." Mr. Flensburger twisted a little more and this time Sven yelped in pain. The teacher let him go.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sven immediately lunged forward but the teacher stepped aside in a swift, elegant move and grabbed Sven by the shoulders, added to the momentum and made him crash into the wall. Sven shook his head dazed, got up on shaky legs and turned raging with anger, pulling his Harpooner Knife. I jumped up and so did almost everybody.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Peter yelled. "This is not honorable. He beat you fair and square, put your knife away!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sven's face was deep red and he pointed the wicked knife at Peter.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I will slice you like Tyranno-bait, after I am done with that Off-Worlder!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I jumped forward holding my chair like a shield. "Mr. Flensburger get back!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sven laughed. "Splendid! Your Father will reward me if I kill you. He'll give me a boat for sure!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Flensburger was completely calm. "I appreciate your assistance Eric, but let me finish this. I ask you all to sit back down. I also give you Sven a chance to sit down and we will continue with our discussion. Do that and we forget the whole situation. However if I am forced to take that knife from you, you will be expelled from school."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"No one takes my knife and I could care less if I fail your stupid class."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I didn't say fail class. I said you will be expelled."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sven attacked and again Flensburger moved fast. He got hold of Sven's wrist again, just like before and with his other hand he grabbed Sven by the throat. Sven gargled, the knife fell and Mr. Flensburger lifted Sven off his feet holding the heavy teenager by the throat without any visible effort.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"You had your choice and you made it. Now I have no other choice. You are expelled! Do you know that this means you will not become a Citizen? Now I give you a second choice: Yield and surrender or die!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sven now turned purple struggled and gargled. "I give in. I surrender!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The teacher let him go and said. "You are to leave school immediately. You got your wish; there won't be any school for you anymore."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sven grabbed his knife and stumbled to the exit. "Who needs to be a stupid citizen anyway? I am a Neo Viking!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">With those words he left. Mr. Flensburger sat back down on his desk as if nothing happened and said, "Dial your PDDs to Blank page and write me a one page report about what Citizenship means to you."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">-""-

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">It was during the 6th hour, Mr. Flensburger was telling us about the Klack Society when the class room door opened and Sven's father Elik Espeland stepped in.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Elik was known for his foul temper and it was said he had smashed more than a few skulls, but he appeared with his harpooner's helmet in hands.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Mr. Flensburger, I apologize for the interruption, but it is true that you expelled my son?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Indeed. He had made his choice. I'll gladly show you the visuals of the incident. So you can see how it came to this." To us he said, "While I discuss these matters with Mr. Espeland you can take a break."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sven was standing outside the door, he looked like a herd of Fangsnappers had trampled over him, his face was swollen and he had bruises and marks all over. He looked to the ground and said nothing as we filed past him.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">About ten minutes later, Mr. Flensburger and Mr. Espeland come out of the classroom, both smiling and shaking hands and I could see Sven apologizing to the teacher.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Yngve came up to me and said...

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"They still don't like you but no one is going to bully you anymore with that helmet and all. I wish I could do something like that."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"But you have an awesome family and a good father and a mother who loves you and you can buy things."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He grinned and handed me a Data Chip. "I got you the latest adventures of Captain Ironhand after all. I wanted to surprise you."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I thanked him with a wide grin and said. "I love the smell of Blaster Fire in the Morning."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I am certain blaster fire has no distinctive smell. Olfactory molecules would be destroyed as any other matter,"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"It's what Captain Ironhand always says."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"You do know he is a fictional character that has absolutely nothing to do with reality, right?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I know but watching these gives me a little vacation from my own life and I tell you it sucks to be me."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sigvard must have my last comment and pushed Yngve with a shoulder push to the side and snatched the Data Chip out of my hand.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I agree it sucks to be you. Our clans are at war and I am going to make your life a living hell for what you did to my brothers and my clan!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"You can always challenge me. Now give me back that chip!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"My father said your father is a coward. Not Viking enough to an open Challenge."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I challenge you, right here and now."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"And get me expelled fighting a looser like you?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Anywhere anytime, it seems you are the coward!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Gunnar and Annar the Peerson twins also came closer and others followed. Sigvard could no longer back out with so many witnesses and he being the strongest right after Sven poked his finger into my chest. "Alright, Olafson. Right now in the Gym, we wrestle!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Technically Gilma wrestling was permitted and not considered fighting when it is was done in the Gym as exercise. Gilma was a form of wrestling with complicated rules of fairness we called drengskapur and had a strict code of honor.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Without further words we went down in the Schools basement area where the gyms and sports facilities were. It was not a Union School program of course but a local thing.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">As I took a Gilma belt harness from a wall hook, he grabbed his belt and snapped the heavy leather belt like a whip across my back and laughed.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Gunnar yelled. "This isn't Gilma and it isn't honorable!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He hit me again. "I never said Gilma, I am not going to soil my hands on an Olafson. I do what his father does all the time. He should be us..."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He could no longer talk. I had flung myself back and smacked the back of my head right where I thought his nose should be and followed up with an elbow to his stomach. He was much stronger than me, but his using the leather harness like a whip opened a feeling of rage and anger in me he could not even begin to fathom.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He stumbled back, giving me time to turn, blood was gushing from his nose. He was still dazzled so it appeared and swung his ham sized against me but the way he announced it gave me time to duck and hammer my fist in a short uppercut against his chin. I did not stop there and buried by other fist right at the center of his rib cage. Sven fell!

