"You reached Administration, Midshipman Olafson." He made a face as if he thought I was a lunatic and said."Let me see if you are on the list of those who can get through."
He looked of screen and his expression changed and his attitude changed as well." Yes Midshipman Olafson you are indeed on the list of authorized persons. One moment I am connecting you to Commander Quntillius that is his Adjutant. He will connect you if he can."
The screen image went blank for a moment and the same Commander who just had contacted me appeared and he said."Ah Mr. Olafson, you could have called directly using the call back feature. The USS Madrid has been rerouted and should arrive in 24 hours at Nilfeheim. Captain K'Tngnk is informed to take you to the Starbase with all due haste."
He turned his head and said to someone I could not see." Yes Sir, it is Midshipman Olafson. We were successful in contacting him and the Madrid is on her way to pick him up."
The visuals changed once again and it was the Admiral of the Fleet, there was no doubt, nothing artificial could simulate those burning eyes."I apologize Midshipman for interrupting your home coming so soon, but I promised you to see justice done and your presence is required at the proceedings of the Court martial. You are a witness and required to be there."
I apologized for the call and the Old Admiral actually smiled as he said. "No apologies necessary, I would have been quite hesitant in your place as well. I understand the reasons you called, Mc Elligott, out!"
The transmission was terminated and I understood what it was all about. I had to be there perhaps as witness to the prosecution and he did promise me to see justice done. As much as I wanted to stay home for a few weeks, I could not wait to be there and see Stone and the others get their due."
Ten minutes later I landed the red Opel in the court yard of our burg. I noticed the gray duro-crete and stone walls looked cleaner than they had before and the main tower was surrounded by a scaffold.
A man covered in thick furs waddled over to see who I was. "I am Greifen Burg Meister of Ragnarsson Rock. This is the Burg of the Olafson clan; I was not informed of any Off Planet visitors."
I took off my cap and said." I am Eric Olafson the first born and I shall not ask for permission to land in my family's home!"
"Master Eric!" He yelled!"Oh how good it is to see you well!"
"Quick come along. The Lordships have just gathered in the High Halls for Mid brunch! Lady Elena is there and your Father! There are other Clan chiefs as well!"
"Then meet me at the Bathhouse. I shall shed this off world uniform and present myself appropriately. Go fetch me my garments please and if you can find Mördaren."
"Lady Elena has anticipated your return for some time now and she had garments readied for you. I shall haste!"
The old bath house of the Burg had changed as well! Instead of cold water only there now was a choice of hot water as well and the drab rough duro-crete was covered with ceramic tiles. The Olafson seal incorporated in a mosaic in the central basin.
Greifen kept word and he came just as I was done with a huge pile of clothing and my old sword. The one I had inherited from my Grandfather.
Ten minutes later, there was no auto dresser of course; I wore black leather shirt and pants. A wide fur trimmed vest, knee high boots with thick soles over it a rich floor length coat with silver gray Nubhir fur on the seams, tight fitting leather gauntlets and the belt with the silver threats and the Falcon head I recognized as the one of my Grandfather. On it hung Mördaren, the broadsword. It was strange as I touched its hilt it almost appeared to me as if the sword was happy to see me once again. It was of course just my anticipation; it was just an inanimate object.
The final garment was a sweeping cloak with fur around the hood and the Olafson wolf logo embroidered on the back side.
After all this month I felt like a Neo Viking again, rested my hand on the hilt of the sword rushed across the court yard, threw open the massive stone wood door and went down the corridor of ancestors and into the great hall. A blazing fire of Soak stones in the two massive fire places and on the long tables end sat father, to his left side Elena, the rest of the seats were taken by under chiefs of the Olafson clan and I noticed four Clan chiefs to be the guests of honor.
A huge platter with a roasted Fangsnapper sat prominently in the middle. The din of conversation had died to a sudden silence as I appeared. Father rose from his table and bellowed with his deep bass voice." Who is it that strolls into the High Hall of the Olafson Clan as if he belongs here, identify yourself!"
