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Excerpt from The Rune Master Saga
Copyright © 2011 by Rodney R. Baker. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. ISBN: 978-1460906446
The Norse trade route
From Norway to Greenland
Part 1:
The Runes of Odin
In the beginning, Odin formed the earth, seas, and sky. He made two beings resembling himself and the other gods, one male and one female, and gave them blood, sight, and the ability to speak and feel.
In his quest to gain wisdom and knowledge, Odin traded one eye to drink from the Well of Wisdom. To obtain knowledge of the occult, he sacrificially speared himself to a tree. At the end of nine days, he had acquired understanding of the magical powers of the runes.
This knowledge of the runes to control the forces of nature and to foretell the future he gave to those who would serve him.
Norse Mythology
Chapter 1
The Uplands in Norway - 870 A.D.
In the blackness of night the woman in the hooded cloak walked by the sentries unnoticed and entered the camp of the warring king. Although no moon led her way, she had no difficulty finding the tent she sought. Her spell of invisibility allowed her to pass the soldiers guarding that tent, and she entered with the same ease she had passed the sentries. From beneath her cloak, she took out a parcel and placed its contents by the bed of the sleeping king.
The shout the next morning brought soldiers rushing into the tent.
“What is the meaning of this?” the king roared pointing to the bloodied, dead chicken on the floor.
The surprise on the faces of the soldiers at what they saw and the fury of their king left them speechless.
“Get out and bring me the captain of the guard!”
When the captain entered, he saw what he could not believe his men had told him.
“I want those men removed from guard duty and punished, and I want you to double my guards,” said the king.
“It shall be done, sire. I cannot imagine how this could have happened.”
Pointing to the dead chicken, the king ordered, “Leave me and take that with you.”
The king’s rage faded as he considered what had happened. It made no sense to him but he thought it an ill omen as he readied his men for the upcoming battle at Solor.
That night the woman reentered the camp, sneering at the posting of extra guards. She again left a dead chicken in the king’s tent.
Summoned in the morning, the captain of the guard once more faced his king who did not raise his voice, his anger outwardly muted but even more intense than yesterday.
"I want my guards changed every two hours, and I want you to increase the camp sentries. If this happens again, you will be punished.”
After dark, the woman entered the king’s tent and waited for morning.
The morning light awakened the king. Startled by the woman’s presence, he grabbed his sword.
“Who are you?” he demanded.
“My name is Ragnhildr. I am rune master and a great admirer of yours, King Harald.”
“Is it you who have done these things?”
“That should be obvious.”
“To what purpose?”
“I wish to help you in your quest to unite the petty kingdoms to become ruler over all Norway.”
“But –”
“Would it not be useful to have an ally who could use spells to easily move among your enemies as I have done with you? I thought it would be best to demonstrate my rune magic and convince you of my worth before offering my services.”
The king stared at the woman as he considered what she had told him.
“What you say interests me.”
* *
Although King Harald’s armies had already proven their worth in battle, they surprised many at how easily they overcame the forces of the Upland kings.
Chapter 2
Fersksund, a village on the southwest
coast of Norway, two years later
The late summer sun rose sleepily in the sky over the coast and surrounding valley and brought its morning light to Fersksund. In the harbor, fishermen untangled the nets they would set out to catch cod and herring. They hoped to trade what they caught for smoked meat and cheese brought to merchants from the nearby farms. With luck, they might even be able to find fruit, nuts, or berries collected by children in the woods.
The day started like many others in the village. Merchants swept their floors and placed wares outside their shops to entice buyers who would venture into the village after the morning chores. The warmth of the morning sun enhanced the scent of salt air and fishing scraps ever present from the harbor. A rare breeze from the east added the odor of the nearby farms and animals.
At mid-day, one of the women cleaning fish near the harbor sat down to rest and, looking out over the water, saw a ship on the horizon. As it came nearer and other ships appeared, the woman realized that the trade ships were returning from Iceland and hurried to tell others. The news spread quickly throughout the harbor and village, and a festive spirit arose in anticipation of seeing the traders, hearing their stories, and drinking a cup of ale or two with them.
