Drei-9-.odt



< --- Dre-8-.odt -- Drei-10-odt. --->



Chapter 23: Egill Skallagrímsson

Chapter 23 -Egill Skallagrímsson

It took Egill and me almost 4 weeks to reach his rock. His sub was quite fast, but no submarine could match the speed of a flyer. He showed me how to guide the sub and I let me steer it from the helm. Despite its age, it was equipped with a Computronic and a sensor array that would put modern Hunt subs to shame. He told me stories about Earth, when Submarines were used in warfare against other nations and never for hunting fish. He said that during the last great clan wars, many hunting subs were used or altered to attack other subs and that this one was a purpose build craft from that time.

The boat was perhaps seventy meters long, and generated power from a small Hydrogen Fusion Plant. It had a small galley and originally had room for a crew of six but the old man had re purposed these rooms as he did not have a crew, but he had prepared me a bunk in what he called the torpedo room.

The boat was armed with six torpedo tubes and had still twenty of these fast underwater missiles ready to be loaded. These torpedoes carried war head and could rip a boat or sub in pieces.

I asked him what was so traditional about that and it was using distance weapons and Off World Tech. He explained that the Use of Fishing boats and Hunting subs came into use because the traditional way of hunting them was so dangerous, that many men were killed each year and the acceptance of Subs and Boats became accepted with traditions. I snorted at that and told him what I felt about traditions that could be altered when it fit the men and first born but was as rigid and unchangeable when it came to the rights of others. He simply ignored me and told me that during the height of the Clan wars, boats were armed and blowing up another clan's boat was a "Thing" and therefore the use of torpedoes and such was perfectly alright. Those men inside these boats were a secondary effect as the boat and not the men were attacked.

Again the Elders and Vikings went out of their way to justify something with twisted logic. Egill said that this was the reason however, Clan wars were out lawed as the use of Off world tech was getting out of hand.

The boat smelled of wet wool, grease, Tyranno oil and other rather unpleasant organic odors and the hermit was not a pleasant conversationalist as the Ancient Keeper, he grunted most of the time. But he gave me the Old stories to read and the old poems and made me recite them. It was part of the ancient challenge to recite from memory one of the ancient poems and the Elders testing could pick an easy one or a hard one. He insisted I would learn them all. The second part of the Ancient challenge was a test of skill with three selected weapons. He was not satisfied with my skill level and pointed out that there was room for much improvement. He let the boat on auto helm every day and I had to exercise on the slippery hull before the conning tower of the sub and more than once fell, slipped and slid into the water. It took him a while to get the boat stopped and made me catch up instead of turning around. He was not friendly and never had a word of praise but he knew my mother and she wanted him to train me and I would not fail her last wish!

I would keep the Holo open and let it repeat the message. No music could have been sweeter to me as my mother's voice.

Finally we reached Skalil Rock. It was a tall think pillar of rock sticking out of the ocean at least 50 meters, but for sure no more than 2o meters across .His burg melted with the shape of the stone column into one dark gray shape against the sky.

There was a very narrow quay on one side of that rock with metal bollards were he instructed me to secure the sub with thick Artifib-Ropes. I thought how loudly the two faced no good for nothing elders dammed modern technology and improvement but used it wherever they found it practical. I would have respected them if they lived what they preached but this hypocritical approach made me think of them less every time I was thinking about these fools.

An open basket lowered on a chain and he motioned me to step in. He did as well and the thing lifted us past the almost vertical rock walls of the pillar up and into a small outhouse like building sticking like a Kissing fish stuck to the side of a Triple-Finner. An electric winch stopped humming and he said. "That is a wonderful thing to keep unwanted guests away."

I wondered how many unwanted guests would ever find this place anyway. If you didn't know its exact coordinates you'd never find it in the vastness of Nilfeheim oceans.

<p lang="en-US">"If you are long enough at the same place they find you. Those who think I have answers or would use my influence to change a decision of the Elders." He said and I wondered how he knew what I was thinking about, but then he probably just kept explaining to me why he had this lift.

<p lang="en-US">His burg consisted of only one house that was built into the base of his tower and it was like the burg a horrible mess. Books, rotting leather, wool, and dirty dishes piled up everywhere. And the air was even fouler than aboard the boat. He barked." If you don't like how it smells and looks you are welcome to do something about it."

<p lang="en-US">He must have guessed what I was thinking seeing my face. "Well I don't mind cleaning the place a little. Do you have cleaning supplies?"

<p lang="en-US">He shrugged." If I do I don't remember. On top of the tower is a small flyer. You can use it to go to fly to Isen and get what you need."

<p lang="en-US">I looked around and found the narrow stairs. Its rails covered with incredibly dirty rags and laundry. As I climbed it he jelled"While you there pick up some to eat, some tea and a bottle of Vodka or two."

<p lang="en-US">After leaving the ground floor and climbing the spiral stair case the trash became less and the air better, but judging by the finger thick dust, no one had been up here in ages. The flyer was indeed there, a small two -seater with a tinny cargo area. It too was covered thick with gray dust. Only because the Olafson Clan didn't believe in updating tech. I knew that thing in the back was Pre Zero Point Power Cube. That Nuco-Bat was ancient when my 400 hundred year old Instructor was in his crib. Surprisingly according to the indicator, it held twenty percent power and that was plenty to take that thing twenty times around the planet. A rusty winch opened a side of the Tower, no electric motor there, and after checking the Arti grav and the on Board Computronic I took the think out. The Arti grav worked fine but its propulsion unit, two ducted turbines sputtered until a lodged dirty sock or something similar came loose and the flyer went south in a trail of dust.