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I kicked him again the temple and then wrapped the leather belt around his neck and started twisting. He blinked at me and gargled something and I said.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"If you ever insult me again, if you ever take something from me, I will kill you!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">A strong hand pulled me up and Mr. Flensburger said with an angry stern tone. "You are about to kill him now!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sigvard coughed and gargled and Flensburger said to Gunnar. "Take him to the School nurse."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">To the rest he said. "School is out for today. You all need to cool down."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">-""-

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">As I came home that afternoon I found that Father, my brothers and most men of the Clan were gone with the Family Subs to hunt Tyrannos and Three Fins. They went to the Uhim Grounds, almost 2000 clicks from the burg and would be gone for most of the month. I had never gone hunting or fishing, even during school breaks. The prospect being pinned up in the small boat with my father for weeks on end was not something would have looked forward to. So I wasn't feeling disappointed at all.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">It appeared he had forgotten to instruct the remaining staff to give me any chores. So I decided to take a long swim.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Not many Neo Vikings went diving anymore, and it was said our gills would dry out and maybe even disappear in future generations.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">However I used them every chance I got. Down here in the cold water I felt free. The cold water rushing through my gills always invigorated me and I wished I could stay submerged forever, but while a Neo Viking could stay under water for a very long time, the loss of body heat even through the insulated dive suit limited the time I could stay submerged. Nilfeheims oceans teamed with life and there were quite a few life forms down here, dangerous to an unprotected diver, but nothing was as dangerous as a Tyranno Fin. Our teacher said they are bigger and faster than even the biggest Whales on Terra and as aggressive as Sharks. We did have a fish we called Sharks too, and Rock Sharks as we called them were fast and could be dangerous to a diver, especially since they attacked in packs, but they weren't anything like the Tyrannos.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Ragnarsson rock was in a region of ocean where Tyrannos could be found only during the first month of Shortsummer. They migrated all to the southern half of our planet where the great kelp and seaweed patches where. They did that because the docile and herbivore Three-fin fish would feed on the rich starchy kelp buts and stems to fatten themselves for the long years of Longnight.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Three fins were the preferred prey of Tyrannos. Then they would fight, mate and lay eggs. Female Tyrannos would stuff seaweed in rock crevices and caves to lay one or maybe two eggs, and then guard their nests with ferocity.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Fang snappers would dive from the small rock islands or floating ice bergs trying to get to these eggs or snatch a young Tyranno. Rock sharks circling it all, to either catch a Snapper in the water or feast on the leftovers of a Tyranno Kill.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Nilfeheims oceans were vast and even though they teemed with life, to actually find Tyrannos outside of Tyranno Season and outside the Uhim grounds was not as easy as one would think.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The Uhim grounds were in the only area of the planet that stayed ice free even during Longnight, due to the fact that the planets main fault line was located beneath the surface and several dozen underwater volcanoes, thousands of black smokers and underwater vents kept the water temperature even at the surface above freezing.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I must have been out for hours, but I finally had to get back out, as I felt my legs and arms starting to go numb. I knew it was high time.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I swam through the tunnel that connected our Sub Pen with the ocean. The Sub Pen had enough room for eight boats, but currently we had only five. Hunting Subs were expensive and many Clans had perhaps one, or even used the cheaper surface vessels, like the Olafsons did before they merged with the Ragnarssons. Besides only the Old Clans still went Tyranno Hunting. Others were fishing or operating Fish and Snapper Farms, however the Tyranno Hunters were considered to be the elite.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Now that most men were gone either hunting with father or tending our Farms, the Burg was eerily silent even during the day. While the burg had a central heating system, father preferred the old fashioned Tyranno Oil ovens and fire places.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">While he was gone the servants kept the fires on a minimum and despite Short Summer, the Burg was always cold. Why I ended up in my mother's drawing room I could not really say, mostly perhaps I looked for warmth. I had stayed longer in the water than I should have and was shivering. It was unused ever since the night he had killed her. His new wife did not use it and stayed most of the time in her suite of rooms where she was busy with her needle crafts or she left the burg to socialize with other Clan Chief wives, a part she enjoyed greatly so I heard Midril say.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The old book was still lying on her dresser. My mother's closet door was not closed entirely and I went to close it, but instead I opened it. Her dresses and things were still there. My hands touched the soft fabrics and I could smell her wonderful perfume. I suddenly could almost hear her voice, no words or anything just the tone of her voice. I missed her so much! Something cold ran down my cheeks and even alone I felt embarrassed by my tears. Men did not cry! Before I really knew it I held one of her dresses in my hands and then held it before me and remembered the story of Thor dressing up as Freya to fool the Giants. Following a strange impulse I put on the dress. It fit me and it felt so soft. I opened my braided hair and somehow I could see my mother in my own reflection in the large mirror. It was and I could not say it any other way like a religious mysterious experience. Eric the looser and the unwanted son had disappeared and a blonde Viking girl stood there before me in the mirror. She wore a beautiful gown and I was certain now I could feel my mother's presence. I now cried and did not feel ashamed at all. That day my life had changed forever and whenever I could I sneaked into my mother's room and put on one of her dresses. I even started to wear the female undergarments and sat down reading in the old book. I knew it was wrong somehow, but Thor had done it at least once if not more so I felt connected to her. She was there just out of sight, but she was there.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;orphans:1">Chapter 18: Grandfather

