Free Land: Olaf's landings

From the Greenland of Eric who had been Red and now Three Lands, given to the peoples there and Lief given head status for his family that remained, Olaf who we call Navigator ensured that Eric's family was provisioned before getting from Lief those things that Eric had ordered for Olaf. Lief understood that new lands require the starting seed and animals, and would not deny Eric his wealth after given portion of it to prosper for the family.

With that Olaf went to Iceland and met with the villages there to haggle and wheedle and bargain and start the tale of Free Land in old lands, where man and family were welcome so long as each did their share to support them all. The discord amongst the families that caused Eric to leave his second home was still beneath the surface of the stormy seas, and there was discontent that brewed to reflect the far-off problems of Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The story of a land free of those troubled and troublesome Kings brought some interest, as well as the tales of forest grown straight, tall and deep.

From his first trade post Olaf sought those who had brought the Iceland horses, along with other cattle, to be assured, and no small part of Eric's wealth went to same. More puzzling were the other things that Olaf bought from empty barrels to full forge hearth: truly the needs of Free Land were apparent and the spending by Olaf bespoke of that and yet of assurances of future, too. Yet, in each, the story of Eric who had been Red and now of Three Lands spoke truly - he had taken stand against all intimidation and started anew for well and true.

To Eire went Olaf next, on minor trades and story telling, giving his crews time ashore to ensure that lesser needs would be seen to later in the voyage. Olaf said he would not Race the Spring and would let Things pass if need be to make the certain route that he wanted in full. As with Iceland it was three landfalls in the land of Eire and Celts, who lived uneasily seeing the eastern Vikings bringing troubles west. With Olaf they knew the Navigator had set a course by determination in his eye, even though he would tell none what that was.

On to England and those lands being harried by Sweyn Forkbeard searching for conquest of them, although he had yet to begin in earnest. These English had no over love of Vikings, even when some towns had even prospered from Viking trade and many had descended from them. Still Olaf went northways after first landfall in western Dalriada and then to Alba or Scotland as it would be called and then down from north to make trade at York, and the bustling town welcomed this well known traveler, navigator and trader. While that be England proper, the Viking heritage was strong and the stories spread of the Free Land and Eric and the natives who were not intimidating but skilled huntsmen one and all. As all knew a full Frankish Knight could fall easy prey in hunter's woods to those with bare knife and short bow.

There it was that Olaf spent time with Uhtred, Earl of York in Northumbria. That was the time when the Danes and allies made war with Ethelred II of Own Counsel, who waged poor defense and impoverished his people paying Danegeld even then. Uhtred was not a happy man seeing Thored's daughter married to one so incapable as Ethelred, who could not pick nor choose nor defend, but only impoverish and complain. With the power of King Sweyn on the rise as was that by Olaf Tryggvason and Thorkell the Tall, Uhtred looked at his prosperous city and enclave threatened at every turn by fighting, ransom and taxes for Danegeld.

It was then that the proposition came to ensure Uhtred's line, family and those willing to risk uncertain building with certain conflict. There would be no ease, of that there could be certainty, by the trail given by Olaf was certain and had ending that was good and free of this conflict. Uhtred understood that no one was to be impressed, no man given to obeisance to any credo save hearth, home and community. He had heard the first tales of Eric's leaving and now his success and need for support would come from that place called York. Such decision did not seem over much when made, but it would change Kingdoms long after it was sealed.

From there it was to Sweyn Forkbeard in Denmark and first of the three leaders of that time. The Thing had ended but many of the royal supporters of Sweyn had stayed on with him to cast their gleaming eye westward to England and plan yet another series of harrying raids. It was at that conclave that Olaf came to be heard by Sweyn in his Great Hall with those royal followers that the decision of the Two Packages would be given. Two large sacks were placed in front of Sweyn for all to see.

Sweyn had asked - 'Is this tribute from the Red Handed one?'

Olaf gave reply - 'No King Sweyn, this is from Eric Three Land and casting fates with the Norns.'

Taken aback Sweyn narrowed eyes - 'Threat, then? From one so far away?'

Olaf smiled - 'No King, fates are held in here: yours, mine, Kingdoms. From that I give you direct from Eric of Three Lands.'

Sweyn cocked his head to look at the sacks - 'Fates, you say? Two sacks hold such fates to be decided?'

'Has it never been that way, King Sweyn? Where the course of decisions made early on direct what you do for years and years onwards and even beyond your life?'

The royals around him nodded and smiled, as did King Sweyn, for had his own rebellious youth and decisions then not have him now looking outwards to England?

'Hard truth has he learned this one once Red now of Three Lands. Cast me Viking fates, Olaf, so that those here will know what is to be decided.'

Olaf opened the first sack, and from it tumbled short planks of wood, pelt of strange animal, small cask of salted fish, and lump of bog iron.

'Here, King Sweyn, is the lumber of ships, the huntsmen's trappings, the fisherman's life and the means to protect them.'

'Most are unworked, are they not? Of no use to me.'

'You are true, King Sweyn, yet Three Lands is far, far longer to go than England or Iceland or Greenland, twice that trek to Greenland gets you there.'

King Sweyn furrowed his brow, then light behind the eyes took hold. 'You have been to York, have you not?'

'I have, King Sweyn, and talked with Uhtred there. Although these were not presented to him as Earl, he understands his duty to his people in giving route out from bloodshed.'

A murmur from the royals there around King Sweyn Forkbeard, and slanting glances to them and slight nods.

'And you have been to Alba now Scotland and Dalriada, too?'

'Oh, yes, King Sweyn, and three ports in Eire ways and three ports in Iceland before that. Those Picts and Celts of Gaelic ways and Scots all see what is coming under Ethelred Own Counsel who makes poor counsel unto himself.'

The murmurs stirred, heads now nodding, for what was being offered in this was plain to them all, and bespoke of doom to Ethelred.

'What is in the second sack, Olaf, for it is clear that fates are here, indeed.'

'That is the opposite sack which you had best open to understand, King Sweyn.'

Impulsive, King Sweyn stood and took knife to sack and found tied skin beneath it.

'What's this?'

'From Erik who you once called Red, now of Three Lands. Made for you if you decide against the first sack, but yours to keep in the days to come no matter what the decision is.'

Carefully King Sweyn opened the the thick tied skin and it opened out to contents to be way of: the skin itself was worked Bear Skin into Shirt, within that fur contents was a banner of white with dead raven stabbed through affixed to it.

'Ah, yes, I should have realized, Olaf. Bear Shirt, Raven Banner, Knife.'

'Eric said to me and now I give to you: If you come with sword best wear the shirt to Free Land, but they are handy in other lands just the same; the Bear Shirt community is welcome in community if they recognize it.'

'I am to be plagued by Erics, obviously,' King Sweyn said as he lifted the Bear Shirt,' yet this one speaks like King, is that his claim?'

'No, King Sweyn, Free Land wants no King, has no King, seeks no King and will be taxed by no King.'

