Drei.odt

Ghosts



Despite father's very real threat,Greifen had taken me to the still room and put lard and a clean bandage on my burn.

“Greifen, do not put thy life in jeopardy. I can bandage myself.”

“Nay Lord Eric applying bandages on ones back is quite difficult. Thy father is strong and his word is law, but to tend to the wounds of a warrior is the command of the gods himself and if he wants to break my bones he has to do that before the council. I am a free warrior born and bound to oath to thy grandfather.”

He applied the final bandage and added.”I wager he would not want the events to be reported to the Elders as they really happened.”

“Thank you Greifen.”

He gave me a toothy grin.”If I where you I take the old tunnel past the undercroft and stay out of sight for a while. Out of sight you be soon forgotten and you can rest a while.”

I jumped of the sturdy work table thanked him again and slipped past the stacks of boxes filled with soaps, cleaning supplies and all sorts of dry goods used by Midril and the house servants, shouldered open the door to the winter tunnels and the maze like basements that honeycombed Ragnarsson rock deep down. Even way past the water surface.

The upper tunnels were used when the snow was too deep during Longnight. There were storage basements and corridors that led to the tanneries and the dwellings of the low men.

Lumi plates in more or less regular intervals provided light for the last few thousand years and according to Greifen they would most likely still do that for another thousand years or so. While the southern part of the basements was busy year round and featured big cavern like rooms for the leather production. This side was more or less unused.

Midril used a few of the storage rooms and there was a big ale and meat cellar underneath the high halls, but this side was sort of my domain. Down here I could hide and find rest for a while. Using the western most corridor. You could access the old forgotten escape tunnel. It had been built during the last big clan war, Greifen remembered.

The tunnel led to a natural cave and from it you could crawl through a partially collapsed passage and reach Raghild's Grotto. It was a small natural cave open to the sea one side. One of the many legends and stories of this old rock was that of Raghild's lost dowry and her tragic end.

Midril who probably knew every story new or old told me this and many other stories and usually while I helped to peel sea weed stems.

Raghild was the oldest daughter of Thorsten Ragnarrson, clan chief about two hundred years ago and promissed to the oldest son of the Starkhelm clan. Yet she was in love with Gansbaf Starkhelm.

It was just one of many such stories of course, the names changed but the theme never did. People denied their own choices and driven to chose between love and loyality. The general lesson was that those who made the choice always survived while those who did not give in, died.

<p lang="en-US">Raghild died too, at least she disapeared forever in this cave, which was pretty much the same. She however had her revenge by hiding the dowry. No one ever found it. Most agree she had tossed it in the ocean. But Midril is convinced she just cleverly hit it. Most of the dowry would have disolved and rotted away no matter where she hid it, but the twenty thousand Iridium Kroner worth ten thousand in Union credits would be unaffected by decay. The legend part of the story was of course the usual ghost protecting the hidden treasure.

<p lang="en-US">To me it was a damp but peaceful place, I could retreat, well not for too long and of course not during Longnight.

<p lang="en-US">I eased myself down on a large rock and stared across the water towards the sea side opening of the grotto. The burn on my back was hurting now pretty good.

<p lang="en-US">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 would be. Before she worked as Nubhir Hide scrubber, now she had servants and staff who hated her arrogance and antics.

<p lang="en-US">At school I was riddiculed by the sons of other Clan Chiefs for his choice of elevating a Low man's daughter to be his wife. Murdering his noble wife, my mother. He was still the Clan chief of the Olafsons but few would socialize with him.

<p lang="en-US">What galled him was of course the fact that he was only the steward of the Ragnarsson Rock. Aye he was made unchallenged ruler by the word of my grandfather of that well kept burg. Erik Gustav had however taken back the control over everything else he owned and controlled outside the burg. The Fangsnapper herds at the South pole, all Nubhir farms and the crown jewel of the Ragnarrson empire on this planet, the Quarry. On a planet without wood and only one big island. Rock, especially cut rock for burgs had great value.

<p lang="en-US">What riches and possessions my grandfather had amassed beyond Nilfeheim I did not know, but father never had controlled it.

<p lang="en-US">He had long spend every Kroner and credit my grandfather had given my mother as dowry. To keep the tanneries producing leather, he had to buy hides and pelts, cutting into the profit of course.

<p lang="en-US">Gretel often 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 but considered without class and was frowned upon by most. However it pleased my evil father very much.

<p lang="en-US">Lothar, the older of my two half-brothers was two years younger than me, yet father treated him like his true heir and the first born. 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, but he would not treat him like he did me.

<p lang="en-US">Disturbed by something I could not really describe but it somehow felt comforting and warm. I looked up and was certain, I did see the back fins of Tyranno Fin not far beyond the mouth of the grotto. The light must have played tricks with my eyes, there were no white Tyrannos. The enormous fins probably just reflected the light somehow.

<p lang="en-US">The fins disappeared below the ocean surface and I got up with a deep sigh. Making my way back to the kitchen. I wanted to see how Midril fared.

<p lang="en-US">--|””--

<p lang="en-US">Midril had been flown to the Union clinic on the big island. The kitchen was still a mess, but servants were busy to clean it. One of the Olafson warriors stood by the dead Fangsnapper. “There you are, Eric! Come to the High Halls for we must celebrate thy first kill!”

<p lang="en-US">“Lord Beowulf, honored are I by thy recognition of my name, but by father's command I am not to enter the Halls.”

<p lang="en-US">“The burg, soon half of Nilfeheim will hear how a boy of eleven years did. All the warriors of the Burg, be it Ragnarsson or Olafson speaketh thy name. Now Lord Isegrim surely can't deny thee. Come now,so speak I. Honor must be given to warrior born.”

<p lang="en-US">Dreading what would occur as certain as thunder followed lightning, I followed the respected warrior. Up to this day he had not even acknowledged I existed.

<p lang="en-US">With a powerful push of his piston like arms,he cast open the heavy doors to our High Hall. There on the big rectangular table with black and with red upholstered high backed arm chairs,one color to each side sat the warriors of both not yet completely united clans. In the center of that massive table square was the fire pit. Now cold and not in use.

<p lang="en-US">There was a din of excited voices, everyone turned as Beowulf and I entered. “Behold the youngest, but aye not the least of warriors in our midst.”