<p style="orphans:1"> Grandfather

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The last weeks to summer break went by faster than I liked. Mr. Walters came into class this morning and said after we greeted him." Tomorrow will be your last day of school and you have three month to prepare for the next year. Everyone in class will advance. While your grades and results have much room for improvement, they are satisfactory. Today I want to ask if you know why we keep time the way we do?" He pointed his finger at Yngve." You will not speak."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Since Mr. Walters gave positive marks for active responses and I had vowed to myself to improve my grades, I got up." Union school and most union worlds keep to a universal schedule and summer break has nothing to do with the seasons on Nilfeheim or any other planet."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Walters went through his usual motions and pulled his PDD." I give you a positive mark for attempt, and you are quite correct, but that is not what I asked. I asked why we do that!" He wagged his finger. "You been brave enough to get up, so remain standing and try again."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"It's from the days of the Ascent, when humans left that planet Earth. Our way of keeping time was simply practical because of the human biological clock."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He nodded and the green light on his PDD indicated he gave me a positive mark." You may sit down, Eric. It seems no one else and I exclude you Yngve from this statement, never wasted a thought on time keeping."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Gunnar got up. "That is not true Sir! Just the other day my father explained it to us!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Then why don't you share what your father has explained? Answering my questions and active participation will earn you marks."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Gunnar clenched his fists and grinned sheepishly." It's sort of Yngve's thing to be the geek. "

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"We will talk about that at another time. Now enlighten us!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Father said that during the early years of the Union, all time measurement was based on how time was measured on Earth. A time keeping reform was tried to accommodate all other member species, but back then the few other members didn't care one way or the other and even the most primitive Computronic had no problem converting Earth time in whatever local time. Long story short the entire Union Non humanoid and humanoid cultures alike now kept Earth time. "

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Walters took acted as if he was hit by an invisible fist." Gunnar!" He almost shouted." You managed to surprise me and gave a great answer! I will raise your grade an entire point "To the rest of the class Walters said." Gunnar or more so his father was quite correct and we pretty much still keep Earth time.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">But every so often a new time reform is proposed. Mainly for reason of commerce and trade. To any known space faring society with multiple species it is not that important. Why is it then important to us?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Annar not wanting to be behind Gunnar said. "Maybe because the Union wants every member involved and not just old Earth stuff."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"No, because we have something that all the other Empires and societies we know do not have. He pointed to the classroom system console. "Instant communication. You can call someone anywhere in Union Space, no matter where."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He gestured over the console and brown blob thing with spike like protrusion and wearing some sort of helmet appeared floating above the desk.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Walthers said. "This Rock Muncher, a Union school teacher and a Lyrharm. He is currently in the Andromeda galaxy, over 2 million light years away." To the floating being he said. "Good morning Mr. Rock Muncher."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The being had a sexless voice and answered. "Good morning Mr. Walthers., Good morning class of Nilfeheim."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The next ten minutes we learned that the Lyrharm were a space born life form and much bigger than the size adjusted avatar. We all talked to a class of students with many non humanoids in attendance.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Walthers concluded after the alien's avatar blinked out. "To our society it makes no difference if it is daylight outside or a specific season. But to know that the Union bank is open, and when a ship arrives with supplies, merchandise or passengers is important. That's why there is a Union wide time. The old Earth terms like the names for days will eventually fade away

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Universal Time has already been modified from the original Earth time. All month have the same length. Before the time reform of 3044 month and years were directly linked to Earth's orbit around its sun called Sol. Most Terran settled worlds like Nilfeheim counting the years in reference to a religious leader's birth and we reached the year 5012.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He looked at one of the students behind me behind me and said." Mr. Bergeson, you have a question?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Alvar Bergeson was perhaps the quietest of us all. If he had spoken more than hundred words all year it would have surprised me. "That religious leader was that Thor?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"You Snapper-skull! " Lif Lindholm who sat next to Alvar blurted." Thor is a god and not a religious leader!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Mr Lindholm! " Walters scolded Lif and said to Alvar." Why don't you research that yourself? As a teacher I am not allowed to talk to you about any religious matters other than cultural impact and influence on society, but it might come to a surprise to some that Thursday was named after Thor and Friday after Freya."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Walters smiled and let us actually cheer on that one before he became his serious self again and motioned us to settle down, then he asked." What are you going to do during summer break?" He clasped his hands behind his back walked down the middle isle and stopped right behind me." Mr Bergeson how about you?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I am going to work at our Nubhir farm as every summer and every day I am not in school." Alvar sighed." I for one can't wait till school starts again. Nubhir farming for our clan is profitable and our family business but sometimes I wish we would invest in a few S-10 robots. I don't see the damage to traditions a few robots would do."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"That, Mr. Bergeson is a question I cannot answer. What is it you don't like about Nubhir Farming?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"You sure are an Off Worlder Mr Walters. Nubhir poop and they poop a lot and if you don't feed and wash them you clean out their poop. " As if Mr Walters hit a button and released a flood. Alvar kept on talking about Nubhir farming, their diseases, fur and meat quality and pretty much everything anyone ever wanted to know about it and Walters leaned back and let him talk without interrupting. Finally however Alvar did find an end and sat down. He seemed surprised about himself and somehow he looked pleased.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Our teacher actually padded his shoulder." This was an excellent oral report on Nubhir farming. I give you five marks for it! "

