"We need to present the killer woman to the Assembly and get Hedda freed, before they execute her."
"Hedda is in no immediate danger right now and she deserves some punishment for revealing the names of the others. While we wait for more of our members to arrive you will have time to become Freya. You should find everything you need in here. Your secret is known only to Sif, Elena, Astrid, Hedda and me and it is safe with us. Your Identity will remain hidden to the rest of the Daughters, but all need to hear what you have to say and then we decide what to do."
***
It was strangely elating and I was certain now there was something wrong with me. All the time I tried to proof myself that I was a real Norse, a warrior in the eyes of my peer and yet the very idea to be Freya again excited me more than it was natural. I decided to talk to Dr. Dwyer about it after all. I had to find out why I could not get rid of this. I should have refused and told Aunt Freydis that I am a man and if they wanted my help they needed to accept me as a man or forget it. While I put on the dress I shook my head. Aunt Freydis! She was the meek and simple wife, Uncle Hogun was so afraid of to lose and she was the Leader of a secret society and while she still had the same rosy face and the somewhat corpulent body, she seemed a different person.
I put on the cloak and gloves and went outside. Aunt Freydis was waiting for me. She handed me one of those white fabric tubes. "You need that too."
I put it on and she draped my hood around my face." Remember you are a Daughter of Nilfeheim. No one needs to know you are Eric Olafson. No one here, but you knows who I am. It's part of the whole Secret Society thing, you know."
"I guess it's good. So no one can reveal much. I hope Hedda won't tell them about Freya or where she got the harpoon guns from."
"Not to worry. We took steps so she can't reveal that or the location of our meeting place."
"You killed her?"
I could see the outlines of her mouth smiling." No of course not, she just sleeps for a few days."
Then Aunt Freydis explained." Go in the circle, ring the bell and sit down on any free chair. It is a circle and all look alike so there is no seating order and then I want you to tell us how we can achieve our goals as you said, without violence."
"And what about Hedda and Sif and all that?"
"It too will be discussed, but I want you to hear some of the information as well."
I did as she had told me and after perhaps twenty minutes nine of the Chairs were occupied and Aunt Freydis in her red Cloak announced the meeting to be in session and sat down. After that another stood and spoke, I was pretty sure it was Sif." Recent Events have gravely endangered our Sisterhood and our goals. One of our members," she pointed at me," was able to apprehend and eliminate an Off World Agent hired by Brunar Bendixen to find the killer of his father and to eliminate his competition in the fishing and crab business. This Off World woman used Psionic Hypno-suggestive powers to make them act against their will. We must discuss what is to be done to free our Sister and limit the damage to our cause."
The Red Cloak spread her arms." As it is our ritual. We share now the information we have gathered in the world of man."
Another woman stood up and I was sure I would not recognize her even without her mask." From the House of Olafson I bring these tidings: "The wife of Isegrim Olafson schemes with someone Off World and she obtained advances Psycho Drugs. She uses them to control her husband and laced the same drugs now in the drinks of Adolph Lindbergh and plans to do so with other Clan Chiefs as well. The drugs allow her, to plant suggestive blocks."
Again the information I received was quite shocking to me. Someone in the circle asked." How does she know such things?"
"She used GalNet to attend a virtual University I think and learned much about Kermac and Shaill methods. I don't know what her exact plans are, but I think she plans to kill her husband. His servant Harkun has found out about the psycho drugs and is treating Isegrim with antidotes. Gretel is afraid of the day he is again fully in control over his own will."
All this made my head spin and I wondered if anything I knew was actually based on facts or if there always was another layer behind. I wanted to get to the bottom if it all. I needed to find out for my own sake if father killed mother on his own or if he was under the influence of Alien Drugs. I needed to find out before Gretel had a chance to kill him. What was Harkun doing messing with drugs instead of having the local clinic take care of it. I was sure Dr. Dwyer would know more about it than Harkun or at least would know someone that could help.
