The final decision...

During our long, cold trip toward the north, I got the chance to converse with our always busy navigators. They gave me tips on how to navigate once land was no longer visible. They spoke of using the course of the stars and sun, measuring the depth of the water, and identifying visible landmarks such as reefs. Until now, I didn't really realize how much we depend on the science of navigation for survival. Surprisingly, it wasn't long before we landed on the Faeroe islands also known as the 'sheep islands.' This was definitely a change of pace from our last encounters. These islands were less inhabited with less mixing of cultures. However, I noticed that all the languages of the north had migrated to these islands. After some rest, we gathered more supplies and tools and headed north west to the island of Iceland. This trip was a little longer but when we arrived I was in awe of the landscape. The coastal lands were green and fertile while the inland of the island was a collage of blue and white glaciers with peaks above the clouds. Most of the settlements we have visited here are composed of people from southern decent. It was a tough decision, but I have decided to settle in Iceland for the time being. My love still lies with my wife and children at home but my heart still seeks adventure. Maybe one day I will return home. But until then, I will continue seeking new places and ventures.

The many isles to the east...

We set sail again, this time leaving a settlement just above Dublin toward the eastern island once again; this time our target being the northern tip. We missed our mark by quite a lot but eventually hit a grouping of islands somewhere north and arrived in the settlement of Orkney. Like our past landings, we met many of Norse decent. In addition, there were many raids occurring between Shetland (the islands north of the Orkneys) and the mainland. We were very comfortable until a king by the name of Harald Finehair traveled from the north into the Orkneys and established control of both the lands and the Jarls who had previously ruled them. It is said that he now controls the northeast and many the many kingdoms of the south. Our initial intentions were to head back east but our supplies were few in number. One man mentioned the settlement of Brittany on the western coast opposite of our location. However, many crew members said the current Frankish interference was not worth it. At the end of the day, we decided to head northwest toward the Faeroe islands and place called Iceland (sounds inviting!).

Success does not come without failure...

I apologize for not writing sooner. Things were so hectic when we landed I didn't have time to write. We initially arrived at Northumbria, a kingdom on the eastern side of the larger islands. We were successful in our attempts and plundered a substantial amount of goods with minimal casualties. However, it was not a few days after we landed when we caught word of an approaching Danish army. We knew little about this army's intentions but we weren't going to stick around and find out. We set sail, this time traveling down the southern coast and around the tip of the island until our course was due west. We caught sight of the second, more western island and eventually arrived in the town of Cork. I was amazed to see how many settlements were established along the coast line. I soon realized the extent that the culture had mixed by the time of our arrival. It seems that the local Irish along with immigrant eastern peoples has given birth to an entirely new culture. We just passed through Dublin and are making our way north of the eastern coast of the island.

Adventure is all I know...

It seems that my past raid provided enough adventure to get me hooked. After going home, I admitted to my family that I would be going away for a while; this time traveling to a group of islands even further west. I've heard success stories of many viking raids since the initial attack on Lindisfarne a while back in history. It is also said that the land has allowed for winterings or short term settlements. In these winterings, raiders are able to raid on a consistent basis for an extended period of time. Similar to my last raid, I plan to join with a local crew willing to make the journey. I expect this adventure to be longer and even more brutal than the last. However, with more risk comes a greater prize at the end of the road. There are many kingdoms that await us on these foreign lands. I will write when we have arrived.

Success...

Ahh how glorious this day is! I must admit going into the whole thing was very unnerving. But now that it is over I thirst for more! We landed on the shores of Hebrides and struck swiftly. As we ran into town, the crew yelled viciously at the top of their lungs and swung their weapons in a mad rage; tactics I learned from others on the boat before we landed. We hit the monestary first grabbing gold, silver, paintings, and books. Then we moved into the center of town toward the trading posts. There we found furs, glass, pottery, and even silk! I am not a man of violence and it was not in our interest to forcefully kill anyone unless necessary. But when ransacking a small trading shack, the owner came at me with an axe from behind. Luckily, I was saved by I man who I hadn't met until now. His name is Gunna and I truly owe him my life. He is one of two men from the far east. Gunna speaks of a place where many ethnicities come together to trade and connect. A place where silk drapes the buildings and spices fill the air. A place called Constantinople. This adventure thing is addicting and I need more. I believe when I get back I will journey to these Eastern lands in search of more.

Ready to raid...

I'm writing this while sailing to our final destination. We have just left the island of Orkneys. Our ship is now full with all the supplies we will need to fulfill our mission. I must admit that up until this point, the journey has been quite long. Bad weather, rough seas, and for a small period of time a shortage of food, have all made me physically drained and mentally exhausted. But at this moment the the sun is shining and moral is high. I can tell that a lot of the crew is getting anxious. I have met many new faces on this voyage; one in particular I like very much. His name is Banki from our neighboring village Vattern. He is a farmer like me with two sons. We share many of the same interests and he strikes me as a very wise man. Over the course of the past two days he has told me stories about dozens of raids, all of which were successful. It is comforting to know that I have friends who have previous experience in these matters and who I can trust when we are on the front lines. I will write again after our mission is complete.