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He then turned to Sigvard. "How about you? What are you doing during Summer Break?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I am going to appear before the Council and will have to fight Annar. Only one of us will return next year to this Off World School of yours and it is going to be me!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I see!" Walters glanced over to Annar and said." No need to ask you then what you will do." He walked all the way to the back of the class and Ike told him he would go fishing with his family and that he looked forward to it.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Torkel Cederstrom said he would visit his Grandparents in Isen Landsby, the Nilfeheim town built on top of the ice pole in the south. He got similar answers from most then he came to Yngve who could barely keep his proud grin of his face." I am going off planet! I am going with my father to Stafford Planet!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I expect you to tell us all about it when you come back." Finally he turned to me and said." While I know where you are going Mr. Olafson, I am as your friend so eloquently pointed out an Off-Worlder. What are the Halls of Hasvik and who are the Faceless Seven?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I rose and said." The Halls of Hasvik are a burg like structure built when Nilfeheim was first settled by Lars Erikson and a small group of men who adhered more stringently to the rules and Traditions of the Church of Odin. It was the first thing stead of this planet were the first Elders met and worshiped the Gods."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Gunnar added." It was abandoned and replaced by the new thing stead we have now in Halstaad Fjord."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Walters glared at Gunnar." I appreciate your participation and I welcome your willingness to speak but you need to get up and thus indicate that you want to speak! "

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Yes, Mr. Walters!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The teacher turned back to me." Who are the seven Faceless?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I shrugged. "I don't really know who they are, they never came up in any conversation I can remember."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The chime that announced the end of the morning class interrupted him before he could comment and he raised his hands. "We start punctual and on time, so as always we will end it on time. Class dismissed!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I was surprised to see Harkun my father's man servant standing outside the school yard next to the large black Volvo. My first thought was that father was here and an invisible fist of ice cramped around my heart and I felt sick to the stomach. To describe Harkun all you would have to say is gray. His hair was thin and shaggy and had the color of dull ash. Even his skin somehow looked gray; perhaps it came from the dark gray leather over coat and the lighter gray linen suit beneath. His nose often reminded me of a Tyranno Butchers hook and I was certain it was almost as sharp. His eyelids always seemed closed three quarters of the way and due to his thin tall stature he managed to look at everything and anybody with an arrogant displeasing fashion. The only person he did not do that was father. Harkun did not speak ever about private things or matters, at least to me and there was no one in the Clan who ever questioned his utmost devotion to my father.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">In his down the nose fashion he looked at me and said." Your father sends the family flyer as your Grandfather is here and wants to see you!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Harkun managed to say this as if he was utmost displeased to be sent on this errand.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Sometimes I wished I could tell him were to stick his hook nose, but not now. Grandfather was here in person and I really looked forward to see him.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">After we landed right in the main yard another thing was immediately evident. Not the dark red Olafson flags with the yellow Wolf heads were furling in the wind, but the black Ragnarsson banner with the silver falcon head. Only the oldest clans used heraldic symbols associated with our Earth heritage.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The servants and clan members that were here now wore their festive garments and either Olafson red or Ragnarsson black. There were many more black than red.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">In the yard stood two gigantic figures both decked out in their finest. My father and an even bigger man, the biggest man I knew also wearing red. Hogun fathers brother and my godfather. Both of them approached the flyer after it landed and I stepped out.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father waved Harkun away after we climbed out of the flyer." Leave us! "

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">From the corner of my eye I saw my step mother standing in the window of her drawing room watching us. Fathers hand grabbed his whip and it uncoiled, the tip of it falling to the Duro-Crete stone ground and he said." Your Grandfather is here. If you so much as open your mouth without my permission while he is here I will break every bone and use glowing irons to burn your tongue, do you understand?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I smiled at him." You better kill me right here and now father for I will tell him what happened to mother that night! I remember every detail of it! This time he is not a powerless shadow. This time he is here!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father howled and smashed his fist into my face sending me back against the parked flyer. Before I even slid to the ground his whip snapped clear across my face and the pain of his fist blow was replaced by the burning pain of the cut. Through my daze I heard him." You insolent whelp, I will teach you respect and obedience!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I fully expected the next blow but it never came. Hogun held fathers arm with ease and with his bottom of the barrel voice." I am Olafson but I stand against you before the Elders. I held my tongue for way to long."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father was about to strike his brother, but he knew he would lose that fight and said." You are the second born and not the voice of Olafson. You are no longer welcome at my burg!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"It is not your burg yet!" A new commanding voice said! My grandfather appeared from the main entrance to the Main building and the state rooms and strode with large steps towards us, his hand on his sword, half drawn and he said." Isegrim Olafson raise your cowardly whip against me, I dare you!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father actually dropped his whip and stepped back. The expression of fear in my father's face was more soothing to my pain than anything the doctor or the nurse could have administered.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I got up, trying to ignore my spinning head and my blurred eye sight. Burning pain made my face feel ten times bigger than it was.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Grandfather looked at me." It grieves me more than I can express to see you like this! "