I threw back the hood in a theatrical gesture and thundered back."It is I Eric Olafson, firstborn of Isegrim Olafson, Grandson of Erik Ragnarsson and I challenge anyone who questions my rightful place in these walls and this hall!"
Elena jumped of her seat and literally flew across the distance that separated us and gave me more than just a sisterly hug and kiss."Eric!"
Fathers face was unreadable for a moment but then I saw something like pride in his eyes." Only a fool or a man weary of life would challenge you, Son! This is your rightful home."
Hogun was right; Elena had become even prettier than I remembered her. Her raven black hair was long and had a rich precious shine. Her face was graced by big feminine eyes of the most piercing blue and her lips red and shaped perfectly. The cheeks rosy and soft and I was certain she wore little or no make-up. Her deep red leather suit fitted her shapely body like a glove and the white fur on the seams of her coat gave it all a feminine touch. She smiled and her eyes gleamed with open affection and it made me feel warm and welcome like nothing else could.
What not seemed possible but just then a woman, as beautiful and regal, entered the halls from the other side, it was tall Siegfrieda, she too wore Olafson red.
Father gestured to the empty chair to his right." Your chair has been kept empty son, come sit with us, repast on the delights of Midril's hand and tell us of your quest."
Siegfrieda simply hugged me as well and then just as I was about to sit down, one of the guests got up. The Clan chief trying to hold the man down, I recognized and it was Leif Elhir and now I also recognized the man he tried to hold down! It was Sigvard Elhir. He had grown as well and was as massive and strong looking as my father and he pointed his beefy finger at me." We came here to bury old axes, but I made an oath to Odin to kill you Eric Olafson. You might have fled off world to hide from my wraith, but now you are here and I challenge you. After I kill you I will gain more of the Olafson clan by tradition then we will gain by making peace. I have trained day and night for this day. I have not forgotten the shame you brought upon me! Now it shall be washed away with your blood!"
The Clan chief of the Elhir also stood and said." The challenge has been made but perhaps off world has softened and made you weak Eric. We all know how weak and worthless the Off worlders can be and you spend much time away from Nilfeheim and had no chance to train and hone your skills. If you decline we will be satisfied if you chose a champion, but since you are the heir we insist on the prize to be the share of your inheritance."
Father spoke before I could and said." So it will be, Eric is the heir and the Olafson clan shall be no more and become slaves and property to the Elhir, if the challenge is not met. However the prize must be of equal proportions and all that is Elhir shall be Olafson's if the Challenge is met. Say it is so before thy peer!"
Leif was a little less self assured." Will he fight or choose a champion? Does he stand against you or the woman or against the off world hiding Eric?"
Nothing had changed on Nilfeheim, nothing at all, but being challenged and insulted here on the burg was too much for me to keep calm about and threw of the mantle, flanked over the table and said." Enough of this! Insults have been heaped on my honor. I accept this challenge and extend it! As you not see fit to call me properly I shall not give you the courtesy to do the same, Leif. After I dealt with your pompous son, I shall deal with you and the question of prize shall be mood as the name of Elhir shall rot away i
n the Cave of extinct clans after this is done. "Then I drew Mördaren and again I had this sensation that the sword recognized me and was eager to shed blood."Here and now Sigvard. Stand or flee, but I have family business to attend and a meal waiting for me, so be quick with your decision."
Sigvard drew his sword and it became apparent after the first exchange that he had trained but he relied too much on his strength and not enough on real technique. I noticed an odd cold rage in me; I was long enough with Narth to recognize it wasn't entirely of my own, even though it felt very familiar. I could not pay much attention to it right now in the middle of a fight. A stroke of Sigvard's sword parted the air a hair with before my eyes, I allowed his attack to be unchallenged and as if ice water ran through my veins I waited till his badly aimed swing was past my face and now he was wide open and Mördaren almost as if by itself hacked through his upper arm and deep into the base of his neck. Blood sprayed and even though Sigvard was mortally wounded I repeated the move and then pushed his sacking body away, turning around pointing the blood dripping sword at Leif." You were saying something about me being worthless and soft; I suggest you draw your weapon now so we can end this!"
