"Why can't I figure this out! Olaf would have unlocked these words by now!" she said as she thrust the parchment back into its case and then slammed the scroll hard against the bench of Thor's Fury shattering its casing.
"We are all mad as Thor after losing a drinking contest. We have spent too many days at sea without a battle. Perhaps I can lend an ear." said Sigurd.
Hildagunn had also been attracted to the sound of Aesa's outburst.
"What is the trouble Aesa." asked Hildagunn.
Realizing her outburst revealed more than she intended, Aesa attempted to conceal the scroll from view.
"If Aesa is hiding something, we know it is important!" said Sigurd.
"What do you have?" asked Isgerd as the rest of Aesa's kin and one nosy dwarf gathered round.
"I was going to show you. Honest...it was just...I knew the trip home would be boring and I wanted something to do to keep from going Loki-crazy. So I found this scroll and have been trying to translate it...like me and Olaf used to do, only I can't figure out anything but a few words after all this time." said Aesa.
"Didn't we search her in the tower?" asked Kara.
"We didn't search everywhere." said Sigurd.
The others glared at Sigurd in disbelief.
Sigurd shrugged.
"Do you want to look at the scroll or not?" asked Aesa.
Hildagunn extended her hand and Aesa slapped the scroll into the witch's palm. Hildagunn chanted a few words of seid magic. Soon the words unscrambled into familiar Thorsen runes. Hildagunn began to read them to her kin.
Eofrukmig,
First overlord of Welfrignis, Supreme Commander and Dominant Master of Brood Canarach,
Your submissive brood-welp Frogwarmog humbles his eyes in your shadow!
First, the rumor the dwarf can fly is unfounded. He was looking for something in the grove of Dionysos when I enslaved him. I have made him my slave since he is worthless for anything other than cleaning latrines.
More importantly, the Ares slaves are nearly amassed. I have spent the funds given me to pay for troops and magical research. More funds are needed if we are to make the northern slaves our slaves before Media Morta does! That cursed bastard has several spies deeply planted among the northern slaves’ villages. Only by accelerating the invasion can we win more slaves!
The Reghuls—your greatest experiment in slave breeding, are nearly prepared to complete your desires. I will send messengers to have them herded to Arma. I’ve heard rumors our off-world families wish to help us make this a civilized place to live. They shall not steal your glory! I have sent a legion of Po-men-fra to the portal to harness its power.
(Recently written) A minor slave rebellion has just occurred. Northern slaves! I will personally crucify them for disturbing my thoughts! They are probably trying to steal the grain again. I am sending our troops!
"Worthless! Pah! Crazy Welkins act like they've had a whiff of dwarf drought! Well I can tell ya there weren't none to be found in Oikos I looked in the tavern all they had was wine! Pah! Dwarves can fly! Pah! No thrim I can't fly! Dwarves can be invisible! Double Pah! Thrim-brains!" stammered Ignatius.
"What are you talking about Iggy and what exactly were you looking for that made it worth risking capture?" asked Isgerd.
"Oh, yes well...I guess I needed to spill the coin bag eventually. I was on a mission. My people chose me...(Ignatius looks uncomfortable with those words)...I got the short-draw...Aesa one short joke and I will put you out of your misery right now... (Aesa did her best to look innocent while rolling her eyes to the sky)...I went to the grove to consult the oracle there about the people lost in time. Those oracles smoke some incredible herbs! Makes me wonder that the gods don't want it all for themselves. Where was I...oh...Our priests call them redeemers. Priests are always making up fredging fancy-pants words." Iggy said.
"I knew it was no accident you were in Oikos!" said Aesa.
"Did you think I was there for my fredgin good looks and grizzen manners?" asked Iggy.
Aesa did not answer.
"What's a redeemer?" asked Isgerd.
"If I knew the answer to that I'd have caught me a bunch of them and took them to the priests by now. Maybe its you! I suspect even the priests don't know." said Iggy.