King Sweyn shuddered and lowered the Bear Shirt to look at Olaf, 'Then what does Free Land seek?'

'Vikings in community no matter what their name, what their following, what their religion. All that earn their own way for themselves under Thing, as there will be nothing higher in Free Land. Never will it be a threat unless threatened, but it will be a boon to all that come with trade and community in mind. That is the Way of Viking, and fighting only when King deems or trade is spurned and fought, isn't it, King Sweyn?'

Smiling and lifting the shirt once more, 'Plagued by Erics, I am. But more true he cannot speak, that Eric of Three Lands. What do you think Ethelred would make of it and the banner?'

Olaf laughed and deeply as did many royals who saw the light dawning, 'I am sure that you can leave York to escape by for those seeking to not answer that question, save Ethelred who really must face it some day. He will have no refuge there nor in Scotland once Alba nor in the Pictish islands nor in Eire way, nor in Iceland nor in Greenland and only as common man in Free Land, without pretenses.'

King Sweyn chuckled, and turned the shirt to wear it, 'Good fit, though I cannot say I fight for that, but many a Viking who do will understand,' and deep laughter and nodding went through the hall and the cry went up.

'To Sweyn Forkbeard, King of Denmark!'

From there the meeting went to revelry, from which Olaf took part but scantly, to show community and then left early to see to his ships and men. The dawn light saw those ships going on to deliver fates onwards and the mist blowing from the water spoke of the breath of Jörmungandr and the ever changing sea. Onwards went Olaf, as King Sweyn plotted what he had already started and now saw to it to find the best way to trap a King who had no escape. To Norway and Olaf Tryggvason who was seeking ways to establish himself and desperately looking to appease King Sweyn.

Olaf's plight was dear and it was his driving of new religion that had reached as far out as Greenland which had triggered Eric to move to Free Land. In rejecting the primacy of Danish throne, he brought threat to Denmark, and had angered Eiríkr Hákonarson, previously from Northumbria, and forced into Swedish exile because of Olaf Tryggvason's rise. Olaf I of Norway knew full well that Eric and Sweyn plotted against him, as well as getting others to join their cause, and his own work to try and secure Northumbria had not gone as he had expected.

As the Thing had long passed in Norway, too, so did Olaf of Free Land meet with King Olaf of Norway in his Great Hall audience. He, too, would get fates to decide on that mid-spring morning from across the sea by a man he barely knew. Olaf the Navigator placed down the sacks, and this time opened the second one first.

'King Olaf, for bringing strife to Eric of Three Lands who was once the Red he sends you this greeting, the Bear Shirt, the Knife and Raven Banner. He has said to me and now I say to you for him: You have given strife in my home and former colony, you have brought ill-wind to me, you have not brought dignity to your beliefs that you impress upon others in any way you can; if you look westward to Free Land, best you come with these as those outlooks will get no hearing without them.'

'Eric the Red sends me that? How dare he?'

Olaf, Navigator, said plainly to those few in the hall, 'He dares because you have, King Olaf, and have not done well by your actions nor your words. Your blindness leads you to these things, who profess for the Prince of Peace, so know that Peace is gained by hard work and not by any other means. You do not do the hard work, and so you now must come in other means than Peace to profess those beliefs. That, too, is directly from Eric, although I have made it civil.'

Those words were stunning to King Olaf, 'I do no hard work? I fight to secure my Kingdom!'

'King Olaf, I have come directly from King Sweyn and left delivering two packages to him that I do to you. From those messages delivered I heard my own ears acclaim for King Sweyn Forkbeard of Denmark. I have heard in my travels of your work to marry his sister, and can say that Eric of Norway and King Sweyn of Denmark have no love of you nor see legitimacy in your marrying Sweyn's sister. You are in dire peril that has brought you this sack from he who was once Red and now of Three Lands.'

'You come directly from King Sweyn? To do his bidding?'

'I do no King's bidding any more, King Olaf, Free Land has no King, wants no King, seeks no King and will be ruled only by the Thing. I placed my lot with Eric and am now of Three Land and represent him for this year of this Thing in Free Land. I seek safety for my new home land and community, King Olaf of Norway.'

'You bring threats from the Bloody Handed One!'

'No, King Olaf, I bring his reply to what you have done and sought to do. To Eric and some few of us, you have ignored the wisdom of the Danish way to let each choose for hmself, as even Sweyn, son of the Bluetooth, has done. In zeal you have lost wisdom and gained enemies. In placing good sense ahead of good works, you find a smaller circle around you that is less safe day on day. I do not bring threats, I bring consequences, King Olaf and warning not to try this any more in the Free Land.'

'These are not my fates to decide! They are that of the One above All.'

'As you say, King Olaf, as you say. Would you perhaps be interested in the other sack to open?'

King Olaf sat forward and stared at Olaf, 'More threats, Navigator?'

Olaf of Free Land smiled, 'Only you can decide that, King Olaf, but I will say that King Sweyn understood it and took it to heart.'

Swiftly King Olaf stepped and opened the sack of wood and pelt, cask and lump of bog iron. 'No tribute?!'

Olaf of Free Land chuckled, 'Nor any with King Sweyn, Olaf. Here is the lumber of ships, the huntsmen's trappings, the fisherman's life and the means to protect them. They are hard work to make to their proper ends, King Olaf. This is the way of Free Land: hard work to make peace and impress upon no one your beliefs. It is, as Eric has said, the way of wisdom, if you can see it, King Olaf.'

'It is an insult!'

Olaf the Navigator shrugged, 'Only to those who do not see the work to be done, King Olaf. We will help any that are willing to do that work. Those that do not should be with the first bundle and understand their end.'

King Olaf furrowed his brow, 'I can take it that there will be no help for me from Free Land, then?' he said with snideness.

'That is true, King Olaf, nor in any place upon my path from there to you.'

King Olaf in his great hall heard silence and squinted hard eyes at the Navigator. 'Not Greenland, then, and of course not Denmark...'

'Nor Eire way, Olaf. Nor Picts. Nor Scots in Alba now Scotland. Nor Northumbria. You are stuck with the one who takes his own counsel only, and that unwisely as you have guessed.'

King Olaf closed his eyes and whispered, 'All against me?'

'No, Olaf, they are not for you. You will not get help along that way as you are. This path you take is that of Peril, King Olaf, that is the message Erik of Three Lands gives to me to give to you. Stop your ways, amend your views, make peace without marriage *first* and those paths become open to you.'

King Olaf's face hardened, 'I will not give up the task the Lord gave me, Olaf Navigator. It must be done.'

Olaf of Three Lands closed his eyes and then opened them slowly, 'King Olaf of Norway, follow the way of the Danes and you will have other opening. Show the goodness of the second bundle and you will have your way without finding the first handed to you. I can no more plainly say it than that. Eric of Three Lands is only a threat because your ways made him so to you, if you choose other ways the threat will end and you can *still* have your say as King. That is wisdom as Eric sees it and as I see it, King Olaf.'

'You are wrong! My people will be saved by me!'