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Hogun said with urgency in his voice." Patriarch let me take Eric to the still room. He is losing a lot of blood!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Yes Hogun. I shall deal with matters here. "

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Hogun scooped me of my wobbly feet like a weightless toy.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">-""-

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The doctor sighed as he was done." You should consider divorcing your parents as soon as you can. I can get you a ticket on a space bus to Holstein, there is a federal court. The Union has programs available!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Hogun stood in the back of the still room his arms crossed before his massive chest. The doctor was no small man but he appeared like a child next to my uncle and his bare underarms were thicker than the doctor's thighs. "I would take care of my nephew and he could stay with me at the Inn but our traditions don't allow me to interfere." Hogun spread his arms." He is my older brother and on Nilfeheim anyone born after the Firstborn son has little to say in family or clan affairs!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I am well aware of Nilfeheim traditions." The doctor responded, while he removed the Derma Patcher from my face." There are only four doctors on a World of over a million savage Neo Vikings.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I stitched and treated this young boy more than anyone and always for horrible wounds caused by that cursed whip of his own father!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Well his Grandfather is here today and I have never seen the Old Patriarch as furious as today. I would be surprised if he leaves enough of my brother for you to patch up., but those are family matters and should not be discussed with an Outsider."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Let us hope for the boy's sake you are right. I would love to get this sadist on my table just once. I'd stitch him back together the ancient way and all traditional with needle, catgut and no anesthesia."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Hogun grinned." I am not sure what you meant exactly but it sounds real good to me!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The doctor looked at me and smiled but was still talking to Uncle Hogun. "I can fix the physical wounds easily enough but I tell you if that keep going on, Eric will need serious psycho surgery to fix its mental damage and I hate Psycho Surgery!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The doctor now turned to me. "Blood refilled, skin patched, teeth fixed and a general maintenance tune up in the vitamin and mineral department. You're as fit as a horse again!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I think the Hesten clan has a horse in their crest." I said." It is a sort of beast is it not? But I am not sure why I am supposed to be as fit as one?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He waved me off with a smile." It is a very old Earth Expression and where I come from horses are part of our culture and heritage." He looked past me and perhaps past Nilfeheim "I think it's time I think of retirement and go home to Kentucky. I haven't seen a horse in ages."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">To Hogun he said." I am at the Inn later today. As much as I miss Kentucky, your Snapper steaks are a great reason to be on this ice ball!" Then the Doctor shimmered out and Hogun turned off the GalNet terminal, closed the cabinet where it was hidden when not needed.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Then he gathered the Derma Patcher and the other things the doctor had used, Uncle Hogun was always a very tidy and orderly minded person and put them away in the medical cabinet and said." We better go back and face whatever happened."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He looked around. "Since no one else is here It could be deducted no one got wounded. Are you ready?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I nodded. "Yes Uncle Hogun . I would really like to live with you and Aunt Helga. Thank you for thinking it!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He smiled at me and it was a warm smile I knew even as his mouth was mostly hidden by his enormous beard. Uncle Hogun's smiles always reached the eyes.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">-""-