Set sail at last...

I write this while sailing the open seas toward our first stop, the Danes land. Our captain Gunnolfr, originally from the land of the Danes, knows a port city on the eastern coast where we will gather our supplies for the long journey to the stretch of vulnerable islands to the west. It is there that we will make our plunder. I know little about our final destination but many speak of local communities whose wealth is unimaginable. Moral is high and all my fellow comrades, about half of whom I know from my village and the other half from our neighboring village Vattern, share a common goal; to attack swiftly with no mercy and return home with a plentiful bounty. I try not to think about my family, for I know they are resting safe and sound. Our crew is experienced and knowledgable in the craft of raiding so I don't have much trouble sleeping at night. Whether or not I am to return home after this venture is uncertain. What is certain however is that whether I return home or not, my family will bask in the riches of our crew.

For the honor....

At this time, I have been forced to weigh many options. On one hand I have my family. My beautiful wife and my children are the world to me and I would do anything for them. On the other hand I have my loyalty to my master. He has been a source of power to me and I owe him everything for my freedom. Now StybbiR has given me the option to stay and tend to my family or to accompany him on a raid in a far off land, which he promises me will be worth the trip. After a long thought I have come to a conclusion. I will trust my wife to tend to the land and children and join my master in his venture. StybbiR has equipped me with leather leggings, armings, and a cap along with a spear and axe in the event of violent oppression. He tells me that we will be embarking on a ship with 26 other men. In 2 days time the men and I will be lectured in the plan of attack and evade. I hear that the place we are going is a wealthy region. StybbiR has promised that this trip will be temporary and very profitable if everything goes right. My adrenaline is pumping and I anxiously await our departure!

StybbiR returns from a far land...

My friend and master StybbiR returned yesterday from a land called Birka. I'm not sure of the towns location, but StybbiR says that it's coastal lands and atmosphere are unlike anything he has ever seen. Gold, silver, glass, and clay are commonplace and the town is constantly alive with the chatter of traders. My master tells me that the most amazing sight to see in Birka is the ships that carry 50 men and reach to the heavens! However, StybbiR did not visit the town for its scenery. He instead went to have the best artist in the land, Nokki, lay his work upon the antler rack that I found not a month ago. I must say that besides my wife and children, I have never seen anything more beautiful. He split the rack into 7 seperate pieces; each unique in its form. The intricacy and flawness of the works are indescribable. Someday I will visit the town of Birka and thank this man for his work. Until next time!

An indescribable craft in the works...

When I brought the antler rack back to the common house, StybbiR made me a deal I couldn't refuse. Because I don't have a lot of currency to spare, StybbiR agreed to pay for the artist to work on the rack if I split the material with him. Of course, realizing the expense of commissioning the entire rack, I agreed promptly. It seems that god has blessed my life with colorful and splendid form at this time because aside from the antlers, my wife Dota has made the most beautiful pair of shirt and pant I have ever seen. The shirts are inlaced with leather neck ties and appear as yellow as the shining sun. The pants are a beautiful malt brown and come equipped with a hefty leather belt and buckle. I don't know if I am deserving of all this but I can surely say that I will accept it all with open arms!

A sad day for all...

I wish this entry could be more inviting but something terrible has happened. Last night the great Earl Bekki died of a terrible fever. He had been sick for quite some time but showed signs of getting better. His death is unexpected but he will flourish in the afterlife. His family has commissioned a rune to be erected by one of the best artists in his honor. The words will be chosen carefully and a picture of a serpent will be its centerpiece. In addition, they will build a bridge crossing the creek that runs along the eastern side of town. I pray to the deities above who will guide him on his lofty quest. However, I believe that there is only so much time for morning. There is much work to be done and I hope that Freyr will bless the fertility of our crops this upcoming season. Aside from the unpleasantries, I would like to end this message on a lighter note. On the walk back from our neighboring village, I stumbled upon an antler rack bigger than any I have ever seen. Once I save enough, I will commission an artist to make something of it. I cannot wait! Fairwell for now!

Free at last from my loathsome past...

Ahh...to breath fresh air as a freeman is a new experience for me. My name is TryggR Afastrsson son of Afastr Johanesson from the northern Svear territories. For my entire life I have served the greatly respected and powerful StybbiR Andersson. It was just yesterday, one week after my 24th birthday, that I bought my freedom. It cost me almost my entire savings but I feel that for my families sake it was well worth it. Along with my freedom, Mr. Anderson was so kind as to give me a leather vest, new woolen socks, and a hindquarter of a pig. I am so happy I can hardly contain myself! Although StybbiR gave me the choice, I have decided to stay and serve However, in spite of my independence I have other worries. It is speculated that the surrounding territories are gathering arms for concentrated attacks against some foreign establishment; I know not who yet. I only hope that I can live to enjoy my freedom while it lasts.

- TryggR Johanessen