The expression of shock seeing his son die changed as he looked at me. It was an expression of horror and fear." What are you?" He mumbled with quivering chin. His eyes returned to the bleeding heap that was his son and he backed away."
"Draw your sword. Choose a weapon but do it now! Your insults can not stand! The challenge has been made!" I felt almost like a bystander and yet I was certain it was me. Something cold and evil had taken hold of me and I wanted the man dead!"
A feeling of disappointment washed over me as he drew his sword and dropped it on the floor. "I surrender! No man can stand against a demon like you!"
There was a great silence. Now I recognized one of the other clan leaders to be Peerson and he got up from his seat and said." You have saved the life of my son and now you purged the shame of my son's defeat. The house of Peerson stands behind you Eric Olafson and you decree your friends shall be our friends and your enemies shall be ours."
Father also came and placed his heavy hand on my shoulder." My son has the strength of Olafson blood and the cunning and skill of a Ragnarsson. My heart flows over with pride! Finally Elena spoke." The Elhir have brought great sorrow in my life for it was them who dropped that Fangsnapper in our yard that killed my mother. I was about to challenge you Elhir for that deed, for in my veins flows the blood of Olafson as well and we do not forget easily. Now my beloved brother has carried out my revenge."
While they all spoke I stood there stared at the sword and at the lifeless body of Sigvard. What had come over me? Yes I knew about my own short temper but I never before had this urge to kill! Was it the surroundings, the penned up anger at my treatment at Camp Idyllic or was it more? Did I inherit not only my father's ill temper but his readiness to do evil as well? I was not under the influence of any psycho drugs. At least none I was aware off."
Everything happened according to the law and not even Union law was broken, as the right to duel was accepted by the Fleet. Never the less I felt like a criminal, Sigvard stood no chance and I should have and could have simply wounded him. In all this I could not shake the feeling that something external had taken hold of me. Narth would know if I was just imagining it to cope with the feel of guilt or if there indeed was some external force that was able to control me. Tyr and perhaps Egill would know as well and help me sort this out. I needed to call Egill!
While I was brooding the din of voices returned and the deed was celebrated, while the Chieftains of the Egill clan carried the body of Sigvard out.
Elena kissed me on the cheek and said." Thank you for carry out my revenge, it is good my brother returned and set things right. "
She then curtsied to the assembled men." I shall tend to the needs of my brother, so he may wash away the gore of his battle and join us later."
Father was greatly pleased as I most likely added more wealth and yet another clan under his control and he nodded." Yes my beloved daughter, go and tend to him as he returned home with a clash of thunder as it is rightful for the firstborn of this Clan!"
Elena took me to her chambers and there she said." I cannot tell you how proud I was when you appeared and how impressive you look. They came under the flag of truce otherwise I would have challenged them both!"
I sighed." I should not have killed him though."
Interlude: Tyr and Narth
Tyr woke. It was not his time to be awake yet, there was still ice over most of the ocean and while it was not entirely uncommon for a Tyranno to wake during the cold season and hunt for food in the warm depths by the fire mountains. He did not wake because of hunger.
There was someone calling him, someone not unlike him. A mind as vast as his but it felt so much older than even him.
Tyr swam to the secret cave and surfaced in the glowing chamber, where he first gained consciousness. There by the alien construct stood a humanoid being deeply shrouded in a black garment and the figure spoke to him without using sound." I am Narth Supreme."
The presence was vast, but Tyr was not afraid. He extended his mind to show the visitor he was more than a fish and the Narth raised both arms then bowed." One is humbled and honored to meet an entity of such understanding, wisdom and power. Long has Narth pondered if this universe is void of thought equal to Narth and all that is Narth rejoices that this is not so. You are guarding a part of great force, just as we guard its key."
