Free Viking Legend by Griff Hosker Page A

to wait for I know that she will choose me when the time is right but Olaf here wishes to fight for the right to her hand.  I was going to oblige him.”
    I now had Audun Thin Hair’s words in my head.  This was what he meant.  When young men did not have the chance to vent their anger in battle they turned it amongst themselves.  This was my fault.  I had not led them as I should. “We are one people! We do not fight amongst ourselves. It is not our way and I forbid the two of you to continue this dispute.  If you do so then I will banish you both.” I saw the mothers of the two youths grip the arms of their husbands who stoically stood. “I will speak in my hall with the two youths. This thing is over.” It was not really a thing.  I had not formerly convened one and only I had spoken but I wanted all of them to understand how seriously I took it. “Haaken one Eye would you join me?”
    Kara and Brigid had entered my hall and they stood by the table. I took off my sword and laid it, symbolically, along the table and then I sat at the head of the table. Kara and Brigid flanked me. I knew the effect this would have on the boys.  They came in, somewhat fearfully.  It was rare for others to enter my hall. Haaken followed them and I saw him nod when he saw the sword.  It was a symbol of my power.  Kings had crowns and titles.  I had Ragnar’s Spirit and that was all that I needed. He came to sit next to my right hand.
    I allowed the silence to grow uncomfortable. When I spoke it was softly. Even so they both started as I did so. “This dispute has upset the harmony of our home.  I am not happy. When I am not happy our land becomes disturbed. Do you wish the crops to fail and the animals to decline?” They shook their heads. “Perhaps I should go away eh? Would that be better than banishing you both? Then the disharmony would pass. Would that solve the problem or would you two still bicker and squabble?  Would your wishes still cause division in my land?” They hung their heads.  I knew that I had won but I did not leave it there. I pushed the sword further down the table.  “You are both young men.  Have you chosen if you wish to follow your fathers yet?” Rolf’s father was a farmer. He raised cows on the lower fells.  Olaf’s father was a fisherman. “Speak.”
    Rolf shook his head.  “I am the younger brother. My elder, Erik Eriksson is the farmer.”
    “Olaf?”
    “I do not like fishing.”
    “But you are comfortable on a boat?”
    His eyes widened, “I would be a sailor.”
    “And Rolf what would you be?”
    “I would be a warrior.  I would follow your banner and your sword.”
    “Will you hear my judgement then? And will you obey for I cannot have disputes upsetting the land?  I meant what I said, I will banish you if I have to.” They nodded.  “Good. Until such time as Hlif is ready to choose then you both put her from your mind and you will take the hand of friendship now.” They hesitated.  “Do it for I have yet to finish.” They clasped hands but there was still enmity in their eyes. “You Olaf, shall become a sailor.  You will accompany me to my drekar and Erik Short Toe will discover if you can be a member of his crew.” He nodded, eagerly. I saw the disappointment on Rolf’s face. “And you Rolf can begin to train as a warrior.  You will serve in the warrior hall as a servant until my warriors can train you.  Until that time you will learn to sharpen swords and clean armour.” He too nodded, eagerly.  “It is well, now go.  I have done.”
    They ran out together,  both keen to tell their friends of my judgement.
    Haaken smiled, “You have grown wise.  That was masterful.”
    I shook my head and told them all of Audun and his warning. “The peace in this land means we have many such as Olaf and Rolf. Unless we do something this will become commonplace and may result in bloodshed. We are rich.  I would use those riches.  I will go tomorrow to see