<p lang="en-US">Father rose from his seat at the head of the table flanked by Gretel and Lothar.”What mockery is this, dragging this whelp into these halls. Have you not heard my command?”

<p lang="en-US">Beowulf was of Olafson blood and a distant uncle of mine.”Liege it is the fruit of thy loin that slew a Fangsnapper with a kitchen knife, is he not honored according to our traditions?”

<p lang="en-US">Lothar also got up and threw a piece of food on the floor.”Come and receive the reward then. Eat scraps of the floor like a mangy Nubhir.”

<p lang="en-US">I stood fast, not saying a word.

<p lang="en-US">Beowulf was openly angry and a dozen men rose as he spoke.”You let thy second born speak for you. While a warrior demanded an answer?”

<p lang="en-US">Father glared and his hand dropped to the handle of his whip. “You have defied my decree. What are traditions to my word?”

<p lang="en-US">Now Gretel chuckled. “This cretin has conspired against you. Your favorite son and true heir has given a command. Is he not to be obeyed by that thing?”

<p lang="en-US">Father now turned red and screamed.”On the floor,do as Lothar commands.”

<p lang="en-US">He rushed towards me before I could do or even say something and lashed the whip across my chest. The heavy steel cable shredded my shirt and bit with burning pain deep into my skin. I clenched my fists and teeth.

<p lang="en-US">“He still stands!” Gretel egged him on.

<p lang="en-US">Another lash cut even deeper. Warm blood now freely flowed. I struggled to keep standing.Instead of begging him for mercy, I smiled and raised my arms.”Thank you father for killing me. Now Odin will receive me.”

<p lang="en-US">My knee buckled.

<p lang="en-US">My death frees my Grandfather from his word. Kneeling in a puddle of my own blood. I recited the warriors prayer.”Mighty Thor I call upon you...”

<p lang="en-US">Beowulf and every Ragnarsson warrior stood. Kveldulf an old Warrior of the Ragnarsson clan. “There is a Viking son without fail. Aye he dies,but you Isegrim are no more sheltered by the oath of my liege. This is your burg no longer and let us see if your whip matches my sword.”

<p lang="en-US">Father yelled .”Greifen get him to the still room and dial for the Union Doctor.”

<p lang="en-US">It was the last thing I heard and I hoped and prayed silently now as my eye sight faded and my lips no longer wanted to move, that Greifen and the Union Doctor would be too late.

<p lang="en-US">--””--

<p lang="en-US">I cursed the doctor as I saw his gentle face hovering over mine as I regained conciousness. “Níð Ergi! Cursed are thy skills and cursed is this Off World Tech. Is it my fate to remain in this world where I am not wanted?”

<p lang="en-US">He shook his head but his smile remained and he said to someone in the room. “He is alive, just barely so, yet finds strength to curse and insult me.” To me he said. “Eric, you almost got your wish but my oath prevents me from letting it happen when I can do something about it.”

<p lang="en-US">He checked on a machine that was attached to me by a thin hose.”Now you got to lay still until the blood replicator has completed the transfusion.”

<p lang="en-US">The other person in the room was old Kveldulf as I recognized his voice. “You will survive Eric. You are strong! The Huldufolk have their eyes upon you that is certain.” “The Hidden people, the Aseir are not with me or they would spare me such a father.”

<p lang="en-US">“Warriors are not born in comfort, revenge flows out of the woeful tears of the maimed and tortured, you are the Grandson of my liege and I am bound as he is by oaths and the unbreakable bonds of a warriors word. You Eric, you are not!”

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<p lang="en-US">The doctor paid little attention to what was said and checked his machine once again, then he said. “I send the flyer in the morning to collect the equipment. I am needed elsewhere. On a personally note, I hope the day of Union Law coming to this cold barbaric world is soon. Then no child should have to suffer such cruelty.”

<p lang="en-US">With these words he deactivated the GalNet Avatar projection and blinked out into nothingness.

<p lang="en-US">Kveldulf, a grizzly old warrior with more grey than black hair arranged his fang snapper fur lined cloak, with a sweeping gesture of his sinew bulging underarm and sat down on a stool next to the gurney I was on. His face was tanned and wrinkled by glare of Solken, the frosty winds and spending a life time outside on the oceans or on the ice.

<p lang="en-US">He looked at the machine and tabbed it with his finger. “Marvelous little thing. Replaces your blood. You know you left almost all you head on the stone floors of the Great Hall.”

<p lang="en-US">“I had not intended to be there nor did I have much to say about the bleeding part.” “Aye a heavy load you carry, Child, but there was not a dry eye and not a throat stricken with pride and guilt in that hall as you, twelve years old smiled instead of scream, raised your arms to Odin. Oh lad it will be told in these walls in many Longnights to come.”

<p lang="en-US">“I doubt Gretel or Lothar, I doubt father felt any such things and he will whip anyone who dares to speak of me.”

<p lang="en-US">He can't whip warriors. They can defend themselves with weapons. Beowulf and four others of the Olafson clan leaving the Burg. He released them of their oath to him so they could not ask for a clan council and challenge them for Clan leadership.”

<p lang="en-US">“That suits him well, now there is no one standing up to him.”

<p lang="en-US">The old warrior grinned.”I am not sure he has thought that through. Beowulf owns two of the boats and will demand that your father pays him his family share. Denying them will see the men before the Elders, something he certainly wants to avoid.

<p lang="en-US">Horrible is his temper and evil are his deeds, but Isegrim is a Neo Viking and must abide by our ways. He will comply and thus further drain his meager coffers. But this is not how he is to loose this burg.No it must be cleansed by the hand of vengance. Evil can not stand against valor.”

<p lang="en-US">“I could not stop him from killing my mother and I can do nothing against him, I am weak!”

<p lang="en-US">He put his strong hand on my arm. “Today on far distant earth they would celebrate your birthday, but we are Norse. We are Vikings we do not celebrate the day we are born. Nay we celebrate the day we receive our name. I was there when you received yours.”

<p lang="en-US">I looked away. “I wish I was never born, then mother would not have died protecting me.”

<p lang="en-US">“Your mother wanted you. She wanted nothing more on this world than you, her fate was sealed when the pact of the Clan chiefs was made. One kept quiet the failings of his son and the other blind to the signs and warnings given. There are other powers at work, evil powers that are not of this world and they have taken hold on this rock.”

