Creating something new, day 9

Crewelty

Iselin and Kari were right. There's a crowd of people hopefully waiting by the ship when we arrive in the morning, and I can hear parts of the mumblings. I did not really understand how seafarers would react to my name, and an open ad after crew for my ship 'Millennium Eagle'. But it becomes clearer when Kari points out that it is of course desirable to be able to work for the man who create North arrows, hammocks and life preservers, and who is now building a center for knowledge a day trip north. Even though I'm a Sejdmann, its manly work for a socially high-ranking person near Borgarsandr. Bodil and Hillevi have quite a bit of people to keep track of, when we sit on the wagon and calm the hopeful seafarers, and there are some women among them.

Some are obviously more of an audience or just here to see who I am, and I think that applies to some of the women who are on the outskirts as well, because they do not look like seafarers at all. I can see several well-dressed men and women, with guards and servants, who seem to be monitoring the occasion. Probably to inform someone like the King or the like, or just curious. The women with kids might have a husband in the crowd looking for work. Several men stand with swords, shields and chain mail, probably because they think it will impress me more.

The problem is that I don't really know what to ask, or know the right language terms, but I should be able to avoid the worst pitfalls. I will ask them to briefly tell what sailing experience they have, if they have sailed this type of ship before and not give false expectations about what kind of work it is. It feels funny to stand there on the wagon with my hands on my cane and look out over the crowd, must be 100-200 people here, curious children running around not counted. The show must start, so I raise my hand to silence them.

"My name is Sejdmann Robert Arnesson. First I want to thank you all for coming here today and showing interest, with such short notice. But my time is limited and I can't spend it talking to you all personally. I have to sort out those of you who doesn't fill the basic requirments. If you lie about your experience and knowledge, I will not take it lightly, and if its discovered afterwards, you will be left somewhere convenient for me. If you're here with dishonest or malicious intentions, you now have the opportunity to pretend that this is not the case and leave with others, because if you're found out later, you will be asked to leave the ship while its sailing. The sea is large and no one is that good at swimming."

Those statements create some mumblings, but I try to make them understand how serious it is, and quite a lot nod in agreement.

"If you've never sailed before, I thank you for your interest, but don't waste time here and now - there will be more opportunities in the future. Primarily this ship will be for transportation, and then trade, so its not a warship. If you only have sailed with Longships and Knarrs before and hope for a job as a sailing guard, I have to disappoint you. I am looking for people who are used to crew a ship, preferably with experience from several different ships, and who have sailed around in the world. Now I ask you all to take a few steps back and clear a little space so that people can step forward."

Maybe a third seems a bit disappointed and start to walk away, especially many young men who probably took a chance on me as their first captain. After a few minutes the crowd has thinned out a bit, and after a bit of shuffling about, we've got a few meters of cleared space in front of us.

"If you already have an oath to another, you must think carefully. For you will eventually have to serve me, and only me. You will sail under my flag and in the future live on my territory. This ship isn't a part of King Asbjörn Aeriksson's kingdom, it belongs to me and my Academy, and I'm a Furste. I don't owe any man allegiance, not even King Asbjörn Aeriksson. This means that this ships crew isn't under the laws of this kingdom - the crew is under my law. If you already have a Lord you most likely can't serve me, and if you break an oath to serve me instead, then I don't want you."

That surprised people, and there's more mumbling. But more start to leave, and the crowd begin to thin out, and I give it a few more minutes. Most people just walk to the back to see how it all ends. This is a show, and entertainment is in short supply, which is probably another reason why there are more people than I thought.

"The last requirement before we begin to have personal conversations with you, is that even if I will become your Lord, you will rarely take orders or assignments from me personally. I'm a busy man, and I delegate. You will most commonly take orders from the Captain of the ship, who receives assignments or orders from me. As you can see, most of the people near me are women, and I'm a Sejdmann. If you can't respect them and me, don't even try working for me. Those of you who are left; if you have experience or skill you think I should know, tell me. I also want to know if you can read, write and count, but its not a requirement. Rank and tasks in the crew will be based on suitability, skill and merit, and someone needs be Captain. Those of you who are still interested in working for me, can form an orderly line, and we will call you forward and talk to you, one by one."

A quick headcount shows about 35 hopeful people line up while I talk to Kari and Iselin. I ask them to discreetly make an assessment of the people I talk too, and make a discrete sign to let me know if they approve or reject. Hillevi will let them forward one by one, and those we deem worthy to talk to again, will be direct over to the ship. I take out the large blackboard and a small one, and places them behind and against the side of the wagon to be able to take notes on them where few will be see it, and to test their writing skill if they so claim. We have a book they will try to read from too. Kari will record the names, ages and knowledge of those we select.