I was also amazed about the level of information these women had.
Aunt Freydis motioned me to stand." Daughter of Nilfeheim, you mentioned an alternative way to gain our goals. Now speak to the Assembly so we all may hear."
I stood, the tight fabric rubbing at my lips as I spoke. "You all are Union Citizens and women rights are only impaired on Nilfeheim. Long ago Holger Olafson went to the Union Outpost to complain that the decisions made after Nilfeheim's Pirate days were only made by half of the population. The Union Judge agreed and they formed the Circle of Elders with representatives of all Clans. Why would not a woman simply go to a Union court and claim the very same thing? Women are half of the population on this planet and they have the same rights in Union terms as men. Nilfeheim would be forced to come to a decision or loose Union membership and I assure you not even the Elders want that."
There was silence.
Then Aunt Freydis stood." So simple! So very simple! We should have taken a lesson right out of our own history! Yes you are right, that is what we need to do and it promises better and faster results than fighting and terror.
A new voice spoke. It was the voice of a man!" Wise decision girls!"
Two Old Men stepped out of the darkness into the middle of the ring. It was Egill and with him was the Old Keeper!
It was as if a big boulder rolled of my shoulders as I saw him. The women all jumped of their seats and Aunt Freydis actually drew a small blaster." I didn't think you would betray us in this way!" She aimed it at me.
Chapter 41: More Stew
"No need to be afraid First Daughter!" the Old man said and the gun spun out of Freydis hand and floated in the air." I am Egill Skallagrímsson, the Eldest. I am sure some of you have heard of me. My friend here is Elkhart the First Keeper of Hasvik. We are not here to harm you, arrest you, kill you or stop you from what you are doing! We came because this world of ours is in grave danger, because we too believe it is high time all citizens of this world are heard and because together we are the only ones able to do something about it."
Aunt Freydis clenched her fists but nodded." You violated our sanctuary but it seems we have no choice but to listen."
"I am too old to dress up as a girl, but I could make you all believe I was the beauty queen of Para-Para. I choose not to do that and come openly to you. Show me that you have more sense than the Old Men you hate, sitting in a very similar circle than this one. I will keep your secrets and once you know who my old Friend is you can be assured it is safe with him as well."
"You are the Old Wizard and the stories and legends about you are true. You have extraordinary powers and abilities." She sighed." Sit then among us, there are open chairs."
The Old Man smiled and nodded." I have to give you a long sermon now and I rather stand for it. If I sit down and feel comfortable I never find an end. "
Elkhart however sat down and right next to me. He padded my hand so I was sure he knew who I was.
Egill began." Let me introduce my Old friend first. He is indeed Elkhart the first Keeper. Alive since the time our world was settled and almost 3000 years old. He lives with a secretive bunch ,and they are even more secretive than your group. underneath Muspelheim. He and his Keepers do not have the same ideas and convictions as the Circle of the Eldest. Maybe after this is all done and settled they can live more in the open and become citizens as well, and stop guarding rusting old things no one needs. He is here because he i
s a personal friend of Eric Olafson. Eric made him aware of the acute problems here and Elkhart rushed half across the Galaxy to talk to me while I underwent treatment on Sares Prime. I will tell you all why I was there at some other time. However the Revered First Saresii became a good friend of mine and he ordered their fastest ship to get us here."
He paused and walked over to a seat."Well I think I sit down after all. I am a bit tired."
I was very concerned about him now. Did he complete his treatment or did he simply run off, disregarding his own health. I considered revealing myself, take him out of here, if necessary carry him and get him back to Sares-Prime. As much as I was relieved him to be here, I wanted him to be well and that was more important.
His voice vibrated in my mind." No worry Grandson. I am fine. The Saresii are marvelous and helped me as much as possible. I am still and old man and way past my expiration date and traveling like that did make me tired. So shut up thinking about me so I can concentrate on what I have to say."