<p lang="en-US">Only yesterday I had reached my twelfth birthday, instead of celebrating the day of birth we Neo Vikings celebrated Name day, the day a first born recieves his name is a solemn tradition.

<p lang="en-US">His eyes lit up. “You were doused with blood poured out of a cup made of the skull of the skull of an eemy. The Cup is called Blótbolli and every clan has one, many children cry but not you. Your hand reached for Mjordaren, the sword of thy grandfather.”

<p lang="en-US">He interrupted his tale and at the same time I could hear my father's voice. “That was the closet you will ever come to a sword. The day you become of age, your reason to exist ends and I will complete what I wanted to do today!”

<p lang="en-US">His threatening shape came into view and all I saw was hate in his features. To the old warrior he said.”I forbid you to tell him of the past or speak to him henceforth. The only thing he must know is to obey. Now begone, your leige commanded the to heed my will.”

<p lang="en-US">“My lord chained me with honor alone to serve this house. I am loyal to Ragnarsson alone. The day this house is Ragnarsson no more my oath is fulfilled. Dread this day Lord of the Olafson's for I am not afraid of whips. Should you want to find out, challenge me right now.”

<p lang="en-US">Father howled.”I command thee to leave!”

<p lang="en-US">Kveldulf gave me a concerned look and went for the door.”I heed thy command, Isegrim Olafson but rest assured Nilfeheim, the Elders and my lord will hear what transpires here.” With these words he left.

<p lang="en-US">Father grabbed me by the throat and lifted me of the gurney and hit me with his other fist into the stomach. The line that connected my arm with the replicator ripped and spilled blood over him and me.

<p lang="en-US">He kicked the machine of its stand and stomped on it. “You disregarded my command. Failed to comply to Lothar's request and embarrassed me. It disgusts me to look at that scum stain that dribbled down my leg, to see you alive and breathing!”

<p lang="en-US">looking at that scum stain that dribbled down my leg still alive and breathing.”

<p lang="en-US">His blow to my stomach was hurting bad and I was struggling to breathe, but maybe I could irritate him even more and finish what he started. Ending my life and releasing my grandfather from his promise.”Then end it. I earned my right to enter Walhalla. Thor will welcome me and mother will be there.” I fought the nausea and tried to ignore the black circles that now blurred my vision.”Is it fear that stops you?”

<p lang="en-US">His response was roar of indelligble rage and he shock me and was about to end it all.

<p lang="en-US">I could no longer see or really feel anything anymore.

<p lang="en-US">Like being at the bottom of deep well. I could hear Harkun, his man servant yell. “Don't kill him. He dies and all is lost.”

<p lang="en-US">–

<p lang="en-US">I survived and had recovered from this ordeal. He did leave me alone for a spell and I could not wait for school to start again. Still the big break

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<p lang="en-US">Harkun stormed into the still room.”Don't kill him. He dies and all is lost.Isgerim dropped the already lifeless body of his son. Eric did not move as he hit the stone tiles. Smeared with blood he looked quite dead.

<p lang="en-US">Harkun rushed past the panting Isegrim who just realized what he has done.

<p lang="en-US">To everyone Harkun was his man servant, elevated in importance even above the warriors of the clan, but still just a servant. That he was Isegrim's half brother was a secret only they shared. He lifted the lifeless body of the boy on the gurney, felt for a pulse and yelled.”He still has a heart beat, but weak. Call the Union doctor or we won't see the next day.”

<p lang="en-US">Isegrim activated the sophisticated GalNet terminal, that Erik Gustav had purchased after his wife had died. This marvel of Union technology, hidden in a usually locked box. Instantly came to live and connected Isegrim, after he screamed medical emergency with the Union post and the med center.

<p lang="en-US">The med center received the medical emergency call, determined that the GalNet terminal was Avatar enabled, one of only a handful on Nilfeheim and instantly established an EMT avatar until a life med tech or doctor could replace it. The white egg shaped physical representation with the large blue star shaped logo instantly worked on Eric. “Vital functions at three percent, no respiration detected. Performing emergency tracheotomy. Med Evac requested!”

<p lang="en-US">Isegrim did not understand what the projected machine was saying.”Will he live?”

<p lang="en-US">“Cardiopulmonary resuscitation successful. Patients vital functions stabilized.”

<p lang="en-US">“I want a doctor not a machine, I do not understand. I demand a doctor.”

<p lang="en-US">“Dr. Dwyer will be with you as soon as possible. Med Evac is underway and estimated time of arrival is seven minutes and eight seconds.”

<p lang="en-US">Harkun said.”He is alive.”

<p lang="en-US">The machine was still working on Eric when two Med techs and a floating med bot were shown to the Still room by a pale and concerned looking Greifen.

<p lang="en-US">“What is this?” Isegrim yelled.

<p lang="en-US">“We are here to take the patient to the med center.”

<p lang="en-US">“No you are not. I demand you fix him not to take him.”

<p lang="en-US">“Sir, the facilities are inadequate to guarantee the patients full recovery.”

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<p lang="en-US">He hit me again.”You

<p lang="en-US">I could not say anything, I was chocking and the blow to my stomach was hurting so bad I saw black swirls before my eyes.

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<p lang="en-US">He was not done and hit me again yelling. “Be that a reminder to you what will happen the day you turn sixteen. It is the day I will kill you.”

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<p lang="en-US">Again through my haze I saw a red dressed woman and heard Gretel's voice. “Don't kill him now, his Grandfather is still alive.”

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<p lang="en-US">He dropped me and said. “There is tackle to be scrubbed. See to it and you will not eat if one piece is overlooked.”

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<p lang="en-US">At first I considered suicide. Ending it and go to the place where mother was seemed so easy and the best solution. I had seen Geirhild one of the Freewoman throw herself of the ramparts when I was seven. Nobody told me why she did it, Midril said this was something I should better not know, but I had seen her shattered body as they carried her in and back then I decided to do the same. I had enough of the beatings and the humiliation. It was fast and I would be in the land of Hel where mother was and perhaps she even waited for me.

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<p lang="en-US">That night I too had climbed up to the ramparts and wanted to do what Geirhild had done, but just as I was about to jump a strong hand grabbed me by the arm and pulled me back. Up there on the North wall where the walls clung to the cliffs and the drop was deepest was no light other than that of a sky full of stars. The shadowy figure, a hooded cloak around his shape said to me. “Who will avenge your mother if you kill yourself? Yo must endure and grow and learn to fight and then kill Isegrim and cleanse this burg from all its filth.”

