Eric Olafson, Neo Viking Vol. 01

I never had been to Isen Landsby. I simply knew it existed and was Nilfeheim's second largest town (there was a third one so I heard, on the Five clan Island Cluster to the Eest) Using the directional data transmitted by Nilfeheim Radio I was confident I would find it. The flier was open and the temperature was dropping. I wished I had some sort of coat, but I found the heater and ducked behind the wind shield.

I had left open water behind me and was now flying over the permanent ice of our south pole. Unlike on the North Pole where the sun did not really leave the sky during short summer, here it never came up past the horizon and it was dark and bitter cold. Isen appeared. It was like an island of light in the otherwise dark featureless ice plane. Buildings were sitting on long stilts buried in the ice and connected with bridges and stair cases leading to the ice. Most buildings were surrounded by metal platforms and hand railings. And masts with light elements everywhere. The town looked like a festive lit Yule log from the air. I did see fliers and power sleds but what surprised me most to see men riding Fangsnappers!

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

"Sorry Sir, It isn't mine, I am just using it, but I wondered if you can check the propulsion turbines. Something seems stuck in it and the left one is sparking and wheezing."

"Sure thing I take a look at it."

"Is there a place I can buy supplies?"

"Yes sure. We got a few stores. You walk across that suspension bridge over there, pass the Swine and Dine and you are at Silver Hawk's Emporium. They got most of the things you need."

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

"We are not allowed to give out names of our employees. We all go by the name Arthur Swine."

I shrugged and took my order."It was a long shot anyway."

I took a seat and stared out the window, but I saw one of the costumed employees come over." Gunnar saw you on the Visual security and will be right out.

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

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

"I am Restaurant manager here now and as you see I got my new uniform."

"Aren't you going to be ridiculed or harassed after cutting your hair and wear that?"

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

"Doesn't sound too bad."

"No sure doesn't. Our little Supermarket carries more off world stuff than the stores at Halstaad and no one raises an eyebrow if you buy it."

"That's where I need to go next."

"Get yourself a snapper coat or something. It gets real cold here, Longnight or not."

Loaded to with Cleaners, mops brooms buckets and gallons of Cleaners as well as a portable Nanite recycler and an inflatable Washing machine, I made my way back to the pillar burg.

The flier now was clean, fully charged and the turbines whispered like new. My credit strip had paid for it all and there was plenty of credits left.

I almost missed the tall rock in the darkness, but turned around as it passed to the left and landed.

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

"It was not as easy. They would not sell it to me as I needed to be of age to get Alcohol but the guy who fixed the flier got it for me."

I placed the bag with the two jugs before his feet.

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

I nodded.

"Well open one and pour some in that sweet throat glue you brought along with that Off World Garbage food."

After he had me dump half of the coke and replace it with the strong smelling clear liquid he sighed happily munching on his third Rib Burger.

He was no different than the other elders. Condemning Off-World on one hand and stuffing his belly with burgers."

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

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

But finally I had reached the last room in his building and sorted the clean laundry. Onto a long rack I had made of ropes and boards.

He had not spoken much in the entire time only to tell me to throw something out I was cleaning. "Don't clean it. Get rid of it!"

He stood in the door and lifted his nose."Smells real fancy now, won't you agree?"

"Yes, it might be considered an improvement."

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

INTERLUDE 3

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

Suddenly Isegrim bolted up in his chair and uncoiled his whip."Cease that mindless foolishness at once!"

Tyr stopped but Lothar kept on. "I am your favorite. I can do what I want, can I not mother?"

She got up and said."Play a little less noisy."

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

Gretel said."Speaking of that failed abortion, is it not time we invite his future bride over so you can ask for another advance to the dowry?"

Isegrim growled raised his heavy hand, she retreated." Don't you dare Isegrim, unlike that dumb blonde you married first; I made sure you won't do the same to me. As you know I have collected evidence of all your crocked deals and crimes. Should I die or come to harm. The Elders and the clan leaders you robbed screwed and stolen from will all know the truth. Including how your father and Erik Gustafson really died."

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

Gretel was still fighting with her breath and father was screaming. "Lothar if you are still there when I turn my face I will roast you in the fireplace right now!"

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

"Yes your Lordship. Her sister was very descriptive and it was all there, all that concerns this world. I found a key card to a safe deposit box at the bank on Holstein. She keeps additional papers and documents there, so her sister said."

Gretel came up."That's right Isegrim! You may gained some but not all. I got damning material on you at a place you can't get to!"

"And neither can you. We both can no longer leave this place."