Interesting conversations, but some have far too much self-worth and are just arrogant. Others cast far too many glances at my company. I don't complain that they attract attention, and Iselin and Kari are exceptional - Bodil's pretty too - but the way some do it is just disrespectful. When it is combined with arrogance, and half disrespectful looks or behavior towards me, well, then I wonder why they even bother. I was clear about that. A couple lies straight to my face like one claim to read and write well, but didn't expect to be tested, and another claim to have sailed a lot and say places I myself have visited, which he obviously can't describe, and hardly even the terrain. Not even Skiringsalr which is just a few days away with its distinctive view and defense works, and he understands that I know and tries to blame bad memory... He abruptly stop when I give him my 'I can't believe you're even trying' look, and walks away a bit ashamed.

I get trying to make yourself look good to get work, but seriously.

There are some who seem to be gold nuggets, who for example noticed things about the ship while waiting and point them out for the ship to be ready to sail etc, and eventually there are seven standing over by the ship, and there are two sailmakers and a boat builder among them. But also an islander having sail since childhood along the coast from Kambsnes in the north to Miohus in the south and seem to know every island and shallows, and a woman who seem to be an experienced seafarer from merchant ships with many voyages along the coasts to the south and know the language, and another who has actually sailed with lateen sails on a ship similar to this one, while working in the southern countries for a couple of years. We have a good feeling about them.

When there are only three people left, a short woman appears, Asta. Apparently 22 years old, but probably less than 1.4m tall, and looks like she has to tie herself down in strong winds. It turns out that she grew up on her father's merchant ship that traveled far and wide. She seems to have been to Iceland (which confirms that there is a large island with similar nature far over the sea to the northwest), and also traveled far to the east up rivers to trade with Riser and west past Frigonia, Avalun and Alba. She even seems to have been in the Mediterranean. I don't doubt her as she can tell about huge desert to the south, with animals resembling camels loaded with cargo, describe Dover's white cliffs, what I think is The Burren on the west coast of Ireland or the weird angular stone pillars along the coast of Scotland and Northern Ireland; she looks at me with surprise and respect that I know of it too. I guessed and sketched rockformations on the small board, but she confirms that they're there, so that helped me know the world outside in the relative vicinity is very similar to Midgard, at least if I guess her description of where all the locations are. Its not easy. She thinks directions, sailing time, along coasts, and communities - I think a globe and maps. She can read, write and count well, and speak a bit Frigones, Riser and a little what I think of as Arabic which, of course, is called something completely different, and knows a bit about the cultures and customs of different regions. But as a woman, its difficult to trade in the south, and not much easier in the west. She has sailed several different ships before, but not sailed this type of ship even though she has seen similar before, and she seems really eager to do so. I straight out ask her why she isn't already part of someones crew, and the reason is simple. She is short and weak. She has a hard time helping with the sails when the wind is strong or the sails heavy with water, and cargo has to be unloaded or loaded. Sometimes she simply doesn't reach. And she's a woman.

She seems to be the most competent Navigator we will find today, and if she has leadership ability, she can become a good Captain. I'm willing to give her a chance, not least because she's still trying to sail after probably years of adversity, so I thank her and she's directed to stand with the others along the ship, which makes her shine and happily go there.

The last two people doesn't impress, and I'm quite happy with the eight candidates we have. Eight is a bit much and two have almost the same skillset but one man simply has more knowledge and craftsmanship, and I don't mind that he's 'older', so I thank the other man and give him 2 coins. I wish him luck, and tell him that I don't think it will be long before he has a job, but I will hire more crew next year. Disappointed, but clearly surprised I still gave him some coins, and he thank me. Its such a small amount, and its simply good PR and trying to give a good impression. I want seafarers to think well of me. It will help getting the best crew in the future.

I ask if Hillevi can stay and monitor while they get the ship ready for tomorrow, and that she can sleep in a cabin and so on. I want her to discreetly watch how they work together and how the Captain handles the crew. If there are any budding problems in the crew, or personality issues that might become problems, and if the Captain seems to be good enough. Hillevi seriously accept, and I give her 10 ounces of silver for things that come up that need to be supplemented, replaced or repaired. If it gets more expensive, tell me and I will take care of it. She have her horse with her, and can quickly reach me if needed. They should also arrange food and drink for a week of sailing for all of us, including getting a barrel copperclad inside for drinking water, if its possible. Otherwise order three for the future. Tonight the crew should be reward with good food and drink, which she also can enjoy. But it's not a drunken feast, there's work tomorrow, and I will ask Gunhild to bring her equipment tomorrow and she can inform Bodil if there is anything special to be taken or left behind. Hillevi gladly nods and accept.