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<p lang="en-US">“Who are you?”

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<p lang="en-US">“It matters not, Eric. I cannot reveal myself to you for now

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<p lang="en-US">The shadowy figure sank back into the darkness and was gone, before I said anything.

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<p lang="en-US">Up there on that rampart 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. I was not even sure if the shadow was a real person or just a figment of my imagination, but the spark of revenge was kindled and it would roar to a fire every time father beat me or tortured me. 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, but I deep down I knew I must endure and the day would come when I would kill him and Lothar and Tyr and then throw Gretel from the highest wall.

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<p lang="en-US">Geirhild meant nothing to him and when he was told it was Gudrun the Cook who got killed he shrugged his broad shoulders and said." The tables smashed were expensive, that wench is easily replaced."

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<p lang="en-US">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.

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<p lang="en-US">How they found out for sure I did not know but there was gossip that someone did see an Elhir flyer just moments before the Fangsnapper attack. Father went before the Elders and made the accusation, since open Clan wars were outlawed. The Elhir Chief claimed it could not be proven that it was them, but if a single Fangsnapper made such trouble to the Olafson Clan they would gladly train them in real combat.. Everyone expected father to challenge the Elhir Chief but he did not.

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<p lang="en-US">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, disregarding father's command.

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<p lang="en-US">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."

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<p lang="en-US">Six weeks later a hushed rumor was spreading that the oldest Son of the Eghil clan and two of his companions were found lying before the Gate of the Elhir burg. The companions dead and Elhir's oldest beaten to within an inch of his life. It was said he had the marks of a whip all over his body.

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<p lang="en-US">--””--

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<p lang="en-US">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.

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<p lang="en-US">I was there as well sitting in a corner scrubbing the big kettle, because it was Wednesday and Midril would make Fin Stew.

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<p lang="en-US">"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."

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<p lang="en-US">She stopped cutting Tyranno meat into cubes, wiped her bloody hands on her apron,. Her left hand was pasty white compared to her other; the pigmentation of her new arm would eventually adjust to the rest of her body; 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."

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<p lang="en-US">"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!"

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<p lang="en-US">"That and the fact that he is stronger than you and humongous as all the Olafsons."

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<p lang="en-US">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.

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<p lang="en-US">To make sure no one would catch me idle and give me another, usually bad chore. I went outside beyond the walls using the secret passage of the old escape tunnel.

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<p lang="en-US">Except the small leveled area were floaters could lands the rest of the island consisted of sheer cliffs and titanic ragged boulders, but when you took the time to climb down the south side right across the gate, past Olle’s Tooth (a particular tall and rugged rock said to resemble the rotten tooth of one of my forefathers.) There was a small, perhaps seventy meter deep and 200 meters wide pebble beach known by the Clan as Sigrids Secret. It was hidden from sight on each side by tall cliffs and an overhang from above.

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<p lang="en-US">It was one of my favorite spots. Legend had it that the first Ragnarrson family landed here claiming this rock as theirs only a week after the Settlers Ark had landed. Sten Ragnarrson was said to have killed himself here and that one still could hear his screaming as he lamented his dishonorable death. Sigrid his Grand daughter supposedly buried a tremendous treasure here, of course no one believed that, where on Nilfeheim would a woman gain a treasure? All her possessions were her dowry given to her husband. She too was said to haunt these cliffs as her spirit was searching for whatever baubles she had lost.

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<p lang="en-US">As isolated as Nilfeheim tried to remain from the rest of the Union, we were part of a technological advanced culture, yet many Neo Vikings believed in the supernatural and the stories of the gods and tales of hauntings and ghosts where never far from their mind and lips.

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<p lang="en-US">Midril was one of those and she claimed to have seen ghosts before. When I was younger I believed her if she told about the one legged Ragnarrson who supposedly haunted the storage cellar, but now I believed it was a mere tale to keep me and the other kids from the pickled fish barrel.

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<p lang="en-US">This was my second Shortsummer, the period our planet was on the short end of its elliptical orbit around our sun and it would last three standard years. The other period we called Longnight and it lasted for seven standard years.

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<p lang="en-US">During Longnight the sun would barley appear across the horizon and temperatures plunged to minus sixty degrees. Now during Shortsummer temperatures could climb all the way to 15 degrees and most of the planet wide ocean was ice free.

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<p lang="en-US">I sat down and watched Toe Pincher crabs as they scurried over the dark pebbles, enjoyed the wind and the weather.

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<p lang="en-US">I would have loved to go for a dive but I did not bring my wet suit or fins. I didn't want to go back and all across the yard to get it. However there was a good chance I would run into Bjorgolf the Yard Master who tended the subs and hunting gear of the clan. That fat bastard was a favorite of my father and enjoyed giving me lots to do so he did not have to do it. Father had given him explicit permission to beat me anytime my work was not as expected. He always found something wrong and a reason to use his heavy leather belt to trash me.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Even though my father had moved the Olafson Clan, this rock was still known as Ragnarsson Isle and had been the traditional home of the Ragnarsson Clan ever since Nilfeheim was settled by Terran Colonists.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Now during Shortsummer and on a clear day I could see the Oseberg Island from my tower window. It was where the Oseberg's had their burg, but down here all I saw as the churning ocean waves.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">The Oseberg's were the mortal enemies of the Ragnarsson Clan and until about 500 years ago there was open war between these clans.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">It was still forbidden to even speak the name Oseberg within these walls. Many of the older Clans, including my father lamented the fact that piracy, clan wars and the raid of other burgs was no longer permitted. He often claimed that he would rather take the wealth of another clan by ax and sword than by fishing, working and marriage, as he put it.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">That this was only empty bravado was apparent even to me, as he did not openly challenge the Elhir Chief. Using a whip in a Challenge was only permitted if the opponent would also choose it, going against a man as wild and strong as him and a master of sword and ax was something completley different than beating unarmed servants.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">I was watching two crabs fighting over a dead fish. A Silver Flicker Fish, it probably went to close to the surge as the waves broke against the cliffs and got smacked to hard against the rock. Almost to late did I hear footsteps in the gravel. More out of instinct I ducked and still something hit me pretty hard on the head. I jumped back and turned to see Lothar my half-brother brandishing a wooden practice sword. He was only ten but had inherited all the Olafson Bulk and was more than my equal in terms of strength and body size. His eyes glowed with delight as he laughed and screamed. ”I made you bleed I will tell father!” He played with his sword making its tip circle before my face.” I could also kill you right now and there is nothing you can do. Raise your hand against me and I tell father and he will break you.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“I had it with you and your arrogance! I am sick and tired of your petty games. this is Ragnarsson Rock and you and that father of ours is here by the grace of my grandfather and my mother!” I stepped inside his reach, twisted his wrist with my left and smacked my fist as hard as I could right into his blabbering smiling mouth.” I could feel something break as my fist connected, he was flung back and stumbled and fell.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">For some reason time seemed to slow down as I watched him fall and the back of his head hitting one of the bigger rocks. He didn’t move or make any sound as he laid there and I was certain I had killed him! I spat out and said. “Go tell that to father!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">The realization of what I had done hit me the very same moment. Fear and guilt made it impossible to even think one coherent thought. He stirred and opened his eyes, he was not dead! A voice in me urged me to finish him off, the crabs would make short work of his remains and the surge take whatever was left. He would simply be missing and one problem of my life would be solved! He deserved to die! He was the son of a woman who replaced my mother! The woman was the reason my father had killed her in the first place! I was the rightful heir not he!

