Hedeby, Denmark 864 a.d.



The people here in the North are not yet a country, but we are an alliance, a collection of Norge speaking people who have mastered the sea. Our serpent-styled ships are used for fishing, hunting, transportation, trading, exploration and plunder. Land is very scarce and the soil, too poor to support our people. Many families have nine and ten children and often fifty people live in the same lodge. This puts a great strain on relationships, especially during the cold, long night that is winter. For that reason, many men join into hoards and cross the sea to ravage other lands. Some are fierce fighters and greedy, bloodthirsty men that kill, rape, steal valuable goods and kidnap slaves. Anything or anyone taken through vicarious means is considered a reward earned through deliberate planning and superior fighting.

We, early Scandinavians, share the viewpoint that the plundering of persons and places beyond our borders is necessary. Norsemen love excess: in drinking, sex and good fights. Competitiveness is nurtured in our compounds and community from early childhood. A six year old can throw an axe with great accuracy. Our horses are trained to fight to the death. Anger over hurt pride can cause a blood feud and rage that will last for generations.

However, there is also, a sense of family that is so strong as to hold each member accountable for the actions of other family members. If a person breaks the law in his own land, he subjects himself and his entire blood relations to becoming outlaws and victims of neighboring feuds and plunder. A lost fight or killing means immediate blood money. The shame of one is the shame of all, and all are responsible for the debt.

Consequently, to avoid feuds, family members are expected to conduct themselves so that all excesses and troubles are kept within the longhouse. Many families have declared themselves small kingdoms and emerged as protectors and enforcers of the laws set by the Thing or community council. It is more prudent for the men to take the love of rape, fighting and plunder across the sea where the retribution will not hurt the kin. The politics of plunder are strategies to enhance the riches of family and friends while pillaging those at a distance who do not have the means to fight back.

Signed,

Redbeard, Oracle of Loki





The Rune stones had been cast.

The question Redbeard asked the Gods for Kauko was about the destiny of the invasion party. The Oracle of Loki, as Redbeard calls himself, is a great hulk of a man who is built like an old tree. He stood nearly half again as tall as other men. His copper colored beard was tangled and grease covered. Redbeard had long ago given up braiding his whiskers after a sauna. Actually, he was not in the steam bath often enough to remove the stench of his dung covered living quarters. His eyes were sharp blue gray. Gnarled hands and feet completed the stout arms and legs that were a match for any oak. Redbeard did not bend to his task. His breath, like a loud whisper, surged from his foul smelling lungs. Another great gasp and Redbeard repeated the question.

What fate awaits the vessels and men that sail with Kauko?

The words were sucked into the muck of his mind, just as surely as the sound indicated. Redbeard seemed to search for cruel predictions, which were more prevalent at Althing. Many sought out his foretelling just before the business of summer was to begin. He squinted as he sighted the glyphs on the stones. Most of the squares had fallen reversed, and a leer, almost a smile spread across his face.

Kauko wondered how it happened that this strange man was chosen by the Gods to hold such power over the people. And why was it, this influential giant seemed so pleased when the message of the Rune stones was unfavorable?

"Yours will be a grisly journey, Redbeard announced, "with many dead and few prizes taken. I warn you, Kauko, the Gods are not pleased. Your men are selfish and short sighted in their tributes to Thor and Odin. Disdain brings them little protection. You, Kauko, so quick to rage, you must not allow your anger to rule your actions. The Gods caution you to hold your temper."

The younger man stood with his eyes peering down at the tumbled message. Kauko noticed both the Othila and Berkana glyphs were reversed. He had watched this ritual so often, he recognized the symbols of the stones, but kept his knowledge in silence. The message of Othila stone was a warning. He should not push forward in his usual way He must rethink his plans for the voyage. Kauko felt uneasy. There must be something else, something unknown in this warning. Kauko was not easily given to change. If actions were successful before, then, logically, they should work again. You just have to put more effort into the action.

He stared again at the Berkana glyph and thought, why do the Gods question my motives? What is it I have not considered? I know the greed of the Oracle, but I take this stone message as true. I am not stubborn. I am strong-willed. How often have I told my wife these words?

Half a gold coin was taken from Kauko and quickly checked by the teeth of Redbeard for its genuineness. This Oracle of Lodi kept up a steady stream of warnings and threats.

"The Norse people just do not appreciate the true worth of pleasing the Gods. And, you, Kauko, your dirty little deeds are not secret; your fights with the neighbors; your need to always be right and the way you flirt with other mens wives. You will pay for what you do. I warn you, beware of your faithless ways."

Kauko was obviously troubled.