We walk to the remaining seven and tell them that they have all passed the first step. The plan is that preferably tomorrow we will sail with this ship to Skiringsalr, if it can be readied for it, and I wish to see the ship in the water tomorrow morning, and at least the hull in finished condition. I introduce Hillevi and inform them that she guards my interests. If she says anything, obey her. If there is a need to repair or buy something, come to her. They're all equal right now and the first trip is to assess whether they're suitable for employment, but the one who seems to have the most general skills for ships and navigation is Asta, so I appoint her to Captain until further notice. She is their Captain, and Navigator along with he who have sailed in the region a lot, and Asta will steer the work to get the ship in order, which seems to shock Asta more than some of them.

There's somekind of commotion behind me, and one of those arrogant large men who eyed Iselin and Kari, is apparently pissed off because 'a damn girl' was chosen and appointed to such a glorious position, but I rejected him. Bodil tries to calm him down, but he doesn't want to listen to her and is just generally unpleasant and loud. I clearly made the right choice when I rejected him. I approch to try to calm his wounded ego:

"Calm down, and stop making a scene. You're just embarrassing yourself. You heard what I said in the beginning, and you obviously ignored it. The fact that you reacted like this just because I appointed Asta to temporary Captain, means I made a good choice in rejecting you. It is time for you to calm down and leave, with what you have left of your dignity."

"With such women around you, why do you need a little girl to take in the cabin. Or is the women in charge at home and you need someone to feel manly over?! Buy yourself a pair of slaves to have sex with! Don't make a girl to Captain so she will go to bed with you!"

I calm down. I don't really care what he implies about me, or that saliva from his mouth have hit me in the face. But he shouldn't be disrespectful to Iselin and Kari, or Asta who I just hired to be Captain. Deep breath. Hillevi stands a bit infront but to the side of me, as protection if Bodil can't calm him down, but I can't just ignore him and leave, as I usually would, because many would see it as a confirmation of his accusations against me. Kari's lessons have atleast taught me that.

"Obviously you feel your masculinity have been questionen, but compose yourself, act like a man, or go and drink mead somewhere to calm down and pick up some company."

There are gasps, and shocked faces everywhere. Its very quiet, which I don't understand. The man is bright red and totally furious. Significantly more than he just were. Guess he's not used to anyone standing up to him. But he has his hand on his sword, and Bodil has to make an effort to stop him from pulling it, which is damn serious, and I quickly take a couple of steps back while keeping an eye on him. Just take a few quick glances to look at the surroundings. There are many who have seen and heard our exchange and have shocked stares and make small whispers.

What. The. Fuck?

"I DEMAND A DUEL TO FIRST BLOOD!" the man yells.

What?

What the fuck?

Kari and Iselin hurry forward, Iselin looks scared and Kari is really worried. What? Apparently something just happened that I don't understand, and Kari understands that I don't know. So discreetly and softly, but very clearly she says;

"You have just insulted his manhood, openly and very rudely infront of many witnesses. He has the right to demand a duel until the first blood touches the ground, and he must demand it in order to not confirm your accusation."

"But he insulted me first?"

"Not even close to the same seriousness. You are a Sejdmann, and you know that you are automatically considered unmanly. So you calling him unmanly is bad, but then you also used the word 'ragr' which has always been a deep insult to masculinity." She even slightly lowers her voice as she said it, like she had to force it out.

"I said 'raggar'. Its Swedish, meaning 'talking someone into bed'. How is that an insult."

"Well here it means an man wants to be taken by other men. In the rear." Shit. Pun not intended. Kari continues: "It's hardly ever said anymore. It almost always leads to a First Blood duel. Its one of the most crude ways to force a First Blood duel."

I begins to realize exactly what happened. DAMN IT! Okay. Take a deep breath. Its clear that the absolutely furious man wants to chop me into pieces, and I've probably given him a legal reason to do so.

"Is there any way to solve this without a duel and what does First Blood duel mean? I know you have explained it before, but I need to know exactly."

"You can try to apologize for the misunderstanding and pay a fine of 30 ounces of silver immediately, but he doesn't have to accept it. If you refuse the duel after such an insult in front of so many witnesses, he can call you Niding, which means that you lack all honor and can no longer enter into agreements, get married, inherit, participate in Ting or be a witness. Your word is meaningless, and its very hard to be cleared from Niding status. Robert, you absolutely can not be called Niding - not here and now in front of so many witnesses. First Blood duel means that a 10 ells square is marked out or fenced of, and you both have the right to three shields, and you usually fight with swords or axes, but the weapons are up to each fighter and what they prefer. You can bring several weapons into the square, as weapons can fly out of your hand or break, and many have a sword and an extra axe in their belt, or at least a knife. You must not wear armor or a helmet, only cloth. Often large light colored cloaks or mantles are laid on the ground to make it clear to see blood, but if the first blood is from his sword in your head or severed arm, it is legally righteous, because you then didn't have the skill to protect yourself or the gods on your side. As the reason is a very gross insult to his masculinity this applies; if you lose the duel, he can demand all your possessions and land, including concubines and wives."