<p lang="en-US">I never had been to Isen Landsby. I simply knew it existed and was Nilfeheim's second largest town (there was a third one, not much more than a village so I heard at the Five Clan Island Cluster to the West) Using the directional data transmitted by Nilfeheim Radio I was confident I would find it. The flyer was open and the temperature was dropping. I wished I had some sort of coat, but I found the heater and ducked behind the wind shield.

<p lang="en-US">I had left the pen water behind me and was now flying over the permanent ice of our south pole. Unlike on the North Pole where the son did not really leave the sky during short summer, here it never came up past the horizon and it was dark and bitter cold. Isen appeared. It was like an island of light in the otherwise dark featureless ice plane. Buildings were sitting on long stilts buried in the ice and connected with bridges and stair cases leading to the ice. Most buildings were surrounded by metal platforms and hand railings. And masts with light elements everywhere. The town looked like a festive lit Yule log from the air.

<p lang="en-US">I did see flyers and power sleds but what surprised me most to see men riding Fangsnappers!

<p lang="en-US">I landed the flyer next to the lid sign of a flyer service station and a man in blue coverall and no beard at all came out of the lit entrance, crunched over the thin layer of snow that covered the metal floor of this platform and spit a wad of gum over the railing." Dang me a Lips sis! It's a real genuine Vanderstream Open Top in good condition and original paint" He pulled a rag form his pocket and wiped across the Flyers manufacture plate." Never thought in a thousand Long nights to see one on this Ice cube of a Planet. Do you want to sell it? "

<p lang="en-US">"Sorry Sir, I am just using it, but I wondered if you can check the propulsion turbines. Something was stuck in it and the left one is sparking and wheezing."

<p lang="en-US">"Sure thing I take a look at it."

<p lang="en-US">"Is there a place I can buy supplies?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes sure. We got a store. You walk across that suspension bridge over there, pass the Swine and Dine and you are at Silver Hawk's Emporium. They got most of the things you need."

<p lang="en-US">He didn't ask me where I came from or who I was. I followed his instructions and wondered if Annar was already working here, as I passed the Swine and Dine. Except for the fact this restaurant was suspended on stilts over frozen ice, it looked exactly like the one in Halstaad Fjord, complete with mechanical pig. This one wore a covering of snow in addition to his costume. The place was well heated and I realized I was colder than I thought I was. The costumed Employee behind the otherwise nearly empty restaurant greeted me the usual way and I placed an order and then said." Would you know if a guy named Gunnar works here?

<p lang="en-US">"We are not allowed to give out names of our employees. We all go by the name Arthur Swine."

<p lang="en-US">I shrugged and took my order."It was a long shot anyway."

<p lang="en-US">I took a seat and stared out the window, but I saw one of the costumed employees come over." Gunnar saw you on the Visual security and will be right out.

<p lang="en-US">Sure enough Gunnar came a few moments later, wearing black pants, and a red and white striped Shirt. He did not wear a swine mask or coveralls. I barley recognized him however as he had his hair cut very short." Wow didn't think I would see you out here. How are things?"

<p lang="en-US">He sat down tugged at his pants as he did so and if it wasn't for the fact that I recognized his face and eyes, I would have never guessed him to be Gunnar." Things could be better but I am not at the Burg and that is good."

<p lang="en-US">"I am Restaurant manager here now and as you see I got my new uniform."

<p lang="en-US">"Aren't you going to be ridiculed or harassed after cutting your hair and wear that?"

<p lang="en-US">"No one down here cares much about who you are or where you came from. They say you have to have a reason for being here and freeze your ass off. There aren't many high clans here. This place was founded by freeman as none of the clans wanted to settle on the permanent ice. They are very rugged down here but no one really cares who you are or what you are. As long as you don't ask questions they don't."

<p lang="en-US">"Doesn't sound too bad."

<p lang="en-US">"No sure doesn't. Our little Supermarket carries more off world stuff than the stores at Halstaad and no one raises an eyebrow if you buy it."

<p lang="en-US">"That's where I need to go next."

<p lang="en-US">"Get yourself a snapper coat or something. It gets real cold here, Longnight or not."

<p lang="en-US">Loaded to with Cleaners, mops brooms buckets and gallons of Cleaners as well as a portable Nanite recycler and an inflatable Washing machine, I made my way back.

<p lang="en-US">The flyer was clean, fully charged and the turbines whispered like new. My Credit strip had paid for it all and there was plenty of Credits left.

<p lang="en-US">I almost missed the tall rock in the darkness, but turned around as it passed to the left and landed.

<p lang="en-US">The old man was sitting in a shabby chair. At first I thought he was dead, but he raised his head as I appeared and handed him a big bag of Rib meals and a soft drink. "He grunted and unwrapped a burger."Did you get the Vodka?"

<p lang="en-US">"It was not as easy. They would not sell it to me as I needed to be of age to get Alcohol but the guy who fixed the flyer got it for me." I placed the bag with the two jugs before his feet.

<p lang="en-US">He glared at it."You sure like to talk and explain things that do not need explanation. All I asked if you got it. A simple yes would have been enough."

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

<p lang="en-US">"Well open one and pour some in that sweet throat glue you brought along with that Off World Garbage food."

<p lang="en-US">After he had me dump half of the coke and replace it with the strong smelling clear liquid he sighed happily munching on his third Rib Burger.

<p lang="en-US">He was no different than the other elders. Condemning Off World on one hand and stuffing his belly with Burgers."

<p lang="en-US">"He held up the almost finished Burger. Even Earthers on Terra think that this food is Garbage. It is called Junk Food for over 3000 years for a reason! The reason it is still around because it is so darn good! Now don't let me stop you. Start cleaning. The smell is still the same!"