Glyndr had brought cheese to trade with the merchants in the village that morning and, hearing of the return of the traders, she knew that her oldest brother captained one of the ships and that she would soon see him again. She rushed back to the longhouse on her father’s farm to tell her brother and father that the ships were back. Although they received the news with no outward interest, Glyndr knew they shared her eagerness in seeing Torvald again. Since rune master Caryn had provided a spell of protection for the ships many moons ago, no word of their safety had been received, nor expected.
Impatient for the reunion with her brother, Glyndr had decided to occupy herself by preparing his favorite meal for the evening. She stirred the lamb stew in the cauldron hanging over the central hearth fire. She had added beans, carrots, and turnips taken from her garden as well as garlic saved for special occasions and soon the longhouse took on the spice’s aroma. While tending the stew, she absently straightened the tunic she wore over her dress and thought about the gift that her brother would bring her. He brought her a feather of spectacular plumage from his last voyage and had promised an even more impressive gift from his travels this time.
Glyndr had just reached her 16th birthday, already a woman in the years of her people. Her blue eyes and fair complexion matched that of many others in her country, and she wore her golden hair down to her shoulders as did other unmarried maidens. Although destined to become the wife of a farmer, that future did not appeal to her. She yearned for the same adventure that her brother had sought as trader, but her responsibility for taking care of their elderly and frail father meant that she could only dream of the excitement she sought.
She did not remember her mother who died shortly after giving her birth. Were it not for Caryn who assisted in her upbringing, she would have difficulty appreciating the life and expected responsibility of a woman. Still, that appreciation did not satisfy her, and Glyndr continued to be intrigued with the stories of the new worlds brought back by her brother.
Sounds from the village path announced the approach of her brother together with other villagers seeking the company of a great trader. Watching Torvald say goodbye to his friends, Glyndr admired his friendliness and the respect given him. His lean and tall body stood him apart from the others as did his bronzed, wind-weathered face and unkempt beard from months at sea.
As only proper, Torvald gave first greeting to his father. Glyndr recognized, however, the special glance given her by her brother.
“I am glad to see you father,” said Torvald and, turning to Glyndr and his brother, he announced, “and I have gifts for all.”
“I am also glad to see you,” said Halvard.
“Our finest gift is your safe return,” added Glyndr.
“I thank you for that thought, sister, but they are offered in respect for those who stay behind and support the trade and our families.”
“But the presents can wait,” said Torvald lifting his nose into the air. “Now I am hungry for the warm meal you have prepared to replace the taste of cold food in my mouth over the last months at sea.”
While eating, Torvald described the animal hides and ivory he had brought back. He and the other traders also returned with sulfur, falcons, and other items, but he was especially pleased with the white and blue fox hides he received that would be prized in the trade market. At the end of the meal, he presented his father and brother each with a bone knife and received thanks from both for their gifts.
After the meal, Torvald took Glyndr aside and gave her a leather-wrapped bundle. Inside, she found the fur of a white bear.
“Oh, Torvald, this is beautiful.”
“I only wish I could present you with something finer for the care you provided our father during my absence.”
“It is so soft,” said Glyndr running her fingers through the fur.
“I’m glad you like it.”
“Will you tell me more of your travels?” asked Glyndr.
“I have told our father and Halvard that I will do so later. I first wanted to give you my gift. The native skraeling that offered me the fur said that it possessed magical powers to protect its owner. I have no doubt he used his claim to increase the trade value, but the moment I saw it I wanted it for you.”
“The fur is whiter than those I have seen from the north,” said Glyndr. “I will treasure your present, and it will always remind me of you.”
“I had that hope. Now let us thank Odin for my return and join our father and brother for the stories I promised.”
* *
“And now you want to hear more?” smiled Torvald sitting back in his chair.
Glyndr returned her brother’s smile. Halvard and their father had gone to bed. They had wanted to hear about Torvald’s deeds, but she wanted to hear about the things he saw and hear him talk about his life as trader. She knew, too, that her brother enjoyed the chance to share his thoughts with her.