"Well we are not lost in time, we are just trapped on this boat!" said Aesa.
"There is a lot more going on in that letter than Iggy! Who is Media Morta?" asked Sigurd.
"Media Morta, as far as I can tell listening to ole Frogwarmog rant, is the leader of some other faction vying for control of Midgard. The ole boy hated Media Morta as if he stole a kiss from his mother, but I sensed had never met him." said Ignatius.
"I wonder if Media Morta's spies have anything to do with Thrain's death?" asked Aesa.
The others shrugged.
"So the Ares slaves must have been those monsters from the temple...what are Reghuls?" asked Isgerd.
"I've got no clue girl. Frogwarmog had a fetish for slaves. He acted like everyone was his possession to use like wolf pups for a sled race." said Iggy.
"We might have been able to stop Frogwarmog's plan if we'd seen this scroll while we were still in Oikos." said Sigurd.
"The men were tired of Oikos and eager to return to Norgard with loot for their families. We would have been left behind if we wanted to pursue the Lokispawn's plan. Better to go home and tell Gunnar what we have learned." said Isgerd.
The others nodded in agreement.
"Off world? Does he mean Asgard? Lokispawn can't travel there." said Magnus.
"I can't help you son. I'm a simple dwarf sent on a fool's errand looking for people who may not exist. I got a dose of humility for my efforts and I may have to beat the thrim out of a few priests if I ever make it home." said Iggy.
"Oh Odin no! You mean there are more of you dverge?" asked Aesa.
"Are there more of us? Is your head made of rocks? In me grandpappy's day this land was filled with the marvels of Dwarven and Elven civilization. We brought your people out from under the rocks and you prospered until the Day of Darkness fell over us all." said Iggy.
"What do you know of the Great Disaster?" asked Isgerd.
"I weren't alive back then, but me grandpappy used to say we all worked together. Evil was on the run. Then the land was overrun by demons and flying beasts. We fought hard, but in the end there was a mighty blast of magic. The demons and flying beasts were gone, but most of our people were killed. The elves vanished. Too peaceful to survive, the halfings and other simple folk became extinct. Our people went into the mountains and your people went back to living under rocks." said Iggy.
"We don't live under rocks!" said Aesa.
"Figure of speech girl. Don't they teach any fredgin grammar or grizzen manners...or do I make my point?" said Iggy.
There were many more questions to ask but a seaman barked the command to take to oars. Thor's Fury was fast approaching the harbor to Norgard. An hour of hard rowing gave time for everyone to mull over the journey and consider future plans one more time.
The ships were secured to the docks and anchors were dropped. Women, children and the elderly eagerly waited to greet the raiders. Gunnar Bluetooth directed thralls to unload the ship. As Jarl, Gunnar had the right to choose whatever goods he wished for himself. With much ceremony he would give the rest of the goods and thralls away to the warriors.
According to Norgardian traditions the Jarl would host a feast at the meadhall for the entire village. The warriors would boast of their roles in the raids and the best of them would be given glory in the song of a skald, gifts from the Jarl, and the arms of a lover. Competition to impress the Jarl would be fierce.
Right now, the villagers were not thinking about the feast. They were staring at the dverge in full body armor swearing about the poor workmanship of human carpenters, as he descended from the ship to the dock. Right now, a legend from myth was threatening to piss on some boots if he didn't get a good draft of beer. He was accompanied by a group of kids, now adults who looked battle hardened. They carried the body of Olaf Barrowguard on their shoulders. When the villagers noted this they lost interest in the dverge. The women cried. Even some of the men shed a tear. Olaf was loved in this village. This was his home. Gunnar knew he had to do something for their fallen skald.
"Northmen! Welcome home after a fine season of raiding! The bold win glory for themselves on these journeys. Often the best warriors are taken to keep the gods happy in Valhalla. Olaf Barrowguard has been carried away by the Valkyries to enjoy endless feasts and fine women until Ragarok takes us all. We will build a mound for his body here in Norgard. I will shower him with many fine gifts. Let no one say Olaf was shunned for his deeds." said Gunnar Bluetooth.