<p lang="en-US">I had no idea how many days I scrubbed, gathered, washed and cleaned. At first it seemed I would do that for the entire three month I was supposed to be here. I had made six or seven trips to the Shops buying a second and a third washing machine. Getting more cleaning agents and burning a mountain of garbage every day in his small yard, the Nanite garbage recycler was simply overwhelmed by the sheer volume.

<p lang="en-US">But finally I had reached the last room in his building and sorted the clean laundry. Onto a long rack I had made of ropes and boards.

<p lang="en-US">He had not spoken much in the entire time only to tell me to throw something out I was cleaning. "Don't clean it. Get rid of it!"

<p lang="en-US">He stood in the door and lifted his nose."Smells real fancy now, won't you agree?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes, it might be considered an improvement."

<p lang="en-US">"I am not sure if I should now start training you or tell you I got a big basement, no one has really cleaned in ages and the boat needs cleaning too!"

<p lang="en-US">INTERLUDE 3

<p lang="en-US">Gretel was not very happy with the developments lately. She urgently needed new dresses and her supply on sweetmeats and her favorite drink hot chocolate was running low. Isegrim sat brooding in his chair by the fire and stared in the flame. Lothar and Tyr played in the High Hall, running around the long stately table giggling and yelling.

<p lang="en-US">Suddenly Isegrim bolted up in his chair and uncoiled his whip."Cease that mindless foolishness at once!"

<p lang="en-US">Tyr stopped but Lothar kept on." I am your favorite. I can do what I want, can I not mother?"

<p lang="en-US">She got up and said."Play a little less noisy."

<p lang="en-US">Isegrim glared at her."He ignores me and you condone his behavior? Eric my first born slew a Fangsnapper with a knife younger than him burned his back. I beat him many times and never was there a tear or a cry from his lips. Yet this favorite fruit of my loin's dances around a table like a nitwit, giggles and laughs like a girl and defies my word?" Isegrim's voice became louder with every word.

<p lang="en-US">Gretel said."Speaking of that failed abortion, is it not time we invite his future bride over so you can ask for another advance to the dowry?"

<p lang="en-US">Isegrim growled raised his heavy hand, she retreated." Don't you dare Isegrim, unlike that dumb blonde you married first; I made sure you won't do the same to me. As you know I have collected evidence of all your crocked deals and crimes. Should I die or come to harm. The Elders and the clan leaders you robbed screwed and stolen from will all know the truth. "

<p lang="en-US">Isegrim grabbed her by the throat and pulled her close. "I found your evidence and know you hid it with your mother. Your mother met a very unfortunate end, not that I believe the hungry Nubhirs left much after she told me everything I needed to know. He pressed tighter and Gretel coughed and gargled. Her eyes wide, she was no small woman but there was nothing she could do against his gargantuan strength. Father pulled her even closer." Do you think I would let you black mail me forever?" He suddenly let her go and pushed her away." I let you live for now as I don't like to make a fool of myself and I declared the world that this Lothar is my favorite. I am beginning to change my mind!"

<p lang="en-US">Gretel was still fighting with her breath and father was screaming. "Lothar if you are still there when I turn my face I will roast you in the fireplace right now!"

<p lang="en-US">Harkun silently appeared and stood there like a rod, on the bottom of the stairs his nose in the air. Isegrim took the papers, the PDD and a box with documents from his servant." Is that all?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes your Lordship. The mother was very descriptive and it was all there, all that concerns this world. I found a keycard to a safe deposit box at the bank on Holstein. She keeps additional papers and documents there, so her sister said."

<p lang="en-US">Gretel came up."That's right Isegrim! You may gained some but not all. I got damning material on you at a place you can't get to!"

<p lang="en-US">"And neither can you."

<p lang="en-US">"I don't have to. A friend of mine will open it and publish what it contains. Evidence to a murder plot will not sit well with the elders or the Union."

<p lang="en-US">Isegrim looked towards Harkun and the man sniffed." I have similar evidence on you Ma'am and conspiracy to such a deed is just as condemning."

<p lang="en-US">She hissed." One day Harkun! One day!"

<p lang="en-US">Isegrim snipped his finger." Have you been able to find out where Eric is? He seems to have disappeared."

<p lang="en-US">"Your brother has severed all ties to your son as you know and rejected all control over any Old Ragnarsson Claims which rest with you knows."

<p lang="en-US">"Did he go to Hasvik again?"

<p lang="en-US">"No your Lordship. It appears that the Eldest himself has accepted him and trains him at the Pillar."

<p lang="en-US">Father plunged back down in his chair." Of course, Ilva knew him and the Old man was there at Eric's first birthday. If only half of what they say about him is true…" His voice trailed off.

<p lang="en-US">Gretel said with a meek voice."Who is this Eldest?"

<p lang="en-US">Father stared in the fire." The Holy one, the One who has talked to Odin and in return gained a very long lifespan!"

<p lang="en-US">"Gods don't exist!" She snorted.

<p lang="en-US">"For your and my sake, I hope you are right. " Father glared at her and sighed." Maybe we are too much alike, Gretel. Maybe that is why I don't kill you. Your are but a woman but your heart is as black as mine. Sometimes I think you planned it all from the beginning."

<p lang="en-US">She nodded." I have my dear husband. I have! This is a cursed world for women and twice as cursed for those born to Low men. I did not want to scrub stinking bloody hides for the rest of my life. Stomp bare feet in Urine to soften and tan leather. Yet this is a Nubhir Cleaners daughter's lot. I saw that cursed blonde in her pretty dress not even seeing me. "

<p lang="en-US">Her voice became as hard as steel." I swore myself I would be there one day and she would be dead. I know of the secret power my womanhood can have over men and I knew of a young stupid but strong Firstborn. One of an old clan but a poor clan, yes you Isegrim. The Olafsons old and noble by name, yet so poor they had to huddle together in the Community room of their miniscule burg as they could not afford to heat it."