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The High Hall of the Burg was an impressive room with a very high ceiling, massive chandeliers made out of the skulls of slain enemies. Each skull had a name. There was a long dark table with 40 upholstered chairs along the long sides. The hewn rock walls partially covered with incredible expensive real wood paneling. The lavish use of natural woods one of the most expensive materials and nowhere to be found on Nilfeheim gave witness of the age old affluence of the Ragnarsson Clan.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Beyond the big table was a short flight of wide stairs only five steps up but as wide as the hall and leading into the Great Chamber, the biggest fire place in the entire burg was here and by decree of the first Clan chief that raised this burg, there was always a fire burning, usually large pressed cubes of Seaweed but today to honor the return of the Burgs lord long blocks of soak stones drenched with Tyranno oil flickered with dark orange flames and filled the air with a very distinctive scent. Grandfather sat in one of the high backed leather seats by the fire. Father stood next to the chimney and both had sinister expressions. No servants or other household member was there. Since mother died I was not allowed to be here and it was my first time since I was five.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I instinctively looked towards the well concealed crack in the paneling, behind it the secret passage way leading to the under croft and basements. I was almost certain I saw something move behind it. Grandfather smiled as he saw me." Eric my Grandson approach and sit with me. We are discussing Clan business and traditions!" He then waved at Hogun." What I have to say involves you as well so honor me with your presence."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"What honor could an Inn Keeper offer?" Father snorted looking at his own brother.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Honor is a state earned and bestowed upon by peers and not a commodity you attain by gaining rank and title!" Grandfather said. Then he pointed with his gloved hand to the chair next to him. "Sit down Eric!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I expected to find my father lying in his blood or thrown out of the burg but not this tense but otherwise calm scenario.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Grandfather straightened in his seat and his hands cramped around the ends of the armrests making a gnarling sound." Isegrim I know what happened to my daughter. I know you have beaten her to death, because you lusted after a worthless wench that is nothing but Nubhir hide cleaner's daughter!" He said that locking directly towards the small crack in the paneling.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">We all heard the outraged hiss from behind the wall.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">" I know you treat your own son like an outcast because he has seen your deed and you sired a bastard of no significance with that wench who is now listening to man's business behind the walls!" Grandfather got up and yelled. "Greifen, Harkur! Release the Nubhir wolfs and let the beasts into the basement and the walls. Anyone that comes out the old passageway other than the wolfs you cut up for bait!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">A part of the wooden paneling swung open with a creaking sound and Gretel Hemstaad in a red dress stumbled into the room. Her cheeks flaming red and her fat face outraged." I am the Lady of …"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Silence your wench or I shall deal with her the traditional way for spying on clan business!" Grandfather's hand fell on the hilt of his sword and Father actually uncoiled his whip and roared. "Leave now and be silent. I will deal with your insolence later!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">She sobbed, bit her lower lip and left with a rustle of dress.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Grandfather sat back down .His tone of voice was matter of fact and vibrated with great authority. "Nothing happens within these walls without me knowing it! This is still the Ragnarsson Home!

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">As a father I want to kill you; take my revenge on you. As Union citizen I want to have you arrested and hung for murder. To see you twitch and kick on a nice rough length of rope I would give all my wealth and my right arm!

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"But I am also the last of the Ragnarsson Clan and I am an Elder. We do not call the Off Worlders and we stay true to our laws and the traditions. My beloved wife could not give me a son before she died and Eric is the last that carries Ragnarsson blood. When you married my daughter, I was content that the Ragnarsson Clan would cease and continue in the Olafson clan. Your Clan is of the old lineage and I looked forward to the merging of our families. Instead of traditions and old lines I should have listened to my daughter"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He sighed deeply and continued." I am also an Elder and by most sacred oaths I took and by my very honor must uphold our traditions.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">While it is without honor to beat a woman to death and you are guilty of murder by the laws of the Union there are no ancient laws that you have broken.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">You are by the same traditions the father of Eric and nothing in the Old book can change that. I made Eric the sole heir of all that is Ragnarsson. This very burg, the farms and ranches. The boats, ships and submarines. Every mine, stocks and every credit in every account will be his the day he turns sixteen! You were there Isegrim as I made this vow on the crib of my newborn Grandson and no Ragnarsson has ever backed out of a vow and I shall not be the first one."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He paused and looked at me." Eric I am an old fool. I was full of love, hope and pride when I saw you for the first time. I made a foolish vow I regret now very much, but both as a man and a Viking I must see it through even if it kills me inside. I hope one day you understand!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father's face changed to a cold smile." Indeed I was there when you made that runt of mine your heir and handed me all this on a silver platter!

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Yes! I have beaten your daughter, my wife and on many occasions as she did not adhere to our traditions and rebelled often against my will and word, but I do not need to justify to you or anyone on this world why I chose to end her life. She was after all, only a woman! One might say it is your fault not to raise her properly and accepting the rule of man."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The older man's face showed deep sorrow and regret." I have learned that the Vikings of old the tribe on Earth respected their women and that Leif Erikson the man who founded the Viking movement and led our ancestors to this world knew little about the culture he tried to revive."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He clasped his hands. "Be as it may this is neither there nor here. In the many ages we have made this world our own and the ideas of a small group over the passing of millennia became our sacred traditions. I admit I have put the love of my daughter on occasion above my dedication to our traditions. It is not you who stand judgment over me. "

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He took a deep breath to calm himself and he said." Now hear this as it is my word. I hold you to these traditions you hide behind like the coward you are! Should you fail to punish your wife according to them I shall hear of it? Should you transgress against even the smallest step against anything that is written in the ancient Book you will no longer be protected by them and I drag you personally before the gates of this burg and tie you to the rocks so the crabs will tear you to death, bit by bit! Do you understand that?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Grandfather said in such a thundering fashion that father nodded." I do!" Erik Gustav stared at him with burning eyes. "Be aware that you admitted murder to me! Should you from this day forward step anywhere on Union ground or leave this world you will be arrested and I will have my fondest wish come true!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father grunted." I have no desire to be a slave to the degenerate weak Off Worlders like you! I a content to be on Nilfeheim and need nothing the outside offers!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"You are a fool, Isegrim there is strength and power out there far beyond your comprehension, but you know well about the Credits you like to spend and the ales you drink they come from beyond this world."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Grandfather looked at me again." By our traditions he is your firstborn and not Lothar. While you have the right to choose anyone as your heir in your home. This is not your home! It is mine and will be his. By our laws the day he completes the ancient challenge he will inherit!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father laughed." That is the day all that is yours will be mine! I am the Clan Chief and Eric's father and he must obey my will! The day after he inherits it will be all mine and there is little you can do!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Eric could challenge you! As your rightful firstborn he can challenge you! Then all that is yours will be his and I predict that whatever I want have done to you would have been merciful compared to the payment he will take for his vengeance!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father roared with laughter." This weakling, this failure? I will rip him to shreds the second he turns sixteen! There will be no challenge!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Grandfather leaned back and put his hand on my shoulder keeping me from getting up and he said." A weakling that kills a Fangsnapper with a kitchen knife, beats Sigvard the strongest in his class to an inch of his life, dispatches two Tyranno Fins by the age of twelve and stands tall against a boat load of enemies?" I agree with you to him you will be no challenge by the time he reaches sixteen! "