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Out of the corner of my eyes I noticed movement and as I turned to see who else was here at this usually deserted beach. I saw a woman standing there, her feet still in the water.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">At the very first moment I believed it to be Hel the goddess of the nether worlds who came to take Lothar. But as I looked closer I was certain no goddess would wear a modern wet suit or carry a spear gun, not a Tyranno Slayer, but from the looks of it a very modern Off-World type. Even though her suit and the gun seemed Off Word she was clearly Neo Viking. She had no breathing gear and the neck of the Wetsuit was modified to keep her gills open. She was maybe ten meters away and the water lapped against her knees. She had the gun aimed at me and she yelled. “I can’t let you live Eric as you you saw me. I am sorry I did not know you would be here. I came for him and I see you started already what I came here to do!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Her voice was clear and female and somehow familiar, yet because of her goggles and the tight neoprene hood covering her face up to the nose. I could not fathom how this woman I had never seen knew me and why she wanted to kill my brother. How could a ten year old have such an enemy? What clan would use female swimmers anyway? “Who are you?”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“I am Vengeance! Revenge is not the domain of men alone! “

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">From above I heard Harkun my father's man servant yelling and raising alarm! The female fired her gun! I threw myself to the ground at the same time, the spear hit me not into the chest but the shoulder as I was certain she had aimed for my heart. As I fell I found it strange how little the harpoon hurt. Then I heard the explosive puff as the harpoons explosive head went off. I saw her fire the second barrel up the cliffs perhaps at Harkun and then disappear beneath the waves and just before darkness engulfed me I felt relieved. I would die now I was certain and I would see mother again!

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">--””--

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">-- I was not dead. I was quite disappointed as I saw the face of the Union doctor instead of that of my mother. The man wore a light green uniform with the Union Medical Logo on his chest. He had no hair on his head, except for a set of bushy eyebrows. A light floated above his eyes and shined directly into mine. His nose was rather large for his elongated face I found, especially as I saw it so close up.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“Yes, yes. Eric you are among the living and you are soon able to leave.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“What happened?” Was all that came to my mind.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“You were shot by a harpoon with explosive tip. Luckily for you that thing was meant to be fired under water and so it went straight through you and that explosive tip, went off outside. Did still considerable damage. Had it exploded inside there would have been nothing for me to do.” I tried to sit up, but he pushed me back. “I said soon, Eric. Not now!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Then I saw father standing not far and he pointed his massive finger at me. “You are only alive because I need you to be alive until your Grandfather dies. The fact that you protected your brother means nothing!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">This part of his speech as expected but why he didn't ask me anything was something that made me wonder.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">The doctor turned to him. “I will report all this and the day will come, you will answer for your crimes Mr. Olafson.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“Be silent, Off World Slave, this is Nilfeheim. Your presence is no longer required!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Father slammed his fist onto the GalNet terminal and mashed it. The Avatar presence of the Doctor blinked out of existence.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Father grabbed me by the throat and lifted me of the gurney and hit me with his other fist into the stomach. “Again you failed me, instead of looking at the bodies of the Elhir assassins, I am looking at that scum stain that dribbled down my leg still alive and breathing.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">I could not say anything, I was chocking and the blow to my stomach was hurting so bad I saw black swirls before my eyes.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">He was not done and hit me again yelling. “Be that a reminder to you what will happen the day you turn sixteen. It is the day I will kill you.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Again through my haze I saw a red dressed woman and heard Gretel's voice. “Don't kill him now, his Grandfather is still alive.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">He dropped me and said. “There is tackle to be scrubbed. See to it and you will not eat if one piece is overlooked.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">-””--