<p lang="en-US">He nodded as the flickering flames of the fire stylized his face with even harder lines." Indeed and I knew it was forbidden to lay with a Low man's daughter. I was so young. The promise and secret of a woman's touch so arousing."

<p lang="en-US">"Oh and arouse you did indeed. You were promised to Ilva Ragnarsson by ancient pacts, just as you made with Sif's father. And you broke it by bedding with me! Your father would have killed you if he knew the dishonor you brought upon the House Olafson!" She laughed

<p lang="en-US">Isegrim clenched his fists. "You evil wench blackmailed me already back then to tell it all if I did not follow thy bidding. "

<p lang="en-US">Her face gleamed with pride. "For all your swagger and strength, you men are nothing but pawns in a woman's hand who knows what she wants. I am not like you, I am smarter! You even killed that blonde whore on my bidding." She laughed. "You killed her for me like a well trained Nubhir Wolf."

<p lang="en-US">He sunk his head and stared at his hands." I have done this indeed, back then I actually loved you."

<p lang="en-US">"Isegrim, Isegrim. You never loved anything in your life but yourself and to get your pecker exercised or sucked."

<p lang="en-US">"It is you who loves nothing, Gretel. I told you that I killed your mother and there is not even a tear in your face. Your sister perished after she was questioned and you know that and yet you remain calm."

<p lang="en-US">"They were tools Isegrim, just as you are a tool to me. There are two billion Credits waiting!" Her eyes glittered."Do you know what you can do with that kind of money? You could buy every burg and every boat on Nilfeheim, or hire a band of mercenaries and kill everyone and take this planet as your own. You could buy yourself a nicer and warmer world and there would be enough change left for a cozy luxurious life!"

<p lang="en-US">Her face turned hard again." Now tell me again of this Eldest and how you plan to get that money from that walking cum stain!"

<p lang="en-US">He is out of our reach there, Demon woman! You may not believe in gods but he is around for 400 years and holds the seat that is always empty. If he decides to interfere with the Elders decisions they would change it. He has mystical powers and sees into the minds of others and predicts the future always correctly."

<p lang="en-US">"What a load of superstitious Nubhir poop!"

<p lang="en-US">Harkun eyed her disapprovingly." You may think of yourself as clever, woman but you far from it. You possess no powers over me and my life and service is with Isegrim alone. You are still a sniffling, crying, soft fleshed woman. The cursed Off Worlders call it Psionics and I assure you these powers are quite real and the Eldest has such gifts in spades and had 400 years to hone them. "

<p lang="en-US">Gretel could not argue against that."She had never met anyone with Psionic powers but she watched enough GalNet shows to know they were real. "Will he give Eric such powers? "

<p lang="en-US">"No Eric was tested at school like any other student." Isegrim said."His PSI index is as low as those of most Nilfeheim Norse."

<p lang="en-US">She shrugged."Then as soon as he returns, he will live on the Burg and we will make sure he changes his mind, won't we Isegrim?"

<p lang="en-US">Isegrim stapled his fingers." If he comes back I might have to face him in a challenge and it could be his Burg after that."

<p lang="en-US">She blinked angry."Does not everyone say he needs to be sixteen to do that? But why not accept the stupid challenge and get it over with. He is but a kid, you kill him in that challenge and we have the money."

<p lang="en-US">Isegrim stared at his whip. "You are right Harkun. She is but a weak woman and as smart as she thinks she is. She does no nothing. The children of Low Men are not educated in those things after all."

<p lang="en-US">Harkun declined his head." The Eldest most likely trains Eric how to compete in the Ancient Challenge. The Old man takes students very rarely and of those he does take only few survive, but those who do become legends like Eric's Grandfather or Elik the Ironfist Olafson, Isegrim's great grandfather. I hate Eric as much as you do, but he is already a deadly master swordsman. Did you know he received training from Richard the Outcast?"

<p lang="en-US">Isegrim ignored his wife and looked towards Harkun," I can't help it but to feel a spark of pride. He is fruit of my loin and his name is spoken with great respect anywhere but in these our halls."

<p lang="en-US">Gretel coughed."Are you saying you fear to face that thin failure in a fight?"

<p lang="en-US">He pointed his finger at her."Never call him failure again. When I see what your womb had produced as sons. Eric my son is thin because he was not fed on the tables as it was his right by your blackmail. Yet he showed the strength of my house as he killed not one but two Tyrannos. Go see the recording when he fights the Steiner boy and look at the footage I got from Hogun as he kills four men and maims a fifth. Go look at it! He is growing fast and I can see the hatred towards me in his eyes, I might be able to best him now, but it is not certain by any means. Richard the Outcast declared Eric to be the best pupil he ever had, and there is no living being on this world who can match Richard the Outcast."

<p lang="en-US">Gretel said."So we must prepare a trap. He will return here and we will be ready for him. We lay him in irons and administer poisons and potions to rob his strength and I will get Off World Psycho Drugs to make him say whatever we want. He is no match for me."

<p lang="en-US">"And you will use the same drugs on me! I will not allow you to get this yourself."