There was a great cheer from the villagers. Chants of Olaf and Gunnar competed for attention. When the cheers faded, Gunnar spoke again.
"In honor of the many fine warriors who raided, I will hold a feast in Ulfgard tonight. Let tales of glory pour forth like gold. Let no one say Gunnar does not provide a good welcome to his warriors. When the sun sets, bring your empty horns, for tonight we will fill them with mead as fast as you can drain them!"
This time, the chants were for Gunnar alone. The chants faded as people prepared for the feast and helped unload the ships. Bergar the Bold assisted with the inventory. Gunnar motioned for Isgerd and her kin to come closer.
"Isgerd, I would like to speak with you before the feast tonight." said Gunnar.
"I am yours." said Isgerd.
"Meet me at Ulfgard at mid-sun, before the mead starts to flow." said Gunnar.
"I will attend as you wish." said Isgerd.
"Let me have men move Olaf's body to a place of honor before we build his barrow." said Gunnar.
"I will stay with him!" said Aesa.
"You will miss the feast." said Gunnar.
"I will stay with him!" said Aesa.
"As you wish Aesa. I do not wish to upset you." said Gunnar.
"Show us where to take Olaf, and we will lay him to rest there." said Sigurd.
"He should be able to view the feast!" said Aesa.
"I have a place in mind." said Gunnar.
"Haldor, take them to the south larder. The room is kept cold and has a view of the main hall. Have them lay Olaf there until work can begin on his mound." said Gunnar.
"Yes Jarl." said Haldor. He motioned for Olaf's kin to follow. They knew the way and fell in step behind him.
As Sigurd passed Gunnar he said, "Thank you Jarl for giving so much honor to our kinsman."
"Olaf was favored by everyone who knew him." said Gunnar.
They bore Olaf to the storage room in Ulfgard. Everyone said a few words to Olaf and left a gift for him. Aesa refused to leave.
"Aesa, may I see the key we found. I do not wish to say more about it, for others may be listening. I wish to go to the lawrock and see if the gods will tell me more about it." said Isgerd.
Aesa nodded and slipped a silken bag, holding a round object into Isgerd's hand.
"Thank you Aesa. I hope you find peace." said Isgerd.
Aesa looked away and the others followed Isgerd as she left Ulfgard.
"It is not lucky to be with the dead for too long." said Sigurd.
"Give her time." said Isgerd.
"I need to attend to my farm and see my foster child." said Sigurd.
"I will see you this evening my kin." said Isgerd.
The others said their farewells and disappeared to attend to their own affairs.
Isgerd wandered to the lawrock. It was abandoned at the moment, as everyone was preparing for the entertainment later in the day. Isgerd loved days like this. It would be a few days before she would be called upon in her official role as village Godi. The birds filled the nearby pines and sang sweet songs of the deeds of gods and men. She cleared her mind of everything, absently stroking the key to Thor's tomb and allowed her thoughts and dreams to merge with the universe.
Isgerd dreamed. She felt very cold. Her vision was obscured by blinding white. Then she saw a city made of ice, yet steam spewed from the mouth of gods. The people lived under the ice but spoke to her in many voices as one. Much she heard and did not understand. Much she heard and chose not to remember. What she heard clearly she repeated out loud in her dream, "Chosen Ones. The people will judge. The Norns have tossed your threads of gold and walked away. The two ravens call. "Ragnarok nears. Ragnarok nears...""
When Isgerd awakened from her vision she smelled the thick scent of ozone mixed with granite dust and the acrid smell of burnt pine. She opened her eyes. A large pine near her was on fire, split as if by lightning and the lawrock was sundered. She was surrounded by a blackened circle as if the land around her had been on fire. Isgerd became aware of distant voices that grew closer by the moment. Many people from her village were standing around the lawrock. Some seemed to be shouting. What were they saying?