Olaf the Navigator slowly shook his head, 'You speak your own doom, King Olaf of Norway'.

'So be it! I am Viking!'

Pursing his lips, the Navigator said, 'It is as you say, though there are many that are saying that trading in souls is not the work of Kings.'

'You accuse me...???'

'No, King Olaf, your works speak for you.'

Near screaming, King Olaf said, 'But I do the work of good!'

'And have gotten the sack of Bear Shirt first while King Sweyn go the sack of wood and hard work first. That is the difference between you and him.'

King Olaf sat back. 'What? It is not that simple...?'

'I will take my leave of you, King Olaf. To answer that last, look to your retinue, your royal followers. When I left King Sweyn they were proclaiming him King of Denmark as he understood the bundles. Why are yours not doing the same with you after the exact, same bundles?'

'Leave... leave I say, I will marry Sweyn's sister and that will be the end of it.'

'My thanks, King Olaf. You are always welcome in Free Land if you are willing to do hard work and give each man his leave.'

With that Olaf the Navigator left, knowing that he had now given one man a hard but good future and another a hard and bad one. To the third would be Olof of Sweden and Eric of Norway, who had taken refuge there to return to his native land.

They were both in the Swedish Hall amongst the Oaks that were now free of their past. Into that Great Hall came Olaf Navigator and a cheer went up!

'Hail Olaf of Free Land! Hail Eric of Free Land!'

Olaf stopped at the entrance dumbfounded. 'What?' he said near silently.

The flagons raised by nobles amongst their kin and children, this was not the scene he was expecting nor anything like it. Eric had warned him to be prepared, but nothing prepared him for this.

King Olof raised his voice, 'Come Olaf of Free Land, Navigator of renowned, I hear my fates are to be cast by two sacks as has been done with Sweyn and Olaf of Norway, poor wretch he. Come! I fear no fates as I have made them well.'

Olaf of Free Land hoisted his sacks anew and strode firmly into the bustling hall, 'I expected the Thing to be over when I arrived!'

'Never,' said Olof King of Sweden, 'King Sweyn's swiftest boats were sent, one to follow you one directly to me, and once the first arrived I asked the Lawgiver to extend the Thing and he was happy to, Our Elder of Stockholm was! And the second boat,well, that was cause for celebration although they gave us only scant hours to prepare as your ship is fast and well run and damned light these days.'

'I had expected to want to get it over and done with after delivering the sacks to you, King Olof. As Eric had explained this was going to touch off something brewing here amongst three Kings and Eric of Norway would be in the fray.'

Then King Olof motioned over to the other man, who stood, 'This is Eric of Norway, hopefully with the way things are running, soon to be King, although that battle has yet to be fought, but it will be fought soon, very soon, weeks if not days.'

'Hail to you, Olaf of Free Land and well met! Let me set your bundles down before the King of Sweden so we can have a proper casting of fates by them, shall we?' Eric of Norway strode forward to take the bundles by one hand and shake the Navigators with other. 'Ah, fates so weighty to you, are they not, Olaf?'

'Far too true and half again and again, Eric of Norway. Eric in Free Lands told me that after the lightness of handing Lief his heirlooms and what went with them that this would be something I would not enjoy over much. I believe that he misled me somewhat!'

'Aye, and more than somewhat, I wager,' said the King, watching the sacks placed before him whilst a chair and flagon were brought to the Navigator, 'Sit, really I do beg of you, no real formality save for the Lawgiver to oversee this and our families to watch. You have no fears in my Lands, Olaf of Free Land, and any who have had problems with the Law here are absolved of such from Free Land now and forever. New problems we can deal with as they arrive, but the past is over now.'

Olaf the Navigator drank deeply. 'Good mead! I've missed that, the real honey mead aged and all, just the new stuff along with ales and such its been for years. And to you, King Olof of Sweden and to the Lawgiver of this Thing from Stockholm, my indebtedness to you and all who have had problems in past with you in Free Land, you have lifted a burden from them.'

As Eric sat down, 'Fair is fair, really, you have shifted one that we can now lift from ourselves. Olaf of Norway really is a bit headstrong and is forcing the issue of marriage. Really, we thought that nothing would change his plodding stupidity to get his ass hoisted out of Norway to do something. Yet, Lo! Olaf of Free Land representing Eric of Three Lands has done so!' The laughter in the hall was deep and effusive, as the problem had been vexing for some time.

The monarch rose to look at the table with the two sacks on it, 'Ah, now we come to the delightful fates! Eric had sent you, Navigator, on a mission and the actual simplicity of it has been something that I am actually fascinated in. Eric and you, had this pretty well planned out, did you not? These two fates, as you so-call them, can be presented in many ways and yet their very basic parts are what they represent. I would wager that it was you, fine Navigator, who really needed to decide the flesh upon the bones for these simple things.'

Olaf nodded, 'I did at that King of the Swedes, for I could not be sure what the reception in each land would be to this. There is, however, unrest that Eric had remarked at before leaving for Three Lands more and I had known how deep it was across the Islands and Northlands. Even for the strange differences across these lands we have same outlook towards ourselves, which is why for all Vikings do we are remembered for ferocity and forgotten in trade-depth. In little Greenland with no real trade to speak of, Eric saw an end and no beginning, so many things came to make him move anew.'

'So true, that is,' said Eric of Norway, 'looking even at our homelands and even the forests of England, I know that we will soon not easily hold coasts without the strength of trading further inland. That is why Jorvik, now York, is so important, and why Olaf throwing me over in my line so deadly. We will have a hard time to recover from his works as we lose trade and ferocity for it.'

King Olof looked between the two and smiled, 'Which brings me back to the decision. Which one were you to present to me, Olaf Navigator of Free Land? Was it the trade or the strife for me to see first and be swayed by? That is a most clever trick, by-the-by, and wish I had thought of similar at other times!'

The Navigator, indulging in short repast took a moment to answer, then smiled and looked up, 'Me to decide? But that Eric of Three Lands told me to leave up to you! He said you would know the answer at no prodding from me. No need to offer England to Sweyn, just leaving York aside in his alliance which he was already planning, I added little save to put a cork on the Self Counsel King, that would give a refuge to exhausted folk unable to pay Danegeld. Nor the simple part of letting King Olaf of Norway know that a now distant Lawgiver of Free Land had held him to account for the troubles he causes across all these lands. And if there was some urge to action he had decided upon but not enacted, well, he had already decided it, hadn't he? So no, Swede King, that is not for me to present simple things to you as you already know them.'

'Well said, Navigator! For me then, let me heft each sack.' he lifted one, then the other, then back to the first, 'Ah, this one it is the riches of Kings and people, the foundation of which I would be bereft of all other things and my people impoverished. I would be unwise to pass that up, would I not, Lawgiver?'

'Your Majesty, that is so, and your people hard pressed to support you if you did.'

With a deft twist the sack of lumber, ore, fish cask and pelt opened.