<p lang="en-US">"Oh but I already have!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Chapter 24: Sisters of Nilfeheim

<p lang="en-US">Chapter - 24 Sisters of Nilfeheim

<p lang="en-US">I did clean the boat and the basement. The Old man made me recite the poems while I was doing it and made sure I read them before I went to sleep. I became a steady visitor of Isen Landsby. Not only to get Cleaning supplies but also the clear liquor, he liked so much and mixed with everything. Today I used a shovel to fill a garbage bag with things so rotten and decomposed I did not want to know what it was before. The basement as he called it was underneath his burg, accessed through a trap door in his high hall. A short flight of stone stairs led down in a vaulted ceiling hall. It was clear he had used that trapdoor as a garbage chute and it had taken me three days to even reach the bottom of the stairs. By now however the industrial recycler I had ordered in Landsby arrived and was delivered. At first he complained about the washing machines but now he actually used them himself and mentioned that he liked his cloaks and fur jackets much better now. It turned out he too had the white clothing of an Elder, only before it was so stained it did not show. He eyed the Industrial Recycler even with more dislike and gave the usual twisted and stupid Elder Logic why it was no good. But I was at a point where I didn't care about the traditions and less about the Elders. I remembered the Ancient words and I recalled what Grandfather said, but I was sure there had to be another way to preserve the planet and its culture without oppressing half the population with stupid laws.

<p lang="en-US">The Enroe Systems Industrial Recycler was a marvel of modern technology and the old guy, who cursed it out at first, now had a chair set up in front of it and watched it operate. The Recycler had a wide range of settings and programs what to do with the garbage feed to it. It could incinerate it to molecular ashes. Break down the raw materials and produce cubes of basic materials. The brochure that came with the machine promised that Enroe Industries would pick them up free of charge at any Union Planet if there was enough to fill a freighter. I was certain there was enough Garbage in this room to fill the freighters to the brim but I hoped I would be out of here before I found out if that was actually true. A third option of the machine was to produce items out of the broken down materials. It could produce almost anything if it had a preprogrammed molecular pattern and the raw materials needed. He would sit staring at the small screen and giggle and cackle when the machine spat out a spoon or a pair of pants he had selected it to make.

<p lang="en-US">I dragged another bag to the intake conveyor and as it disappeared the machine blinked and stopped. A voice snarled:" Human remains detected. Unit is capable of producing adequate containers in a wide variety of cultural requirements. Or do you want to continue the recycling process?"

<p lang="en-US">I shuddered but the old man croaked." Continue recycling process!"

<p lang="en-US">He then padded the machine. "This thing is a marvel. How much do you think the Flyer will bring?"

<p lang="en-US">"The Flyer?"

<p lang="en-US">"Didn't that Mechanic friend of yours offer to buy the flyer? I am not the richest person you know and after seeing this wonder machine I am intrigued to see what else is out there and after I am done with you I decided to catch up with that Ancient Friend of yours. I think the last greeting Card I got was from a place called Gore. It is a living planet he tells!"

<p lang="en-US">Still shocked that I shoveled human remains into the machine I wondered who it was and what happened I swallowed and said." So the Ancient Keeper really did go off planet and he keeps you informed?"

<p lang="en-US">"What is so strange about that? I know that Old Keeper much longer than you do. And he is not keeping me informed, he is bragging about the things he sees! I want to see it too! But travel is expensive, so how much will I get for that flyer?"

<p lang="en-US">"I don't know but I can check how much it is worth on GalTrade."

<p lang="en-US">"Don't just stand there. Check it out and let me know!"

<p lang="en-US">"Well I would need a GalNet terminal. I can't pick up the Network with my PDD from here."

<p lang="en-US">"We need more Donuts anyway! I like those with the red goo inside! And you can get a few bottles of Vodka too."

<p lang="en-US">I shrugged. "I don't mind but you could simply order a few cases and have them delivered. It doesn't seem you are too traditional minded anyway."

<p lang="en-US">"I never said I was. There are reasons why I choose to be a Hermit and do not occupy that seat in the Circle."

<p lang="en-US">"If you disagree with that foolishness, you be the one to change it."

<p lang="en-US">"No I am not. Status Quo is a comfortable state if anyone does what they are expected to do and not stir up trouble. "

<p lang="en-US">"So how come you are as old as you are anyway? Genetic altering? Bionetics?"

<p lang="en-US">"None of those Off-world things. I met a God. A being with enormous powers and it opened my mind and told me that I have a special gift. I think the Off World scientists call it Psionics. That being showed me how to reach into myself and renew my cell dividing process, how to reach inside and remove clogs, stimulate and repair things. I simply think myself healthy if you will. However I am aging as I forget more and more about just how to do it, I am sure my psionic gifts are fading, slowly but they are fading."

<p lang="en-US">I was stunned by his answer. Psionics! Of course I knew about them but I actually did not really believe in it. Every Kid was tested as it was the law. My Heidelberg Psi Index was 34 and that was perfectly normal for Nilfeheim and no one I knew ever tested past 50 and even the weakest empathic powers needed an HPI of at least 90. Mr. Walters explained that part of the thought process in a human brain, or that of any other sentient being, could not run on electro chemical impulses alone and that some thought process actually happened faster than light. Since nothing could exist that was faster than light in the standard universe, some of the thought process happened in hyperspace so to speak.

<p lang="en-US">Mr. Walters said that neurological research of the 21st century first stumbled upon this as a theory to explain the capabilities and speed of thought. Now a psionic talented person was able to use more of this "trans dimensional" part of the thought process and some could tap into the Trans spatial energies and use them to manipulate objects or even transport themselves. Or listen into the thoughts of others on that higher plane. It all seemed very far from any normal understanding and I always dismissed it like I dismissed Trans spatial math or hyperspace physics. Knowledge needed for the very advanced tech of our society and understood and used by a small fraction of the population, namely super geeks, University Professors and Ultra Computroncis.

<p lang="en-US">He turned his attention back to the recycler." It is quite real. I assure you!"

<p lang="en-US">A few of the garbage bags floated all by themselves across the room and into the recycler. He held his head and then said." At one time I could have lifted the entire burg with the power of my mind and now it strains me to make a few bags float. "

<p lang="en-US">It took me a moment to process it all but then I said." I take your word for it; you do not have to proof it to me. I truly don't know much about that subject, but there is a Union Member species called the Saresii and they are supposed to be all talented in this area and I am sure you could travel there and they might know how to help."