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father stopped laughing as he heard that and clamped his whip.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"These are four long years and at any time I could decide I don't need all these trappings of luxury and return to my Burg and turn this insult of a son into a bloody smear!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Hogun, his brother spoke for the first time. "What Burg do you want to return to? You left the rock and declared to be the master of this! You abandoned Olafson rock by and you went so far as to ask the Elders to rename this one after the Old Patriarch died."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father shrugged." So what? I am the Clan chief and do as I please! You are but a second born living on the coat tails of your wife!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Not quite. It is true we second born have little rights on this world where the first born is exalted, but that does not mean we have no rights. You abandoned the traditional home of your ancestors. You have not sold it, given it to someone or maintained one single guard there.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">By our laws and verified by the Elders I am now the owner of the rock."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father gasped in total surprise and it took him several moments to digest the news." You are still Olafson and I am the Clan Leader. I order you to return the Burg into my possession!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Oh I would do that, but you see I sold it and this is no longer possible! "

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father fumed." We are brothers by blood only, but enemies to the death from now on! You are expelled from the Olafson Clan!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Hogun shrugged. "You see how much that hurts me! As for your threat, I may not be as vicious as you but I take your challenge anytime you dare!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Uncle Hogun clenched his fist around the metal tankard and the sturdy thing bend and deformed in his fist.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father swallowed at this casual demonstration of almost inhuman strength. He said in a much meeker tone, "Who did you sell it too? For how much? I want that money!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I am no longer of the Olafson clan and therefore not obliged to follow your orders or tell you anything." Hogun laughed." You made a fool out of yourself again! Do you know how much even the smallest piece of land is worth on a world without land where real estate almost never changes hands?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Grandfather laughed too." He does not know such things he rather take things the easy way, by marriage. What you called it a worthless pile of rock before witnesses many times including Elders. Yet the Elhir Clan paid credits and Iridium making your brother a very wealthy man! Who is of course honorably welcomed in the Ragnarsson clan!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Grandfather got up and said." I am going to take my grandson to the Faceless Seven now and return to Pluribus myself. You may pretend to be the lord of this burg, wield your whip and spew your poison for a little while longer. I also close all purse strings. You may live on what your clan earns. The herds, the farms and everything Ragnarsson not located in this burg is no longer yours."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Father leaned back in a brooding manner." Take him as I agreed to it in public. Take heed old man no one makes me an enemy lightly." Hogun also got up." You are very good in making enemies brother, but your list of friends and allies is shrinking fast."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;orphans:1">Chapter 19: Stairs of Hasvik

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Stairs

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Grandfather himself took the controls of the Volvo Flyer as we left the Burg. He had not said a word until he had set course due north and activated the Computronic, then he turned his seat and looked at me." You think of me as a fool giving your mother to this father!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Grandfather you are the best in my life. I don't feel alone since I know you are there and know that I exist!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I do know you exist. I think of you every time I think of my daughter and that is every day,"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He looked sideways and out the window. "Nilfeheim is a beautiful world Eric. It is still wild and raw and clean. These traditions we hold so dear shield us in a way from the outer Universe." He sighed and turned back to look at me." You are still young and what I say most likely will make no sense to you, but who knows when I am able to talk to you again and in time my words might become meaningful to you."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I simply leaned forward all attentive not wanting to miss a single word my grandfather said. He smiled at that and said." I am now more away than I am here and I see the changes that come to Nilfeheim; some are good some are not. We had virtually no crime here Eric. There was no theft, no robberies and even in town there were no locks on the doors. Nilfeheim still had no police force, no lawyers. The only court is the Circle of Elders. Everything else is dealt with by the clans. There are no seniors all alone and abandoned by the Young. These are the good things!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He pointed his finger upward." The Union is a great institution and it is quite successful in terms of Galactic societies, but evil no one here on Nilfeheim exists out there.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">It came to our world once before during the last real Clan wars. This is why the Elder scrambled to prevent an escalation, Neither Elhir nor your father are known to be temperate and it could have spiraled out of control."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He put his hand on my shoulder."You made me very proud when I heard how you stood against the Elhir men. Both men are cowards, Nilfeheim whispers so loud I can hear it on Pluribus. Everyone expected challenges to be spoken."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Will you challenge the Elhir Chief?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Unfortunately no. The truth was sealed by my ill chosen steward. The Elhir Chief must do something against me or the clan, and he knows I am on Nilfeheim. I already made inquiries about his whereabouts and was told he went to the south pole inspecting the Elhir herds. Something he has never done before during the fishing season."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He took my hand and squeezed it. "Don't think of me as a coward, I am an old fool, but for all the bad Isegrim did for all the grief he caused, he also brought forth you Eric, and I love you as much as a Grandfather can love his grandson. Knowing you be the result,I would give my blessing even today.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He paused and rubbed his eyes." I am on Pluribus hoping to protect Nilfeheim as much as I can from the bad and let in the good. I was elected to this post by the Elders because I was the first who started mining our neighbor planet and they deemed me more experienced and able to deal with the Off-Worlders. I am only free to do what I think is best since no one else on Nilfeheim really cares or even asks what I do. I am the representative of this world for over 30 years now and in all that time I received twenty calls and requests. While Nilfeheim is an insignificant world, we do have a voice. I am exiled from my own world by the necessity that someone has to do it. "