Damn. DAMN. DAMN! He really has everything to gain, as he certainly expects to emerge victorious from that duel. I walk slowly towards the man with my hands away from my body, holding my cane in my right hand. Show that I don't carry any weapon except a knife. Atleast that he knows of.

"I apologize for insulting you, as you hear I'm a foreigner and the word I used has a completely different meaning there, and it just sounds similar. As you saw I had no idea why you felt insulted. I ask you to accept this apology, and I'm willing to pay the fine of 30 ounces of silver. A man need to accept responsibility for his mistakes, intended or not. As you can see, I'm unarmed, and not a threat."

"Clearly a pathetic Sejdmann like you are unarmed, you are not a real man. Apology NOT accepted! FIRST! BLOOD!"

Damn. Really DAMN. There's only one reasonably safe way to get out of this whole thing, and that means I'll have to shoot him. At a short distance when he doesn't understand to defend himself. When he isn't an immediate threat. Premeditation. Malice aforethought. He will most likely die and I will be a murderer. Damn. I take several deep sighs.

"Well?! Say something Sejdmann Robert Arnesson! You're not so big and powerful now, are you?!"

Damn. I should almost thank him for giving me such a nice opening, but I know what I have to do and I almost start shaking. I looking around. See all the people and their eyes. See Iselin and Kari. They are scared. Of course they are. We're not married yet, so they don't have any legal right to my property, and Ciara and Kari can be his to rape and abuse. No choice. I momentarily close my eyes and take a deep breath. I'll soon be a murderer. Premeditation. It is with a too weak and quiet voice that slightly trembles that I speak, but I can't do anything about that.

"You're wrong. My sejd is powerful. So terribly powerful. I just don't like to use it that way. I have never had to use it that way. I can hurt you so severely from a long distance. I don't need a sword or axe. So I ask you once again to accept my apology and fine - because I know how this ends. Don't ask me to prove my sejd by drawing first blood at a distance, without using a blade."

My voice has apparently calmed the man's mood a bit, but he also sees everyone around, and he looks at my women. He knows what he's said and he's still pissed.

"You get one chance to show what your sejd can do, before we let iron speak. What kind of man will have to borrow weapons from his women to defend himself in a duel? Do your worst and hurt me with Galdr. I'm not afraid of any female sejd!"

And there they are; the words that judge us both. I close my eyes and take a final deep breath.

Sejdmann Arnesson opens his eyes.

"Bodil, and everyone else standing behind; you need to move to the sides." says Sejdmann's monotone voice without emotion, and he shows his hands opening as he take a few slow steps back. With Boomstick in his right hand. The timing of its completion almost seems like fate, and that Sejdmann left his sword at the farm because it was a burden to carry. With calm and far too controlled movements Sejdmann discreetly remove the protective barrelplug - it will just be wood splinters that might harm others. A few meters from the man, Sejdmann stops, and it is probably his seriousness and look on Sejdmann Arnesson's face that really make people move, and it quickly becomes empty behind the man. In his periphery vision Kari and Iselin clears the area, after a quick word and kiss from Iselin. He didn't really respond to her kiss, and he didn't let his eyes move away from the man, even when Iselin slightly turned Sejdmann's head to kiss him. Sejdmann only sees the man that he will hopefully murder in a moment. The Boomstick is loaded, but should the shot not go off, Sejdmann's already planning a quick discreet reload as part of a short ritual, where he bends forward and makes the reloading a bit more hidden.

"You have refused to accept my apology and fine, and demand a duel for First Blood, and you wish I should prove I can use sejd to take First Blood at a distance, before we fight with shields and weapons. The insult was due to a language missunderstanding."

It's with some contempt that the man answers; "First. Blood."

In a fluid motion, Sejdmann Arnesson lifts Boomstick into shooting position while aligning his body with a small step forward with his left foot, and place his weight on that foot. At the same time he check that the area is clear behind the man, grip safety pressed in, and that the sights align on center bodymass in the middle of the chest. Finger on the trigger. Squeeze the trigger. Follow through. The loud BANG echoes between the buildings while the man takes a few steps back and falls backwards towards the ground. He touches his chest, makes a gurgle and blood flows out from under his body.

When I open my eyes I'm a murderer.