<p lang="en-US">He raised his head," This is actually not a bad idea. I need to find out more about this; do you have enough money to buy a GalNet Terminal? I don't!"

<p lang="en-US">"I think I do. I am in control of my allowance account and there is plenty money. I could give you some for that trip too. I don't mind! You gave me the best gift ever! That Holo of my mother is worth more than I have!"

<p lang="en-US">"I sure didn't like you Eric, but then I don't like anyone! But I think that has changed somewhat. If nothing else you are useful and you do have the heart on the right spot."

<p lang="en-US">He got up from his chair and scratched his head." Thinking of it, I actually did like that blonde girl, your Mom and you sure have the same critical mind as she had."

<p lang="en-US">"You are not as poor as you think Old Man. You could hook this Recycler to a pump and filter the Ocean water and let it run. In a few years you will have lots of gold and minerals. Stuff they gladly buy at the Exchange."

<p lang="en-US">"Hmm gold you say has value? Well that I got plenty!"

<p lang="en-US">The Old man cursed and complained at every step he took as he climbed over mountains of garbage, busted furniture, bales of rotting furs and other stuff as he made his way to the other side of the basement. I was glad Nilfeheim did not have insects, like many other planets. Our equivalent of insects did live under water. "Why are you keeping bales of rotting fur? I asked. This stuff smells worse than death."

<p lang="en-US">"They weren't rotting when I put them here. Most of these things were gifts or bribes of Clan Leaders to train their sons. I did train a few girls too by the way!"

<p lang="en-US">"You trained girls in passing the Ancient Challenge?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes and it might surprise you but anyone can take that challenge. Man woman, Low man, Off Worlder. The Book of Traditions does not stipulate in any way who can or cannot take the test. It only describes the condition the person gains when completing it successful. "You are accepted as a Warrior and Man and have a voice before the Elders."

<p lang="en-US">"So a woman that completes the Challenge would be considered a man and a warrior?"

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

<p lang="en-US">"So why has this never happened?"

<p lang="en-US">"Because this flaw was realized and the Elders forbade girls to train or touch weapons. "

<p lang="en-US">I threw my hands in the air." You Elders are a bunch of lunatic old men making things up on the go! The more I hear about the reason about the Ancient traditions the more ridiculous they become."

<p lang="en-US">He sighed." You are quite right and I hoped your mother would break the mold and become the first female Warrior and I have to tell you she had the talent, but her father your Grandfather prohibited it. She was here while I trained her bother. He was a firebrand and headstrong, and that was his doom. He was too impatient. A hunter must not just be strong and skilled but know his limitations and know when to back out of a fight. A hunter must be patient and when he met the god he was not ready and not patient and paid with his life."

<p lang="en-US">"You keep mentioning a God. Who is he? Odin?"

<p lang="en-US">"No Eric. It is a God that existed on this world long before men on Earth came up with the tales of the Norse Gods and you too will meet that God before you leave this island and learn the real secret of this world."

<p lang="en-US">After he had uttered all this we reached a half buried door and I had to help him force it open, a gain to reveal a flight of stairs leading down a narrow shaft. After a few windings the sparse light coming through the open door above did not reflect all the way down here and it was almost completely dark. He grunted somewhere before me." It is silly to come down here without light! There should be a torch in a holder somewhere to your right. Do you have means to light it?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes I do." Ever since I struggled making light before the Gates of Hasvik, I carried a small pocket butane torch in my pocket. I fished my PDD out of my pocket." But we don't need a torch; I carry the means of lighting this place."

<p lang="en-US">"As I said, you talk way too much. We are still standing in the dark turn on whatever light you got!"

<p lang="en-US">I took my PDD and activated the Holo emitter. The PDD created an invisible and insubstantial spherical force field before me in which simulated, energy laser painted three dimensional images against the inside of the invisible sphere. One of the base images was that of a sun and the three dimensional image of a star floating above my PDD, illuminated the surroundings with bright light, as I dialed the intensity up.

<p lang="en-US">"A flash light would have done you know!" He said. "Conjuring up a sun! Show off!"

<p lang="en-US">I wasn't sure what he meant by that, didn't say anything and followed him. The chamber we reached was filled with weapons, shields, statues, clan leader chains, vases and plates and it all had the distinctive luster of Gold.

<p lang="en-US">He made a gesture including it all." In the old days, it was custom to give expensive gifts to the gods and to bribe Elders to vote for your issues. The fate to the gods is slowly fading, but Elders are still bribed. Not as much as during the days of the Clan wars but it still happens. Union Credits are used nowadays however."

<p lang="en-US">"It seems you got quite a load of gold down here. It is still valuable you know. I say they wanted to buy your opinion a lot!"

<p lang="en-US">He scowled at me." I never accepted a bribe in my long life! Why do you think I want to sell my flyer? I have no Credits. The practice is considered traditional and acceptable because it is done for such a long time. Why do you think old men want to be Elders? It's because of the riches they can amass for themselves and their clans. Do you think your Grandfather came to all that he owns just by working hard? He was the most revered and most influential Elder and so they came often to him!"

<p lang="en-US">I snapped at him" Grandfather was wealthy before he became an Elder. The Ragnarsson clan was wealthy for many generations!"

<p lang="en-US">"And this is the very first Generation; no Ragnarsson sits in the Circle of Elders, Eric! Your Grandfather's clan was there since the beginning."

<p lang="en-US">"You say what grandfather left me is based on bribes?"