'Ah! Hard work it is, then! That is to be the lot of myself and family and my land, hard work to support ourselves, but with distant lands to help by what they can give us.' King Olof smiled and bowed his head and shook it, giving a deep sigh, 'Will no one save me from rich tedium?' Laughter deep and long rippled through the hall, for Swedes know that of hard work comes good families and deep ties to them no matter where they roam.

'But you have given me two sacks, Navigator! Let me hold this one up again.' With that, he did so and furrowed his brow and closed one eye to gaze at it. 'This is what I must do to protect that hard work. I do not get that chore alone, either, do I, Lawgiver?'

'No, Your Majesty, that is not yours alone as your people support you to protect them and their means of livelihood.'

Again the twist of the sack and the Bear Shirt, Raven Banner and Knife fell out. 'As King it is not my place for the Bear Shirt, so that must be for the Lawgiver to hand out. Come Lawgiver, your task is to find those who want this to protect their homes.'

Stepping forward the Lawgiver took the Bear Shirt from his King, 'Thank you, Your Majesty, I can find the ready defenders who will wear this.'

'So good of you, Lawgiver. Now the Knife, well, I have many of course, but it is the tool and weapon both and also belongs to you, Lawgiver, to find for our people.'

'Thank you, Your Majesty, I can find those in trade who need of it and who will raise it to defend themselves when need comes.'

'The Raven Banner, that is for me, I am afraid. We do not use it here but understand it deeply. That must go with the Banners in the Hall here, for ready use if needs be, but kept safe for only those most pressing times. I will have it put up on the far end of the Hall from me, so that it reminds me to choose wisely so it is never taken down for use.'

A cheer arose from the Hall and the hails to the King were heard over and over.

'Now, Olaf Navigator, I bid you and your men welcome to my Lands and to stay in my home. Unfortunately Eric and I will have a long campaign season with King Sweyn as we have Norway to rescue, York to secure and Ethelred to harry. I suggest at least a three or four day stay before heading back towards Free Land, and I will think you will find some few merchants and others wanting your guidance to lead them there, too. It seems a life in new land with King's Pardon and Lawgiver's Amnesty is quite enticing to those who have caused some problems here. Far better to let that off in hard work than trouble to their home and kin.'

Olaf nodded and smiled, 'As you say, King Olof of Swedenland, as you say. There will be a stop or two along the way, but nothing that Vikings cannot handle. A week and I will be gone.'

And so ends Olaf's landings, amongst many lands troubled by problems near and far.

Free Land: Olaf's Tale

From those who remember, Free Land, the Saga of Olaf the Navigator transcribed:

From that first winter to first spring had seen hard work for all, of felling trees and hunting game and using winter fodder.  Such that was brought of kept animals, of pig and sheep and goat, proved capable of pulling provender from snow covered fields.  With that spring Eric who came to be known of Three Lands, made right and sure that beyond the landing a second place was found to espy the seas of north and south beyond great spit of land.  Thus it was in spring when Eric, chosen Lawgiver for the year, gave Olaf two ships and scant crew to send back to leave the word.

That winter had seen much work by all, and the hunting of prizes brought much pride, but it was those of the bear of black, found in winter den that made Eric alight and begin simple tanning work.  The smell of forge and tanning and other needful things brought them fair reminder of homelands and showed them what was needed.  So Eric would come to Olaf and his chosen crew and speak of needful things.

'Olaf you are most trustworthy to find fair way back, and I know you thought as you espied the coast during our travels here.  For those not as good as you for finding seaward ways, coastal markers are needed for those lesser ones who may become disguided.  Choose carefully and quickly for we both know the seas will turn and in the shift of early spring, the currents are not easy to discern.  If one is storm-tossed and finds bleak days of travel, ensure that they can find a marker and get their wits about them.  Make it quick and fast, my friend as you have a long year's worth of trips ahead.'

Olaf smiled from face that had been from ice to  balmy clime, and eyes twinkled of a man who would make best time of any and knew the fair weeks of time between the lands of old. 'Not as slow as that, my Eric, not not that slow at all.  For coastal navigators see the fall of tree and cast of rock and know if it is nature or man that made it.  You, yourself, from North clime had seen that in fjords and then again to Iceland and yourself made them in Greenland.  The obvious are easy and the subtle faster, too, so bare two weeks to get it done with landing for single days to mark.  Those that follow with any wit of the sea and land will know whereof they find, and follow markings to know their way north to south inclined.'

Eric nodded to Olaf and looked to his fair crews, for two ships were taken one for trading and long ship for the work. 'And you that go with him, know that you will return with trading ship.  From Greenland old home do trade with what you're given for those things you need.  Olaf has further mission beyond that land of green and ice, and will be most of year doing so, and your return will be self-guided.  Learn well from Olaf Navigator, he has plied many of the seas and no truer Viking is there in one who knows its ways.'

With that Eric and others helped load the ships that were to go, and gave special bundles to Olaf for his further needs.  From there Olaf guided well and each three days alighted with his crews.  Asqe of his people, now Viking in the full, helped Olaf to mark those places that his people would likewise know.  Even with such help a few places went beyond a day, but beyond the rocky cairns Olaf inscribed the way.  Upon sheer cliff and boulders strewn, the markers subtle made, have kept the way clear-marked for generations later until better could be had.  And still, all this time after, a storm tossed crew can find, those subtle waypath markers that lead them to fair clime.

To the second land Olaf gave it scant attention, although Asqe ensured that his people with simple yet sturdy craft could find a proper way.  Olaf who had seen such markings asked Asqe of their lore, and Asqe gave look and then nodded to explain the craft. 'This marking of curving and the three lines up, is the great beasts of the deep making for air and upwelling.  So when seen a man knows that such danger does lie near, and will shift away from it to make safer passage.  This of curving line down with rays down upon it, show the opposite for warning, where ocean plunges deep like the sounding beast.  Then the three up under three down shows the hunter rocks, the place that will suck you in to fair and ugly death upon them.  We have many others and no man or clan has set store, but these I make and use and are easy to know their marking way if you know the man and clan.'

Olaf laughed heartily, on shore as they were, and clearly enjoyed such knowledge from such man and his clan.  'Mark well, all of you, the simple nature of the Navigator!  All you need is eye and knowledge, clear Thought and Memory and such things will guide you well.  From those things I can see how hunting grounds are marked for sea, and know the dangers of these people and to you and me.  If ever storm tossed beyond our normal trade, seek the waypath guides and puzzle them until their meaning is in the clear.  For they are to be read by those with dim light and rain upon them, they are to save your life when all else has turned against you.'

They did meet at the near tip of second land to Greenland, peoples who spend the spring and summer and the fare elsewhere for the winter.  Aqse knew of them and talked with them, and Olaf made such gifts as meager store provided, and then the Viking markers put down, five great boulders upon the shore.  While many of the smaller ones are gone or since moved, those five to show the waypath remain to show the way.  From there scant markings on the first land as it was well known, and only simple guide to show the new lands path were needed there.