"Grandson?"
"Oh right he erased your… never mind I call you Grandson if I want to now shut up thinking and listen!"
I had to smile under my mask. That was more like the Old Man I knew.
He was wearing his old Fur coat but underneath a tailored brown Leather suit, a silver studded belt and looked brand new and expensive. I noticed him carrying a PDD in a pouch on his belt and there was a modern GalNet Com bracelet on his left wrist. He sneered directly at me , then addressed the circle again." Outside forces want this planet. To do so they need to get rid of the population. The easiest way to do that without getting the Union Fleet or Police involved is to simply stir up trouble and let the locals do it themselves. They found willing tools in several members of our society and many more play their part not even knowing they are manipulated. Erik Gustav managed to prevent that for decades as he watched over our world, but no one here really cared about what he did. It was Off World and therefore bad or unimportant.
"Even if we lived exactly as the Book of traditions request and shun all that is Off World it still cannot prevent Outsiders taking an interest in us. This is what a Representative does. He or she makes sure our voice is heard at the Assembly, that our problems and challenges are addressed, that our Civilization and our Culture is preserved in a way we choose and protect us from Outsiders with bad intentions."
He stopped and it took a while but then the woman who spoke about Gretel earlier on said:" I think Gretel Olafson is one of those locals you talked about, Holy One. She is scheming with someone called Jon. I can not hear what they talk about while in GalNet Dream-maker, but she also talks to Adolph Lindbergh and Brunar Bendixen behind her Husband's back."
"No need to call me Holy One. Even though it pleases me that you recognize me who I am. You are right; Gretel seems to be one of those collaborating with the Outsiders. I think it is best for Eric to go before the Elders, present the evidence and the alien woman and declare that all events stemmed from the scheming of this woman and her employer. They will release your friend and she will of course not remember anything. I will take Sif with me to Pluribus and train her not to be the voce that not only complains to the Union Court but takes the seat as Representative for our world."
Sif's mouth formed a big O behind her mask." Isn't that again exactly what we are fighting? I am not asked if I want to do that!"
He smiled." No it is not the same. You talked to your Aunt many times and told her you would give anything to do something about the conditions on Nilfeheim. Have you not countless times told her you want to go and live with her? Well that's exactly what I am offering. You live with he and you learn and go to schools and all that so I can step back, go home and once again live the life of a Hermit."
"You know all this?"
He nodded." Kids I am really five hundred years old. I picked up some life experience in that time and a few tricks like how to read minds."
This time he didn't speak with his mouth but his voice was clear in my and I am sure in everyone's head.
They were clearly impressed and shocked by that. The Old Keeper massaged his head." Do you have to be so loud? I was just about to nod off!"
That comment took the edge of the whole situation and someone started giggling and then Aunt Freydis said." I believe you Most Eldest. I feel I can trust you and we do as you said we should do"
Sif said." How about my parents and Eric?"
"You go with Eric now before the Elders. I will declare that you completed the Ancient Challenge and thus earned the right to speak before the Elders."
Sif pointed at herself." The Ancient Challenge, a girl?"
He chuckled." You sound just like Eric! Of course a girl! Nowhere does it say in the book who can or cannot take the Challenge The words say:" Anyone who has taken the sacred rite of passage and so verified by at least one Elder shall be considered a Warrior before the Eyes of this world and have a full voice and all the privileges of a Warrior born."
Where he got the book from I could not say but it floated from his hands to her and he said." Go ahead, check it out."
She took the book but did not read and said." I always wanted to, ever since I touched Eric's sword!"
Someone giggled. "I wanted to touch it too!" And Sif hissed." Shut up, Elena! I really did mean his weapon!"
I had no idea why this was so funny and why everyone but Sif and I were chuckling.
The Old Keeper shook his head." You are a fine secret society. Blurring out names and all. You don't need to be a Mind reader like that Young Fart over there to figure out who you all are. You need to work on the secret part a little more I think!"