Tyr moved closer."I have felt the Narth before. You have come to this reality after that what has been before came to an end."
"It is beyond our fondest hopes, there is a sentient and physical being that understands Narth! Those who are called humans call it fate and we Narth call it Asham, the Rule. Your existence has been made aware to us by your friend Egill, but we have shared your trueness with a being called Eric as he shared the Huhgavh with Narth. As he shared his innermost shell and extended true and real friendship to one of our young, has all that is Narth learned and understood the true meaning of friendship and it is that what I am here to offer to you."
Tyr communicated with the Narth on a level no mortal could comprehend and deception and falsehood was impossible, as Narth Supreme opened its innermost shell, Tyr with all his might realized how young and fragile he was compared to Narth but without fear or hesitation he did the same and for a duration that could not be measured with time the two entities shared and mingled the very essence. Then Narth finally spoke." We will not interfere with the Rule and we have made our decision we will stand with the humans. You know the truth as does Narth; you know the Master is seeking a vessel to reincarnate in this universe. "
Tyr felt Eric's mind and he was here on Nilfeheim and then Tyr knew why the Narth had come and said." The sword he calls Mördaren is more than a weapon. It is disguised as a weapon of man but it is a token of power and it is on the brink of awaking, it already accepts Eric and influences him!"
"It will take many human years to fully awake and perhaps Eric will be Narth by then and have thus the wisdom and knowledge to do what must be done."
"I have sensed his destiny from the beginning and now I see it clear. I know now why Narth chose to garb in this garment. I must sleep soon again for this is not my time to be active."
"We have shared the shell, Tyr. Your time of physical existence draws to an end in no more than hundred orbits of this planet and then you shall be welcome to be Narth.
"Yes I pondered the next step of my evolution and it is so as you say. I shall ask Eric to bring the token here and erase his memory of its location, but the token cannot be separated from him forever. It has accepted him."
"Then Narth will be with Eric and his decision will be ours!"
Tyr thanked the Narth and turned to make his way to talk to Eric.
Chapter 13: Mördaren
I did not feel like celebrating but I sat down with the others at the big table a
nd was asked to tell them about my time at the academy. I gave them a very rough and condensed version and I did not even finish part of it as there was too much to explain and I could tell I had lost them as I told about the formal dinner, so I recalled the events around the duel and that was well received. I also told father that I would not be here for long and that a ship was on its way to pick me up.
Elena was quite disappointed I could tell but she told me that father was about to be engaged again with Siegfrieda! I liked Siegfrieda and I knew he could not beat her to death. Thinking about mother's fate by the hand of my father once again brought up the image of my mother's bleeding body and the countless times he had beaten and tortured me.
My hand cramped around the grip of Mördaren and the thought of splitting my father from head to toe in half was very attractive.
I was almost there when a voice thundered in my head." Eric, I must see you!"
It was Tyr!
All thoughts of killing my father left me and the dark images of my memories were washed away with the joy I felt hearing his mental voice. I got up and told them I needed to retire and rushed before anyone could say much out of the Great Hall.
Something grabbed me, it was not like the instantaneous teleportation I experienced with Narth but I passed through walls and flew with open eyes and faster than any flyer across the ice without feeling the wind or the cold.
In mere moments I crossed almost halfway around the planet and found myself solid and on my feet in the underwater cave, deep below the Pillar burg only a few hard beats later. There in the natural stone basin, floated the largest white Tyranno Fin of Nilfeheim. This enormous predator, this being of such tremendous power was Tyr and he was a mentor but also a great friend.
When I first saw him in this cave I was afraid, this time I simply felt joy to see him awake so I could talk to him before I had to leave again."Tyr!" I jelled both with my voice and in my mind and reached out to touch his enormous snout."I am so glad you are awake!"
Eric Olafson Series Boxed Set: Books 1 - 6 (The Galactic Chronicles Series) Page 273