<p lang="en-US">"Not all of it, no and I am sure there are other words to describe the payoffs of High Office. Enticements? Gifts?

<p lang="en-US">"What you see here was left over a period of 350 years on the bottom of my rock. They did not even take no for an answer and hoped their gifts would perhaps persuade me anyway."

<p lang="en-US">He then walked past the piled treasures and said." As you can see the stairs spiral down much further and when I think you are ready you will descent and meet the god. Don't be impatient and walk down there on your own impulse. Your mother's brother defied me and he never returned alive."

<p lang="en-US">"I won't."

<p lang="en-US">"Good lad, now load this junk and lug it wherever you want it if you think it gets me credits."

<p lang="en-US">The Flyer brought almost 12,000 credits and with it I rented a large Cargo floater and a Cargo Handler. With the handler it took me only a day to load most of the Old man's treasure. He sat in his now clean and empty feeling Main hall before his new GalNet Terminal and paid little attention to anything else.

<p lang="en-US">"I have loaded it all. We need to take it to the Exchange in Halstaad Fjord. Will you come?"

<p lang="en-US">"You go ahead. You know the way, just come back with the money."

<p lang="en-US">"You need to open a bank account and that I can't do for you!"

<p lang="en-US">He handed me the Credit strip I gave him with the proceeds of the Flyer sale." I already did with this thing." He padded the GalNet Terminal." And the credits in that strip." I am learning a lot but I am not totally inept."

<p lang="en-US">He then actually turned his eyes of the Terminal." Sell the gold and come right back! Do not stop anywhere else. Not at your Burg and not at your Uncle's!"

<p lang="en-US">"I had no plans to do so!"

<p lang="en-US">"Good, but remember it anyway! No other stops and come right back!"

<p lang="en-US">The big cargo floater was a late model used to ferry supplies to Isen Landsby. It had a comfortable big crew department and enough room for a full sized Standard Freight container. Right now it two held two rows of crates made by the recycler unit. And each crate was filled with golden artifacts.

<p lang="en-US">It didn't look as much as it had in the confined treasure chamber, Uncle Hogun's floater would have been enough to carry this load. However this big SII Transporter was the only one available for rental purposes. Not that I minded, the thing would find its way to Halstaad Fjord all by itself and in only a few hours as it was, even for its size capable of supersonic speed.

<p lang="en-US">The Exchange turned out to be a simple very large rectangular warehouse. Most of the roofed over space was Empty as I landed. A crew of fisher men stood by a gutted carcass of a Tyranno, its head, the fins and tail already cut off, a large robotic machine rolled over and lifted the fish. As I walked by I heard the machine say." 18.8 tons, Fat meat ratio 70, trade quality 9.3. A screen lit up and twelve names of companies appeared. Tyson Galactic, SII Marine Agra, Enroe Fresh foods right on top followed by other names. Behind the names of the companies figures appeared. A company called Unilever jumped to the top of the list and the robotic machine said." Unilever purchasing registered with highest bid of 6,760.56 Union Currency Units, do you accept this offer?"

<p lang="en-US">The Fishers nodded and one said." Yes it's a deal!"

<p lang="en-US">A force field surrounded the fish and with a hiss all thermal energy contained inside was neutralized shock freezing the big fish in a few heartbeats. A plastic film was then dispensed and the robot dropped the now rock hard load into an opening trapdoor.

<p lang="en-US">I had never seen this before so I had stopped and watched the process. I looked around to see where I would need to go and saw the blue painted box of an info bot attached to the opposite wall in the distance.

<p lang="en-US">A man sitting on a flying chair buzzed by and hovered before me. He was a Neo Viking by hair and dress but wore no clan colors or association markers at all." Good afternoon!" He greeted me." Aren't you a little young to do business here or are you just interested to see how it all works?"

<p lang="en-US">"I am Eric Olafson. I am not sure if I am old enough to do business here, and yes I am interested to see how it works."

<p lang="en-US">"I am Borg Amundsen Exchange Manager since this is a quiet time I gladly show you around. As for your business. I was expecting you since you are Eric Olafson, you are here in behalf of the Elder Egill Skallagrímsson, right?" "Yes that is so."

<p lang="en-US">"He has called and verified that you are here in his behalf. Do you want to do the tour or business first?"

<p lang="en-US">"I think I would like to complete the business part first."

<p lang="en-US">"Wise decision. I knew your grandfather well and he always said." Business first!"

<p lang="en-US">He floated in his chair next to me to the Cargo Flyer and I opened the cargo box." I got these gold items I like to sell for Credits."

<p lang="en-US">The man floated in and looked at the crates. "Of course we can sell it for the metal value, but I suggest you sell it as artifacts will get you far more!"

<p lang="en-US">"I am sure the Elder wants the most he can get out of it."

<p lang="en-US">He tapped his fingers over a series of sensors." Our robots will unload it and scan it all. So buyers can see the items on XChange-Net and make a bid. It will take a little till this is done and there are enough interested buyers online. So let me show you around."

<p lang="en-US">2 S-10 Service Bots marched in, stacked several cases on top of each other and demonstrated their machine strength as they lifted the stacked crates with ease.

<p lang="en-US">As we stepped outside the Cargo Box a second empty Floater chair was hovering there. Amundsen said." This is a big place and you get nothing done if you have to walk everywhere. So hop on the Easy-Go and I show you a little around."

<p lang="en-US">The Exchange so he told me was open around the clock and was connected via the GalNet and the XChange net to every other Exchange on Union Territory. He told me that the idea behind the Exchange System was to give every planet and society a chance to sell their local products to fair prices. There was an Exchange on almost every planet so he said. Freighters would then make the rounds connecting the Exchanges with what he called Logistics and Distribution Hubs. It was a federal institution but he was very important to him to point out that all business was done without federal interference.