"I don't have to. A friend of mine will open it and publish what it contains. Evidence to a murder plot will not sit well with the elders or the Union."

Isegrim looked towards Harkun and the man sniffed." I have similar evidence on you woman and your string of crimes assure you the noose of an Union executioner."

She hissed." One day Harkun! One day!"

Isegrim snipped his finger." Have you been able to find out where Eric is? He seems to have disappeared."

"Your brother has severed all ties to your son as you know and rejected all control over any Old Ragnarsson Claims which rest with a lawyer on Pluribus."

"Did he go to Hasvik again?"

"No your Lordship. It appears that the Eldest himself has accepted him and trains him at the Pillar."

Father plunged back down in his chair. "Of course, Ilva knew him and the old wizard was there at Eric's naming day. If only half of what they say about him is true..." His voice trailed off.

Gretel said with a meek voice."Who is this Eldest?"

Father stared in the fire. "The Holy one, the One who has talked to Odin and in return gained a very long lifespan!"

"Gods don't exist!" She snorted.

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

She nodded. "I have my dear husband. I have! This is a cursed world for women and twice as cursed for those born to Low men. I did not want to scrub stinking bloody hides for the rest of my life. Stomp bare feet in urine to soften and tan leather. Yet this is a Nubhir Cleaners daughter's lot. I saw that cursed blonde in her pretty dress not even seeing me. I saw your father descending and killing everyone." Her voice became as hard as steel." I swore myself I would be there one day and she would be dead. I know of the secret power my womanhood can have over men and I knew of a young stupid but strong firstborn. One of an old clan but a poor clan, yes you Isegrim. The Olafsons old and noble by name, yet so poor they had to huddle together in the Community room of their miniscule burg as they could not afford to heat the rest of it."

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

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

Isegrim clenched his fists. "You evil wench blackmailed me already back then to tell it all if I did not follow thy bidding."

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

He sunk his head and stared at his hands." I have done this indeed, back then I actually loved you."

"Isegrim, Isegrim. You never loved anything in your life but yourself and to get your pecker exercised or sucked."

"It is you who loves nothing, Gretel. I just told you that I had your sister killed and there is not even a tear in your face. Your sister perished after she was questioned and you know that and yet you remain calm."

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

Her face turned hard again." Now tell me again of this Eldest and how you plan to get that money from that walking cum stain!"

"He is out of our reach there, Demon woman! You may not believe in gods but Skallagrímsson is around for four hundred years and holds the seat that is empty. If he decides to interfere with the Elders decisions they change it. He has mystical powers and sees into the minds of others and predicts the future always correctly."

"What a load of superstitious Nubhir poop!"

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

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

"No Eric was tested at school like any other student." Isegrim said."His PSI index is as low as those of most Nilfeheim Norse."

She shrugged."Then as soon as he returns, he will live on the Burg and we will make sure he changes his mind, won't we Isegrim?"

Isegrim stapled his fingers." If he comes back, he might take the challenge and I will have to face him in a challenge and it could be his Burg after that."

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

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

Harkun declined his head." The Eldest is training Eric how to master in the Ancient Challenge. The Old man takes students very rarely and of those he does take only few survive, but those who do become legends like Eric's Grandfather or Elik the Ironfist Olafson, Isegrim's great grandfather.

I hate Eric as much as you do, but he is already a deadly master swordsman. Did you know he received training from Curt the Outcast?"

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

Gretel coughed."Are you saying you fear to face that thin failure in a fight?"

He pointed his finger at her."Never call him failure again. When I see what your womb had produced as sons. Eric my son is thin because he was not fed on the tables as it was his right by your blackmail. Yet he showed the strength of my house as he killed not one but two Tyrannos. He swam against Rock Sharks. Go see the recording when he fights the Steiner boy and look at the footage I got from Hogun as he kills four men and maims a fifth. Go look at it! He is growing fast and I can see the hatred towards me in his eyes, I might not be able to best him now, what he will do to you and Harkun once he bested me does not need much imagination. Curt the Outcast declared Eric to be the best pupil he ever had, and there is no living being on this world who can match Curt the Outcast, he was off world and fought a thousand monsters and won."

Gretel realized that there was a serious threat to her own life growing said."So we must prepare a trap. He will return here and we will be ready for him. We lay him in irons and administer poisons and potions to rob his strength and I will get Off-World psycho drugs to make him say whatever we want. He is no match for me."

"And you will use the same drugs on me! I will not allow you to get this yourself."

"Oh but I already have!"

Harkun nodded."I know."

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Chapter 19: Sisters of Nilfeheim

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

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