"The gods have spoken!"
"Isgerd is a goddess. She is the Chosen of Odin!"
"The bifrost radiated out of her eyes and mouth!"
"What does it mean?"
"Ragarok nears!"
"If we are to die, I choose to die with a sword in my hand."
Mid-day had passed. Evening fast approached. Isgerd was not even sure what day it was. Jarl Gunnar Bluetooth and Bergar the Bold ordered the others to leave, to go to Ulfgard for free mead and roast boar. Her kin approached, concern lined their faces.
"Isgerd will be fine. Come with me Godi. We need to talk in private." said Gunnar.
Not waiting for a response he told her kin, "I will speak to each of you when I can."
They nodded, not sure what else to say. Unsure what to do they followed at a distance, heading to the main hall of Ulfgard to wait the long hour to talk with Gunnar.
Gunnar guided Isgerd away from the lawrock. Isgerd seemed to be stunned and uncertain of her movements.
When Gunnar entered Ulfgard with Isgerd in tow the hall was already alive with music, dancing and drinking. Words travel faster than thought and he could tell by the sideways eyes and the lowered voices that the incident at the lawrock was already making its way around the reveler's corners.
Gunnar led Isgerd into his personal chamber.
"Be seated. Would you like mead?" he asked.
Isgerd nodded.
Gunnar poured mead from a hot decanter into a tankard covered with elaborate designs and handed it to her.
Isgerd sipped the brew with appreciation.
"You found it didn't you?" asked Gunnar.
"Found what?" she asked.
"You found the key! My guess is you found it when you found Thrain's cloak." he said.
"We did find the key my Jarl. We should have given it to you." said Isgerd.
"You were wise to hide it. We have not found whoever killed Thrain.
"The murderer is either Wulfgar or Smid the Swimmer."
"They are easy choices, just like it was made to look like pukje killed him. Someone went through a lot of trouble to make the murder look simple. As for Wulfgar he had far too much support at the lawrock for his status. Someone powerful was backing him."
"Doesn't that make it more likely he murdered Thrain?" asked Isgerd.
"I believe someone more powerful was involved whether or not Thrain was killed by Wulfgar the Troll." said Gunnar.
"Aesa found a letter in the Welkin city of Oikos. A Lokispawn was writing it to a regional leader. He mentioned a Media Morta having spies in the Northlands. Have you heard of him?" asked Isgerd.
"No, the name is foreign to me. It does not sound like the Welkin or Troll tongue. Perhaps a Lokispawn name?" suggested Gunnar.
"If this Media Morta is here or has a spy in Norgard, they will be after the key." said Isgerd.
"Which is why I summoned you. The gods are pushing you. No one can ignore them when they have a purpose in mind. What do they want you to do?" asked Gunnar.
"I don't know! Odin speaks but I am too dumb to understand his wishes." said Isgerd.
"Tell me what you saw at the lawrock." demanded Gunnar.
"Just...white. White blocking my vision...and cold...colder than anything I have ever experienced. There were people talking to me from below...below the ground. No, speaking to me from below the ICE! It makes no sense!" said Isgerd.
"I begin to understand the riddle. Once, many years past I traveled with Thrain far north of Norgard. We were hunting the mammoth. A mammoth is a giant beast with great spears jutting from its face. They live in the coldest part of the world. We followed its tracks for days. When we came to face the beast we were startled by its immensity. It was covered in red fur. We threw our spears, but they bounced off the creature's hide as if they were children's toys. The creature grabbed me and slammed me against the ice until I lost consciousness. When I awoke I was in a village made of ice. There were people under the ice. We had been taken to Permia. There was much debate about what to do with us. Most wanted to sacrifice us to Odin. Someone consulted their ancestors who were the people in the ice. We were released and given provisions and told never to return or we would be killed. They said the gods had decided we were important. I have not thought of Permia in many years." he said.
"Why would the gods want me to go there?" Isgerd wondered.