“Iceland is so beautiful, Glyndr. In some ways, it reminds me of our country with its fjords and mountains. But it is also a strange land. The volcanoes interest me the most. As they sit quietly on the land, they add to the beauty and calm around you. Yet knowing that they can come alive with the fury and thunder of Thor adds a threat to their image.”
“Have you ever seen them come alive?” asked Glyndr.
“No, but I hear many stories. Stories that convince me I would not want to be near when the ground shakes and fire flies into the sky from the top of the volcano.”
As Glyndr listened to Torvald talk about the strange land he visited, she once more envied his life as trader and the satisfaction it gave him.Tell me about the natives again.”
“We call them skraelings. They have skins darker than ours and dress in animal hides. It is hard to tell what they are thinking, but they seem pleased when we come to trade.”
Smiling again, Torvald added, “Even the strangeness of the skraelings is balanced by the familiar presence of those who have moved to Iceland from Norway seeking new farmland. I have met the leader of the settlement. You would like him, Glyndr. He reminds me of our father before our mother died. The settlement continues to grow as more come to start a new life away from the power of the king.”
With mention of the king, Glyndr noticed that Torvald’s mood changed.
“What is the news of King Harald?” he asked. “Is he still trying to declare himself king of all Norway?”
“Yes, but what is the importance of that?”
“I will tell you more another time,” said Torvald, “but there are many we know who are planning to leave our land for the new world to escape this grasp of power by the king. I am thinking of joining them.”
“But then you would not return?”
“That would be true. I hesitate in my decision only because I know our father cannot come with us and that you and my brother would be unable to join us with your pledge to care for our father and his land. I wanted the fur for you so that if I decide to leave you would always remember me.”
Glyndr knew her brother wanted her to say something about the decision facing him, but she did not want to reveal her sadness over what he had told her.
When he realized she was not going to say anything, Torvald said good night.
Sleep eluded her as Glyndr lay tossing in her bed. The sorrow she felt over a future with her brother never returning to Norway replaced her joy over his return. Unbearable though the thought, her brother did not surprise her. She had heard him describe in the past his dissatisfaction with King Harald’s intention to assume sovereignty over all Norway. The king had already begun taxing landowners in the shires he controlled and appointed a jarl in those shires to represent the king’s law and collect taxes. Although their village had not yet given allegiance to the king, Torvald believed it could not be avoided and would bring interference with his activities as well as those of other traders.
A troubled sleep finally came.
Chapter 3
The next day, the pleasant memories of the return of her brother faded again as Glyndr remembered what her brother had told her. She did not doubt that he would choose to help establish lands in the new world. She could only hope to find comfort with his decision in her meeting with Caryn later this morning, but Glyndr was not hopeful for the peace she would seek from the rune master for her troubled mind.
Walking to Caryn’s longhouse, Glyndr thought about how little she knew about Caryn and yet how important their relationship had been. Aware that Caryn had learned her craft from the great rune master Ingvild, she also knew the entire village sought her wisdom and rune skills. The oldest in the village, she seemed timeless to Glyndr. Unlike her father, however, Caryn had a keen mind and straight back. Her gray hair and the lines on her face suggested strength of character rather than age. With the Christian church gaining influence, some thought Caryn a witch and avoided her. Glyndr, however, could only envision her as a kindly woman with an understanding of life not matched by any other person she had known.
Knowing that Caryn would be expecting her, Glyndr knocked on her door and entered without waiting for a response. She saw Caryn sitting by the hearth fire that warmed the single room of the small longhouse and greeted her as she usually did.
“Good morning, Great Mother.”
“Good morning. Are you well?”
Glyndr knew Caryn often greeted her that way, but she could not help but wonder whether the greeting had special meaning.
“I am, Great Mother.”
“And have you enjoyed the reunion with your brother?”
“I have. My father, brother, and I are all grateful for his safe return and have given thanks to Odin.”
“And was his journey successful?”
“He returned with many wondrous trade goods.”
“What of the gift he promised to bring you?”
With the troubles on her mind, Glyndr failed to note Caryn’s reaction to the description of the bear fur Torvald brought her, including the claim of magical powers to protect her.