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">No one spoke of a female assailant. According to Harkun, it was at least seven to eight, swimmers and he was certain they wore Elhir Green. As ridiculous as his story was, as wet suits came in black only, at least on Nilfeheim, it was taken for the truth and no one even asked me anything, What Lothar saw or remembered I did not know but for the last few weeks he made an effort not to come to close to me, and that was a good thing.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">I still wondered who the woman was.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Today was Monday and it was a school day, but again a nightmare had plagued me and I was up way to early. A glance on the PDD told me it was just 12 minutes after two in the morning. After an unsuccessful attempt to find sleep, after tossing and turning and seeing my mother's bloodied boy again. I got up and sneaked down into the equipment chambers of our submarine den. Not even the fishers of our clan were up this early and the Yard master was still snoring in his quarters. A good long swim would clear my mind and so I put on a wet suit and fins and as always grabbed a Tyranno Slayer harpoon gun. Perhaps a Rock shark or Three-finner would come my way. Bringing home a Three-Finner even appeased my father fo a while and that is why he had not taken away my wet suit or dive gear.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Like all Neo Vikings I had a set of gills, and my eyes had a second set of transparent eyelids that allowed me to see under water. The Bureau of Colonist Affairs had done some genetic tailoring on the Colonists bound for Nilfeheim. While Genetic Tailoring was prohibited now,it was a common practice back in the days of the Second Exodus.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">It was said that we Neo Vikings would eventually loose these traits as diving and hunt swimming was slowly going out of fashion. Very few of my class mates still went hunting or even just swimming anymore; to me there was no greater joy than to go out in the cold clear waters and forget the cares of the surface life.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">The Ragnarrson Burg had an extensive cave like Submarine Den underneath the western part of our Rock. Was at level with the sea and an enormous portcullis gate made of real off-world Ultronit could be lowered or raised at its entrance. The gate was so heavy that it had to be operated with hydraulics.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">The Olafson Clan had not a single boat, but the Ragnarsson Clan owned four New Sweden made Hunt and Fish subs and nine surface fishing vessels. Currently all neatly tied up. That had not stopped my father to repaint them all in Olafson red and place the Wolf seal upon their bows. However no one dared to say anything and my Grandfather the true master of the Rock was far away acting as the planets representative on Pluribus, the Union government planet.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">The gate was open, technically there was a standing order to close it every night,but a few years ago the hydraulic that opened the gate quit working and it would have taken Off-world Engineers to fix it. Father was never much for maintenance and said that it was a Ragnarsson gate and needed to be fixed by the Ragnarsson Clan. He had no problem declaring whatever he wanted as his, but when it needed fixing or maintenance,it was a Ragnarsson problem.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">I slipped into the water and forced myself to stop breathing and let the gills take over. When the cold water rushed past my gills and I was underwater I felt as right as rain.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">With powerful stroked of my fins I accelerated myself past the gate and into open water. During Short Summer the Sun was coming up very early and the first rays of light penetrated the upper layers of water. I must have been a good mile away from the Rock when I watched a school of Silver Flickers dash by at first thinking nothing of it, but then a swarm of larger Split Fins followed the Silver Flickers and moments later I saw the sharp triangular nose of a large Rock Shark coming up from the deep.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">I readied the harpoon. It had three long barrels, each loaded with an explosive tipped rocket propelled steel spears, I was not afraid but Rock Sharks rarely hunted alone.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Only, this Rock Shark did not hunt. It was fleeing. There was only one thing in our oceans that made a Rock Shark act this way...

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">The dark, fast growing shadowy mass behind the Rock Shark was without question a Tyranno Fin.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">To see one this far north at this time of year was quite unusual.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">The Tyranno Fin shot past me and about 200 meters. It was a Tri Halfer, a fairly sized male. All my thoughts of caution were swept away by the excitement of the hunt. Down here I did not have to pretend, be ashamed for what I was or take whatever punishment my father deemed necessary, down here, I was Eric Olafson., Neo Viking and Hunter.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Tyranno Fins could get as large as the biggest Terran Whales, our teacher told us but they were not Mammals but true fish and a terribly aggressive animal at that.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Right behind their eyes they had a yellowish patch of skin, it was there where their skulls were attached to the rest of the body and a well placed harpoon could penetrate all the way to their brains.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">The Mark was within range, I calmed my nerves and aimed carefully. The harpoon rushed with a streak of bubbles through the water almost to fast to see and struck true! The mighty beast arched in a violent way and trashed its enormous tail fin back and forth, then in a cloud of dark red blood and bubbles it slowly rose to the not so distant surface.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Before I could think about my next steps a second shadow approached, but not 200 meters away, instead it was right below me. It was fast and big, much bigger than the other. No matter how fast I could swim. It was made for this environment and was much faster. I was afraid of death but not of dying and if that is how the gods would reunite me with my mother then this was a good way to go.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Instead of fleeing swam towards it. A gigantic maw easy able to swallow me and the entire Olafson Clan, full of tremendous teeth. I would not give up without a fight, but I did not have enough time to rotate the second barrel into firing position.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">I don't know how I survived or where that strange surge came that pulled me away from the maw and let me slide past its side. In all this I noticed an eerie white light deep below, but right now I had no time to turn and look, I rotated the second barrel in place and twisted my own body , just as the Tyranno Fin noticed it had not caught me , and fired , aiming out of reflex and without a heart beat to waste, the Yellow mark was less than 20 meters away. The harpoon missed the yellow mark by at least two meters, while the harpoon still penetrated and exploded. It only wounded the fish. The Tyranno, much bigger than the Tri Halfer,mad with pain circled around, its surge tossing me around unable to orient myself. All I could do is hold on to the harpoon and hope I had another chance, my last one. Again I was certain I saw an eery light in the far distant, something just a little brighter than the otherwise dark abyss. Somehow I managed to get out of the surge and rotate the third and last barrel in place.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">I swam as fast as I could to the side, again forcing the Tyranno to turn and there again the Yellow mark, this time the one on the other side. “Odin, let my aim be true!” I prayed and fired.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">The Ultronit shaft plunges deep into the mark, the fish had made its turn, lined up and opened its maw. The harpoon exploded, the fish was still in motion but hitting me with its snout, instead of swallowing me in its death throe, it felt worst than my fathers kicks and I almost opened my mouth. I would drown as surely as an Off-Worlder if I did and stopped myself the last moment.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">The eerie light I had seen was gone but then the bright lights of a Hunting sub came from the East just as I surfaced next to the floating Tyrannos.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">The Sub surfaced as well, on its bow the light blue insignia of a Seagull bird. It was the time honored old Clan symbol of the Holmquist clan. Not particular friendly to the Olafsons but not an enemy and friendly towards the Ragnarssons.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Two sturdy looking Vikings climbed to the bow and one of them wore the white robes and furs of an elder. Against the wind and the splashing waves he yelled. “vestu heil ok sæl- Hail the mighty warrior, come aboard and be celebrated!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">More men came on deck and a second boat surfaced. It carrying the three red crosses of the Adolpson Clan. It too a mighty and very old member of the Ancient Clans.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">I was helped aboard and I immediately knelt before the Elder and lowered my head as it was custom when facing an Elder. He put his hand on my shoulder. “Rise Mighty One, one as you need not kneel. Are my old eyes deceiving me or are you still a boy?”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">The other man wearing a Clan chief chain around his neck bellowed. “It is Eric the first born of vile Isegrim, He is Olafson.” Someone held a Drykkjarhorn under my nose.”Drink, as it thy right!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Completely confused by the sudden company of men here out in the ocean I took a drought., It was warm fish blood and tasted vile but given by me in an old Horn was a great honor and to drink a sip from a first kill was as an ancient tradition. Something not shunned in the presence of an Elder.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">The Holmquist Clan Chief grabbed me by the underarm and nodded with a fierce grin under his massive red beard.” Aye Erik of the Olafsons, I bid thee my arm in the greeting of warriors and equals. We hunted that Two Eighty for three days, it is a mighty and cunning bull and we witnessed and saw your hunt. Ages have past since a true warrior has hunted the dangerous prey the ancient way.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">The Elder said. “We were certain we saw the Holy fish as well, the White Tyranno in a great distance however. The gods themselves have watched your fight and triumph themselves.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">–