"I don't know, but I think you must go there at once. They may have answers. Perhaps they can make sense of what the gods have showed you." Gunnar said.
"Perhaps they will just kill me. Still if the gods want me to go to Permia then that is where I will go." said Isgerd.
"Take your kin." said Gunnar.
"I will tell them what I am doing. They can choose for themselves what is best." said Isgerd.
"Go tonight. I will not let them get too drunk. I will take care of everything else as well. Provisions will be waiting for you. I will have Bergar attend to this personally. I will send him to the old well at the edge of the village. If there is a spy I do not want them to know what you are doing." said Gunnar.
"I want to learn the truth. So much of what I thought I knew seems hidden to me now." said Isgerd.
"Seek the truth in the weeds, in the dark places, among the shadows and greasy stained streets. Your kin will help you see clearly." said Gunnar Bluetooth.
"Thank you my Jarl. I owe you more than I can ever give you in return." said Isgerd.
"I am just doing my duty as Jarl." said Gunnar.
"There are many bad Jarls who care more about filling their own pockets with gold than helping their people." she said.
"We are Norgardians. We do not behave like pukje. We behave like warriors, as Odin and Thor have taught us. Now as Jarl it is my duty to listen to your kin and the other's proud warriors tell of their journey. I will make an excuse for your absence if it comes up." said the Jarl.
Isgerd and Gunnar embraced. As she walked away Gunnar smiled like a proud father, a tear ran down his cheek. As Isgerd left the room, Aesa backed away from her hiding place where she had listened in and returned to attend to Olaf.
The meadhall roared with the laughter of men and the clanging of tankards of ale and mead. The dverge Iggy drank four men under the table and was challenging a burly dark haired man to a contest when Isgerd entered. She was able to sneak along the edges of the hall and out the door without anyone noticing. A few moment later Gunnar Bluetooth made his appearance and warriors lined up to boast of their roles in the raids and pick up some red-gold and a few baubles for their efforts.
The jokes and murmuring became subdued when Magnus Thorsen took his turn to speak. Rumors had already spread of his deeds and many wished to hear the details.
"My Jarl, I do not wish to clog your ears with false boasts and exaggerated deeds so I will be brief. My moment of glory took place along the beach where Thor's Fury was forced ashore by the power of the thunder god, my ancestor.
I took my place among the warriors fighting mighty pukje who attacked us without warning, losing all honor. I paid their dishonor with cold iron, fertilizing the soil with the blood of the foul. My fate was not to be decided on this field. My kin, Aesa the Lucky tore me from the battle, reluctant though I was to leave. Soon I saw her purpose. A mighty troll named Reikov gloated over the hillside, tossing many of our warriors down the hill, to drink from the sea. Soon only Eirk Thrallsfriend had luck enough to face the troll.
It was then, fated with purpose, I rushed to face Reikov, killer of men.
Before my ax could find his flesh, he struck me with foul magic, undoer of warriors.
A cold draft fell over me, my armor gone.
His ax struck my chest, not well protected and my blood flew from my body, enraging me further.
I struck the troll with my own ax, no longer dry, seeking more blood.
The troll made fine boasts, I balanced his scale with boasts of my own.
Eirk challenged with blades, whirling like eels, hungry for dinner.
Reikov struck me with trollspear, my skin felt like stone but I removed it in time.
Eirk sliced open the troll's gut, while the troll was distracted by my discomfort.
But Reikov outmatched him, his head split like kindling, Eirk fell with a smile.
Rage did consume me, I tasted troll flesh with mouth and with ax.
I struck him with trollspear, his own foul device as the Norns watched amused.
He tried to remove the spear from his body but stone does not concede." said Magnus.
"Magnus Thorsen, scion of Thor, hear my words.
Battle gladdens your heart. I return to you that which was lost.
Take this shirt of fine rings, hardening in fire, breaker of spears.
I give you fine gold, but even gold needs a home to rest in.