When finished with her description, Glyndr hesitated and wondered how she would tell Caryn about her unhappiness with Torvald’s decision to leave and settle new lands.
“Come now,” said Caryn, “it doesn’t take rune skills to know you are troubled about something.”
“Oh, Great Mother, I am indeed troubled.”
Invited to speak her thoughts, Glyndr tearfully spoke of her brother’s pending decision and the unhappiness she felt over the possibility she would never see him again.
The rune master nodded.
“What am I to do?” pleaded Glyndr.
Caryn rose. “I will heat the water while you crush the herbs.”
While Caryn warmed the water for their herb drink, Glyndr remembered other times she had asked the rune master for advice and the many times Caryn had delayed a response to her question. In the past, she knew she was being given time to reflect on her thoughts. However, this time she could barely contain her impatience.
Caryn returned with the hot water and poured it into their wooden cups in which Glyndr had added the crushed herbs. Caryn sat down and said, “It is time for you to seek a husband and begin a family.”
“But that is no answer,” blurted Glyndr.
“You would prefer that I say how sad it is that your brother is going away and join you in the sadness you feel?”
“But –”
“Perhaps we should rejoice that your brother has found a path. Perhaps it is time for you to look for yours.”
“But my path is not in getting married and having a family,” objected Glyndr.
“So you now are no longer concerned about his path but yours?”
Once again, Glyndr had to accept the insight of the rune master. She hung her head.
“And why do you not believe your path is in marriage and raising a family?”
“I am ashamed to say,” said Glyndr.
“You cannot tell me?”
“I know of the importance of family. You have taught me well. But I yearn for something else.”
In the silence that followed, she knew the rune master waited for her to continue, but Glyndr shifted uncomfortably in her chair trying to decide how to express her uncertain thoughts.
“You have told me that many paths are open to people. Can you not consult the runes to tell me what path is in my future?”
“You may remember,” said Caryn gently, “that I told you the runes cannot tell you the future. They can only help you learn what might be ahead for the choices you make.”
“Then tell me what is ahead if I choose to become a rune master,” said Glyndr, “for such is my wish.”
Now that she had expressed her hope so abruptly, Glyndr worried how Caryn would react.
The rune master continued to sip her drink before responding. “It is a difficult path.”
“But all paths have difficulty,” said Glyndr. “You have said so.”
“Are you aware that some believe me to be a witch?”
“I am, Great Mother.”
“Even now some of our people embrace the new religion. Others try to follow both. A few ask me to give protection to the trade ships but then will seek other blessings. Soon the wisdom of Odin will no longer be valued by most.”
“But that surely cannot be true, Great Mother.”
The rune master only sighed. “I am tired now. We will speak of this tomorrow.”
Glyndr knew that Caryn would say no more about her wish.
“I will let you rest now,” said Glyndr. “Tonight I will be attending the celebration for the return of the trade ships and will tell you of it tomorrow.”
Caryn nodded and closed her eyes.
When Glyndr left, the fact she had learned little about what the rune master thought of her wish to follow the rune craft seemed less important than the idea that Odin might not be honored in the future. That thought troubled her. It would also mean the loss of respect and honor for Caryn. Shaking her head, she decided to force these thoughts out of her mind until her visit with Caryn tomorrow.
On her way home, Glyndr stopped by the house of her good friend. She had promised Frida she would tell her of Torvald’s return and the stories he told.
Glyndr knocked on the door of her friend’s home, entered and saw Frida weaving cloth on her loom. When Glyndr came into the room, Frida stopped weaving and jumped up to greet her.
“I have been waiting for you,” said Frida. “Tell me, is your brother well? Did he have a successful journey? And did he bring back a gift for you?”
Glyndr laughed. “My brother is well and had a successful trade journey.” She once more described the gift given her and shared the stories Torvald had told.
Glyndr knew that Frida enjoyed hearing Torvald’s stories almost as much as she did. Ever since Torvald had returned from his first trade voyage, they had talked often about his adventures, both aware of each other’s wonder of the life of the traders that seemed so unlike the common existence of the village.