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">The Holmquists towed my Tyrannos to the Burg, 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. Instead of elated I feared what my father would do.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">He did not even look at me as he clasped hands with the other Chiefs and greeted 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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“Your hatred of your own son has even reached the Elders, your Son has bestowed great honor upon the name Olafson today by slaying two Tyranno Fins I the ancient way. It was witnessed by us and we came to celebrate his deeds. He has earned the right to wear the helmet of the hunt. You do not object to this ancient tradition, Isegrim of the Olafsons?”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 him adult today, after slaying the Tyrannos.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">It was clear that Father realized what he was about to do and said. “I will forgo any punishment and allow him to wear the Helmet of the Hunt. He is my first born until Lothar will challenge and kill him.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">The Elder gave father a long look. “You realize that all this will reach the ear of Erik Gustav Ragnarsson.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Father gasped and his hand dropped to his whip. “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 Adophson Clan leader said. “Eric may come to our shores at any time. He will be welcome with highest honors.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">The Elder added. “What about the fish? By all Customs they are his.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">I knew I would be beaten to an inch of my life so I said. “I am still Olafson and thus it is my father alone who decides what to do with the fish.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Father seemed appeased and said. “I have business to attend to and tow the Tyrannos to the Xchange. The school floater will be here soon to take him to school.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">--””--

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Mr. Flensburger was a little late as usual. He came into the classroom dressed like a Harpooner in the middle of Long night. 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 Short Summer now and he had to walk less than 1500 meters in the open. It was only three below zero and light wind. Bare chest weather my Uncle Hogun would say.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">It would take 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. “It is exceptionally cold this morning, class," he greeted us and twenty two Neo-Vikings responded. ”Good morning Mr. Flensburger.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">I couldn’t help myself and said, "You have been on Nilfeheim now for over thirty years, Mr. Flensburger. Haven’t you gotten used to our weather by now?”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 had no time to get used to the weather yet.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">That caused the class to laugh. He walked to the windows 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.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 40.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Our teacher turned to face the class. "In a few years from now you graduate and perhaps some of you might actually leave this world, 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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Leif's father was a Freeman living in town and if I understood 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. Him being off planet was news to me and I listened intensely.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Mr. Flensburger encouraged him to tell us about his trip and Leif said.”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 and all everyone does is smile all the time.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Peter Langstom next to him drew the outlines of a woman into the air.”How about the girls, do they wear little?”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“You could bunch up what they wear in your fist and nothing showing.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Peter now grinned from one ear to the other.”I think I go there for a visit too!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">His comment caused quite a few gasps of disbelieve.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Flensburger shook his head putting his right hand before his eyes.”You are hopeless.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Then he sat down on the edge of his desk and he stared at me.”You look different today, Eric. What are you wearing on your head?”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“It is the Helmet of the Hunt; I received it this morning from the Elders.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Gunnar Peerson turned and gave me a hateful envious look.” Eric killed two Tyranno Fins this morning completing the ancient challenge. I can't understand why someone like him is such a good hunter.“

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Flensburger got up and came closer.”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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Gunnar answered.”In order for a Viking to be accepted as a man he must complete three tasks. Only by completing these three tasks, closely observed by the Circle of the Elder, one may sit on the table with the warriors, drink mead and wear a helmet. The three challenges are: to walk the Tunnel of Skill where your fighting skills are tested, recite the entire Poem of Odin without faltering, and to slay a wild beast. Either a Fangsnapper, a Rock Shark or a Tyranno Fin.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">The teacher looked at me and said. “And you killed two of them this morning?” He asked visibly astounded.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“Yes Sir. I had not planned on killing two. I was stalking a young Three Halfer and when I speared it into the Mark its brother or father showed up and it was a Six Double I think, I had to kill it or it would have done so with me.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“I heard the Eldest say it was an Eight Tri,” Ygral my friend interrupted. ”And no Eight Tri has been slain by hand in over 200 years. It is all over the Nilfeheim Radio.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">I made a circle with my hands. ”The Mark was about that big on the Eight Tri, not fist size.” He rolled his eyes and sighed. ”Right, that makes it so much easier. Now I wonder does it not make you a man even in the eyes of your family and most certainly among your class mates. Would this not fix things between you and your father?” I lowered my head. ”Clan feuds are not forgotten over a hunt and my father... I'd rather not talk about it!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“Very well then.”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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">There was silence. He pointed at Sven. ”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?” 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?” 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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Sven was still not convinced and crossed his big forearms across his barrel chest.”We make our own Harpoons and we can eat our own catch.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Flensburger asked.. “And where does the Ultronit and the power cubes come from?"

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">He responded to the question, saying, “My father orders metals, knives and boat parts at the XChange.“

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“How does he pay for it?”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“With Union Creds of course.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“How does he get Union Creds?”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“We’re selling Tyranno meat, Flasher fish and lots of Fanger Fur to the XChange in town.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">The skinny teacher sat down again on the edge of his desk. His favorite position when he was about to explain something to us. “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.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">There are only a few species we know of who do not need to educate their offspring. The Klack for example, those Insectoid friends of ours have a collective mind they share all experiences, a Klack hatches with all knowledge he needs. But even the Klack send their young to Union schools mostly to prepare them to interact with us. ”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.“

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Again he looked across the class and pointed at Peter. ”Why do you think these old methods might be superior?”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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. ”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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“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 skillfully hiding your PDD under your sleeve I still give you a B.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“We become citizens, Sir!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“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 full 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! “