<p lang="en-US">During the day so Amundsen explained it was very quiet, fisher and farmers would come here late at night after a day's work.

<p lang="en-US">Underneath the building was a labyrinth of shelf storage, deep freezers, conveyor belts and cargo handling equipment.

<p lang="en-US">He wanted to show me something else but a melodic alarm interrupted his explanations and he said." We have offers; do you want to sell the items individually or all at once?"

<p lang="en-US">"I be here for days if we do it individual"

<p lang="en-US">He activated a field screen and it lowered before me and a dozen Antique and Artifact Dealers appeared and behind their names were numbers. "DeNoir Arts-Paris Earth currently has the highest offer of 1.5 Million Credits."

<p lang="en-US">Amundsen nodded and said." That's almost double the metal value. "

<p lang="en-US">So I agreed to the sale and the money was instantly transferred to the old man's new account.

<p lang="en-US">"Do I have to do anything now?" I asked

<p lang="en-US">"No, we take care of the packing and shipping and the fees for that are already deducted."

<p lang="en-US">A little later we arrived back by my Cargo Floater, he wished me well and left with both chairs.

<p lang="en-US">If I walked a little further I should actually be able to see Hogun's Inn and I wondered if he would be there at the moment and who of the regulars would already be there. I did not forget my promise, I wasn't going to visit. Just have a look from the distance. I was surprised to see a big crowd gathered on Oslo plaza and even from here I could see the shapes of several white dressed Elders. Something had happened and at first I thought it was at Uncle Hogun's but then I saw it was two houses down from the Inn and then I saw Uncle Hogun rubbernecking in the crowd. He was easy to spot. So I decided to honor my promise and not stop anywhere. I closed the Cargo Box, climbed into the Flyers crew compartment and stared into the pointed tip of a Spear gun pointed directly at my nose! "Get in and fly!" Snarled a masked feminine shape.

<p lang="en-US">I didn't even carry my sword, not that it would have done me any good if I did, but I did have my skinner knife and I carried it like Richard not on my belt but in a customized knife sheath over my left shoulder blade and underneath my jacket. The person was mostly obscured by the high backed comfy pilot seat .She was wearing the traditional blue dress and white apron of a Freeman's family and over it a dark blue hooded cape usually only worn when it was raining or cold. Her face was obscured and distorted by something and under the shadow of the hood. The Spear gun was a reliable Friesenheim Tri Shot and I noticed it had only one spear left, but it was an explosive tip with the red markings for the strongest charge available. I did what I was told and activated the engine and the AG lifters. I took the flyer into the air, brushed over the controls of the flight stabilization. The pilot could turn those of if he wanted to use the Cargo Flyer with an open cargo bed and dump a load of rocks or other bulk materials. And with a sudden move banked the flyer to the left. The spear gun holding person was thrown to the side. The auto restrains of the seat kept me in place. I pounded the emergency restrain release, pulled my knife and jumped as fast as I could over the seat that was now folding itself into the floor the emergency release not only opened the restrains ,it also removed all obstructions to facilitate a fast evacuation. I was over the mysterious female in a heartbeat, dropped my knee with force on her wrist that held the spear gun and raised the knife to plunge it home, all the dirty tricks Richard had shown me came to play. She groaned with pain and said." Please don't kill me Eric!"

<p lang="en-US">The voice was more than familiar; I did not stab her but pointed the knife tip under her chin. "I think I know who you are, under that mask. First you treat me like dirt and now you want to kill me, with the spear gun I got you? I have a good mind and throw you out right now without landing, Sif!"

<p lang="en-US">I noticed she wore a white stocking over her face, that distorted her facial features and I rolled it up so I could see her.

<p lang="en-US">From the cargo Area I heard a scratching sound. There were more of them! I took the spear gun from her hand and aimed it at the now opening separation door, and three women with stocking masks with dressed like Sif, all armed with spear guns appeared. I was certain I recognized Astrid to be one of them. As one of them spoke I knew it was Elnna." Let her go you male pig! I hate you so much Eric! So much it hurts and I will kill you no matter what, so let her go and I do it fast and easy!"

<p lang="en-US">"Not that I have any idea what is going on or why you hate me, Elnna. I hold a spear gun aimed at you as well and you know I won't miss!"

<p lang="en-US">"I don't care if I die! I want you dead! "She started to cry and I could see that even through the fabric of her mask. The third woman lowered her spear gun and put her hand on the one Elnna was holding and pushed it down." You are Eric Olafson?" It was not a voice I recognized.

<p lang="en-US">"Of course I am Eric. That's why you here is it not?"

<p lang="en-US">"No Eric." Sif said who I was still kneeling on." We needed to get away and hid in this cargo flyer. We hand no idea it was yours!"

<p lang="en-US">The call from the console was repeated and the masked woman said. "I think you need to answer but please do not tell them about us!"

<p lang="en-US">"Eric Olafson here."

<p lang="en-US">"We noticed you are stationary in the air above the crime scene and local authorities ask if you have seen a blue cloaked woman anywhere from up there hiding or leaving somewhere."

<p lang="en-US">"What happened?"

<p lang="en-US">"A blue cloaked woman shot and killed Elder Odvar Bendixen with a spear gun. They ask if you had seen anything from up there. I told them already that you were with me and probably did not, but if you have seen something let them know."

<p lang="en-US">"I paid no attention to the ruckus below; I am on my way now."

<p lang="en-US">I got up from Sif and activated the Auto Pilot.

<p lang="en-US">The unknown woman sighed." You are right Sif, we could have trusted him! She took of her mask and revealed a woman I had not seen before." I am Snøfrid Bredenberg we are of the Freedom for Nilfeheim Sisterhood."