In fair Greenland winter had just given up its breath, but Spring had not renewed the land as the melt water still did flow.  Olaf sought out young Lief, the son of Eric to the Three Lands, and bade him and his mother well to let them know their fate. 'Eric bids you no ill-will, but to know his decision he abides.  To both of you his caring and hopes for gentle guides.  He says new home will welcome you, so long as peace is kept, and ask him not to change to ways he did not seek.  Young Lief you are to know that half his inheritance is yours for you and the clan to live.  That other half as he has given, now you are to read the bundle that is mine to give.'

With that to Lief he handed small pouch secured with Eric's hair, and simple knife to open it brought out few but needful things.  Lief looked at it and gasped at the simple clan ensign made upon hide necklace. 'Eric entrusts family's well being to me, then, and I am to ensure the right.  With half his wealth more than enough is done to ensure that this be carried out.'

Olaf nodded, 'That is for the true, you are now to hold fast and best for your family entire.'

Next Lief looked at simple grooved planks, tiny and bound together. Nodding Lief, who had shown ability as a stripling mad the simple match. 'His few ships are to be divided one set old and one to new with Greenland between them both.'

Smiling deeply, Olaf said, 'You have spent fair time in repairing with Eric and Me on voyages back along the way, and by fair mark you would trade my boots from me for snail shells if given half a chance.'

The final piece was keen metal shard and simple smoothed wooden peg, bound at the center with hair that Lief looked closely at.  Then back to pouch and to Olaf, then to the entwined pieces.  'He has bound you as messenger and entrusted you with Nornish path.  And in that binding I am to help as you speak for him before me.'

Olaf's face went calm, and closed eyes for a bit, then opened them and steady, as if gazing to calm horizon. 'Lief the time has come for Vikings to announce their chosen path, and as you see I'm messenger for those that have already left.  To each of those sigils mark a way to go so that rulers know what it is they face.  From Greenland to Iceland goes the way of trade.  I will tell you now that fair sea journey direct will cut off Greenland in some time as I can see how the oceans shift and direct way though longer can be navigated.  As clan head you must know this in the first of my stops from here.'

Lief laid down the bound pieces, 'Such binding is needful to know.  As head of family and of clan spread to here, this is not easy news to take.'

'Yes, and too much so, Lief, and yet that is the way of it.  Next is the grooved wood which represents the Isles and second destination.'

'You go to Eire and then to Angles then... ah, and after that to Danemark.'

With a snort and short laugh, Olaf did reply, 'Oh, yes I do and like in Iceland of the Norse I will let the Danes come to know the message Eric has given to me for them.  But not before delivering word port to port until I get there of this new and fine fair land.'

'To let it be known?'

'Aye, Lief you are seeing know what Eric does intend.  Tick off in your mind the clans aggrieved in each of these lands, disinherited by poorly given Law and outcast for simple clan disputes.  Eric was but one of many, as we both well full know.  This message will get to them by those that travel near and far, and hear of Viking making fair land and Law for those willing to settle grievances.'

Lief sat back, and let out a long whistle. 'I had not thought... but yes it is the score that we go aviking on the trade and even now there is final bounds.  Many are the dispossessed and they will hear the whisper of the Blood Red made good to new and open realm.  That will take time, Olaf.'

'Oh time enough, for sure.  But the immediate need as you can see is to find those who are skilled in making.  We have those things in abundance and we lack skilled hands to go around, and so when family and clan do shift will come those who know of iron, wood, grain and creatures.  Yet not for faint-hearted roustabouts who think first with sword and then with head, for that will get you killed in crossing and in making a new home.  While the people of this new land are not so skilled in those things, they are skilled enough to draw high and dear cost when confronted.  By numbers and sudden appearance did we shock them enough to listen, else we would all be dead, throats slit in deep night.  But Eric was not the Red for nothing, as you well know, and vigil was our answer until peace could be talked.'

Thus Lief nodded and looked at two and then realized the co-joining, before the third. 'Not only Dane but Norse, joined Kings they are for sure so to both you must go.'

'Well and fairly said, that, and from Iron south to Wooden north one message will both get.'

'That leaves... oh, to Swedes!'

Olaf grimaced as he saw the look of Lief in realizing. 'Yes, a final tangle to unskein needs be done to set great things aright.  Yet, as strange as it may seem the message will be exactly the same to there as to the other Kings as told.  Yet past Jutes to Swedes and even Finns and Lapp and deep beyond, a message will be whispered by the presences in far Kingdom where Thing also rules the people.  None will be forgotten in the north and from there it will trickle to the south, although in places it will be more than just a trickle in return.'

Leaning forward Lief gazed at Olaf and soon it was calm sea to calm sea in their gazes. 'Eric is doing the hard thing, Olaf.  What is the message he bids you to bring?'

A frown and sigh from Olaf, 'That is for those leaders to know and clan leaders to hear after it is fairly given.  I can say, though, Lief that for at least a generation Greenland will prosper before the shorter route is fully plied.  I have not done it myself as of yet, but there is knowledge in deep, unknown seas and those who know them.'

Nodding softly, Lief came to understand. 'My way is set even though I am free, for no other can be done.  I think I understand now, for first time its true, just how my father felt being free and yet so confined by fates as to rail once and forever to break them.  While its a harsh task I cannot shirk the justice in it and the opportunities for me and clan.  I can stay in town that will prosper for short time and then slowly feel lack of trade, or build something new by exploring.  By Viking way.'

'That is the way of it, Lief: stay at home like those south of the Alps these days or take up satchel and sword and net and make new ways to go.  I am Navigator and that is the life for me, but for you it must be decided how you handle what the Norns have given,' holding up hand, 'I know that is not your line of thought or belief but that is what spurred Eric onwards.  And surely in your way of looking there is room for understanding that while things may be out of your control, yourself you never are.'

Lief nodded, 'That is ever the way of it, Olaf, and I will pray for guidance to dear Christ, but I will not let these events move me from doing what needs be done.  Eric has damned us to live in exciting times to prosper and that will keep us busy for the rest of our lives, is true.'

'Very busy Lief, now let us go over the listing of those bare things that are needed for new land, so that you can find a way to prosper and ensure your position by scant foreknowledge so as to make new knowledge with each and every trip. For me the bare morn tide awaits and messages to spread and give.'

 

Thus the Saga fragment ends picked up in other tales and lands, and better known in them for what it is they are.

First Winter's Tale of Free Land

From those who remember, Free Land, partial Saga transcribed:

Eric Three Lands walked forth that winter on with Harald and Olaf both stout and able warriors and with Asqe from northern peoples they had known who served to interpret as best he could given strange tongues so far south. The colony foodstuffs while not sparse held only as much as a winter could allow and no error for winds and cold to be seen. Those that had followed were hearty ones and ensured that they had sustenance for winter of Greenland so no problems with that were seen, but ensuring resources to repair ships and and coats and other needful things were in short supply so even the hunting and fishing saw need for more than those who landed could do.