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 Clan Elder.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“So you think you were forced to join?”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“What else do you call a fleet of Battleships with Planet-Buster bombs ready to vaporize our planet in orbit?”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Sven shrugged. ”We just were stronger and better warriors and so we had the right to take it.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“Fighting among students is,indeed. Now lets call this a demonstration and again, I accept your challenge, Mr. Espeland .”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">I said, ”I would not do it, Sven. He’s from New Algiers.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Gunnar yelled, "He might be an enemy of our clan, but by our laws and traditions Eric was pronounced a warrior born and a man by the Elder today! I will not sit idle while you insult a Viking Warrior. Even if I don't like him, I will kill you!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Sigvard Elhir, glared at his direction. “You lift an arm for the Olafson and I will break your neck.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">He still held Sven by the wrist and kept his arm painfully twisted and explained to us in his usual soft voice. “Because of a special deal your Planet Representative has managed to get for Nilfeheim, you are Citizens after you graduate but do not have to serve the 24 month in a Federal Service as it 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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Sven groaned in pain. ”I am going to kill you!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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. Peter yelled. ”This is not honorable. He beat you fair and square, put your knife away!” Sven’s face was deep red and he pointed the wicked knife at Peter. ”I will slice you like Tyranno-bait, after I am done with that Off-worlder!” I jumped forward holding my chair like a shield. ”Mr. Flensburger get back!” Sven laughed. ”Splendid! Your Father will reward me if I kill you. He’ll give me a boat for sure!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 or I am forced to take that knife from you and expel you from school.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“No one takes my knife and I could care less if I fail your stupid class.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“I didn’t say fail class. I said you will be expelled.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 effort. ”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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Sven now turned purple struggled and gargled. ”I give in. I surrender!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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.” Sven grabbed his knife and stumbled to the exit. ”Who needs to be a stupid citizen anyway? I am a Neo Viking!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">--””--

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">It was during the third hour and Mr. Flensburger was telling us about the Klack Society when the class room door opened and Sven’s father Elik Espeland stepped in 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. “Mr. Flensburger, I apologize for the interruption, but it is true that you expelled my son?”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“Indeed. He had made his choice. I 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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">The school was built on a rock that stuck out the ocean about 25 clicks from the Main Island. The courtyard was half exposed to the open and ended at one side into a piled up tumble of huge rocks and below those rocks was the ocean.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">It was not lunch break yet and no one really ventured far from the class room as we expected to be called back.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Sure enough 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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Yngve my only friend, physically the weakest in class but very bright, came up to me and said..”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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“But you have an awesome family and a good father and a mother who loves you and you can buy things.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">He grinned and handed me a Data Chip. “I got you the latest adventures of Captain Ironhand.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">I thanked him with a wide grin and said. “I love the smell of Blaster Fire in the Morning.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“I am certain blaster fire has no distinctive smell. Olfactory molecules would be destroyed as any other matter,”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“It's what Captain Ironhand always says.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“You do know he is a fictional character that has absolutely nothing to do with reality, right?”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“I know but watching these gives me a little vacation from my own life and I tell you it sucks to be me.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Sigvard, son of the Elhir clan heard my last comment and pushed Yngve with a shoulder push to the side and snatched the Data Chip out of my hand. “I agree it sucks to be you. I believe you made this all up, you didn't kill any Tyrannos. There is no way you did that!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“I care less what you believe,, you can always challenge the Elder who saw me doing it. Now give me back that chip!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“My father said, your father is a coward. Not Viking enough to an open Challenge.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“I challenge you, right here and now.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“And get me expelled fighting a looser like you?”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">“Anywhere anytime, it seems you are the coward!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Gunnar and Annar the Peerson twins also came closer and others followed. Sigvard could no longer back out with so many witnesses and him being the strongest right after Sven poked his finger into my chest. “Alright, Olafson. Right now in the Gym, we wrestle!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Technically Gilma wrestling was permitted and not considered fighting when it is was done in the Gym as exercise. Gilma was a from of wrestling with complicated rules of fairness we called drengskapur and had a strict code of honor.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Without further words we went down in the Schools basement area where the gyms and sports facilities were. In the afternoon there was fight class where Viking Instructors taught us how to sword fight. It was not a Union School program of course but a local thing.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Gunnar yelled. “This isn't Gilma and it isn't honorable!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">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. I had to be quick and don't let him get the upper hand. He was much stronger than me, but him using the leather harness like a whip opened a feeling of rage and anger in me he could not even begin to fathom. 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! 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. “If you ever insult me again, if you ever take something from me, I will kill you!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">A strong hand pulled me up and Mr. Flensburger said with an angry stern tone. “You are about to kill him now!”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Sigvard coughed and gargled and Flensburger said to Gunnar. “Take him to the School nurse.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">To me he said. “If this was Gilma, my name isn't Flensburger, but lets pretend I am still an ignorant Off-Worlder, otherwise School would end for you two today,”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">--””--

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Mr. Flensburger did not report the incident and no one spoke about the fight. Sigvard came back from the nurse handed me my chip and sat into his bench. The stare he gave me however was pure murder.

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Chapter 4: Union School

<p lang="en-US">Chapter 3 – Union School

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">I was there as well sitting in a corner scrubbing the big kettle, because it was Wednesday and Midril would make Fin Stew.

<p lang="en-US">"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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">"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 lang="en-US">"That and the fact that he is stronger than you and humongous as all the Olafsons."

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">Humans and Nonhuman species belonged to it and space ships travelled between a huge number of worlds and places.

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">"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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">The school floater landed in the inner area of the big C along with other school and private floaters and everyone went inside.

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">"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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">"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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">"You know sometimes I think I should be more afraid of you than Sigvard and his gang!"

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">At that moment Mr. Walters entered the class room.

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">"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 lang="en-US">"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 lang="en-US">Sigvard's smile froze on his face and he shrugged." It's none of my business what you discuss with this Outcast."

<p lang="en-US">"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 lang="en-US">The Device responded with acknowledging beeps.

<p lang="en-US">"Now be seated Mr. Olafson and good morning Class!"

<p lang="en-US">Everyone responded at the same time and 32 boys said." Good Morning Mr. Walters."

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">"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 lang="en-US">Of course Yngve did and his eye now was really swollen and turning color.

<p lang="en-US">"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 lang="en-US">Gunnar could barely contain his giggle as he heard that remark.

<p lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">"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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">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 lang="en-US">Gunnar who was still standing said." Sir, it was me and my brother. We roughed Yngve up a bit this morning."

<p lang="en-US">"It was my brother and me!" The teacher corrected and then nodded." I already deducted that much. "

<p lang="en-US">Mr. Walters said to Yngve. "Go to the school nurse and come back when she is done