Frida and Glyndr could have been twins. The same age and height, both also had blue eyes and golden hair. Even their woolen tunics and linen dresses were alike, made by themselves. Their fathers had land next to each other, and they became playmates and friends as they grew up.
Their conversation turned somber as Glyndr spoke of her brother’s wish to settle in the new lands.
“My father has also spoken of his unhappiness with the king’s desire to unite the kingdoms,” said Frida. “Some of his friends are planning to join the traders when they next leave. My father’s lands have been in his family for many generations, however, and he is determined to stay and do what he can to oppose efforts to give allegiance to the king.”
Hearing Frida talk about her father’s feelings of the king’s plan lent a reality to her brother’s worries that Glyndr had not fully appreciated before. Neither she nor Frida spoke further about those concerns, however, choosing instead to talk about the celebration that evening. They said their goodbyes and agreed to meet later.
Glyndr felt guilty she had not mentioned her conversation with Caryn that morning. They had shared many secrets, but Glyndr did not yet want to tell Frida of her wish to become a rune master.
* *
Glyndr found her father and brothers talking about the evening celebration when she got home. With their interest in the planned festivities, only Torvald noticed Glyndr’s distraction and that she did not enter into the conversation.
When alone, Torvald asked, “How was your visit with Caryn?”
Glyndr could never feel comfortable talking with her father or Halvard about her feelings, but she had always welcomed the chance to talk with Torvald about things bothering her.
“I told her you were thinking of settling new land in the west and of my unhappiness that I might never see you again.”
“And what did she say?”
“She said I should rejoice that you have found a path for your life.”
“Did she say more?”
“She said it was time for me to find my own path.”
Torvald did not ask about that path and Glyndr appreciated her brother’s silence, allowing her to decide what else to tell him. But Glyndr was not ready to talk about Caryn’s suggestion she marry or about Glyndr’s wish to become a rune master.
“And how is Eirik?” asked Torvald.
Her brother’s question surprised her. She and Eirik had been close friends since childhood, and many thought that someday they would marry. Glyndr wondered if Torvald asked the question to be polite or whether he had guessed part of what she and the rune master talked about.
She only replied, “He is well.”
Once more Torvald did not ask any further questions but instead began talking about the celebration that evening.
When alone, Glyndr gave thought to both her brother’s question about Eirik and Caryn’s suggestion of marriage and family. What were her feelings about Eirik? She liked him, and acknowledged their close friendship, but what of him as a husband? She was surprised she never before thought of marriage to him. She had laughed off suggestions of others in the past that they would marry someday, convinced they only made fun of her and her relationship with Eirik.
Prompted by Caryn’s suggestions of marriage that morning, Glyndr considered her life as a wife to Eirik. He was two years older than she, clever and strong and, she added in her evaluation, quite handsome. His father, Thorolf, was the village leader, and most believed Eirik would eventually take over that role. Being wife to the village leader would give her status and respect in the village. Her father and Halvard and the farm would also benefit. It would be a comfortable life.
But did she seek comfort? She thought about the perils and difficulties that Torvald faced in his travels as a trader. She also noted the excitement he had in following that path, and the envy she had of that pleasure.
The thought of her brother reminded her that Thorolf supported King Harald and his plan to unite the separate kingdoms of Norway. Thorolf’s support of King Harald would likely lead to his appointment as jarl by the king. As wife to Eirik and daughter-in-law to Thorolf, she wondered if that would place her in a difficult position with her brother. Then she remembered that Torvald would likely not be part of that future and considered her other choice.
And what of the other path? Glyndr realized that her wish to become a rune master followed in part from the respect and admiration she had of Caryn. In her mind, however, the life of a rune master added an aura of mysticism and intrigue to the excitement she believed she wanted in life. But if respect for Odin and the magical power of the runes were not to be eternal…
Reviewing the many thoughts in her mind, Glyndr credited Caryn for making her think about the choices she had for her life. She would share that thinking with Caryn tomorrow to justify the faith Caryn had in her.
With that decision, she focused her attention on the evening.
* *