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"But why Grandfather? What would happen if no one was there?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Nilfeheim does not realize it, but it is a rich world Eric. We have commodities that are worth much elsewhere, and the most important one is food. The Galaxy is a hungry place Eric and it happens to be that 60% of all Union Species can eat the same food. Their DNA and their body sugars turn the in the same way that is. Yes much can be synthesized but the markets demand fresh or grown foods. We have water and fresh air. We got plenty of room.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Without a representative at the Assembly a corporation could move in, kill everyone and declare the planet a private Corporate World and exploit it. Of course it is against the law but if there is no one that can complain or even raise the issue who would miss Nilfeheim? It has been done before and I am certain more times than we know.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"When billions of Credits are to gain there is always someone willing to break the law, Eric. That is a very real threat and me or anyone just being there prevents that. There are other reasons of course. Like the Nilfeheim Exception that allows our world be part of the Union without complying with Union Laws."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He leaned forward."When a man accepts a responsibility he can not abandon it. This is the reason I cannot be with you and must return to Pluribus.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">There is a new Generation of Nilfeheim Vikings in Halstaad Fjord and they starting to do business with the Universe. The twenty calls I got were all within the last two years and all from young Neo Vikings usually from lesser Clans, mostly to assist in trade deals and business assistance, but there were voices that demand modernization and political changes on Nilfeheim. I was chosen by my peer to defend the interests of our world and until I am relieved from that duty I must perform it. Do you understand that?"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Yes Grandfather I think I do. "

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"I knew you would! "

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">He glanced outside and then said." Are you afraid of what lies ahead? I am sending you to an almost mystical place and you have not asked a single question about it."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Grandfather, there was no time to ask you anything. It is the second time I see you and the first time in person. I would be afraid to spend three month in the Burg with Father. Whatever lies ahead is better so I look forward to it."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">His smile vanished." It is true I did not give you much chance to talk to me. I have seen first-hand how he treats you, but short of taking you away and denouncing all our heritage and traditions there is nothing I can do. I am as securely bound by the invisible shackles of these blessed and cursed rules as I am bound by my word and oath. It might be a fault and this philosophy where a man's word and stand is more important than his own life might be outdated but it is what defines me to the core and I cannot, as an old Terran saying goes, jump over my own shadow. I cannot express how much sorrow I feel when I hear of your fate as plenty of messages reach me from the Ragnarsson Clan bemoaning the fact we will cease to exist and tell me of you as well." "Could you not simply marry again and sire a son? You are not that old Grandfather. That would give you a legitimate heir and make the entire Olafson affair and me a mood point."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"You speak like an old Viking and your suggestion would be quite an elegant solution, but I promised myself never to marry again after I lost your Grandmother who I loved more than my life. I already declared you to be my heir." I lowered my head." I won't be a good heir! I will leave Nilfeheim and become a Star ship Captain after I have killed him!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">"Eric look at me!"

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">I did and he said." You are your own man. It is your live and your future. I am bound and shackled by old traditions that does not mean I want you to be! I will the proud of you. Remember I know what a Star ship captain is, and I have no doubt you will eventually reach that goal.

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">Now for the immediate outlook, there is reason for hope. I can not take you from your father, but I have set a few things in motion. You see I tightened the purse strings. There Ragnarsson wealth extends far beyond the rock even on this world. He will realize it takes much money to maintain such a big burg and entourage. Without the income form the farms,herds and the quarry, he must rely on fishing, without herds he must buy hides for the tannery. He will be much more subjective to suggestions in a few month."

<p style="font-weight:normal;orphans:1">The fliers Computronic beeped and grandfather took the control. Then he said." The Faceless seven are a peculiar group Eric. They take our believes and the adherence to the traditions even more serious than the Elders but they are also more in tune with this planet and know many secrets. I am as much an Elder and a Neo Viking as I am a Citizen living on Pluribus and I assure you even the most advanced Civilizations have not found scientific answers to the most fundamental questions of life and death and the old saying that there is

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