"We are not 3000 years old!" Aunt Freydis said." You could always give some pointers!"
"Maybe I should. You could always meet in the caves of Hasvik. We have nice baths, good food. It is warm and totally safe from outsiders and there are plenty of rooms and caves unused! Eric learned fighting from a woman and so could you. Learn it, take the challenge and become full members of our society in a way no one can oppose since it is in their holy book."
Freydis said." We must talk."
***
After the official meeting was over and most of the women had left. Only Freydis, the two old men Astrid, Sif and Elena were left. Aunt Freydis pointed at her mask." I do not think it is necessary to hide my face before a Mind reader but the others do not know who I am. "
Egill nodded." I know what you were doing for a long time. It is all a bit theatrical if you ask me but it was only a matter of time before someone would do something like this. I expected the Low Men to go first I must admit."
Elkhart leaned forward." I like the whole spooky thing with cloaks and masks and chants and al this! It gives a sense of unity to those participating and a sense of security! We have this great cave at Muspelheim, with a few torches and red lights it be perfect!"
Elena took of her mask and said." Are you really 3000 years old? That is fantastic! The many things you must have seen!"
"Actually I have seen more in the last year than all my life before. It was Eric who got me the idea." He motioned with his hand." Go take of that mask; I thought you learned your lesson back at the baths. Don't be ashamed for it. You look nice!"
I did and as always when my disguise was discovered even by those who knew I felt odd and ashamed and awfully aware of the female clothing on my body.
Egill looked at me from his cold clear eyes. "You still doing it after all I told you! You judge way to fast and to hard! That includes most of all you. So quit polluting my mind with your gloomy self doubt thoughts!"
"No one invited you to snoop around my mind!" I snapped back.
He grinned deeply." That's better! And I did adjust my Avatar it is much grumpier now!"
Aunt Freydis got up." Let's go to the kitchen's there is a big table and I can serve us some food. This old Burg did not have guests for a long time."
***
My Aunt had us sit around a big rectangular Ston
e-wood table in the large kitchen if the Burg and started to get busy, by tying an apron around her wide hips, but the old Keeper said." Sit down with us Freydis. Eric...or should I call her Erica makes a great Tyranno Fin Stew, let her do it while we discuss the further course of action."
Elena got up."I help you, Eric. I know my way around a kitchen. I learned from the same person after all"
Astrid also got up."We call her Freya. It's a nice name too." Then she began to set the table
The Old Keeper licked his lips." Oh how wonderful! I did eat the strangest things in the past month and tried much but I say I can't wait for a real good Tyranno Stew! And don't forget the Onions, Freya!"
Egill spoke while Elena and I started to prepare the food. The kitchen was well equipped and all the ingredients were there as well. He said." Sif will explain her absence with a pilgrimage to Hasvik. They may ask you to recite one of the poems or to answer a few questions about weapons and hunting. Don't worry I am there as well and you will know all you need and more. The Elders will have no choice to declare you a warrior. Unless they declare the entire book for invalid, but that would end the very grounds the Elders have power. "
Sif had her cloak and mask off and listened intensely to the old man." And if they ask me to go fight?"
Then Eric will step in as your champion. You are still his bride to be, but I doubt any man would have the guts to actually challenge you. They don't know how good you are and the potential to lose to you would be worse than death."
Sif smiled." Yes those male cowards! No man would not want to fight a woman!"
He sighed." I see I have a lot to do before you are ready to be our representative. You will to represent all of us, Men, Women, Freemen and Low Men too! Besides you would not stand a chance if a man would really fight you. At least not yet."
"What do I do when I become a Warrior?"
"You marry Eric of course!"
She actually screamed the word." What?!"
I almost dropped the bowl with chopped onions.
Eric Olafson Series Boxed Set: Books 1 - 6 (The Galactic Chronicles Series) Page 205