The Wampanoag folks of this land were good and friendly although friction arose on which land is used when with them. Those that sailed and arrived ensured that they found place so as to not arouse anger nor ire, and respected those places special and holy to these people. When first carvings done and ship moorings built, the Wampanoag saw such images as they had known of wind and wolf and bear and ice and waves, so knew these people had like such beliefs as they. Now the winter work needs be done and sails and ships repaired, save those needed for netting fish, and that too limited to two ships and few men.

Trudging through snow up to knees was hard, but not over so for people of the North, and knew their step and ability so as to move quickly without fail. Arriving at a village of rounded huts of hide and wood, the four gave hail to announce themselves via horn from times of old. They had been espied and knew such and saw such spies as only Northmen could, but gave greetings such to let those know that ill-intent was not theirs.

With smoke greetings returns they moved forward and into the village and gave greeting to those they knew and handed small carved trinkets whittle from wood in such spare time as meager light and life allow. Many such locals had them on fiber corded for such things and kept such keepsakes close. For all that these sea folk from beyond were strange in stature, clothes and much else, they bore the symbols that joined them across far seas and the life that goes with them.

Together with such greetings they moved towards a larger place, and warmed themselves by fire as they talked in what little they had learned. Smoked and salted fish and meats they bore along with other minor fare, plus leather made from fish skin with sheen for whatever the people needs. They sat and talked of needful things and ate sparingly as they shared, then told of those things they sought to find to keep their lives moving.

Harald was smith with small forge that he crafted from such clay as was about, and could do minor work for reforging things that broke. But iron ran short fast and new iron need be had, along with flux if it was near, so that pure iron was quickly gained. Olaf had an eye for things, beyond the seaborne tides, and knew how to espy those very needed things. For Eric sat and ensured that those who they came to visit, knew that the entire people were present in their captain from sea until Thing-time and lawgiver chosen.

Harald and Asqe spoke, with Olaf interjecting and puzzled frowns from those that sat, were seen all around. Eric then said to Harald, 'Show them what is your need, for they have no knowledge of it nor the casting of iron seed.' From his pack Harald brought bundle and unwrapped its well stained fibers, then showed the bog rock that was the need of his hearth and forge to rend. 'This is last raw bog iron straight from our old climes. Look it well and let me know, can it anywhere be found?' As Asqe talked and the rock was passed, each hefted and gave it a look, and then a boy looked forward and exclaimed and ran dashing through the snow.

He returned with friend hefting rock between them, much for two striplings to bear nor even a stout man. As all looked Olaf rose and went to help the lads, and with the rock inside he took small hammer to it, and looked as piece flew off. 'That is the rock we search for, tis plain and simple truth.' With that Eric smiled and asked what the people needed in return. The looked puzzled at these men, smiling over heavy rock, but as it was explained to them they came to know its worth.

The Sachem Running Wolf and Grandmother Dawn Sparrow of their people talked and then asked others to join the gathering, the boys sat by their prize and Olaf smiled to them and nodded to the rock. Soon parents came and listened and talked faster than Asqe could relay and warmed pots of berry mash served as talking did go on. Finally their Sachem asked, 'How long will you be staying here?'

With that Eric looked at him and those gathered in around, and spoke. 'We come from lands that we find turning unfair and much to our dislike. I ventured three lands once and then vowed three more to find surcease. Now in this three on three I come to make my life for good. Those that follow do also come for that and life continued. We trade for what we need, but do not scorn the fight to those that scorn us first. We seek a land where each is free to worship as his want, and live free of being pestered.'

Asqe shivered and told the truth of that, as best as he was able: 'Though Norse fierce these people, they honor their friends and such agreements. Do not ever cross Norsemen, for it will be the last mistake you make. I have ventured southwards with them from old lands and saw that truth. To those that oppose them there is no end of Nordic ire.' Eric made sure that Asqe told them so these people could see the gleam, as Asqe's eyes did glitter.

The Sachem Running Wolf nodded gravely, remembering reports from first meet. Where Nauset set upon these Northmen, and few lived to tell their tale. The villages that followed that showed wrath beyond compare. While three fighters of these Norse brought down, more handfulls died of Nauset people, and that brought his own tribe to demonstrate their peace. In one day they had done what no other done for all of Grandmother's memory had to speak. And they had traveled further than any other known, from land so far that it dimmed in distance far, where their sun was noon it arose here, to those first seeing light of day.

Eric then went on to speak his worth, and let these people know: 'When spring arrives one ship be sent, back to our old land. Sending gifts and greetings and fair warning, to Kings of Danes and Swedes. Their hands will not stretch here, nor any fighting might. But welcome all those who would settle peacefully, and live life free of them. We settle by agreement unless cause is given otherwise, then blood will not retain us. No one threatens free men, nor any to detain us. But we hold to our Law, and each accountable to All.'

The weight of future held to this Sachem Running Wolf , no great nor for all his People, and to clan Grandmother Dawn Sparrow to help weigh that future of their People. They talked on this and listened to worries of their kin, then she looked to Asqe and asked direct of him: 'Did you come willingly with these ones, of their cold clime?' Asqe nodded and looked to her: 'They asked for one venturesome, who would risk life to come with them. They gave scant pay unto me, and that to family, as I had ventured before with them and saw great giving in the travel. I come free as have they to be free for all my People.'

Grandmother looked strangely then: 'Your People are put upon?' Asqe nodded: 'They are, Cousin Grandmother, as the icy waters change, and we venture further south, and run straight into such Norse. Those that rule them in far land set them on one course. But they are free and now break from that to be free from that hand. Such are they that make their way to be judged on their own acts, and will not be put upon when rulers erode their pax.'

Sachem Running Wolf looked at Asqe: 'They give up bond of kin?' Asqe looked to him and said: 'No they give up no kin. But they have this Law over them that needs new Lawgiver each year. Those that rule over those, must adhere to such things they do. For these People crossed will bear little that does not respect them nor their lives. And here their rules guide them, and Eric their lawgiver from their voyage, come in spring new Lawgiver chosen, though likely tis the same. And he will have none over him nor over those that follow.'

Eric Three Lands had heard and said: 'I expect many others to follow. But as all respect the Law, they come here by it to be true. Respect where given is returned, and that Law has always been true.' Sachem Running Wolf looked into Eric's eyes, ones that had seen blood running very red, a man of three lands once and then again, now declaring his place to hold. 'Freedom is the venture, but only for the bold.'

Grandmother's brow furrowed and whispered: 'How many come, you of Three Lands told?' Eric looked to Olaf who then spoke up: 'I see you have such emblem here with star above arcs of color. From those I come from under Odin's eye, we know that symbol too. May I ask you what it is to you, so that I can tell from me to you?'

Grandmother Dawn Sparrow smiled, and eyes twinkled: 'That is first light that make us all. With Spirit, Blood, Life, Earth and Spirit, Plants and Death. For all that makes us from beginning comes from that first bound light.' Olaf smiled: 'Thank you, oldster, for your knowledge you give to me. For us that is the home of Gods and the colors that great Bifrost Bridge, leading from this world far into the next which is the source of all of us.'