I grant you the lands to the north of Norgard where the stream is guarded by twin oaks. It harbors a cabin unused for too long. May you find a fine wife to produce many children to fill up the walls." said Jarl Gunnar.
As Magnus approached to receive his honors, Gunnar embraced him, whispering in his ear, "Meet Isgerd at the old well at the edge of town at midnight. Tell no one. Be prepared to travel." Gunnar backed away from him smiling while patting him on the shoulder.
Magnus stared for a moment then said, "Thank you my Jarl. You have done me a great honor. I shall do my best to earn my gifts."
Each of Isgerd's kin had their own moment of glory, and received a similar message. Aesa had not returned to the meadhall to receive honors. Gunnar retreated to the store room to find her. When he arrived, he did not find Aesa. Olaf's body was showered with beautiful works of art, fine treasures of the highest quality and he was anointed with fine oils. A variety of instruments and musical compositions were left out for him. Gunnar nodded in respect for Olaf and Aesa and headed to his private room. He had drunk too much mead and the many wounds of youth ached more during the night. He hoped he would be able to sleep. The decisions of leadership weigh heavily on old bones when the years allow for deeper refection on the choices one makes. As he lay down a bit unsteadily in his bed, he was thankful that Bergar, one of his few friends old enough to understand what the burden of command entailed was taking care of things tonight. He would remember to give thanks for his years of loyalty in the morning.
Bergar had finished loading the single sleigh with supplies. Isgerd reviewed and made a mental category of all that was there.
"Bergar this may be too much stuff for me to push very far on my own if the others choose not to come." she said.
"They will come or I do not know them. Relax young Godi, you will not make your journey alone. I just hope they were discrete and did not inform all their boon buddies and favored wenches of where they were going and what they are doing." he said.
"I told no one. Not that I know where we are going." said Magnus.
Magnus had been so quiet the Bergar and Isgerd had not detected him until he was upon them. Sensing he had startled them he asked, "You do not believe a large man is capable of stealth?"
"You have become famous for your battle cry." said Isgerd.
"It is true I strike fear in my enemies, but my friends deserve peace, when it is appropriate." he said.
"The others approach." said Bergar.
Sigurd, Kara and Hildagunn had arrived. "Sorry we are behind. I had to check on my farm and my foster child Sigmund before leaving." said Sigurd.
"You do not have to come with me. I may not be coming back. The journey could be deadly." said Isgerd.
"Then in gladdens my heart to make accompany you. I would rather be dead next beside kin who need me." said Magnus.
The others nodded. As they were about to leave they were distracted by the sound of clanging armor. Alarmed they raised weapons.
"It's okay it is just me and the dverge." said Aesa.
"Are you sure the dverge is not a spy?" asked Magnus.
Before Ignatius could scream out a colorful metaphor Aesa slapped a hand over his mouth. "He is no more a spy than I am." she said.
Well then, it is the middle of the night, we have all had too much to drink and no rest so let's set out before wiser men awaken and talk us out of whatever it is we are getting into." said Magnus.
"Where are we going?" asked Sigurd.
"Permia." said Isgerd.
"Good, we should be there by morning. Anybody bring a map?" asked Sigurd.
Isgerd's look emphasized the need for quiet. Ignatius did his best to pad his armor so it squeaked less frequent. Soon they were on the road again. This time heading north. A single thrush warbled in the pines. They passed their time talking about the key to Thor's tomb, about what they knew of Permians from their visit to the Fluesom dungeon and about spies and who they knew who might be one. They continued north until the following evening, finally coming to rest on one of the last hills before the land flattened out and there would be no more break from the northern winds. As they set up camp Kara and Magnus set up warning traps to alert them if anyone were to approach. The mead and meat that Bergar had packed would hold out for a week, maybe more if they skipped breakfast. They risked a camp fire and determined that Magnus would take first watch. The rest felt sleep's hand cover their eyes soon after they were at rest. Tomorrow they would be on the plains to Permia. It was an unforgiving land filled with hazards where even the herd animals were dangerous.