Olaf then spoke anew: 'That bridge comes down in rainbow to show us its great light. And it is everywhere and given to show us the Way. The time is ending in our lands, where those seek out that great light, and see it as simple colors that are not so bright. And so they spurn that which was passed to us, from generations gone, and I come with Eric to see such new where it is undiminished still. Those that wish to keep such brightness and bring beliefs will follow in our trail. I can think of clans and villages and families more than ten hands worth, that would do so, coming from our older lands. There will be far more than that, in time, who seek peace to find their Way.'

The Sachem looked to Eric; 'They will come like you?' And Eric gave reply: 'They will hear the Law I see, and agree to it because it is a better Way. Those that hold to this Law will be judged by All and rulings duly made. They agree to that when they leave, or face fight when they come. And those rulers already have fights enough, to not seek another one.' Then Olaf said: 'What we make here, will guide us further and how to be with you.'

Harald who had looked at the rock then asked the boys of it: 'Where did you find this rock and how to come by it?' One boy looked to another and the second he did say: 'It is where meadow and stream meet, on meadow bank just dropped out.' Harald puzzled and ask: 'Not in bog? For that tis where its found.' The first boy spoke: 'Oh no, bogs are much further away, this is bog meadow.'

Harald put hand to chin: 'Bog meadow? Is it big?' The boys nodded and Sachem Running Wolf spoke: 'It is an hour or so to cross any way you go, the stream has had many bogs as it winds and goes.' Harald blinked once and again then looked to Olaf who did reach into his sack, pulling second rock out: 'Have you seen rock like that?'

Sachem Running Wolf nodded: 'Yes, it is on island nearby, easy enough to find.' Olaf and Harald looked one to the other, both men had done forge-work. Grandmother Dawn Sparrow spoke: 'What does this mean?' And then Eric smiled sweetly: 'You have just given them more than three lifetime's work, Grandmother Munin of your Clan. And more than that, I think.'

To those gathered: 'You have seen our tools and weapons, it is iron from bog rock. We use that stone for flux to make it pure quickly. If this proves out you have just shown us hard work for generations to come, for with trees and iron and good land here, you are talking more than Family or Clan. The word we use is Nation. For old lands stripped of good trees and iron takes time to forge, yet here abundance both for generations not yet born.'

Eric looked to Sachem then Harald then to Grandmother Dawn Sparrow and addressed her: 'As your people's memory let me ask you like this - if those who would learn to work with us to gain this knowledge were given leave to learn what we know, then that future will be built together by us both. This learning is both ways, so that we may learn of land and people and ways here, and together make something greater together and between us. From this new Law can be made, to safeguard all that is here, and put no one over it all but only chosen by assent for that is what we leave. That way forward will be hard, hard work for both, but I think far worse for you. But shared that burdened lessened and future built anew.'

The Sachem Running Wolf spoke, once more: 'That decision must go to greater Sachem for the Clan. But we can work with you until that decision is made, for that is in our hands. If he speaks against this, then I do not know the end. But I know we can grasp to friends, and hold on to such hands.' Eric then moved hand forward and the Sachem followed suit, then Harald and Olaf then Grandmother, soon the boys and parents and others who had listened joined. Eric said: 'That is Law between us then, friend with friend until other day arrive. We share knowledge and learn as best we can to make this future new.'

Thus began the winter of the trudging through snow, until trails were made, and boys and girls searching and sailing and mending ships and nets and sails and first trees to be felled for later years and more ships built as hands did work together. And that promised hard work was seen by winters end and new forge built to smelt the iron. Meadowforge was built, the largest of its kind, and in five years these two People set as they joined together, for the Great Sachem would see the wisdom of hard work and building to safeguard against the tide. And those that learned there spread knowledge, but only under Law. For these lands aren't peaceable between Peoples and Peoples, and as things would grow and go on, the days of struggle would arrive.

Come that spring saw renewed and first of gathering for the Thing, to be done early as much needs done to settle well and truly in. And so the Captain said to all: 'The voyage it is done. Now Law Speaker is needed so that law can work its way. Thanks to one and all for this great voyage is like none other. Now time has come to choose way forward and I step aside for the choosing to go on.' With that Eric walked from those who were the community and over to his nets, and continued mending that was left.

All that lived there now discussed, and argued some between them. They looked at those interested from the Clan who stood by to listen and think upon the Thing. For that winter saw some few that had languages of both, and so did go on that choosing so that rights and wrongs be worked out. While one or two put forth different names, those ones did say 'no'. Finally the assembled people came together as one, and sent message to Eric. For he of Three Lands had the view, such as only One-Eye could see, and future from such past be done, for all to move and be.

Eric heard and shook his head, but knew his voyage over. Still one could Law Give and travel far, but needs still kept one near. He walked slowly back and stood before those people. He looked and looked, from one to one and at those that watched from Clan. He closed his eyes and sighed and knew that weight upon him. From simple wish comes hard life, and he accepted that so that he could then speak forth.

'Today is first day of this new home, though it took time to settle in. Now we must secure ourselves for future true unknown. We have worked hard with Wampanoag and heard their wisdom, too. From start of two boys fetching bog stone, the purpose came anew. Today Light Hawk and Trail Walker both help and organize, together with our kin they showed that way to us. While the great hammer to pound, bare iron is still beyond them, they wrought well and so we see work enough for all. Together walking melting snow over bog meadow stretching far, there is fair land to grow and live and move beyond mere scratching.'

'Then to island just off shore, and looking at flux stone. From simple tasks of gathering we can build new hearth and home. Some of us walk with these folks, and now we see through new eyes. We can change those things we know, to live and build. But we also have needs of many things, old lands and kings do have. So our first up is to send word back, directly over sea. And this time it be fast, as no dallying will take place. Markers left on Vinland to show the way to go.'

'Olaf and Asqe plus 10 more they choose, will take long and trading ship. Those are the most seaworthy now, while we continue to repair the others. Back to former home, for first supplies and longboat sent back with them. Olaf will take my meager horde and press on to Danelands home. There first gift to be sent and one to each Viking King: a bear shirt and raven dried in cloth. The simple message of no King over us, nor ever shall will come through from that simple gift.'

'For those of us here, we will go on trading paths with those that help us out. I needs go and see their leader, and ease problems caused with their Great Sachem, and offer what meager things we have. Harald will stay then, to keep things going, and all problems set aside till my return. Already trees to clear and let sit for drying so that we may build more anew, and locating what is good to grow, beyond what we brought, so that food will be enough. This is no time to slack nor think of Viking forth.'

'And for that let me say, that Asqe has shown true Viking heart. He has lived while others died, and helped us greatly much. I say that man is Viking now and all to treat him same, and his people too. Let none say 'nay' to spirit when it is obvious, and stout heart and body true. When he goes back with Olaf, it is to his People to tell his tales and have welcome ever he return.'

'For the rest we know our work for fishing, trapping, hunting, gathering, planting, tending and repairing. It will be from barest light at start and end of day that we will work so that permanent home be made. A place here at this bay and one by the Meadowforge good trail laid out and cleared. And real meeting hall, though not this year, as the trees they need to season. Now let me hear complaints so that I may try to reason...'

Thus ends the First Winter Tale of the Free Land.

Alternate history, another strange idea I've had

Ah, breaking into socially irrelevant topics! Such is Alt-History, with its fans and supporters and fretting historians worrying about the purity of their studies. I remember talking to one historian in college that was aghast at the idea that people might even *try* to see how the past could have behaved differently: to him what was done is all there was. So sad, when the study of history should be about how peoples change and react and come to terms with events, even as they make them. And so much of history dangles on threads... little tipping points that beg the question "What if...?" When I could read whole novels I had some goodly number of Alt-History works within that reading and always saw that our history is that of the improbable and has always hung on slender threads of happenstance.

So, this excursion takes us back to just after the founding of the Greenland colony by Eric the Red. Eric had been sent away by his homeland and Iceland and was looking for a third land to settle on his own, so he could have rest and family. And in our history he died by not going with his son Leif on a further exploration, because of a fall from a horse, which Eric thought to be a harbinger of bad luck if he went. Instead he stayed and caught the plague, and while some settlers may have gone to Vinland, they finally ended up de-camping. And so it went, more or less with lots of encapsulation and glossing over, in our world.

But there is a story that gives one pause of some years before that, when Eric's wife sought to have a church built close to home. She had converted to Christianity and, like all new converts, was a fervent follower of the new belief. Eric, being somewhat set in his ways and conservative, would abide by that, but did not himself convert (save maybe upon his deathbed, but those things are hard to tell at such distance and with so little evidence). Pestered, flustered, possibly having his children also add to the chorus, and then having his husbandly rights denied until the church was built, he decided that it would be at the furthest he could throw a stone from home. And so it was that he and Leif built that little church, or so it is as I have heard it, with Leif barely a stripling.

And here is a turning point for a man: two lands have sent him yonder through being expelled via their Things. He abided by such and did the honorable actions of founding a new colony for such as he to live in peace. Others attracted to Greenland in those years before the Little Ice Age and the colony swelled to its largest it could support. Christianity is brought in and many convert and Eric sees old ways being replaced, and clearly shook his head at this. But then strife came from his wife and her conversion and teaching his children these new ways. And, at some point, a man reaches a point when he will say 'no more'! And one can picture his reaction to his wife, the thinking he did, and then his own children telling *him* what to do! Can a man not find ANY PEACE?

He would remain quiet, the man who is a Viking, called the Red one with redness upon his hair and beard and hands. But he would not do violence and be outcast yet again, but this... this! he knew he could not put up with and would be pestered and nagged and refused until the end of his days, which would be short but seem overly long. And at the gathering the last before the trading and sailing season is over he would make his announcement, and one can imagine it something like this...

"You all know me and have trusted me with leadership here. I have done things in the past, perhaps not so good, and have gone to three lands because I was not wanted in two of them. And now this third land brings strife to my heart and I will not have that AGAIN. And so next season I will sail to the west and south. We have heard the stories from the natives and I will bring a guide with me to help. I will seek a new land for myself and any willing to follow. In this land we will be remote from the Raven Banner and the King and be truly Viking in the vanguard. Yet this land will be ruled by the Thing and be based on one fact more, that no one shall push and preach and pester another with religion as those beliefs are sacred to each of us. You may preach to your own, discuss with any who want, but the pestering, pleading and all that goes with it will not be allowed by ANY! And so when the first sails come with any who would join, I will go west then south, as we have heard the barrenness of the North. And as this third land does not offer peace, I will go three lands more. On the third land, be it barren or bountiful, I shall make my place. Others may come or not as they please, but I, at least shall leave."

And so would Eric Three Lands be born. Perhaps some few hundred from the colony would join him and perhaps as many as a thousand more, hearing upon his words and the wisdom of them and misliking the changes in their people. And so in late spring he would sail, needs be leaving young Leif behind. They would go past Markland and leave indicators there, then south until west and westward more until mid-summer and a second land. Now as to vines in Vinland, many have their say, but to Eric it would be but the second land to learn of the way to go. Interacting with the summering native population he would learn of west and south, and then head that way for the third land as three would be his luck.

He would like the estuary he had heard of to the direct west, but mistrust the currents he would also hear about. And so south by west and then the coast he would go, seeing the rocky land give way to trees as summer waned, many wanting to stop in these northerly climes, but Eric deciding on some week or more along the coast. And then as luck would have it, they would come to a great bay, with a long curving spit of land and a fine place for a colony. Trees, fresh water, grassy lands and natives to interact with. Soon trees being felled and boats out to fish and gathering and trading for the winter needs. A land of fog and freedom lay in which Eric Three Lands would stay.

These people would treat and trade well with neighbors and be large enough to defend, but not so large as to give offense. And the locals would provide a buffer against the more murderous tribes to the south. And so this Freeland would be formed, under the Red One, named Eric Three Lands. The next year word would head back and meet up with Lucky Leif who had espied excellent fishing off the coast as more settlers were led by him and his brothers. They would encounter the gifts being sent back to Greenland, Iceland and to the Kings. And Leif would murmur some at the bear shirts for those Kings and one small group of new settlers would smile broadly and know that they had come home.

And so the tales are told of Berserkers and their native counterparts, as the rich iron ores were sought by the years and these Freelanders came upon another nation and their mighty warriors. One would beguess that the interaction of Berserker and Mohawk would be awful until both people realized that peace could be had without more bloodshed. Thus would Five Nation of Iroquois and Freelanders join together, assuredly with differences and spats, but respect each the other and soon learning to live and welcome as trade is preferable to war. But that would be years onwards from that founding.

The preachers of the new religion would get warning to not overstep their welcome. Preach peaceably and not forcefully and when a man says 'Nay' to let him be. For heads of many who did not and were exiled would adorn the streets. For Vikings they were and kept to the common law set by Eric of Three Lands, who was intemperate in his day but also had wisdom to see a way. His wife would bejoin him in latter days, and when plague swept Greenland, those coming would be kept apart on islands for a month or so, to keep such things away.

Thus Eric and his family would finally be at peace with each other. And a land of Freedom would be built by strong and sturdy men and women, willing to live and let live so long as peace be kept, and ever ready to strike out when safety be threatened. A land where no King ruled and the freemen kept to peace, and every year each Thing would have its say to ensure that laws were kept. Who knows how this new land would turn out, with such a strange beginning, but no stranger than Puritans blown off-course and low on beer, settling in to survive and found a colony... and perhaps more sense that a people who placed so much on self-reliance and living with community would seek out new and better ways for all of them to be free from pestering.

And one may imagine that one day the Kingdoms in Europe would be faced with a strong land of common folk, respecting their own and wanting none above them. A strong land and a blend of peoples and beliefs as all were respected.

Because one man had been pushed just a little bit too far.